Estoril is one of the cradles of Portuguese tourism, located in a residential zone of Cascais, in the centre of Portugalon the Atlantic coast. This small municipality of 25,000 inhabitants is famous for its ATP Tennis Open, Formula 1 races, Grand Prix motorcycle racing, casino and yacht harbour, the latter of which, together with the one in Vilamoura, are the most glamorous in Portugal.
In Estoril you will find a comfortable climate: oceanic, gentle, without extreme temperatures and with bright sunshine for more than 300 days of the year. All these qualities combine to form optimal conditions for playing golf or enjoying a walk along the beach or through one of the surrounding natural areas. Only 22 kilometres from Lisbon, Estoril offers a wide range of beaches with warm and therapeutic waters that are surrounded by elegant “villas” and small mansions. Among all the sandy spots, the one from Tamarizreally stands out, as it is located in front of the tree-lined boulevard at the city’s famous casino. If relaxation is what you’re after, you can find it at Valadares, São Pedro or Poça Beaches, all of which are nearby. Founded 30 years ago, the Estoril Casinois the largest in Europe. It is surrounded by a countless number of “villas” with enormous gardens: symbols of luxury and the “art of living” that characterises Estoril. A must-see for visitors is the Casal do Morgado, where you can appreciate hand-made Portuguese azulejos (painted ceramic tileworks) made with traditional techniques. The attractions may be similar, but stopping by is mandatory.
Palmela Park separates Estoril from Cascais, a city that has become a tourist and surfing mecca without losing its fishing village charm. For example, it is still possible to see fishermen drinking a glass of bagaceira in the taverns by the docks. The Conceição, Rainha and Ribeira beaches are very famous, and yet Cascais would not be the same without its harbour, the Santa Marta lighthouse, the São Sebastião Tower rising from the old palace of the Condes de Castro Guimarães and the walls of the historic citadel, the Cidadela.
Nearby you can find the interesting prehistoric caves of Alapraia, a cemetery dating back to the transitional period between the Stone Age and the Metal Ages. |