Estoril
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ESTORIL

Estoril forms part of the Portuguese Riviera west of Lisbon and has great transport links in and out of Portugal's capital and attractions close by. Estoril makes a great day out from Lisbon and is equally a quieter choice to base yourself on exploring the area. Let MADABOUTSINTRA.COM be your essential guide to help your trip go smoothly. Check out our guides to what to see, where to go, where to sleep and where to eat. On this page too, you'll find several suggested tours designed to take the effort out of visiting attractions as well as adding a bit of adventure to your holiday.

The coastal district around Estoril has been the haunt of royalty and Lisbon's affluent for centuries. Estoril is dotted with second homes and mansions. Estoril was also home to foreign royals displaced during the second world war. Refugees came from Romania, Italy, Bulgaria, and Hungary, along with their courtiers. Estoril expanded rapidly from a humble fishing village to an exclusive resort. Estoril still boasts some of the most luxurious hotels on the Lisbon coastline.

Estoril is also home to its own airstrip for small planes, Europe's largest Casino, the Estoril Autodrome racetrack, world-class Golf courses, the Clube de Ténis do Estoril (which now hosts the Portuguese open), fine beaches, sea air, quality bars, fine fish restaurants and many other attractions. Estoril continues to attract increasing visitors year after year.

CASINO ESTORIL

Casino Estoril

Estoril Casino


In the heart of Estoril is the Jardim do Estoril, a long grassed park lined with tall palms and containing Estoril's best-value bars and restaurants on its periphery. There are many hotels here too, including the mighty Hotel Palácio. This luxurious five-star hotel dates from the 1930s when opulence was a mastered art. Orson Welles once remarked on the number of royals living there.

The park inclines and at the crown of the hill is the famous Casino Estoril. The Casino was built in 1916 and remains the largest of its kind in Europe. During the Second World War, it was a gathering point for spies and influenced Ian Fleming. He based the plot for Casino Royal on the Casino's glamorous and sophisticated atmosphere. Estoril's Casino is more than just a gambling venue. It is a diverse leisure and entertainment complex hosting concerts, cabaret, dancing and art exhibitions.

There is a complete entertainment programme each night. Casino Estoril has a traditional gaming room with roulette stands, a french bank, blackjack, game rooms and automatic machine rooms with the most modern slot machines available on the market. In addition, the Casino Estoril regularly hosts international poker tournaments. Its multi-use auditorium has a capacity of over 1000 people.

Dining out here is also a great experience. The Chinese restaurant Estoril Mandarim has been noted as one of the most elegant in Europe, offering its customers authentic Guangdong cuisine. Meanwhile, the Zeno Lounge is recognised as one of the best restaurants of the new Portuguese cuisine, whereas the Nobre Estoril offers a more traditional fare. | Daily: 15h00 – 03h00

Av. Dr. Stanley Ho, Edifício do Casino Estoril, 2765-190 Estoril, Portugal. 38° 42' 25" N | 09° 23' 51" W
+351 214 667 700 | info.cestoril@estoril-sol.com | Website | Facebook


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BEACHES IN ESTORIL

Praia São Pedro do Estoril

Praia São Pedro do Estoril

São Pedro do Estoril

The beach of is the stretch of sand on the eastern end of Estoril hemmed in by cliffs at either end. It's easy to traverse the esplanade running along much of its length with a few cafés and beach shops at your disposal. The beach enjoys a car park and easy access from the train station. Rugged bedrock just below the shoreline can be a hindrance to bathers, but São Pedro do Estoril is popular with water sports. There is a slight point break here, with a right-hander breaking towards the middle of the beach. The waves tend to suit longboarders, as it is a little "fat". The slipway is a popular access point for launching jet skis and small boats.

The esplanade and coastal path continue along the coast, although not always continuously. At times, it is precariously stuck to the edge of the cliff. It takes you past the Forte de Santo Antónia da Barra fort, one of the many coastal defence structures along this coastline. The Praia da Azaruijinha beach nearby is little more than a sandy cove.

Praia do Tamariz

Estoril's main and most frequented beach is the lovely Praia do Tamariz. It offers a nice stretch of sand and plenty of amenities to keep the whole family happy. Rock pools, ideal for kids to explore and go paddling, can be found on the peripheries. The coastal promenade continues from here onwards all the way to Cascais. This esplanade is popular with joggers and dog walkers. There is a good choice of eateries of varying budgets, bars and even a nightclub.

At the eastern end of the beach, dominating the skyline, is the attractive 17th century Forte da Cruz. It was constructed as part of the line of defences designed to protect the Tejo (Tagus) estuary and Lisbon from attack. In 1894 it passed into private ownership when João Martins de Barra converted it into a summer residence. The style chosen for the reformation of Forte da Cruz is Tuscan which blends in perfectly with the beach and sea views. Today it's owned by the Monaco royal family.

At the western fringe of Estoril is the Praia das Moitas beach. The beach is easily reached from the Monte Estoril train station and along the promenade. There's a small seawater swimming pool (Piscina Oceânica Alberto Romano) for safe bathing amongst the rocks. The ultra-modern hideous monstrosity that resembles giant misplaced Tetris blocks overlooking the sea wall at this point is the Estoril Sol Residence apartment block. From here the promenade continues into Cascais.

Praia do Tamariz

Praia do Tamariz - Estoril

TOP TOURS OF ESTORIL

>Sintra, Cascáis, Estoril & Belem Small Group Tour

Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais & Estoril Tour

Sintra leaves most visitors with a mystical enchantment. Its magical palaces, forests, Moorish castle and UNESCO World Heritage site town centre are like a page from a fairy tale. You will start with a little walk through the mysterious Pena Park and discover secret caves and trails.

Afterwards, you will visit National Pena Palace before heading to the historic centre of Sintra, where you’ll have free time to explore and to visit National Sintra Palace. After lunch, you will drive through the natural wonders of Sintra Natural Park, stopping at Cabo da Roca – the westernmost point of Continental Europe. Next, you will take you for a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast; you will stop at the Guincho Beach before passing Boca do Inferno. Finally, enjoy a leisurely walk along the bay in the glamorous town of Cascais. Lisbon pick-up.

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Romantic Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais - per person

Romantic Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais - per person

This is your essential private tour. Discover the highlights of Sintra, the old town, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Seteais Palace and Monserrate Palace. Then we will continue through the vineyard region of Colares to Cabo da Roca, Cascais coastal road, Guincho, Boca do Inferno and ending in Cascais. You will be provided with historical and local information and learn about the places you will visit. The tour will take around seven hours and it includes stops for two monuments and for sightseeing, the old town, Cabo da Roca, Boca do Inferno and Cascais. The tour is for private groups of one to eight people. Monument fees and lunch are not included. The pick-up and drop-off can be in Sintra or Cascais or Oeiras or Lisbon.


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Cascais Private Sailing 2h Cruise with drinks

Cascais Private Sailing 2h Cruise with drinks

During the two-hour sailing cruise in Cascais with drinks, you will begin your cruise from Cascais and enjoy the beautiful coastline aboard a new sailboat. Cascais Bay, with the picturesque fishing boats, the beaches, the old forts along the shore and the magnificent views of Sintra makes this tour an unforgettable experience. The sun setting on the horizon is the cherry on top of this amazing "cake". Come and see for yourself.

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ESTORIL CIRCUIT

Autodromo Fernanda Pires da Silva

Autodromo Fernanda Pires da Silva

The motorsport race track's official title is "Autodromo Fernanda Pires da Silva". For 13 years, between 1984 to 1996, it hosted Portugal's F1 Grand Prix before being dropped from formula one because of a lack of funds. It continues to host top-level single-seater, sports car and touring car events, including the FIA GT Championship, the DTM and the World Series by Renault.

It was built in 1972, as commissioned by Fernanda Pires da Silva, and designed by the Brazilian architect Ayrton Lolô Cornelsen. Later it experienced a redesign of the parabolic bend that saw its length reduced to 2.6 miles (4.2 km) in 2000 to obtain FIM certification. Since 2000 the Autódromo do Estoril hosts the Portuguese motorcycle Grand Prix.

49 Av. Alfredo César Torres, 2646 - 901 Alcabideche, Estoril, Portugal.
38° 45' 03" N | 09° 23' 39" W
+351 214 609 500 | dep.comercial@circuito-estoril.pt | Website | Facebook

ARTIFICIAL CAVES OF ALAPRAIA

Also known as Necropolis Eneolítica de Alapraia, this set of four graves found in the northeast of Estoril amongst an urban development is thought to date back to the late Neolithic or Chalcolithic periods. The first of the four was discovered in the early twentieth century by Francisco Oliveira e Paula where it was being used by locals to store cattle and firewood. Although this first cave didn't produce any interesting finds, the remaining three were more fruitful. Afonso do Paço (1895-1968) and Eugénio Jalhay (1891-1950) extrapolated from the high number of funeral ceramics found in these Neolithic burial spaces that they were used over time by different civilisations over several eras.

The caves were hewn out of the living limestone bedrock between 4000BC and 300BC. They have a circular deposition chamber closed at the top by large stone slabs. The entrances of the tombs include a long corridor. There are some similarities between this type of construction and the dolmens found within the Lisbon area. However, it was more common to bury the dead in natural caves, such as in the Grutas do Poço Velho, also in the Cascais area. Similar tombs have been discovered at Necrópole de Carenque (Amadora) and at Quinta do Anjo (Palmela). Today the caves are abandoned. Some caves were deliberately filled in with gravel to protect them. In 1945 the Artificial caves were classified as Monuments of Public Interest.

Largo Afonso do Paço. 2765-011, Estoril, Portugal. | 38° 42' 23.3"N | 09° 22' 38.1"W

Artificial caves of Alapraia

Artificial caves of Alapraia

OUR SUGGESTIONS

Palacio Estoril Hotel Golf & Spa

Palacio Estoril Hotel Golf & Spa ★★★★★

The five stars Palácio Estoril offers opulent interiors set in lush gardens with a golf course. Just 200 yards from the Congress Centre and from the Atlantic Ocean, it has four dining outlets and an Asian-inspired spa. Rooms at Palácio Estoril Hotel & Golf are spacious and warmly decorated. They are fitted with every comfort, including a spacious work area and a flat-screen TV. The marble bathroom includes luxury amenities. The Grill Four Seasons offers a selection of Portuguese and international specialities in a sophisticated atmosphere. Guests can also dine in style on the Bougainvillea Terrace. Bar Estoril was a favourite hang-out for spies during World War II. Today the Bar Estoril offers a charming, classical atmosphere where guests can enjoy a pleasant drink overlooking the poolside gardens. The Palácio Estoril Hotel Golf & Spa has a sauna and a Turkish bath. Massage and beauty sessions are available at the Banyan Tree Spa and Estoril Wellness Centre. Guests can enjoy complimentary access to the Banyan Tree Spa's indoor pool, hot tub and Turkish Bath.

Rua Particular, 2769-504 Estoril, Portugal.
38º 42' 18.7" N | 09º 23' 45.8" W

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Hotel Estoril Eden

Hotel Estoril Eden ★★★★

Hotel Estoril Eden is ideally located 200 yards from the beach and a ten-minute stroll from the centre of Cascais. The Monte Estoril train station is a mere two-minute walk away. There is a direct connection to Lisbon in 20 minutes. Hotel Estoril Eden offers two swimming pools, a hot tub and a sauna. The spacious rooms open onto balconies and are equipped with an LCD TV and free Wi-Fi. Rooms also include a kitchenette, air conditioning and a seating area. Each room has an en-suite bathroom with a bathtub and hairdryer. Guests can relax under the palm trees by the outdoor pool or at a table beside the indoor pool. There is also a gym overlooking the pool area and a massage service. The Garden Pateo Restaurant and the sea-view Bellevue Bar offer live piano music most evenings. Guests can also enjoy a snack at the Bistrot Bar.

209 Avenida de Sabóia, 2769-502 Estoril, Portugal.
38º 42' 14.6" N | 09º 24' 29.1" W

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Hotel Inglaterra Charme & Boutique

Hotel Inglaterra Charme & Boutique ★★★★

Only a three-minute walk from the Convention Centre, the charming Inglaterra features a panoramic restaurant and a rooftop outdoor swimming pool complete with a classic car decorating the sun lounger area. Tamariz beach is a ten-minute stroll away, Poça Beach is only a five-minute walk. The centre of Cascais and all its amenities are just over a mile away. The hotel has recently been renovated by a Swedish decorator and now offers elegant rooms decorated in soft colours. The rooms offer views of Estoril and the Atlantic Ocean. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom and a flat-screen cable TV. Suites are themed by colour and have a street view. Some rooms have an extra TV in the bathroom.

There is also the option of a relaxing massage at a discount, which guests can enjoy in the state-of-the-art Spa located within a two-minute walk. Alternatively, guests can curl up in front of the living room's fireplace and enjoy the large TV screen. Hotel Inglaterra serves a scrummy variety of Portuguese and international cuisine in its spacious yet uniquely decorated restaurant, adorned with mannequins and several modern art pieces. Its adjoining terrace offers a pleasant setting to soak up some sun. There is a garden area with a small children's playground. Within easy reach is the Estoril Train Station which connects with Cais do Sodré in Lisbon, a short 20-minute train ride along the beautiful coastline.

Rua do Porto, 1, 2765- 271 Estoril, Portugal.
38º 42' 19.4" N | 09º 23' 42.7" W

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Mandarim

An excellent Chinese restaurant that serves genuine Guangdong cuisine in pleasant oriental surroundings. The food is always excellently prepared and presented. The staff are very friendly, professional and helpful. The restaurant is attached to the front of the Casino and offers great views out to sea. The best Chinese cuisine in the Lisbon area if not, in fact, the whole of Portugal, look out for their Peking Duck, absolutely delicious.

Wednesday - Sunday: 12h00 - 15h00/19h00 - 23h00, Monday & Tuesday: CLOSED
Casino Estoril, Avenida Doutor Stanley Ho, Lisbon 2765-237, Portugal. | 38º 42' 23.5" N | 09º 23' 51.3" W
+351 214 667 270 | info.cestoril@estoril-sol.com | Website | Facebook


Jonas Bar

Jonas Bar

An attractive location on the boulevard that overlooks the beach and 180º sea views. An ideal spot for a grilled fish lunch or just to wet your whistle. The fish is as fresh as possible and locally caught. The prices are very reasonable considering the fantastic location.

Daily: 12h00 - 15h00/19h30 - 22h00
Passeio Marítimo do Estoril, Praia das Moitas, 2765-043 Estoril, Portugal. | 38º 42" 12.5' N | 09º 24" 12.3' W
+351 214 676 946 | Website | Facebook

Only 34.7km (21.6 miles) west of Lisbon Portela Airport Website

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From Lisbon join the A5 west.
Latitude - 38º 41' 49.1" | Longitude - 09º 25' 13.9"


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Urban train services (comboios urbanos) to Estoril:
• Cascais/Cais do Sodré line Timetable

Trains of Portugal Website

• Carris Metropolitana bus #1629 runs along the Costa do Estoril from Sintra: Carris Metropolitana Website