According to wholevehicles, Estoril is a trendy resort with many beaches, old churches, an abundance of restaurants and shops. In addition, it is a major center of the gambling and tourism industry in Portugal, with many high-end hotels and nightclubs. Moreover, one of the largest casinos in Europe with an impressive entertainment program is located here, as well as an autodrome where European-level races are held. Active guests will find here a variety of water sports, golf courses, excellent opportunities for horseback riding and fishing, as well as eight water parks at once.
How to get there
Estoril is located 15 km from Lisbon on the coast of Cascais Bay, so the surest way to get to it is by plane to Lisbon and by bus or train to Estoril. Both buses and trains run quite often and cost 2-4 EUR one way, taxis – 20-23 EUR. Considering that the city is located near Lisbon and many other places where there is something to see, you can rent a car, it will cost from 60 EUR per week.
The area of Estoril itself is about 9 square meters. km, so there is practically no public transport and you can move around the city on foot or by taxi.
Weather in Estoril
There is an opinion that Estoril is the sunniest city in the world. The Gulf Stream, washing the coast of Portugal, provides the city with a mild warm climate and a year-round beach season. However, the main influx of tourists occurs in the summer months, when the air temperature rises above +30, and the water warms up to +20, while in winter the water is hardly warmer than +12 ° C, and this time of year is more suitable for cultural leisure activities.
- Estoril coast
A bit of history
In the 14th century, a small settlement turned into the largest trading port, which played an important role in the era of the Great Geographical Discoveries – it was a link between the discoverers, traders and the rest of Europe. Then for a long time, like many coastal cities, it was primarily a fishing port, and only at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century did the city become a tourist center.
Quickly gaining popularity due to the variety of entertainment and high level of service, Estoril has become a favorite vacation spot not only for aristocrats, but even for royal families. At various times, Estoril managed to visit both the last refuge of the overthrown monarchs, and the new home for many migrants during the Second World War, again becoming a “window to America.”
Estoril beaches
The beaches of Estoril are one of the main advantages of the city. They stretch along the entire coastline of Estoril, go one into another – Tamariz, the largest and most popular, then San Pedro, Moitas, Carcavelos – and on each you will find all the necessary services – showers, changing cabins, car parking, rental points and beach restaurants. Some beaches also have casinos, and the most famous and largest of them is located on Tamariz Beach. All the beaches of Estoril are sandy.
Entertainment and attractions in Estoril
In addition to a beach holiday, Estoril offers a lot of entertainment for every taste. Gambling enthusiasts will find many gambling establishments. Gourmets will be delighted with the abundance of restaurants of various levels (but mostly these are not cheap establishments). Fans of outdoor activities can play volleyball, basketball or golf, go horseback riding, rent a water scooter or a boat for fishing.
The latter will also be pleased with as many as 8 water parks located on the territory of this small town – and most of them are near the beaches.
Those who prefer sightseeing after or instead of swimming will not be left indifferent to the historical sites of Estoril. First of all, this is the Citadel, built to protect the city from an external enemy. She more than once justified her existence in bloody battles, and in these battles she received a lot of damage. Damage forced to restore and reconstruct the fortress until it grew into a mighty and impregnable stronghold. The Citadel acquired its modern look in the 16th century and is considered a brilliant example of Renaissance architecture. There are ruins of several smaller and later fortresses in the area.
Another attraction of Estoril is Boca de Inferno, which translates as “Devil’s Mouth”. From the sea, Boca de Inferno makes an amazing impression, especially in cloudy weather – a gloomy failure in a sheer rock, on which waves break, looks very atmospheric.
In good weather, Boca de Inferno is also interesting to see, they say that it is a very romantic place.
The harsh beauty of ancient fortresses and ancient caves is set off by many churches scattered throughout the city. The most famous of them is the Church of St. Anthony, built in the 16th century and repeatedly restored as a result of fires and earthquakes. In addition, in Estoril there are several museums of local importance, which, however, are worth a visit – this is the museum of folk instruments, the museum of vintage cars, the maritime museum.