Once the vacation spot for Lisbon’s elite and royalty and later foreign royals displaced by World War II, Monte Estoril’s luxury hotels still attract guests looking to escape from the city. It also has a beautiful beach and plenty of tourist attractions.
A must-see is the Casino – reputed to be the largest in Europe. Other highlights include the sheltered Praia das Moitas and hilly streets lined with al fresco bars and upscale restaurants.
Casino
As one of Europe’s largest casinos it offers over 1,000 slot machines, tables for roulette, blackjack and baccarat. It also hosts concerts and entertainment events. It also houses a world-class art gallery and an auditorium for holding congresses. The hotel also has a renowned Chinese restaurant, Estoril Mandarim.
There are several beaches in the area including Praia do Tamariz and Praia da Rainha (Queen’s Beach). These are ideal for relaxing on the golden sand and swimming in the warm waters. They are also a great place to enjoy a range of water sports.
The town’s luxurious hotels and restaurants jostle with people on weekend breaks and day trips, with a growing number of those looking to buy property in Monte Estoril, agents say. It is considered a safe and convenient location, within easy reach of Lisbon and the airport via train or taxi. Its reputation as a stylish and sophisticated resort also attracts the likes of celebrities and royal families.
Cascais
The charming coastal resort town of Cascais is a delightful blend of grand 19th century architecture and traditional Portuguese heritage. The town is a great place to relax and unwind with a stunning historic centre and carefully maintained parks.
A popular day trip from Lisbon, Cascais is a lively destination for locals and tourists looking to escape the bustle of the city. Visitors can enjoy lounging on the sandy beaches of the Cascais peninsula on summer sunny days. There are plenty of beach chairs available to rent or simply lay back and relax on the sand.
Visitors can also enjoy a glitzy evening at the eponymous Casino Estoril, which was once a hub of political intrigue and secret meetings. The casino was even reportedly the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s James Bond novel, ‘Casino Royale’. The restaurants of Cascais are equally impressive with a range of sophisticated cuisines on offer. You can enjoy a variety of seafood, Portuguese specialties such as Bacalhau (salted codfish) or even try some international dishes like sushi.
Sintra
Besides a handful of sandy beaches, the upscale resort town offers championship golfing, musical spectaculars, and motorcycle rallies. There’s also a casino, one of Europe’s largest, and a panoply of restaurants, bars, cafes, and boutiques.
The UNESCO World Heritage–listed Pena Palace is a must-see during a visit to the area. It’s filled with elaborate architectural and romantic design elements. Book your skip-the-line entrance ticket in advance to avoid long queues.
Regaleira Palace is another 19th-century treasure worth seeing in Sintra. Its neo-Gothic and Romanesque influences come together in an architectural style known as Manueline.
Nearby Cascais is a delight with its charming historic centre and carefully maintained parks and gardens. It’s a perfect blend of grand 19th-century architecture with traditional Portuguese heritage. It’s also home to a series of free museums. The Visconde da Luz garden, for example, features a field of grass, flowerbeds, shrubs and trees with plenty of romantic paths. The garden was once a public space where locals went for walks, chatted and held public parties.
Praia do Guincho
The Praia do Guincho is a pristine 750m long beach surrounded by sand dunes and an impressive ecosystem. It is also within the protected Serra de Sintra natural park and only a short drive or bus ride away from Lisbon. Take a walk along the trails, or relax on the beach. The nearby town of Sintra is another great day trip. There are many grand palaces and castles, including the opulent Palacio Nacional de Sintra. The town has several other historic buildings worth checking out as well, such as the National Tile Museum.
The sophisticated restaurants and luxury hotels are some of the main reasons why high-rollers and city-breakers flock to the ‘Portuguese Riviera’. It is particularly popular during June and July, when the summer weather is warm but does not yet reach scorching heights. There are a variety of exciting activities and trips to do, such as surfing on the Guincho beach, hiking the Cabo da Roca or exploring Cascais.
