Estoril Coast Holidays

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A vibrant Portuguese getaway

The Estoril Coast has been a popular Portuguese escape since the 19th century, when the then king chose to build his summer home in the bay. Often referred to as the Portuguese Riviera, Estoril Coast holidays can be spent partying in style at Europe’s largest casino, enjoying the great outdoors on wild beaches or navigating cliff-top walking paths where the villas of Portugal’s rich and famous look out to the dramatic Atlantic Ocean.

A long promenade makes walking and cycling between Estoril and the fishing town of Cascais an easy and pleasant way to take in your surroundings, too. Keen for some shopping? Estoril locals are proud of their crafting traditions, the best of which can be seen during its huge craft and folk music festival in July. Another reason to love this region is that it’s only a 40-minute drive to Portugal’s cool capital. This means you can easily visit for a day and soak up some culture at Lisbon’s many art galleries and museums. That said, you may find it hard to leave Estoril, with its rugged beaches and lively seaside bars. With a wild, beautiful coastline where you can find both buzzy bars and moments of calm, just a short trip from Lisbon, holidays to the Estoril Coast show off Portugal at its best.

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Cascais

Estoril Coast

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A fairytale palace
The brightly coloured walls of Palacio Nacional da Pena in Sintra are a must-see piece of history. Now a Unesco World Heritage Site, the palace was originally a Catholic monastery.
Paintings by the sea
Cascais, on the southwestern corner of the Estoril Coast, is packed with galleries and is home to the Cidadela Art District – a vibrant cultural space with sea views.
Heavenly beaches
Like most of Portugal, the Estoril coastline boasts some beautiful beaches – but the long Tamariz Beach, in the heart of the bay, deserves a mention of its own.

Average weather in Estoril Coast

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Your Estoril Coast questions, answered

Who is it good for?

With so much night-time entertainment, the region attracts lots of groups and couples. But there is plenty for families here, too, who’ll enjoy the coast’s beaches and sports.

What else there to do?

From surf schools to golfing academies, this compact coastline has a lot to keep visitors busy. Hiking here is underrated – village tapas bars make great breaks between routes through the hills.

When’s the best time to visit the Estoril Coast?

As Estoril’s hotels and restaurants stay open all year round, you can visit whenever suits you. The summers are usually hot, and this is the peak time for visitors. With the weather retaining its warmth in the spring and autumn, this is an equally good time to go. You can still enjoy the beaches and sight-seeing but with the added bonus of quieter roads. Winters here are quite mild and there’s still much to enjoy, so this could be a good option too.

What is it known for?

This coastal region is famed for its beaches and the enormous Estoril Casino – but also tennis, as the Estoril Open is held here each year.

What are the beaches like on the Estoril Coast?

The Estoril Coast is blessed with some very pleasant, sandy beaches. In central Cascais, you have the golden beaches of Praia da Duquesa and Praia da Conceicao where you can simply relax or get active by trying a few watersports. Praia da Ribeira is a beach by the old port offering a sheltered spot that’s perfect for families. A promenade connects the coastline from Cascais to Estoril, where you’ll discover more golden beaches, including Tamariz beach and Praia da Azarujinha.

Where should I stay on the Estoril Coast?

The main resorts along the coast are well connected, so it really doesn’t matter where you stay. The coastline from the old citadel in Cascais to Estoril’s Tamariz beach can be walked in about 40 minutes, so it’s nice and compact. There’s a good selection of sandy beaches in-between too. Cascais will offer you a slice of history and culture with museums, galleries and historic buildings to keep you amused. Or you may like to stay closer to Estoril’s casino and beach bars. Both are handy for taking trips to the nature parks or heading to Lisbon and the scenic town of Sintra.

Does the Estoril Coast have good nightlife?

The Estoril Coast has plenty to keep you entertained, whether you’re planning a family holiday or a quiet trip with friends or loved ones. Estoril’s big nightspot is the casino, where you’ll find a varied programme of entertainment. But the nearby town of Cascais has a good selection of bars and restaurants too. If this isn’t enough to keep you entertained, then heading to Lisbon is another option. The capital city has an even more varied nightlife, so you’ll never be bored.

What is there to see on the Estoril Coast?

There’s a lot to see in the area, from stunning coastline and rugged cliffs, to old palaces and interesting museums. Cascais is the place to head for museums, shopping and bars. The buildings in this part of the world are a lovely mix of architectural styles that combine tiny fishermen’s dwellings with large ornate palaces. As well as the old town in Cascais to explore, there’s the scenic town of Sintra and the local nature reserve just a 20-minute drive away.

Do I need to hire a car on the Estoril Coast?

With so many attractions nearby, you don’t need to hire a car to see the best of the local area. With day trips, walking paths, cycling routes and local trains, there’s a lot of options available for you to get around. Walking along the promenade between Cascais and Estoril you’ll barely break a sweat while you take in the views at your leisure. If you want to venture further afield, there are usually organised trips you can take to see the picturesque palace at Sintra or discover the quieter side of Portugal.