Estoril Holidays

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Why go When to go What to do Location

Why go to Estoril

Basking in sunshine along the Atlantic coast, Estoril is one of Portugal’s most stylish seaside resorts. Set on a family-friendly sandy beach, and around 35 minutes by train from Lisbon, it’s a top spot for a beach holiday. Spend your days cycling, surfing and golfing, and try your luck in the glitzy casino after dark.

Part of the Portuguese Riviera, Estoril has been a coastal playground for the rich and famous since the 19th century. During World War II, the resort was a hotbed for spies – including James Bond author Ian Fleming – and exiled royal families. Today, Estoril remains a favourite escape for Lisboetas, who flock here on the weekend to soak up the sun.

Praia do Tamariz, the sheltered main beach, is just a few sandy steps from the palm tree-lined promenade that connects Estoril to the lively resort of Cascais. And there's no shortage of knockout beaches nearby: Praia das Moitas is a hit with families, while Praia do Guincho attracts surfers from across the globe, thanks to its feisty Atlantic waves.

Travel Information

Language

Portugese

Currency

Euros (€)

Average flight time(from London)

2 hrs 45 mins

When to go to Estoril

For a beach break, the best time to visit Estoril is during summer, when daytime temperatures reach the mid to late 20Cs. But as temperatures peak, so do prices: July and August are the most expensive and crowded months, with many locals heading to the coast for their annual summer holiday.

Winters are generally mild in Estoril – daytime temperatures hover around 15C – and there’s a good chance of rain but the sun doesn’t hide for long. Conditions are ideal for experienced surfers, while golf courses offer midweek discounts. If you’re not after a classic beach break, this can be a good time to pick up a cheap Estoril holiday.

What to do in Estoril

Whether you want a beach escape, or just a few days of R&R after your Lisbon city break, Estoril has plenty to please. Hit the beach, cruise the coastal promenade and relive the resort’s heyday at its renowned hotel. Round off your stay with a day trip or two.

Praia do Tamariz

Backed by the promenade and overlooked by a 17th-century fort, this crescent-shaped swathe of sand is the most popular beach in Estoril. Gently lapping waves and rock pools make it a family-friendly spot, while the saltwater pool at the eastern end is ideal for swimming laps. With umbrellas to rent and plenty of beachside cafés, you can happily spend the whole day here.

Tamariz is close to the train station, so weekends are particularly busy with day-trippers from Lisbon.

Casino Estoril

Fancy a flutter? Head to this upscale casino for table games and slot machines. Not for you? Dine, drink and dance in the establishment’s swanky restaurants, bars, nightclubs. It hosts regular stage shows, too.

There’s even something for history fans and film buffs – the casino’s colourful World War II history is said to have inspired author Ian Fleming’s first James Bond novel, Casino Royale, although the modern building is somewhat lacking in charm.

Hotel Palacio

Built in 1930, this glamorous grande dame was the preferred haunt of European royals and British spies during World War II – so it’s no surprise to learn that the 1969 Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was shot here.

Even if you’re not staying at this five-star hotel, you can still book an Asian-inspired treatment in the Banyan Tree Spa, play a round at the 18-hole golf course and order a ‘007 Martini’ in the very bar where Ian Fleming, then a Royal Navy intelligence officer, used to hang out.

Cascais

Estoril’s sister resort is bigger, busier and just 3km (1.8 miles) away. Walk or cycle along the seafront promenade that connects the two resorts, and go swimming and paddleboarding in Cascais’ trio of golden bays.

In the car-free old town, you’ll find restaurants serving the catch of the day, as well as independent boutiques selling unique clothes, homewares and jewellery. Feeling active? Continue along the boardwalk to the wild and windswept Guincho Beach.

Sintra

Hire a car or catch the bus to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Sintra, less than 15km (9 miles) north of Estoril. Once the summer retreat of Portuguese royalty, the hillside town is peppered with fairytale castles and lush gardens.

Make a beeline for Palácio Nacional da Pena (Pena Palace), a flamboyant mix of Neo-Gothic, Islamic and Renaissance architectural styles. Then, hike over to the nearby ruins of the ninth-century Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle) for sweeping views.

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