Estoril is a trendy resort with many beaches, ancient 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, here is located one of the largest casinos in Europe with an impressive entertainment program, as well as an autodrome where European level races take place .Fans of outdoor activities will find here a variety of water sports, golf courses, excellent opportunities for horseback riding and fishing, as well as eight water parks .

How to get here

Estoril is located 15 km from Lisbon on the coast of the Cascais Bay, so the surest way to get there is by plane to Lisbon and by bus or train to Estoril. Both buses and trains run quite often and cost up to 3 EUR one way. Given that the city is located near Lisbon and many other settlements where there is something to see, you can rent a car, it will cost from 200 EUR per week.

• How to get to Estoril from Lisbon airport

Climate

There is an opinion that Estoril is the most sunny city in the world. Current Gulf Stream, washing the coast of Portugal, provides the city with a mild warm climate and 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, in winter the water is hardly warmer than +12 ° C, and this time of year is more suitable for cultural leisure activities.

A bit of history

In the 14th century, a small town became the largest commercial port, which played an important role in the era of the Great Discoveries - it was the link between the pioneers, traders and the rest of Europe. After a long time, like many coastal cities, it was primarily a fishing port, and only in the late 19th and early 20th century the city became 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 royal families. At various times, Estoril managed to visit the last refuge of deposed monarchs, and a new home for many migrants from World War II, to become a "window to America."

Beaches of Estoril

The beaches of Estoril are one of the main advantages of the city. They stretch along the entire coastline of Estoril, pass 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 parks, rental offices and beach restaurants. On some beaches there is a casino, and the most famous and largest of them is on the beach of Tamariz. All the beaches of Estoril are sandy.

Entertainment, excursions and attractions of Estoril

In addition to beach holidays, Estoril offers a lot of entertainment for every taste. Fans of gambling will find a lot of gambling establishments. Gourmets will be delighted with the abundance of restaurants of different levels (but mostly it is not cheap establishments). Fans of outdoor activities will be able to play volleyball, basketball or golf, horseback riding, rent a water scooter or a fishing boat.

Those who, after or instead of bathing prefer to visit the sights, will not remain indifferent to the historical places of Estoril .First of all, this Citadel, built to protect the city from an external enemy .She more than once justified her existence in bloody battles, and in the same battles she received many injuries .The damage was caused to restore and reconstruct the fortress until it grew to a mighty and impregnable stronghold .Its modern appearance Citadel found in the 16th century and is considered a brilliant example of Renaissance architecture .In the district there are ruins of several smaller and later fortresses .

Another attraction of Estoril is Boca de Inferno, which translates as "The Devil's Maw". From the side of the sea, Boca de Inferno makes a terrific impression, especially in cloudy weather, - a gloomy dip in a steep rock, about which waves break, looks very atmospheric.

The stark beauty of ancient fortresses and ancient caves is shaded 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, there are several local museums in Estoril, which, however, are worth a visit - it is a museum of folk instruments, a museum of old cars, a maritime museum. Photo by Estoril (12)