Estoril holidays

Estoril is one of the pearls of the Portuguese Riviera. Sophisticated and popular, this upmarket resort is only 30 minutes from Lisbon and attracts thousands of visitors every year.  

Estoril combines art, culture, history and a vibrant community. Once a hideaway to several pretenders to European thrones, Estoril is today home to luxurious hotels, palm-fringed avenues, fine-dining restaurants and the largest casino of the Iberian Peninsula. Not to mention stunning stretches of coastline and a beautiful two-mile promenade.  

Food & Drink 

Fresh fish, tasty meat, delicious pasteis de nata and home-made wines to die for – welcome to Estoril. This picturesque town boasts an impressive culinary scene to suit all tastes, with some award-winning recipes and Michelin-starred restaurants.  

If you love meat, you’ll adore the chouriços - smoked sausages served with different fillings and seasonings. Francesinhas are also popular here – a sandwich covered in cheese. And for a meat experience like no other, try the Cozido à portuguesa, a stew made of every imaginable Portuguese meat. A dream come true for foodies!   

If you’re more of a seafood-lover, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The polvo à lagareiro (boiled-then-backed octopus) is simply a must-try, typically served with a side of roasted potatoes. But you can’t leave Portugal without trying the star of the show: bacalhau (salted cod). It is said that the Portuguese have more than 300 recipes for making cod, so...pick your favourite! 

If you believe that there is no meal without dessert, you’ve come to the right place. Estoril is big for cakes and pastries. Try Queijadas (cheese tarts), Bola de Berlim (egg cream-filled, sugar-coated dough balls), Travesseiros (a pastry filled with egg and almond cream) and Pão de Deus (sweet bread with a coconut crust). And this is just the tip of the iceberg!  

Estoril is also famous for its wines and wine-tasting tours, such as the Sintra, Pena Palace and Cascais wine tour.  

Tourist Hotspots 

With its glorious south-facing coastline, Estoril is one of Portugal’s most majestic towns. Its golden beaches are the highlight, along with the artistic, cultural and natural heritage it is home to. There are plenty of museums, art galleries and spectacular nature spots to explore here.  

Casa das Histórias (House of Stories) 

This museum was designed by the award-winning architect Eduardo Souto de Moura in 2011 and features exhibitions areas, an auditorium, a café and a garden. The collection includes works by Paula Rego and some produced by her husband, Victor Willing.  

Boca do Inferno 

This is one of Portugal’s most beautiful spots. The ‘Mouth of Hell’ is a coastal rock formation on the western edge of Cascais. The name comes from the gaping mouth of a cave that collapsed, leaving a sea arch where the Atlantic swells before turning into foam. This dramatic stretch of coastline offers wonderful views of the ocean and the Portuguese Rivera. 

Estoril Casino 

The Estoril Casino is the largest of the Iberian Peninsula and one of the biggest in Europe. It was founded in 1916 and was famous for secret negotiations and covert monitoring during World War II, which inspired Ian Fleming’s first James Bond book, Casino Royale. The Casino was also the centrepiece of another James Bond films, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Today, it boasts more than 1,000 slot machines and enhances the local area’s reputation.  

Beaches 

The Portuguese Riviera offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and endless opportunities for unwinding on the beach. Whether you’re travelling alone, with your family or your partner, it’s easy to find somewhere to sunbathe and take in Portugal’s magical atmosphere.  

Praia das Moitas  

Midway between Cascais and Estoril, this pretty beach is the first one you reach when walking along the promenade. Overlooked by lavish villas and luxurious hotels, it’s quiet, secluded and intimate.  

Praia do Tamariz 

Thanks to its calm waters, this beautiful beach in the heart of Estoril is ideal for children. It’s very close to Estoril train station and boasts fantastic local amenities, such as bars, restaurants and shops. It’s also located next to the picturesque Forte da Cruz.  

Praia da Conceição 

Bigger than Praia do Tamariz, this beach is popular during summertime. Packed with great facilities, such as sea inflatables, pedalos, banana rides, powerboats, and you name it, Praia da Conceição is all about entertainment.  

Nightlife 

Estoril’s casino is where the fun begins, but definitely not where it stops. There are plenty more spots to explore for an unforgettable night out in this beautiful part of Portugal.  

If you’re in the mood for something low-key, enjoy a proper cocktail at Umbar or a pint at Ray’s Bar. For something fancier, head to the Reverse Pool & Beach Lounge for a glass of champagne while admiring some of the most stunning views of the ocean.  

Estoril truly has something for everyone. Prepare for wild water adventures, a night at one of Europe’s biggest casinos, and a culinary scene you’ll be sure to remember.