Estoril
Estoril, PRT
Located just 9 miles (15 kilometers) from the bustling center of Lisbon, Estoril is a relaxing beach resort that offers visitors a sophisticated restaurant scene and luxurious accommodation options. The town’s most famous attraction is undoubtedly Casino Estoril, which is said to have inspired Ian Fleming to write the James Bond novelCasino Royale.
The seaside town of Estoril is most commonly visited as part of a day trip to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to iconic attractions such as Pena National Palace and the National Palace of Sintra (Palácio Nacional de Sintra). These tours, which allow you to skip the stress of navigating winding mountain roads, typically include convenient hotel pickup and drop-off and a photo stop at Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point.
Estoril is a must-visit for fans of surfing and James Bond.
Water sports such as fishing, windsurfing, diving, and waterskiing are on offer on the beach.
Estoril is also home to seven 18-hole golf courses.
From central Lisbon, you can reach Estoril by car in around 30–60 minutes, depending on traffic. Traveling by train takes around two hours and involves changing trains, so most travelers opt for a sightseeing tour that includes round-trip transfers.
The best time to visit Estoril is during June and July, when the weather is warm and sunny but hasn’t yet reached the scorching temperatures of the peak summer months. Plus, these months come with far less crowds.
Like much of Portugal’s Atlantic coastline, Estoril is a hot spot for surfing. Beginner and expert surfers alike flock to Costa Estoril to ride its thrilling swells. If you’re surfing for the first time, opt for a small-group surf lesson that allows you to master the basics and receive personalized attention from an instructor.
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