Estoril is a trendy resort with many beaches, ancient churches, an abundance of restaurants and shops . Besides, it is a major center of the gambling and tourism industry in Portugal, with a number of high-level hotels and night clubs . Moreover, there is one of the largest in Europe casino with an impressive entertainment program, as well as the circuit, where the European level race is held . Fans of outdoor activities will find here a variety of water sports, golf courses, excellent opportunities for horse riding water and fishing, as well as eight water parks .

How to get

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 not far from Lisbon and many other places 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 little history

In the 14th century, a small town turned into 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 became a favorite place rest not only aristocrats, but even royal families. At various times, Estoril managed to visit the last refuge of deposed monarchs, and a new home for many World War II migrants, 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 beaches of Estoril are sandy.

Entertainment, excursions and attractions of Estoril

In addition to beach rest, 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 view the sights, will not remain indifferent to the historical places of Estoril . First of all it is the Citadel, built to protect the city from an external enemy and . She often justified her existence in bloody battles, and suffered many injuries in the same battles . Damage forced her to restore and reconstruct the fortress until she grew to a mighty and impregnable stronghold . Her modern appearance the Citadel found in 16th century and is considered a brilliant example of Renaissance architecture . There are the ruins of several smaller and later fortresses in the district. .

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

The stark beauty of ancient fortresses and ancient caves is shaded by the 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 visiting: the Folk Instruments Museum, the Museum of Old Cars, the Maritime Museum. Photo of Estoril (12)