{"id":22616,"date":"2026-08-31T11:11:07","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T09:11:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.recalculandoviajes.com\/things-to-do-in-estoril\/"},"modified":"2026-08-31T13:04:05","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T11:04:05","slug":"things-to-do-in-estoril","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.recalculandoviajes.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-estoril\/","title":{"rendered":"18 essential things to do in Estoril (with map and tips)"},"content":{"rendered":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\u00bb1″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

Searching for things to do in Estoril<\/strong> and finding only \u00abthe casino and the beach\u00bb was what happened to us before we went, and the reality is much nicer than that. We went for a day trip from Lisbon, by train, at the end of January, and we came back with the feeling that this town on the Portuguese Riviera is highly underrated. In this guide, we tell you the 18 things to do in Estoril that we liked the most, with a map, where to eat, where to stay, how to get there, and all the updated 2026 data.<\/p>\n

Estoril is less than 30 minutes from Lisbon by train and shares a promenade with Cascais, so it can be perfectly combined in the same day. We did it that way and we tell you about it from our experience, including what surprised us, what isn’t worth as much, and some prices that many guides keep publishing outdated.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=\u00bbads IATI primeros parrafos 5off (2026) – EN\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_module=\u00bb15677″ saved_tabs=\u00bball\u00bb locked=\u00bboff\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

\n

\ud83c\udf0d Travel Insurance: 5% Off with IATI Seguros! \ud83c\udf1f<\/h2>\n

Take advantage of this offer and travel safe.<\/p>\n

Get My 5% Discount<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

Things to do in Estoril Summary<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Category<\/th>\nKey information<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Destination<\/strong><\/td>\nEstoril, Portugal (Portuguese Riviera).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Recommended time<\/strong><\/td>\nHalf a day (only Estoril) or 1 full day (combining with Cascais).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How to get there<\/strong><\/td>\nTrain from Cais do Sodr\u00e9 (Lisbon), approx. 30-35 minutes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best time<\/strong><\/td>\nMay to October (beach); January and February (walks without crowds).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Daily budget<\/strong><\/td>\n30-45 \u20ac per person (includes train, food, and some entrance fees).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Must-sees<\/strong><\/td>\nCasino Estoril, Praia do Tamariz, Pared\u00e3o, Hotel Pal\u00e1cio, and Monte Estoril.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gastronomy<\/strong><\/td>\nFresh fish, bacalhau, and past\u00e9is de nata (budget: 10-35 \u20ac\/meal).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Language \/ Currency<\/strong><\/td>\nPortuguese \/ Euro (\u20ac).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

A bit of Estoril’s history: from thermal spa to Costa dos Reis<\/h2>\n

Before starting with the list of things to do in Estoril, it is worth understanding where this town comes from, because it explains everything you are going to see.<\/p>\n

Estoril existed as a thermal spa village for centuries, but only became an international tourist resort in the 20th century, with the project promoted by Fausto Cardoso de Figueiredo starting in 1914. Hotels, a casino, a golf course, gardens, and even the operation of the Lisbon-Cascais railway were all part of the same plan. In 1930, the Hotel Pal\u00e1cio opened, the most important hotel in the country at the time.<\/p>\n

The second chapter is the one that gave it worldwide fame. During World War II, Portugal remained neutral, and Estoril became a refuge for exiled European royal families (Spanish, Italian, Bulgarian, Romanian) and, at the same time, a nest of British, German, and French spies who crossed paths in the same bars. Hence the nickname \u00abCosta dos Reis\u00bb (Coast of Kings) and the Ian Fleming stories, which we will look at in detail below.<\/p>\n

And the name? There isn’t just one version. The most repeated explanation links it to roots that refer to sterile or sparsely inhabited land, which fits with the pine forest and the rocky coast that existed before urbanization. We give this as probable, not as a certainty: it is one of those etymologies that every guide states with too much certainty.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.recalculandoviajes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/que-ver-en-estoril-portugal.webp\u00bb alt=\u00bbthings to do in estoril portugal\u00bb title_text=\u00bbthings to do in estoril portugal\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

1. Casino Estoril, the largest in Europe<\/h2>\n

It is impossible to start any list of things to do in Estoril any other way. Casino Estoril<\/strong> opened in 1916 and is, according to its own website, the largest casino in Europe. It stands at the end of an avenue with gardens and fountains that runs straight down to the sea, and that perspective is one of the most beautiful postcards of the town.<\/p>\n

We didn’t enter the gaming rooms (not our thing), but it’s worth knowing how it works: entry to the building is free, you must be over 18 and present a photo ID to access the gaming rooms, and the dress code is \u00absmart casual.\u00bb Many travelers recommend taking advantage of the art gallery and the free concerts scheduled in the Lounge D, which can be enjoyed without betting a euro.<\/p>\n

The fact we liked the most is historical: Ian Fleming used to come here to play in 1941 when he worked for British naval intelligence, and he met the Serbian double agent Dusko Popov here. From that mix, James Bond was born. Careful with an error that repeats itself all over the internet: the novel Casino Royale<\/em> was inspired by Estoril, but it takes place in a fictional French resort. The movie that was filmed here was On Her Majesty’s Secret Service<\/em>, from 1969.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

\n
\n
Did you know\u2026? <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Casino Estoril was the real setting where writer Ian Fleming, while working for naval intelligence, met double agent Dusko Popov, inspiring the creation of the iconic character James Bond. <\/div>\n
Source: Official website of Casino Estoril <\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

2. Praia do Tamariz, the beach you must see in Estoril<\/h2>\n

Right in front of the casino, crossing the train tracks via a pedestrian tunnel, appears Praia do Tamariz<\/strong>. It is the main beach and one of the things to do in Estoril that you cannot miss, even if you go in winter like us.<\/p>\n

It is a golden sand beach, protected from the strong Atlantic swell, with the sea much calmer than on the northern beaches. That is why it is a favorite for families with children. Behind it is a promenade with bars, terraces, and kiosks, and on one side, the little castle that appears in all the photos. It doesn’t have the turquoise color of the beaches of the Algarve<\/a>, but for being half an hour from a European capital, it is very good.<\/p>\n

In January, it was empty and with a very nice warm sun, so we walked the whole thing with our sneakers in our hands. In summer, it’s a different story: it gets crowded, and renting an umbrella with lounge chairs is around 20 \u20ac for the day. The train station is about 50 meters away, literally.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.recalculandoviajes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/que-ver-en-estoril-praia-do-tamariz-beach.webp\u00bb alt=\u00bbthings to do in estoril praia do tamariz beach\u00bb title_text=\u00bbthings to do in estoril praia do tamariz beach\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

3. Forte da Cruz, the \u00abcastle\u00bb of Estoril<\/h2>\n

It is the building that makes many people say, \u00abIs this a castle?\u00bb Forte da Cruz<\/strong> overlooks the end of Tamariz beach and is one of the essential visual sights in Estoril.<\/p>\n

Here is a precision that almost no guide gets right. At that point, there was a 17th-century fort, designed to defend the entrance of the Tagus. But the romantic castle look you see today, with its towers and battlements, comes from a 19th-century remodeling commissioned by the Barros family, which is why it is also known as Chalet Barros. In other words: the stone is old, the \u00abcastle\u00bb not so much.<\/p>\n

Today it operates as a private space for events and weddings, so you cannot visit inside. We walked around it from the outside, and from the promenade, you can get the best photo, especially at sunset when the stone turns orange.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.recalculandoviajes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/que-ver-en-estoril-praia-do-tamariz-playa.webp\u00bb alt=\u00bbthings to do in estoril praia do tamariz beach\u00bb title_text=\u00bbthings to do in estoril praia do tamariz beach\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

4. The Casino Gardens and Estoril Park<\/h2>\n

The landscaped avenue that goes down from the casino to the sea is, for us, the heart of the town. It is called Estoril Park<\/strong> (or Jardim do Estoril) and is a green lung with palm trees, flower beds, fountains, and an artificial pond with ducks.<\/p>\n

It is free, always open, and in a few blocks, it concentrates the spirit of the place: here you can see why this area was called the \u00abCosta dos Reis.\u00bb On the sides are hotels from another era and stately mansions that survived the passage of mass tourism.<\/p>\n

We sat on a bench for a while to eat a pastel de nata, and it was one of those simple moments you remember later. If you go with kids, there are playgrounds and plenty of space for them to run around.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=\u00bbads Booking Banner Alojamiento – EN\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_module=\u00bb23016″ saved_tabs=\u00bball\u00bb locked=\u00bboff\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n


\ud83c\udfe8 Looking for Accommodation for your Trip?<\/strong> Compare Hotels, Apartments and find the best Deals HERE<\/span>
Check availability \u279c<\/span>
<\/a><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

5. The Pared\u00e3o: walking from Estoril to Cascais<\/h2>\n

If you ask us which is the best of the things to do in Estoril, we answer without hesitation: walking the Pared\u00e3o<\/strong>. It is the paved promenade that connects Praia do Tamariz with Cascais, bordering the ocean the whole way.<\/p>\n

It is about 1.7 kilometers to the bay of Cascais (about 25-30 minutes at a leisurely pace), and on the way, you pass by Praia da Po\u00e7a, Praia das Moitas, Praia da Duquesa, and Praia da Concei\u00e7\u00e3o.<\/p>\n

We did it with a headwind, and on the way back, the sun was fully on us. One of the most beautiful coastal walks we did in Portugal! A practical trick: get off the train in Estoril, walk to Cascais, and return by train from there, because both stations are in the same fare zone and the same ticket works for you.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.recalculandoviajes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/que-ver-en-estoril-caminata.webp\u00bb alt=\u00bbthings to do in estoril walk\u00bb title_text=\u00bbthings to do in estoril walk\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

6. The Tamariz Ocean Pool<\/h2>\n

At the east end of Tamariz beach, there is a saltwater pool carved into the rock that fills up at high tide. It’s from the 50s, it’s free, and it’s one of the most charming points of interest in Estoril.<\/p>\n

The charm is twofold: the water is much warmer than the open Atlantic, and without waves or currents, it is much safer for those who swim little or for kids. When the tide goes out, little crabs and small fish get trapped, and the kids spend hours watching them.<\/p>\n

Let’s be honest: it is not a luxury hotel pool, the walls are worn, and the floor is quite slippery. But it is free and has a vintage charm that you can’t get anywhere else.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

7. The Hotel Pal\u00e1cio and the spy route<\/h2>\n

A few meters from the casino is the Hotel Pal\u00e1cio<\/strong>, inaugurated in the 30s and nicknamed \u00abthe spy hotel\u00bb during World War II. Portugal was neutral, and British, German, and French agents passed through here, as well as entire royal families who were exiled in the area.<\/p>\n

Framed on its walls are the registration cards of illustrious guests: Ian Fleming’s, who registered as a Foreign Office official; Antoine de Saint-Exup\u00e9ry’s; and Dusko Popov’s. It was also a filming location for On Her Majesty’s Secret Service<\/em>.<\/p>\n

We didn’t stay there (the prices are well above our travel budget), but you can go in for a drink at the bar and look at the historical photo gallery. Many travelers recommend it as a short stop even if you aren’t staying overnight.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=\u00bbads IATI Middle seguro de viaje (2026) – EN\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_module=\u00bb15701″ saved_tabs=\u00bball\u00bb locked=\u00bboff\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

\u261d\ufe0f TRAVEL SAFE – 5% OFF IATI TRAVEL INSURANCE<\/a>!!
\ud83d\udc69\u200d\u2695\ufe0f\ud83d\udc68\u200d\u2695\ufe0f A must-have for stress-free travel! \ud83c\udf0e\u2708\ufe0f \u279c Get a Quote, Compare & Buy<\/a><\/strong><\/center><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

8. The center of Estoril and the Avenida de Nice<\/h2>\n

Competitors talk about the \u00abhistoric center of Estoril,\u00bb and it’s worth clarifying: Estoril does not have a medieval old town like \u00d3bidos or Guimar\u00e3es. What it has is a resort center planned in the early 20th century, with wide avenues, buildings from the 20s and 30s, and street names that reveal its original audience: Avenida de Nice, Avenida Clotilde, Avenida de Sab\u00f3ia.<\/p>\n

We walked through it after leaving the casino, going up Avenida de Nice. That is where the real life of the town is: pastry shops with windows full of past\u00e9is de nata, greengrocers, pharmacies, people greeting each other by name. In a couple of blocks, almost all the places where you will want to eat are concentrated.<\/p>\n

It is one of those things to do in Estoril that takes no more than 20 minutes and gives context to everything else: you understand that this was a tourism project designed from scratch, not a fishing village that grew.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

9. Igreja de Santo Ant\u00f3nio do Estoril<\/h2>\n

Steps from the Avenida Marginal is the Igreja de Santo Ant\u00f3nio do Estoril<\/strong>, and here we have to correct ourselves and, by the way, half the internet: it is not a modern church nor a minor construction. It has a very long history.<\/p>\n

It all started with a small wooden hermitage dedicated to Saint Roch, mentioned as early as 1527. The Franciscans later built the 17th-century temple, which was very damaged by the 1755 earthquake and rebuilt in the 18th century: from there come the baroque stone fa\u00e7ade and the altar with gilded carvings. In July 1927, a fire almost completely destroyed it, and it was rebuilt following the project of architect Tertuliano Marques, respecting the original layout. The ceiling frescoes are by Carlos Bonvalot, and the tile panels with scenes from the life of Saint Anthony are by master Vict\u00f3ria Pereira. It has been a parish since 1929.<\/p>\n

We saw it open mid-morning and went in for a moment: the side tiles are worth the stop, even if you are not into churches. The parish hours are broad (Monday to Friday, it usually opens in the morning and afternoon), so it is rare to find it closed.<\/p>\n

A detail in favor of our guide: several blogs call it a \u00abbasilica\u00bb and place it incorrectly in time. It is not a basilica; it is the parish church of Estoril.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u00bb1_3,1_3,1_3″ admin_label=\u00bbads FILA 3 imagen EN\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.6″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_module=\u00bb16396″ saved_tabs=\u00bball\u00bb locked=\u00bboff\u00bb collapsed=\u00bboff\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb1_3″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.22.2″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.recalculandoviajes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/travel-insurance-discount-iati.webp\u00bb alt=\u00bbtravel insurance discount iati\u00bb title_text=\u00bbtravel insurance discount iati\u00bb url=\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.recalculandoviajes.com\/iati-seguros-en\u00bb url_new_window=\u00bbon\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.6″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb border_radii=\u00bbon|20px|20px|20px|20px\u00bb box_shadow_style=\u00bbpreset1″ global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u00bb1_3″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.22.2″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00bbhttps:\/\/www.recalculandoviajes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/booking-genius-discount.webp\u00bb alt=\u00bbbooking genius discount\u00bb title_text=\u00bbbooking genius discount\u00bb url=\u00bbhttps:\/\/recalculandoviajes.com\/booking-off\u00bb url_new_window=\u00bbon\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.6″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb border_radii=\u00bbon|20px|20px|20px|20px\u00bb box_shadow_style=\u00bbpreset1″ global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u00bb1_3″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.22.2″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00bbhttps:\/\/recalculandoviajes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/internet-esim-Holafly-OFF.jpg\u00bb alt=\u00bbInternet eSIM – Holafly Discount\u00bb title_text=\u00bbInternet eSIM – Holafly Discount\u00bb url=\u00bbhttps:\/\/recalculandoviajes.com\/holafly-off\u00bb url_new_window=\u00bbon\u00bb _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.6″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb border_radii=\u00bbon|20px|20px|20px|20px\u00bb box_shadow_style=\u00bbpreset1″ global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

10. The old Estoril Thermal Baths<\/h2>\n

This is the fact you won’t find in any other guide of things to do in Estoril, and for us, it explains the whole town: Estoril was born as a thermal spa, not as a beach destination<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Already in the 18th century, there were thermal baths here, frequented even by King Jos\u00e9 I. In 1880, the spa was restored and had 15 marble bathtubs for immersion baths. But the big leap came with Fausto Cardoso de Figueiredo, who in 1914 commissioned the French architect Henry Martinet to create a complete urban development plan with hotels, golf courses, thermal baths, and gardens. From that project came the Casino, the Hotel Pal\u00e1cio (inaugurated in 1930), and the layout of the avenues you walk today.<\/p>\n

The thermal building no longer works as it did in its golden age, but the legacy is everywhere: in Estoril Park, there is a statue of Fausto Figueiredo looking at his work. If you understand that, you understand why Estoril was called the Costa do Sol and why the streets have French names.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

11. Monte Estoril and the Avenida de Sab\u00f3ia<\/h2>\n

Between Estoril and Cascais, on the hill, is Monte Estoril<\/strong>, the most elegant residential neighborhood in the area and one of the things to do in Estoril that almost no tourist does. It has its own train station, so getting there is very easy.<\/p>\n

We went up the internal streets to the Avenida de Sab\u00f3ia and looked at mansions from the early 20th century, many with tiles, towers, and gardens that peer over the walls. There are makeshift viewpoints on the corners from which you can see the entire coast up to the Sintra mountains.<\/p>\n

It is an uphill walk, so wear comfortable shoes. In return, you get a different Estoril, quiet, without bars or souvenirs. We loved it precisely for that reason.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

12. Museu da M\u00fasica Portuguesa \u2013 Casa Verdades de Faria<\/h2>\n

In the middle of Avenida de Sab\u00f3ia is the Casa Verdades de Faria, a mansion from 1918 designed by Raul Lino and commissioned by the Irish-Portuguese aristocrat Jorge O’Neill. Today, the Museu da M\u00fasica Portuguesa<\/strong> operates there, with the collection of folk instruments gathered by ethnomusicologist Michel Giacometti and the legacy of composer Fernando Lopes-Gra\u00e7a.<\/p>\n

We are not into museums unless they are unmissable or free, so we didn’t go in. But many travelers recommend it both for the collection and for the building itself: stained glass windows with the shamrock and the red hand of Ireland, 18th-century tiles, and a chapel dedicated to Saint Patrick.<\/p>\n

An important fact, outdated in almost all Spanish guides: it is part of the Cascais Museum District<\/a>, whose regular ticket increased to 5 \u20ac and the 24-hour pass to 7.50 \u20ac. There is also an integrated ticket with the Cascais line train for 9 \u20ac. It is closed on Mondays and holidays.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

13. Praia da Po\u00e7a, the first one on the Pared\u00e3o<\/h2>\n

As soon as you start walking east along the Pared\u00e3o, you find Praia da Po\u00e7a<\/strong>, on the border between Estoril and S\u00e3o Jo\u00e3o do Estoril. It is smaller than Tamariz and quite a bit rockier.<\/p>\n

That feature is precisely its charm: when the tide goes out, natural pools form among the rocks, and you can get in to explore. We found it almost empty in January, with two people fishing and nothing else.<\/p>\n

It has bars open in season and is steps away from the S\u00e3o Jo\u00e3o do Estoril train station, so you can also start the walk from here and do the route in reverse.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

14. Praia da Azarujinha, the hidden cove<\/h2>\n

This is one of those things to do in Estoril if you like to get off the beaten path. Praia da Azarujinha<\/strong> is in S\u00e3o Jo\u00e3o do Estoril, wedged between low cliffs, and you go down a staircase from the promenade.<\/p>\n

It is small, intimate, and fills up quickly in summer because the locals have it on their radar. At high tide, the sand practically disappears, so it is best to check the tide table before going down.<\/p>\n

We liked the surprise effect: you come walking from above, look down, and this cove you didn’t expect appears.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

\n
\n
Did you know\u2026? <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
The promenade known as \u00abPared\u00e3o\u00bb connects Estoril with Cascais along 1.7 kilometers of uninterrupted coastline, allowing you to walk a large part of the Portuguese Riviera. <\/div>\n
Source: Cascais Tourism <\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

15. S\u00e3o Pedro do Estoril and its beach<\/h2>\n

Continuing towards the Lisbon side is S\u00e3o Pedro do Estoril<\/strong>, a quiet neighborhood with one of the most beloved beaches by locals. It is somewhat separated from the center and outside the promenade, so it receives almost no tourists.<\/p>\n

It was one of the first surf beaches in Portugal, although today surfers go more to Guincho or Carcavelos. At low tide, pools form among the rocks, and many people in the area will tell you it is the best beach in all of Estoril.<\/p>\n

It has full services: restrooms, showers, lifeguards in season, and a beachfront restaurant.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

16. Golfe do Estoril, one of the classic courses in Portugal<\/h2>\n

Surrounded by pine trees and a few minutes from the center is Golfe do Estoril<\/strong>, one of the historic courses in the country and another piece of Fausto Figueiredo’s original project. It is one of those points of interest in Estoril that average travelers miss but that are part of the town’s DNA.<\/p>\n

We didn’t play (nor do we know how, let’s be honest), but we walked by the edge on our way to Monte Estoril, and the view of the greens with the sea in the background is truly beautiful. The main course has 18 holes, and there is a secondary 9-hole course, with prior reservation and club rentals for those who don’t travel with equipment.<\/p>\n

If golf isn’t your thing, skip it. If it is, it is one of the few cities where you can play in the morning and be on the beach in the afternoon.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

17. Aut\u00f3dromo do Estoril<\/h2>\n

About 6 kilometers from the center, in Alcabideche, is the Aut\u00f3dromo do Estoril<\/strong> (officially Aut\u00f3dromo Fernanda Pires da Silva), inaugurated in 1972. It hosted the Portuguese Formula 1 Grand Prix between 1984 and 1996, and Ayrton Senna’s winning debut took place there in 1985, under historic rain.<\/p>\n

Today it remains active with the Superbike World Championship, motorcycle championships, and the Estoril Classics, the largest classic car event on the Iberian Peninsula. You cannot visit it freely: you have to go on a competition or track day.<\/p>\n

We didn’t go because we were without a car and only for the day, but if you are a motorsport fan, it is a must-see stop. Important clarification: there are guides that say the circuit is \u00abclosed to the public,\u00bb and that is not the case. You don’t visit it freely on any given day, but it continues to have a calendar of competitions and open events with tickets.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

18. Fiartil, the Estoril Handicraft Fair<\/h2>\n

If you come in summer, the Estoril Handicraft Fair<\/strong> is one of the most traditional things to do in Estoril: it is the oldest handicraft fair in Portugal and has been held at the Fiartil venue for over 60 editions.<\/p>\n

It brings together more than 90 stalls of national and international artisans, traditional trade, and a gastronomic area with three restaurants. There is live music every night, with Mondays dedicated to Fado. The 2026 edition was from June 26 to August 23, from Sunday to Thursday from 5 pm to 11 pm and Fridays and Saturdays until midnight.<\/p>\n

We went in January, so we missed it entirely. If your trip falls between late June and August, check the dates on the official Fiartil website and plan your visit to Estoril to arrive at night.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00bb4.24.0″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00bb4.27.8″ _module_preset=\u00bbdefault\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00bb{}\u00bb]\n

Where to stay in Estoril<\/h2>\n

Estoril works very well as a base to explore the Portuguese Riviera without paying Lisbon prices. It is 30 minutes from the city center by train, you have the beach steps away, and Cascais and Sintra nearby.<\/p>\n

Our recommendation by areas:<\/p>\n