What to do in Estoril, Portugal

Estoril has long been associated with glamour by the Atlantic ocean. This town on the Lisbon coastline has plenty to offer in terms of food, sights and culture. So join us on a guide of what to do in Estoril.

What to do in Estoril: culture and sights

Estoril has a wealth of glorious beaches and ocean views. These are offset by the Serra de Sintra National Park, which is a great place to begin if you are unsure of what to do in Estoril.

The coastline of the Atlantic can be rugged and the waves are ideal for surfing. The best place to do this is at Praia do Guincho. There are plenty of local schools where you can enrol in surf, bodyboard and swimming lessons. It can get a little rough, so taking a stroll along the seafront may be better suited if you aren´t keen on being in the surf.

Another idea of what to do in Estoril is to pay a visit to it´s casino. This is the monument most resonant with Estoril´s glamorous, beachside nightlife. They also have regular nightly performances but it is really at the weekend when things heat up. The history of the casino, particularly during the war years, is fascinating. It is said that the casino was even the inspiration for the character of James Bond. The grounds themselves are beautiful and well worth a visit.

Food should always be a big part of what to do in Estoril. The location next to the ocean means that fresh seafood is abundant. Try bacalhau, which is salted cod, popular all over the Iberian peninsula. For dessert, try a pastel de Belem or the sweet orange cakes which can be found all over Portugal. Don´t miss out on trying some of the region´s wines, which may be cheaper and more delicious than you are used to.

What to do beyond Estoril

Estoril is so conveniently located that it is very easy to plan day trips from the area. If you run out of what to do in Estoril, it may be a good idea to go further afield.

The beautiful fishing town of Cascais is a great option. The town is quintessentially Portuguese, but it retains the flavour of Europe. The town is most associated with the aristocracy and so you can find elaborately decorated villas, dotted all over the centre. The historic centre is well worth a visit and there are plenty of museums to regale you with tales of Cascais´ past. If you are ever in doubt of what to do in Estoril, Cascais is only a short walk away.

Knowing what to do in Estoril means that you may have time to also visit Lisbon. The Portuguese capital is a marvel to behold and Estoril is only a train ride away. It is definitely possible to take a day trip to Lisbon. Visit St. George´s castle and take in the view over one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Finally, a visit to Sintra and the Serra de Sintra could be an essential part of what to do in Estoril. The town is not far and provides you with the opportunity to see a beautiful castle and two royal palaces. The style of the town has retained it´s Romantic influence and you will feel transported back in time as you stroll around. Estoril and Sintra are connected by a bus and the connection between the two towns is very regular.
For more information on what to do in Estoril and other city breaks to Spain and Portugal, please visit Iberinbound for details.