Estoril

About twenty miles west of Lisbon there is a stretch of coastline known as the Portuguese Riviera. For sometime now, the Casino at Estoril and the beaches of Estoril and Cascais provided playgrounds for the wealthy, as well as home for expatriates and exiled European Royalty. The entire area offers comprehensive sports facilities: golf courses, fishing, water sports and grand prix racing.

Trips out to the beaches and resorts of Estoril and Cascais, you can catch a local commuter train from the Cais do Sodré Railway station down by the Tagus river. The trains leave about every 20 minutes and the cost is about 90 cents for the thirty to thirty-five minute journey. The scenery that you see on the ride makes just taking the trip worthwhile experience. As you leave the station, the tracks pass through buildings of the Port of Lisbon Authority. Since the tracks parallel the river, you are provided with scenic views of the river. This also includes views of the 25th of April Bridge, Belém, the Monument of Discoveries, Belém Tower, and the picturesque suburbs along the way.

Estoril is a very picturesque area. You can sit on the boardwalk overlooking the beautiful beach, or take strolls in the park, with a view of the Casino just up the hill.

The Casino is impressively situated at the top of the park flanked by majestic palm trees.

On both sides of the park, which is just across the street from the train station, there are plenty of restaurants and shops. If so inclined, you may walk up the hill and visit the Casino.

The famous Estoril Casino with its huge gaming rooms and first class entertainment is one of the jewels of the area. Casino Estoril always puts on a first class show to remember. You should treat yourself to a night at this wonderful facility.

If you have a car or are inclined to walk a bit, you may enjoy seeing the grand homes and gardens and many of the large mansions dated from the last century when the resort was a favorite of the European aristocracy. Another favorite pastime at Estoril is people watching. You can do this from the beachfront Tamariz Esplanade or from one of the many restaurants surrounding the park.

For golfers, there are several championship golf courses available. Equipment can also be hired. There are also provisions for horseback riding and sailing.

Estoril Hotel Information

A Walk on the Seaside

There is a beautiful seaside walk that runs from São João Estoril to Cascais. It does not matter where you start the scenery is beautiful all the way. The important thing is that for miles you will feast your eyes on beaches, waves and people. To give you some feel of this walk let us start at São João Estoril. From there you will see the Cascais Yacht Club and the new marina entrance. As you continue along this inlaid stone path, that was just recently restored by the Cascais Council, you marvel at the rocky slabs that are great for sunbathing and fishing and see the breaking waves that attract the surfers. You pause for a few minutes at Tamariz one of the most popular spots. Tamariz is where the main Estoril railway station is located and also the Casino. Then you precede on toward Cascais. You pass the Hotel Eden and then the Hotel Estoril-Sol pass a few more restaurants and suddenly you have reached the little beach in front of the Hotel Albatroz. A short while later you have reached Cascais Harbor where the fishing boats are moored and proceed up the slight incline to the Sailing Club and the Old Fort.

Cascais

Cascais (pronounced 'Kesh-kaysh') is just west of Estoril, less than two miles. It still retains its' past as a fishing village but has also become modern town and a stylish summer resort. It has a pretty downtown with modern shops. Streets and walks done in colorful cobblestones. Yet as you look out at the picture perfect harbor, you still see the colorful fishing boats and the fishnets and traps down by the docks. You may spend many pleasant hours just sitting by the harbor watching the colorful boats. The colorful tiles in the sidewalks that appear to roll like the waves may also fascinate you, as you walk over them.

After the conquest of Lisbon from the Moors in 1147, the inhabitants of Cascais involved themselves with fishing activity. Their relationship to the sea gave them the privilege of autonomy and self governing separate from Sintra. King D. Pedro I granted them, in 1364, the Foral of the municipality but it took until 1370, when King D. Fernando gave the castle to Gomes Lourenço de Avelar, for it to become effective.

From then on with the mandate of the Maritime Mission "Give New Worlds to the World", Cascais became the guardian of Lisbon. Cascais was the first land to be seen by the navigators as they arrived and departed Portugal. During the XVI Century, when the Age of Discoveries was at its height, one of the first lighthouses was built here. It was built at the same place that the Guia Lighthouse exists today. From that time on, this Portuguese Fisherman Village became one of the forefront lands of Portugal.

Luís I converted a 17th Century citadel on the southwest corner of the bay into a summer Palace. This structure is now the President of Portugal's summer residence. Fishing is still an important activity here. The days catch is auctioned here at Pescadores Beach near the harbor every afternoon.

A new marina opens in Cascais in August 1999. This will provide wonderful facilities to the yachts that pass down the Portuguese coast and perhaps an incentive to others to visit this country to which sailors owe so much. This marina will include berthing for vessels up to 35 meters in length in the marina and up to 50 meters on the external pontoons. If you would like the Sailing directions to the new marina they are available at this site.

Cascais is located on the mouth of the River Tagus and possess many wonderful beaches. Just follow the coast road out of town.

About two miles west on the coast road is Boca do Inferno (Mouth of Hell). Here the sea smashes into the rocks and caves. It is truly a spectacular view of the power of the sea.

You will come upon a beautifully refurbished estate. Casa da Guia it's a new concept in shopping centers. It has a number of beautiful shops, a bank and a garden center, It also has a restaurant on the grounds and provides you with a spectacular view of the sea. You may wish to pause for some refreshments and enjoy the view.

Further on, about six miles is the Guincho coast area. Guincho has a magnificent sandy beach backed by sand dunes and pine trees. This beach is recognized as on of the best surfing beaches in the world. This is a paradise for surfers and wind surfers alike. Guincho is considered one of the best spots in Portugal for wind surfing. For more information about Guincho beach and the facilities available you must visit the Guinch beach bar site

Cascais Hotel Information

Visit the Cascais City Hall

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