ESTORIL

Nestled in the heart of Estoril lies the picturesque Jardim do Estoril, a sprawling grassy park adorned with majestic palm trees and surrounded by Estoril's finest bars and restaurants. This vibrant hub also hosts several hotels, including the iconic Hotel Palácio, a renowned five-star establishment dating back to the 1930s—an era synonymous with opulence. Once frequented by royalty, the Hotel Palácio exudes timeless elegance and grandeur, earning accolades from esteemed guests like Orson Welles.
Perched atop a gentle slope within the park is the legendary Casino Estoril, a historic landmark built in 1916 and still holding the title of Europe's largest casino. Its illustrious past includes a pivotal role during World War II, where it attracted spies and inspired Ian Fleming's iconic novel "Casino Royale." Today, the casino offers a diverse array of entertainment options, from concerts and cabaret shows to art exhibitions and gaming facilities.

Visitors can indulge in a complete entertainment program each night, featuring traditional gaming rooms, modern slot machines, and international poker tournaments. Additionally, the casino boasts a multi-use auditorium with a seating capacity of over 1000 people, ensuring unforgettable experiences for all guests.

When it comes to dining, Estoril offers an exquisite culinary scene. Estoril Mandarim stands out as one of Europe's most elegant Chinese restaurants, serving authentic Guangdong cuisine. For those craving contemporary Portuguese flavours, Zeno Lounge is celebrated for its innovative dishes, while Nobre Estoril offers a taste of traditional fare, ensuring a culinary journey that delights every palate. | Daily: 15h00 – 03h00

Av. Dr. Stanley Ho, Edifício do Casino Estoril, 2765-190 Estoril, Portugal. 38° 42' 25" N | 09° 23' 51" W
+351 214 667 700 | info.cestoril@estoril-sol.com | Website | Facebook

São Pedro do Estoril

The beach of São Pedro do Estoril, nestled on the eastern end of Estoril, boasts a picturesque stretch of sand flanked by imposing cliffs. Along its length, an esplanade offers convenient access to several cafes and beach shops, making it a convenient spot for beachgoers. With amenities like a car park and proximity to the train station, accessing this beach is a breeze.

While the rugged bedrock beneath the shoreline may pose a challenge for swimmers, São Pedro do Estoril is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Its slight point break creates ideal conditions for surfing, particularly for longboarders, with waves breaking towards the middle of the beach. Additionally, the slipway provides easy access for launching jet skis and small boats, adding to the allure of this coastal gem.

As you stroll along the esplanade and coastal path, you'll encounter the historic Forte de Santo Antónia da Barra, a prominent coastal defence structure steeped in history. Nearby, Praia da Azaruijinha awaits, offering a secluded sandy cove for those seeking tranquillity amidst nature's beauty.

Praia do Tamariz

Estoril's premier beach destination, Praia do Tamariz, beckons with its inviting stretch of sand and abundance of family-friendly amenities. Alongside its sandy shores, rock pools offer endless exploration opportunities for children, making it an ideal spot for family outings. The adjacent coastal promenade, stretching all the way to Cascais, attracts joggers and dog walkers seeking scenic views and invigorating sea breezes.

Nestled at the eastern edge of Praia do Tamariz stands the majestic 17th-century Forte da Cruz, a historic fortress steeped in maritime heritage. Originally built to safeguard the Tejo estuary and Lisbon from potential threats, this architectural marvel now exudes Tuscan charm following a meticulous restoration overseen by João Martins de Barra. Today, it remains under the ownership of the Monaco royal family.

Venturing westward, visitors encounter the tranquil shores of Praia das Moitas, easily accessible from the Monte Estoril train station and the scenic promenade. Here, a serene seawater swimming pool, known as Piscina Oceânica Alberto Romano, offers safe bathing amidst the rocky terrain.

The official name of the motorsport race track is "Autodromo Fernanda Pires da Silva." From 1984 to 1996, it proudly hosted Portugal's F1 Grand Prix until budget constraints led to its exclusion from Formula One events. Nonetheless, it remains a vibrant venue for top-tier motorsport competitions, welcoming single-seater, sports car, and touring car events such as the FIA GT Championship, the DTM, and the World Series by Renault.

Constructed in 1972 under the direction of Fernanda Pires da Silva and designed by renowned Brazilian architect Ayrton Lolô Cornelsen, the track underwent significant modifications over the years. Notably, in 2000, it enjoyed a redesign of the parabolic bend, reducing its length to 4.2 kilometres (2.6 mi) to meet FIM certification standards. Since then, the Autódromo do Estoril has been the esteemed venue for the Portuguese motorcycle Grand Prix, attracting enthusiasts and competitors alike to its historic circuits.

49 Av. Alfredo César Torres, 2646 - 901 Alcabideche, Estoril, Portugal.
38° 45' 03" N | 09° 23' 39" W
+351 214 609 500 | dep.comercial@circuito-estoril.pt | Website | Facebook

Also known as Necropolis Eneolítica de Alapraia, this set of four graves found in the northeast of Estoril amongst an urban development is thought to date back to the late Neolithic or Chalcolithic periods. The first of the four was discovered in the early twentieth century by Francisco Oliveira e Paula where it was being used by locals to store cattle and firewood. Although this first cave didn't produce any interesting finds, the remaining three were more fruitful. Afonso do Paço (1895-1968) and Eugénio Jalhay (1891-1950) extrapolated from the high number of funeral ceramics found in these Neolithic burial spaces that they were used over time by different civilisations over several eras.

The caves were hewn out of the living limestone bedrock between 4000BC and 300BC. They have a circular deposition chamber closed at the top by large stone slabs. The entrances of the tombs include a long corridor. There are some similarities between this type of construction and the dolmens found within the Lisbon area. However, it was more common to bury the dead in natural caves, such as in the Grutas do Poço Velho, also in the Cascais area. Similar tombs have been discovered at Necrópole de Carenque (Amadora) and at Quinta do Anjo (Palmela). Today the caves are abandoned. Some caves were deliberately filled in with gravel to protect them. In 1945 the Artificial caves were classified as Monuments of Public Interest.

Largo Afonso do Paço. 2765-011, Estoril, Portugal. | 38° 42' 23.3"N | 09° 22' 38.1"W