The Ultimate Guide to the Estoril Coast and Sintra
Often compared to the glitzy resorts of the French Riviera, the Estoril Coast and Sintra feature some of Portugal's finest beaches, countryside and historic sites.
Here, you could be swimming off a golden sandy beach in the morning, be exploring an ancient Moorish castle in the afternoon, and be in a top class seafood restaurant overlooking the sea by evening.
It's a playground for Lisbon's most affluent, but it's also a mecca for overseas visitors looking to combine a beach break with unique historical sites and amazing food.
It might not be as cheap elsewhere in Portugal, but it's worth the premium! Here's our ultimate guide to the Estoril coast and Sintra...
Estoril
Where is Estoril?
Popular with tourists and locals alike, the coastal resort town of Estoril is just a 45 minute train ride from the spring capital city, Lisbon.
A key attraction on the Portuguese Riviera and part of the Cascais municipality, holidays to Estoril often involve surfing, windsurfing - and simply sunbathing on the golden sandy beaches.
While enjoying the year-round sunshine is a primary activity for visitors, there are also other enjoyable attractions.
Estoril Casino
Ian Fleming drew inspiration from this establishment for his novel Casino Royale, and while it may not have the show-stopping grandeur of Monte Carlo Casino or glitziness of Las Vegas, it's a fun place to visit.
Roulette, blackjack, and hundreds of slot machines await...
Cascais
Cascais is both a town and a municipality. Here we'll look at the main attractions of the former.
The town of Cascais is a short train ride (or drive) west of Estoril town, and has been dubbed the Portuguese St Tropez.
If you're based in Lisbon, Cascais has more than enough for a day trip, offering historic monuments, opulent 19th-century villas and absorbing museums.
It has more things to do than Estoril.
Cascais beaches
As all Cascais guides will tell you, the nearby beaches are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
The chief town beaches are Praia da Ribeira, Praia da Rainha, and Praia da Conceição - indeed, they are among the best in the country.
Look out for the unique geological formations - known as Boca do Inferno - caused by cliff erosion.
Cidadela de Cascais
Overlooking the Cascais Marina is this mighty 15th-century citadel, which played key roles in battles against both the Spanish and French.
The oldest part of the building is the Torre de Santo António de Cascais, completed in 1490.
Cascais food and drink
There are a plethora of seafood restaurants in Cascais serving fresh fish, shrimp, clams, and octopus on a daily basis.
One of the area's specialists is santiaguiños - comprising tiny 'slipper' lobsters, so called due to their resemblance to the popular indoor footwear.
The town also has plenty of swanky cafes to choose from - ideal for soaking up the well-heeled atmosphere.
Cascais Marina
You'll doubtless notice the affluent feel of Cascais as you stroll along the boutique-shop lined avenues. But to really get a sense of how well off the area is, head to the Marina, where countless gleaming yachts await their Armani-clad owners.
The Marina often has a lively atmosphere, thanks to the visitors who gather to admire the ostentatiously designed vessels.
Santa Marta lighthouse
This attractive blue-and-white striped lighthouse was built in 1868 and stands guard over the mouth of the Tagus. It houses a small but interesting museum.
Beware the "Father of the wind"
It's rather windy in Cascais, positioned as it is between the mountains and the sea. The locals even have a name for it - "pai do vento", which means "father of the wind". So, pack an extra jumper!
Is Cascais expensive?
Cascais is pricier than many other parts of Portugal due to its proximity to Lisbon. But it’s still fairly affordable by northern European standards.
Sintra
Where is Sintra?
Note that Sintra is both a town and a municipality. Here we're focussing on the town, located roughly west-north-west of the capital.
How to get to Sintra?
Sintra is around 45-minutes away from Lisbon by train (the cheapest way to get there).
Once in Sintra, buses, taxis and tuk-tuks are available to get around town.
You’ll probably find while visiting Sintra that most destinations can be reached by foot.
Quinta da Regaleira
This Gothic mansion is a must-visit attraction in the heart of Sintra - and is just 30 minutes on foot from the railway station.
The original villa was bought by Antonio Carvalho Monteiro, who enlisted the help of Italian architect Luigi Manini to realise his esoteric dream.
One of the most impressive highlights is the The Poço Iniciático - the Initiation Well, which is an inverted tower formed around a well, complete with spiral staircase.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes stunning yet peaceful gardens, is well worth a few hours of your time.
Visit in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Castle of the Moors: Portugal's Great Wall?
The town's oldest structure, Castelo dos Mouros, sits atop the Serra de Sintra and spans two high points and multiple rocky outcrops.
Hop on the 434 bus to reach it.
It's thought the castle dates back to the 8th or 9th century, when the Moors occupied much of what is now modern Portugal.
The walls of this fortress bring to mind the Great Wall of China - and was a similarly critical defensive structure.
Pena National Palace
This offbeat former royal palace fuses a number of different architectural styles - which somehow coalesce into something rather pleasing to the eye.
It was built on the ruins of a monastery, which was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755.
Visit before 11am or after 3pm to avoid the many coach-loads of tourists!
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