The Estoril – Cascais Coast boasts a wide variety of beaches that have been awarded the prestigious blue flag by the European Union for the quality of their sea water, infrastructure and back-up services. Many of them in coves overlooked by elegant villas and palaces, very much like the Côte d’Azur, with walkways by the sea, esplanades and a wide range of lively, cosmopolitan bars
Cascais,Estoril and Sintra have a fine selection of golf courses.
Today the region features seven 18 hole courses: Belas Clube de Campo, Golf do Estoril, Lisbon Sports Club, Pestana Beloura Golf, Quinta da Marinha Golf, Penha Longa Atlântico and Oitavos Dunes Golf, (the latter two classified in the 50 best courses in Europe ranking) and one 9 hole - Penha Longa Monastery. The climate is mild so that golf can be played all year round.
Cascais has several places of cultural and historical interest, notably the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum, Paula Rego Museum, and a number of old churches and forts.
The fort of Cascais “Cidalela”, 16th century fortress was built to defend the Bay of Cascais against invasion. It is one of a string of fortresses along the Tagus estuary designed to protect Lisbon.
Cascais Cultural Centre exhibits, conferences, shows and concerts, a multifunctional area that opens its doors to host the most diverse cultural events.
The Estoril Casino is the largest casino in Europe. There is a great deal of entertainment here, including different types of gambling and nightly cabaret and music hall shows in a sophisticated atmosphere. A relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere goes on well into the night at the many bars, restaurants and nightclubs, in the centre of Cascais with the terraced cafés, bars at Camões Square.
Guincho beach, a large beach, exposed to the wind and waves of the east coast. It is a major venue in both the European and the World Surfing and Windsurfing Championships. There are many excellent fish and seafood restaurants nearby.
Cabo da Roca, which is the most westerly point in Europe and has magnificent views, is nearby.
The coast to the north of Cabo da Roca has dramatic cliffs interspersed with rocky beaches. The water has high iodine content and the natural environment is still absolutely unspoiled. Some of the smaller beaches are somewhat inaccessible and therefore almost empty.
The Sintra Mountains lie at the heart of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. They are part of the only area in the world to be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site both for their cultural interest and their natural beauty. The town of Sintra is of rare historical and architectural importance. The hills are a monument in their own right. Even today, we sense the magic of Sintra Mountain, as the local people have for thousands of years; they used to call it the Mountain of the Moon. In the Sintra hills, the National Palace, the Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, Monserrate and Regaleira are all fascinating.
Nearest Airport: Lisbon 28 kms
Nearest Beach: Cascais 15 mins walk
Nearest Shops: 10 mins walk
Estoril 30 mins walk
Lisbon 25 kms
Hire Car: Not necessary