The Cascais Portugal region is full of beauty and history, where the ever-present ocean and hills have created a fascinating landscape and a mild microclimate. The Estoril Coast is the birthplace of tourism in Portugal and the summer residence of Portuguese kings since 1870. Besides a wealth of natural beauty, heritage and cultural events, the Estoril Coast also has an irresistible attraction right next door: Lisbon, located just a few kilometres away, is one of Europe’s oldest and most interesting capitals, with much to offer in terms of gastronomy, commerce, entertainment and culture. The international airport is just 25 kilometres away from Estoril, and only two or three hours’ flight from most major European capitals. Cascais Municipal aerodrome is only 15 kilometres away from the hotel and is ready for international traffic, private jets, helicopters and recreational flights.
Estoril is also considered a top destination for playing Golf in Portugal. Designed by world-renowned architects, the seven courses of the Estoril Coast offer a wide range of terrain and are the perfect spots to improve your swing. Estoril is also a destination for families in a genuine atmosphere of a peaceful seaside retreat. It’s a friendly and safe place, with beautiful beaches protected by sand dunes and cliffs.
With its bracing winds and excellent waves, the Estoril Coast attracts water sports lovers from all over the world and is considered a paradise for surfing, sailing and stand-up paddling. The Estoril Racing Circuit offers an incomparable venue for major and international racing competitions. Moreover, Estoril also has vast experience in organizing and hosting international congresses and events, relying on the excellent and modern infrastructure of its congress centre.
About the weather. The winters are mild and the summers can be quite warm, but Cascais can be very windy as well. Apart from the sunscreen, bring a jacket as the wind can create chilly temperatures during the evenings.
WHAT TO DO: Our Concierge best advises:
James Bond Tour
Book a “James Bond Tour” to discover the sceneries wandered by its creator, Ian Flemming and the life of the famous spy Dusan Popov, the character who inspired him to create the 007 agent in the novel ‚ “Casino Royale” in 1952.
Cabo da Roca
Experience a visit to Cabo da Roca the westernmost point of Europe, a place that will allow you to get closer to nature. There is a lighthouse, as well as various other facilities on site. The tourist bureau will even supply visitors with a document certifying that you have been to the westernmost point of Europe.
Segway Tour
A perfect morning in Estoril. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, ask our Concierge to book you a Segway Tour in Cascais. You can walk to their meeting point downtown, and be guided through our historical village in a very original way.
Your perfect afternoon in Estoril
Your perfect afternoon. We recommend a private seafood or Portuguese tapas lunch prepared by Chef Gonçalo Diniz, on board of a fishing boat anchored nearby the coast on the beautiful Bay of Cascais. While enjoying your lunch in a scenic setting with a stunning view over Cascais, the boat will take you along the coast and stop at your request if you feel like going for a swim.
Casino do Estoril
After a dinner in the terrace of Atlântico, always overlooking the ocean, walk to Cascais downtown and enjoy the laid back nightlife that local bars, restaurants and cafes have to offer, or you can even try your luck at the biggest Casino in Europe, only 10min walking from the hotel.
Cultural Programme
To know what happens in Cascais during your stay you can consult agenda.cascais.pt or download the App (iOS | Android).
Sports
Estoril has the ideal climate for a vacation full of sunshine and sports. This coastline is the ideal setting for water sports. Here you can practice: sailing, windsurfing, surfing, kite surfing and water skiing. Plenty of action supported by the yacht clubs and the Clube Naval de Cascais.
Golf
Cascais Portugal’s region is definitely the second best Golf destination in Portugal
Cascais Portugal’s region is definitely the second best Golf destination in Portugal following the Algarve Coast. And it is not us saying this, it has been awarded the “Established Gold Destination of The Year” and “Best Gold Destination in 2003”, voted by specialized Golf Tour Operators from 24 countries and members of IAGTO- International Association of Golf Tour Operators.
The region offers seven Golf courses with a unique design, renowned internationally, designed by famous architects and spread along the coastline. Improve your swing on the various courses and after the game, enjoy a drink and a great meal in any of the seaside restaurants.
Here is the list of Golf Courses:
Belas Clube de Campo
Golf de Estoril
Penha Longa Resort
Lisbon Sports Club
Oitavos Dunes
Pestana Beloura Golf Resort
Quinta da Marinha Golf
Here you can find a direct access to every Club so you can learn more about them. Should you need any assistance to book, please do not hesitate to contact our Concierge service.
Golf Passport
The Golf Passport entitles golfers to play on a selection of 3 or 5 golf courses chosen from the ones available in the program.
The golfer can play only once in each course by presenting the Passport.
Passport must be presented at the Golf reception and they will detach the coupon from it, a coupon already detached will not be accepted.
The coupons are valid only after signed and stamped by the issuer.
Golf passport is valid for weekdays (weekends and bank holidays only on request).
It is recommended to book starting times in advance.
Players must have a handicap (ladies 36 and men 28 minimum) and they may be asked to present a valid certificate to prove it.
Should you need any further details to organize your golf, please do not hesitate to contact the Reception Desk for information, through contact +351218291100 or [email protected]
Best Beaches
Estoril is situated along a beautiful coastline that has a variety of excellent beaches.
Estoril is situated along a beautiful coastline that has a variety of excellent beaches, which are suitable for all types of tourists. Beaches are one of the great attractions of the Cascais/Estoril region. Clean, crystalline waters with excellent facilities are some of the attributes that will make your visit an unforgettable pleasure. Due to their high quality, the majority have been awarded the European Union’s coveted Blue Flag.
The beaches of the Estoril coastline can be divided into two groups; the Estoril northern beaches l, which face a westerly direction and the beaches between Lisbon and Estoril which have a southerly orientation. The southern facing beaches are more family orientated, with great facilities and are easy accessible by public transport but tend to be more crowded in the summer months.
The westerly facing beaches are less developed and are dominated by the huge Atlantic waves which pound the coast. These beaches are ideal for water sports and are always much quieter than the beaches closer to Lisbon but public transport connections can be limited. The Portuguese word for beach is Praia.
The closest beaches to the Hotel are:
Tamariz beach is walking distance at 200 meters on the left side from the hotel with a direct access from our gardens. The beach offers golden sands, clean waters and great facilities (cafes, bars, toilets, etc). As the beach is sheltered from the powerful Atlantic waves and currents it tends to be family focused or for those who are happy to sunbath all day.
As the closest beach to Estoril centre and served by the Lisbon railway, it can get very busy in the summer especially during the weekends.
On the right side of the hotel, located only 300 meters away, you can find Praia da Poça. Other close by beaches are to the west, Praia da Conceição and Praia da Duquesa. All of these beaches provide sandy beaches with clean, calm waters and suitable for families or couples alike.
The picturesque beach of Praia da Rainha is a tiny gem of a beach that being beautiful it was chosen by Queen D. Amélia (last Portuguese Queen) to be her private beach, hence the name Praia da Rainha – Queen’s Beach. The beach is blessed with golden sand and overlooks the calm water of Cascais harbour. The only issue is the size which means it quickly fills up due to the close proximity to Estoril and Cascais.
Guincho Beach is a wide expanse of sand that faces the might of the Atlantic Ocean and has some of the best surfing waves found in Portugal. This huge beach lies 12km to the north of Estoril and is a favourite with all water sports fans. The beach has minimal development and is set in a wild and rugged landscape, which simply adds to the allure of Guincho beach. The usual wind is not ideal for sun bathing or families but if you want a great beach in a stunning setting this is where to head to.
The region has many other beautiful beaches, some a bit further away but still easily accessible, especially those protected by cliffs in the middle of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park where the water is less calm but very rich in iodine.
Owing to their favourable natural conditions and facilities, most of the beaches on the Cascais/Estoril coast are a must for people who enjoy surfing, body-boarding, kite-surfing, windsurfing and stand-up paddle-boarding
Dine
When describing Estoril and Cascais Portugal’s region, we need to mention its rich culinary heritage.
WHERE TO DINE
When describing Estoril and Cascais Portugal’s region, we need to mention its rich culinary heritage; the destination boasts a variety of dishes based on fresh fish and seafood. Sea bass, bream and the unrivalled Cascais sole are among the area`s most popular dishes, freshly cooked and served with finest ingredients. The sea has much more to offer of course: shrimps, crab, barnacles, crayfish and lobster prepared in a unique traditional Portuguese way.
To finish your meal, try the regional traditional sweet cookies and pastries: “travesseiros”, the famous “queijadas” from Sintra or the delicious Cascais “areias”
We also recommend pairing your meals with local wines like the ones produced in the region of Carcavelos, notable for its rich and velvety texture and nutty aroma.
Our top ten recommendations from the Concierge:
1. Walk to Pastelaria Garrett at Estoril, only 10 minutes away from the hotel to taste a piece of ”Bolo Rainha” (Queen’s cake), famous because of its home-made quality.
2. Cimas English Bar, Portuguese cuisine (next to the hotel).
3. Cozinha do Mar, traditional Portuguese cuisine
4. Mandarim, Chinese fine dining
5. Jackpot, traditional Portuguese cuisine
6. Gulli, Italian restaurant at the Mercado de Cascais
7. Armazem 22, Steak house in Cascais
8. Confraria Sushi, in Cascais
9. Moules & Gin, typical mussels
10. Dom Diniz, Portuguese family food in Cascais
11. Atlântico Bar and Restaurant – Portuguese and International cuisine
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DINING IN THE CITY OF LISBON
1. Belcanto, restaurant, owned by a 2 Michelin star awarded Chef, José Avilez. Gourmet restaurant.
2. Café S.Bento. Steak house
3. U Chiado. Signature cuisine
4. Largo. Portuguese Cuisine
5. Sacramento do Chiado. Portuguese Cuisine
6. A Travessa. Portuguese food
7. As Salgueiras. Portuguese food
8. Café Luso. Portuguese cuisine with live Fado performance
9. O Faia. Portuguese cuisine with live Fado performance
10. Timpanas. Portuguese cuisine with live Fado performance
11. AKLA – Portuguese and International cuisine
CONCIERGE CONTACTS:
Pedro Santos, Assistant Front Office Manager
Tel: +351 218 291 084
Fax: +351 218 291 101
Email: [email protected]
