Royal resort of Estoril (Portugal)

Estoril (Portugal) - so called frigate, or, in our opinion, the area surrounding the eponymous resort town. Here there is not only the sea and beaches, but also many antiquities, churches and narrow streets. Estoril is a trendy European resort, where there are a lot of entertainment, shops and authentic taverns. It is one of the centers of the Portuguese tourist industry, and therefore there are also a myriad of discos and nightclubs, a huge casino and circuit. And hotels of this town will suit both the budget backpacker and the lover of luxury life - depending on what you book for yourself. Estoril together with the neighboring town of Cascais are one resort area. Writers, actors, politicians and even the Queen of England love to spend time here.

How to get there

The Estoril resort in Portugal is located near the capital of the country, just 15 kilometers away. Therefore, to reach it does not present any difficulties. First you arrive or come to Lisbon. And then take a bus or train and get to Estoril. The resort is located on the shore of the bay of Kaikash. This is the so-called Portuguese Riviera. Both buses and electric trains go there often. It is worth traveling to one side from 2 to 4 euros. The cheapest will be to get to the free shuttle "1 City Center" from the airport to the Lisbon railway station Kaysh do Sodra. These buses depart every 20 minutes from terminals T1 and T2. But the town of Estoril itself is small, with an area of only nine square kilometers. Therefore, in the resort you will already move on foot or by taxi, because there is no public transport.

History of Estoril

People in these places live from the second millennium BC, because in the city there are many ancient ruins, including the remains of rich Roman villas. After the decline of the Middle Ages, Estoril (Portugal) from a small village on the shore turned into an important commercial port in the Renaissance, when famous geographical discoveries were made. Since it needed to be protected, nowadays the city fortress, which guarded the settlement from external enemies for many centuries, belongs primarily to historical places. It was constantly rebuilt until it turned into a mighty citadel by the 16th century, which is now considered one of the classic monuments of the defensive architecture of the Renaissance. If you are an amateur of this kind of ruins, then in the vicinity of the city you can see other fortresses of a smaller scale.

History of the resort

But to rest here began to drive not so long ago. Only in the nineteenth century the city acquired a modern look and glory of the world resort. On the shore of the ocean began to build luxurious villas, and soon to Estoril rushed to rest, not only the rich aristocrats, but also members of the royal families of Europe. For some reason, the resort was very much loved by deposed monarchs and expelled nobles, and another migration it experienced after World War II, when it was used primarily to move to America.

Estoril (Portugal): attractions

In this very sunny city, tourists go for the sake of the sea and aristocratic relaxation. Sunbathing here can be all year round, but the high season falls on the summer months, when the ocean water, which is usually colder than sea water, warms up to at least 20 degrees. But winter tourists spend more time sightseeing. Photos of Estoril (Portugal) are very picturesque. Of natural beauty travelers call the most curious sheer dip in the rock, which is very interesting to contemplate from the sea, especially in cloudy weather. It's Boca de Inferno, or "Adova's mouth". In the city there are also many churches. The most popular object is the temple of St. Anthony, a native of Lisbon. Built in the 16th century, it was repeatedly restored after the earthquakes and other disasters Portugal experienced. The facade in the Baroque style was not damaged and is authentic. It is worth a visit and a few local museums - they are quite interesting for travelers. This is, first of all, ethnographic, marine and the exposition of rare cars.

Festivals, Entertainment, Sports

If you belong to lovers of outdoor activities, then you will be perfectly suited to Estoril (Portugal). Tennis, basketball, volleyball, horseback riding, water sports, golf, eight water parks are all at your disposal. In addition, various international competitions often take place here. So, every spring in Estoril, an open international tennis championship is held (in recent years only among men). There are many gambling establishments in the city. But even if you're not a fan of this pastime, be sure to visit Estoril Casino. It, like the surrounding park, belongs to the top ten local attractions. To visit him, you must have a passport, and men must follow the dress code - come in a tie. There you can see gala concerts. The Casino of Estoril was loved by Ian Fleming. As a result of visiting this institution, he had many ideas for the novels about James Bond. In November, the town hosts an international film festival. And Estoril is very popular with real gourmets, although restaurants are not cheap here.

Hotels in Estoril (Portugal)

The most elite hotels of the resort are in its center. Many also located in close proximity to the famous golden beaches - Tamariz, Myotosa, San Pedro and Carcavelos. The hotel, which European monarchs prefer for their vacation, is known all over Portugal. It is called the Palacio Estoril. There's the most luxurious service, well-trained staff, and in general everything is on a royal level. Other decent resort hotels, such as Eden, Club de Lago, Vila Gale, usually have several swimming pools, shops, parking lots and even their casinos. The Internet, as a rule, is accessible from all rooms of such hotels. But there are also ordinary hotels here, and even budget hostels. After all, despite the fact that the resort of Estoril (Portugal) has the glory of the aristocratic, ordinary and even not very rich people come here.