ESTORIL PROPERTY GUIDE
Tranquil Portuguese Riviera
Where is Estoril located?
Living in Estoril
Nestled between the bustling city of Lisbon and the charming coastal town of Cascais lies the beautiful Estoril coastline. Investing in a property in Cascais or Estoril offers residents easy and efficient access to both of these towns, whether it’s by car or regional train. The area is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, gorgeous beaches, majestic mountains, and convenient amenities, providing the perfect setting for a second-home purchase.
Cascais and Estoril are municipalities of Lisbon and are located along the southwestern coast of central Portugal, stretching all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Once a popular holiday destination for royalty, the region still caters to affluent international residents who appreciate luxurious tranquility. With convenient access to Lisbon’s International Airport, which is just 35 kilometers away and a 35-minute drive, as well as two local train stations (Estoril and Monte Estoril), homeowners in Cascais and Estoril can enjoy easy transportation options.
Highlights of Cascais
Cascais, the premier vacation destination on the Lisbon coast, is a charming traditional Portuguese fishing town that has been transformed responsibly into a popular tourist city. Historically, Cascais was the summer retreat of Portuguese nobility, and today the city is an elegant fusion of its illustrious heritage with the expectations of the modern tourist.
Within the cobbled streets of the historic center, one can find luxurious villas, an imposing fortress, fascinating museums, along with lively bars and restaurants that give Cascais its vibrant holiday atmosphere. Cascais boasts so many points of interest and interesting attractions that it is considered one of the best day trips from Lisbon.
The beaches of Cascais are glorious; around the city are the beautiful beaches of the Portuguese Riviera, while to the north lies the wild and untamed coast of Serra de Sintra, with its vast surfing beaches and spectacular natural landscape. Cascais is much more than a beach vacation destination; only a short train ride takes you to the heart of vibrant Lisbon, or to the north is Sintra with its whimsical palaces and refreshing hills.
There is much to love about Cascais, whether as a holiday destination or for a day trip, and this article will provide you with an introduction to this wonderful city.
Why a Estoril property?
Estoril offers a range of property options, from apartments to free-standing houses, in neighborhoods such as Alto dos Gaios, Galiza, and the coastal area of São João do Estoril. These family-friendly suburbs are conveniently located near supermarkets, churches, and local schools. For those seeking a more residential feel, the neighborhoods of Pau Gordo, which borders the Estoril Golf Club, are further north.
The climate in Estoril is generally mild, with occasional gusts of wind blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean to provide a refreshing coastal breeze. Summers are warm and humid, with approximately eleven hours of daily sunshine and average temperatures of 23 degrees Celsius (74 degrees Fahrenheit). Winters are cooler and windier, with temperatures dropping to as low as twelve degrees Celsius (53 degrees Fahrenheit) and an average of only four to five hours of sunlight per day. The highest amount of rainfall in Estoril typically occurs in November, with up to 144 millimeters (5.6 inches) of rain for the month.
In July, wind speeds in Estoril are at their highest, with an average of 13.6 days experiencing wind speeds of 28 kilometers (17 miles) per hour and 14.3 days experiencing wind speeds of at least 19 kilometers (11 miles) per hour.
August is the prime month for water activities such as swimming, boating, and windsurfing in Estoril, with water temperatures reaching up to 22 degrees Celsius (71 degrees Fahrenheit). Water temperatures in July and September are only slightly lower, making them also great months for aquatic adventures.
What do to in Estoril?
Ambiance and lifestyle
Praia do Tamariz, located in front of Estoril Casino, is a popular beach that is easily accessible via the adjacent train station. For a more secluded experience, Praia da Rainha, surrounded by cliffs, was once the private beach of the Portuguese queen Dona Amelia.
Estoril property owners seeking a weekend on the green can head west to the Quinta da Marinha resort. Here, they can visit Oitavos, an 18-hole championship golf course named one of the world’s top 100 golf courses. The resort also features an equestrian center where visitors can ride horses or attend occasional horse shows.
Art enthusiasts in Estoril can visit various galleries, such as VSB Art Gallery in Monte Estoril, Art’i Batik in Cascais-Centro, or David Levy Lima gallery and Luchapa gallery in Parede.
The coast of Estoril is dotted with fine-dining restaurants, including several Michelin-starred options. Cimas offers a Nordic atmosphere with ocean views, while Four Seasons serves international cuisine in an English-style setting.
The Estoril promenade runs along the southern edge of Estoril and boasts numerous waterfront bars that remain open until the early hours of the morning.
Each spring, Estoril hosts Carnival parties to mark the start of the Easter holidays. The town also hosts the oldest craft festival in Portugal, welcoming artisans from near and far.
At the end of each summer, locals celebrate the Sea Festival, a centuries-old celebration that honors the town’s connection to and reliance on the water.
With its creative and cultural fusion of beach and city living, Estoril properties offer a respite for both beach lovers and city dwellers.
