Guide to Estoril

'Sweeping around a curvaceous, scallop-shaped bay, elegant Estoril is the perfect place to put your holiday feet up.'

If you're looking to shake off your stresses, come and soak up Estoril's chic seaside ambience. Once the haunt of exiled royalty and nobility, you'll find a charismatic cocktail of cosmopolitan buzz and laid back charm here that blends together effortlessly – so you can keep things as lively or low-key as you like. Silky soft sands, luxury hotels and first-rate restaurants are sprinkled along the shores here, making it every inch the picture-postcard place in the sun. If you're idea of holiday heaven is sinking your toes into sugary beaches, you're spoilt for choice. There are three shimmering slices to choose from, all sliding into turquoise-blue waters. If you want to be kept on your toes, head for Carcavelos Beach. This sprawling stretch of sand has special areas where you can play volleyball, football and there's even a roller skating rink. It's also a popular hangout for surfers, so why not grab a board and take a lesson or two? You'll be riding the waves in no time. Or, why not practise your swing with stunning sea views to boot? Estoril has two superb golf courses set among fragrant pine and mimosa trees. Whether you choose the 18 hole one with par 69, designed by Mackenzie Ross, or go for 9 holes with par 34, the vistas are out of this world. Stroll along the pretty 3km promenade to the neighbouring resort of bustling Cascais, stopping off at handicraft stalls and al fresco cafes along the way. After dark, peruse the menus and tuck into Portuguese delicacies at one of the town's excellent restaurants, or for a bit of glamour, Europe's largest casino lives here, with cabaret shows and a nightclub. On top of all this, Estoril is just half an hour's train ride from Lisbon, so jump on the train and go and explore one of Europe's liveliest cities.

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