Estoril: Casino, Promenade and Beaches

Estoril, on the coast just east of Cascais, is a classic seaside resort with a famous casino, palm-lined gardens and a long seafront promenade. It was a haven for exiled royals and spies during the Second World War, and it’s still an elegant, relaxed place to stay near Lisbon.

Quick answer: Estoril is about 35 minutes from Lisbon on the Cascais train line. Stroll the seafront promenade to Cascais (about 30 minutes’ walk), swim at Praia do Tamariz with its seawater pool, see the Casino Estoril and its gardens, and enjoy a calmer base than Lisbon. See places to stay in Estoril.

Why go

Estoril gives you sea, sand and fresh air without the crowds of central Lisbon. The train drops you a few steps from the beach, the promenade is flat and easy, and the town has a gentle, old-fashioned charm. It suits couples, families and anyone who wants a beach break with the capital close by.

Things to do

The promenade

The seafront walk, known locally as the paredão, runs from São João do Estoril past Estoril to Cascais. It’s flat, paved and lined with beach bars and cafés. From Tamariz to Cascais takes about 30 minutes on foot. Go early in the morning or near sunset, when it’s cooler.

Praia do Tamariz

This sandy beach sits right below the casino gardens, next to the train station. At one end is a seawater pool built into the rocks. The pool usually opens in summer only, with lifeguards and changing facilities, so check before you go if you visit outside July and August.

Casino Estoril and the gardens

The casino opened in 1931 as the centrepiece of a plan to turn a fishing village into a smart resort. It’s one of the largest casinos in Europe and also hosts shows, concerts and art exhibitions. The formal gardens in front, with palm trees and fountains, lead down to the sea and are free to walk through.

Wartime history

Portugal was neutral in the Second World War, so Estoril filled with exiled royal families, diplomats, refugees and spies from both sides. Ian Fleming stayed at the Hotel Palácio in 1941, and the casino is often linked to the ideas behind Casino Royale. A small exhibition space in town, the Espaço Memória dos Exílios, covers this period. Check its opening times before you go.

Golf, tennis and motor racing

• Golf: several courses lie within a short drive, including one of the oldest in the country.
• Tennis: the Estoril Open, a men’s ATP tournament, moved to July from 2026 (it used to be in April), so check the dates.
• Motor racing: the Estoril racing circuit is a few kilometres inland and hosts track days and events.

Getting there

• Train: CP trains on the Cascais line leave from Cais do Sodré in Lisbon every 10 to 20 minutes or so. Estoril station is right by the beach and casino. The ride usually takes 30 to 40 minutes, depending on whether the train stops at every station.
• Car: about 30 minutes from central Lisbon on the A5 motorway, or longer on the slower coast road (the Marginal). Parking near the seafront fills up on summer weekends.
• From the airport: take the metro to Cais do Sodré, then the train. See Lisbon airport to the city centre.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough to see Estoril itself. A good route: take the train to Estoril, walk through the casino gardens, swim at Tamariz, then follow the promenade to Cascais for lunch and the old town. Take the train back from Cascais. Add Sintra or Guincho if you have a full day or a car. See Guincho beach.

Food

This stretch of coast is all about fish and seafood. Look for grilled fish of the day, clams in garlic and coriander (amêijoas à Bulhão Pato), and grilled sardines in early summer. For more choice in the evening, head to Cascais.

When to go

June to September is beach season, with warm days and the seawater pool open. July and August are busiest. May and late September are quieter and still warm enough for the promenade. In winter many beach bars close, but the walk is lovely on a sunny day.

Estoril or Cascais?

Estoril is quieter and more residential, while Cascais has more restaurants and atmosphere. They’re linked by the promenade, so you can enjoy both. See where to stay in Cascais and Cascais vs Lisbon.

Practical tips

• Tickets: you can pay for the train with a rechargeable Navegante card or a contactless bank card. Check the current fare options at the station.
• Sea: the water is cool even in summer. Swim where lifeguards are on duty.

More: the best beaches near Cascais, the best hotels in Cascais and things to do in Cascais.

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