Once a modest fishing village on the Costa do Sol, Estoril (pronounced shturíu) has expanded to merge with nearby Cascais. Thanks to its equable climate and beautiful subtropical gardens, it had by the end of the 19th C. become an elegant resort and winter spa, frequented by the rich and famous of the international set, and in fact its residents
still include some illustrious figures. In the peak holiday season its exclusivity is very much a thing of the past, as it is swamped by day trippers from nearby Lisbon. Its radioactive hot springs (33°C/91°F), containing carbonic acid, are recommended for the treatment of rheumatism and diseases of the joints.
Townscape
Estoril itself has no particularly outstanding features of interest; it is visited primarily for its atmosphere of international elegance, its fine villas, its palm-lined promenades and the magnificent park, full of tropical and exotic plants, around the spa. About 1.5km/1mi west of the park is Monte Estoril (109m/358ft) which has become the new smart residential district. There are fine beaches nearby, but these are usually crowded.
Print this page
Add to Favorites
