E for E, holidays to Estoril have always been described as elegant. In fact, aligned to some of the upmarket resorts on the Cote d'Azur, the Lisbon Coast resort of Estoril has the flair, style and sophistication commonly associated with south of France. Generously bestowing the title of Portuguese Riviera (or certainly the reason for it!) on its own area, many exlied royalty and aristocrats took up residence and made Estoril their home.
Situated at the mouth of the river Tejo, grand buildings, stylish homes and high quality restaurants and bars lend an air of opulence. If that was not enough, the legendary 1930's Hotel Palacio (Orson Wells was a one time occupant) shares a lovely tree lined park with Casino de Estoril, the largest in all of Europe. This very same casino is reputed to have been inspiration for the James Bond character and it even features in the film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service".
Many stunning arthitectural gems stud the town and typical features of "azulejos" (traditional blue tiles) and Baroque facades lie behind perfectly manicured gardens. All this old fashioned grandeur aside, Estoril has several little beaches (Tamariz, accessed by an underground, is popular with posers!) and a promenade that stretches all the way to Cascais, thus linking the two Lisbon Coast resorts. .
Lisbon Coast holidays can be energetic with The Tennis Club (with over 20 courts), the Casino (high end gambling plus cultural events) and Golfe de Estoril (an 18 hole course) offering diversion apart from sun and sand and an annual crafts fair in July and August is a huge affair with countrywide appeal. Estoril provides an upmarket holiday base and Lisbon (for a nice little day trip!) is only a short train ride (30 minutes) away. Direct flights into Lisbon from Ireland operate on a frequent basis.
A great choice of holidays and hotels is available in Lisbon Coast resorts with ClickandGo.com covering Cascais and Sintra.