Culture & Heritage
June 7, 2024
Neighbouring Lisbon on the Portuguese Riviera, Estoril is the epitome of luxury and high living.
The town blends Portuguese charm with a wide array of leisure activities and beautiful scenery for expats and tourists alike to enjoy.
Motorsports attracting the rich and famous from abroad
Fans of motorsport may be familiar with the Circuito do Estoril, which last held the F1 Grand Prix in 1996.
Still an active racetrack, members of the public can book a track day with their own sports car, starting at €3,000 per vehicle.
If high-velocity racing isn’t quite your cup of tea, then perhaps a visit to the Casino Estoril, the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s first James Bond book Casino Royale and one of the top Estoril attractions, is on the cards.
Opened in 1931 to rival Monaco’s famous Monte Carlo casino, the Estoril Casino is Europe’s biggest, with over 1,200 slots and table games which are spread across its lavish floor space.
Gaming isn’t all the casino has to offer, of course, with a range of upmarket restaurants and bars. The famous Estoril Mandarim is widely regarded as Portugal’s finest Chinese restaurant, offering authentic cuisine primarily from the Guangdong region in Southern China.
The casino also plays host to concerts and events year-round.
Within walking distance of the casino, the Estoril Golf Club is one of the country's oldest and most prestigious. Overlooking the town and the sea, it's sure to make your list of must-visit golf courses.
Praia do Tamariz famous beach is complimented with its growing reputation for fine dinning
Being situated on the coast, Estoril boasts a number of beaches, where visitors can enjoy water sports or just enjoy a quiet day on the sand.
The Praia do Tamariz is Estoril’s main beach, located in front of the Forte da Cruz, a 17th century fort converted into a luxury villa by Portuguese nobility in the 19th century.
The beach is surrounded by numerous bars and restaurants. Those looking for a Michelin star dining experience can take a 12-minute train to the nearby Cascais to sate their appetite.
Those looking for a day trip away from the resort town can take a 15-minute drive north to Sintra, where visitors can appreciate the Pena Palace, one of the aptly named;
'Seven Wonders of Portugal'.
As one of Portugal’s top locations, property in Estoril does come at a premium. A 4-bedroom house will typically set you back over €1,000,000, rising to €7,000,000 or more for the area’s most prestigious housing, typically with more rooms.
For those looking to give guests a stay to remember, Estoril offers an array of 5-star hotels. Expect to pay over €200 a night at one of these establishments, such as the Palácio Estoril Hotel.
Those looking to move to Estoril with a family will be pleased to know the area is home to some of Portugal’s finest international schools.
Portuguese Visa options
Such establishments are increasingly popular given the enticing options for expats to call the country home. The likes of the Golden Visa, D7 visa, Digital Nomad Visa (D8), or its Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) program is seeing more and more people upgrade their lifestyles.
The Santo António International School will allow your child to achieve iGCSEs (the international equivalent to British GCSEs) as well as A Levels, ensuring they are fully equipped for higher education wherever they choose to study.
Despite Estoril’s proximity to Lisbon, the town still offers all the key infrastructure for a comfortable stay, with numerous hospitals, a well-connected train station and many other essential services.
Article Author & Bio: João Rodriguez
A seasoned writer with a remarkable expertise in Portugal's intricate visa landscape, offering invaluable insights into various visa options for individuals and families. With an understanding of Portugal's tax frameworks and residency regulations, João crafts articulate content that guides readers through the nuanced pathways to achieving their dream of living and thriving in the picturesque landscapes of Portugal.
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