Meet Estoril

Monte Estoril

Monte Estoril is a small town located in the highest and most luxurious area of the parishes of Cascais and Estoril. Located in a privileged location on the Cascais Line, it has become very famous for its beaches, manor houses and small palaces. Cascais and Estoril are easily accessible either by car on the Avenida Marginal or by foot, a short walk away along the famous promenade.

Sunset over rocky coastline with waves crashing, buildings and trees in the distance.
A small fountain in the foreground surrounded by lush green plants. In the background, there is a building with a terrace, outdoor seating, and a sign that reads 'Jardim Carlos Anjos'.

Jardim dos Passarinhos or Bird Garden with its beautiful cafe, is considered as the Village center.

The promenade that separates the town of Monte Estoril from its beautiful beaches has become one of the trademarks of the region, leading people from Cascais to São João do Estoril (Azarujinha), and is full of bars and restaurants.

Aerial view of a coastal city with a beach, ocean, and downtown buildings with orange tile roofs, roads, and train tracks.

Santa Rita

Santa Rita is a small village tucked into a valley between Estoril and São João do Estoril with Praia (Beach) Poça at its base. Cascais and Estoril are accessible either by car on the Marginal, Train or by foot walking along the promenade.

Beachside promenade with a yellow and orange castle-like building on a rocky cliff, ocean waves crashing on the shore, and a few people sitting on benches and walking along the coast on a clear day.

The village centre is anchored by The Traditional supermercado. There are many amenities nearby including international restaurants, cafes and a gym.

Santa Rita is a division of São João do Estoril that dates back to 1590, then King Fililpe I, after a survey of the plan of Cascais and a map of the coast to São Julião da Barra, ordered the construction of forts in the vicinity of the current village. Several of these forts can be seen today.

Stone castle-like building with arches and towers under a blue sky, flanked by palm trees.
A busy beach scene with many people sunbathing, swimming, and playing in the water. There are colorful umbrellas and beach towels on the sand, with a blue sky overhead and a shoreline with buildings and trees in the background.

Praia Poça

A large sailing ship with multiple masts is sailing on calm blue water, approaching a concrete pier or breakwater that extends into the water. The sky is clear with no visible clouds.

Praia Poça sheltered by 2 cliffs is located at the bottom of the Valley of Santa Rita. A favourite beach of many people and supervised by life guards during the season.

A sunny beach with turquoise water, swimmers, and people sunbathing on the sand. There are houses and buildings on a hill in the background under a clear blue sky.
Two plates of food with roasted chicken and vegetable salad, two glasses of red wine, and a pair of glasses on a white table at an outdoor restaurant by the ocean, with a walkway, palm trees, and buildings in the background on a sunny day.

Restaurants and Ice Cream provide plenty of refreshment.

Decorative ceramic tile mural depicting a scenic view of a historical town, with two women in period clothing walking along a path, surrounded by greenery and old buildings, framed with colorful ornamental borders.

History

Its architecture denotes this luxurious history, bringing together Monte Estoril numerous palatial houses, aristocratic summer refuges and even some dream works, such as the Monte Estoril House or the Rey Colaço, Jorge Colaço and Batalha Reis villas and the Saint Julian's Palace.

Estoril originated in the early twentieth century, developing from the construction of the railways that connect the city of Lisbon to the town of Cascais. With a privileged location and due to its beautiful landscapes, in 1910, the year of the establishment of the Portuguese Republic, Monte Estoril was already a place of choice for the aristocracy, and later, with the Second World War, it became a refuge for political exiles and a place of choice for many members of European royalty. The Palacio Hotel in Estoril was a favourite haunt for foreign agents.

A panoramic aerial view of a coastal city with buildings, a beach, and rolling hills in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.