Two jewels of the Portuguese Riviera; Estoril, and Monte Estoril make fantastic places to live. Rising up around a beautiful sweeping bay, the elegant twin towns offer attractive beaches, breathtaking views, great places to eat and drink, and a stress-free, outdoorsy lifestyle that is backed up by a wealth of practical amenities – all less than 45 minutes from the centre of Lisbon by train.
Estoril retains a sense of perennial glamorous and exclusivity and has always been well-known as a popular holiday destination that is frequented by the rich and famous. There is a mix of people from many different backgrounds living here who have been drawn to the area for the laid-back atmosphere and upmarket atmosphere. Here you will find something for everyone, from the super-rich to middle-class Portuguese and international families, as well as comfortably-off retirees from across the world.
The towns are packed full of great places to eat and drink, especially along the beautiful promenade and by the sea where fresh fish and seafood are to be found in abundance. There are plenty of small independent local businesses supplying home cooks with everything they need, as well as a fresh food market and larger supermarkets.
Some notable places to eat and drink:
Coral Sushi Concept – an upmarket Japanese restaurant with the freshest innovative sushi creations served alongside gorgeous sea views.
Miguel Laffan at Atlântico Bar & Restaurante – part of the Intercontinental hotel; an elegant restaurant overlooking the ocean with artistically-plated gastronomy.
Lamassa – fresh, lovingly-crafted, handmade pasta in a cosy, local restaurant.
Estoril House – an event space located in a beautiful villa with a magical garden offering a casual menu by day or an exclusive chef’s table option by night.
Piazza di Estoril – a modern bistro with upcycled furniture, great food and a trendy vibe.
Villa Tamariz Utopia – a swanky beach bar and restaurant with a South American influenced menu.
Restaurante CIMAS – good honest Portuguese food in a well-loved restaurant that dates back to the 50s with a history of serving rich and famous clientele.
Villa Sabóia – elegant fine dining in a gorgeous historic villa.
Both towns are situated on the coastal train line from Lisbon to Cascais making them great commuter locations with frequent trains bringing you into the very centre of the city within 45 minutes. The airport is only 30 minutes by car via the handy A5 which also connects the towns with the Lisbon suburbs and business parks. Cycle paths and walking routes run along the promenade meaning you can easily reach the neighbouring towns and all the lovely beaches along the Tagus estuary.
Estoril is one of the premier locations for international families due to its proximity to several outstanding and well-regarded international schools. Located in Estoril and Monte Estoril are the German school, Santo António International School, and Estoril Prime School. Within a short commute is the Lisbon Montessori school, International Christian School, the Swedish School, Prime School, and Oeiras International Secondary. As well as this excellent choice of schools, families love the area because it is safe and close to some fantastic amenities and clean, sheltered beaches.
Tourists mainly come to Estoril for the fantastic beaches and scenery but the town has its fair share of other attractions. You cannot miss the world-famous casino and surrounding complex which offers fun for every budget and was supposedly the inspiration for the first James Bond novel. In fact, if you feel like you are in a Bond film visiting Estoril, it is because the 1969 movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was partly filmed here especially in the Hotel Palacio. Part of the hotel complex is a 5200m long golf course with lush vegetation with wonderful views across the bay.
Property wise there is a lot to choose from for every taste and budget. Large designer modern villas sit up in the hills to take advantage of the views, good-sized family homes are dotted around the town and there are lots of excellent condos in gated communities, as well as well-designed modern apartment buildings. Those who enjoy historical property are not left out; Estoril and Monte Estoril became popular resorts at the turn of the century which has left them with a wealth of art nouveau and art deco villas and apartment buildings with stunning original features.