The Estoril Coast, stretching west from Lisbon, boasts a rich
historical past, a sunny climate, a wide range of Blue Flag
beaches, and a beautiful countryside with verdant hills dropping
down to the sea.
Once known as the Sun Coast, the region has long been popular
with expats and is dotted with beach resorts like Cascais and
Estoril, while up in the hills the historical retreats of Sintra
and Mafra are also well worth visiting for their rich heritage.
Sintra was one of the favourite summer retreats of the royal
family. Between the Sintra hills and the Atlantic Ocean is the
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, classified as a World Heritage Site
for both its natural beauty and cultural interest. On the coast, a
lighthouse and various other tourist facilities mark the
westernmost point of continental Europe at Cabo da Roca. Estoril
was once a spa location favoured by royal exiles from Europe during
the World Wars and today is the flagship of Portuguese tourism.
