Sixteen miles (26km) west of Lisbon is the trendy resort town of
Estoril, a cosmopolitan holiday Mecca with a promenade along three
narrow coarse sandy beaches, luxury hotels, championship golf
courses and some excellent restaurants. During World War II exiled
royalty from all over Europe took refuge here and whiled away their
time gambling in the town's casino, which is one of the largest in
Europe. The town is also known for its summer handicraft fair, and
the nearby Estoril Autodrome, which draws motor racing
enthusiasts.
