| Product: |
Estoril |
| Date: |
06/07/00 (594 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Easily accessible from Lisbon, quite cheap due to strength of sterling,completely different to the Algarve
Disadvantages: Estoril doesn't have much going on.
I visited Estoril in Early June with my wife for a long weekend break, we flew into Lisbon from London Heathrow and made the 40 minute road journey by taxi into Estoril. The taxi was pre-booked and cost 7500 escudos (approx £30). Tip: When we returned we used a local taxi which only cost 6000 escudos (approx £24).
Estoril is nowhere near as large as I had expected, there is a train station which runs along the coast to Lisbon and in the other direction towards Cascais. The main feature of Estoril is the casino which they claim is the largest in Europe. It comprises many facets: Cabaret Bar with live shows,Gaming Tables, 2 slot machine rooms which are both huge and extremely busy, Bar area with live music, a couple of shops and an art display. There is also a fairly expensive looking chinese restaurant built within the outer area of the casino. Warning: there was a lot of additional construction being done to the casino when we were there.
Well having done the casino what else is there to do in Estoril ? Not a lot ! There are a handful of restaurants and bars but not much else. Don't waste your time in Estoril, catch a bus, train or cab and go to Cascais which is only 3-4 Km away, it is absolutely gorgeous !
Cascais was originally a fishing port on the coast, and although they still use it is a fishing port today, it has become a popular place for the elite from Lisbon to spend their weekends. It has a selection of restaurants a number of which serve the local fish fresh from the catch of the day.
There are plenty of local bars dotted around the centre which are a great place to have a drink after your evening meal. There are also a fair selection of shops in Cascais but be warned that most of them were closed in the evenings.
Cascais was everything I had hoped Estoril might be, and more than made up for the initial disappointment of Estoril, but if you are planning a visit to the Estoril coast, don't mess about go straight to Cascais and
be prepared for a wonderful time.
Food and drinks are cheap due to the sterngth of sterling and the local taxis are nearly always on hand and cost around £2.50-£3.00 for the trip back to Estoril. The local trains run regularly and take you right into Lisbon if you fancy a spot of sight seeing. I certainly wouldn't recommend the Estoril coast for a fortnight holiday as I think you'd run out of things to do, but, I highly recommend it for a long weekend break.
3 star rating for Estoril BUT 5 star for Cascais.....
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