Estoril

Leave Lisbon going north on the Avenida da Liberdade. When you reach the roundabout at Marquis de Pombal, take the A5 (blue signs) marked to Cascais and Estoril. The toll road ends at Cascais.The old-world resort of Estoril has been a favorite stomping ground of the European jet set for a century. The once-magnificent beaches have deteriorated somewhat, but the lovely private villas will still impress you. This coastal area enjoys an especially mild climate all year round. All sorts of activities, outdoor and indoor, from golf to gambling, abound in this town. Although technically separate, Estoril now forms a contiguous developed unit with Cascais, former summer home of the Portuguese royal family (19th century) and now that of the President. Originally a tiny fishing village, today it is a pleasant and colorful resort town resplendent with boutiques, narrow winding streets, seafood restaurants, and flowery parks. In the center of town brightly painted boats are still hauled up on the shore at night and the fishermen sit talking on the dock as they mend their nets.