Portuguese Riviera. Lisbon Riviera. Estoril - the most fashionable
In addition to magnificent palaces and castles, as well as delicious wine and excellent cuisine, sunny Portugal offers tourists luxurious beaches for a comfortable holiday. The best luxury resorts in this country are called the Lisbon Riviera. These beaches stretch along the coast Atlantic Ocean from the mouth of the Tagus River to the north. The Lisbon Riviera will become ideal place holiday for those who plan to combine a beach holiday and sightseeing of historical and cultural monuments. Best season The months to visit the Riviera are from May to the end of September. The main cities in this part of the country are Estoril, Cascais, Carcavelos and Costa de Caparica, located just 10-15 minutes from the Portuguese capital.
Estoril - the most fashionable
Estoril is considered the most fashionable, modern and developed resort on the Lisbon Riviera. Gambling fans also come here, since Estoril is also known as a major gambling center in Portugal, where one of the most famous European casinos is located. For lovers active rest this resort offers a variety of aquatic species spots, horse riding, luxury golf courses, and eight water parks. Among other things, Estoril is called the sunniest city in the whole world, and the Gulf Stream, which washes this coast, provides a warm and mild climate in the resort. The most popular here are summer months when the air temperature rises above +30 degrees Celsius, and the water warms up to +21. Sandy beaches are one of the main advantages of the city - they stretch along coastline and move one into another, offering tourists all the necessary conditions for a comfortable and have a nice holiday- changing cabins, fresh water showers, sun loungers and parasols, rental points, as well as cafes, beach bars and restaurants.
Tourists can diversify their beach holiday in this part of the Lisbon Riviera by going to the casino, visiting excellent local fashionable restaurants or playing sports. Families with children should definitely visit the stunning water parks, which will impress and delight not only children, but also adults. Sightseeing lovers will also find entertainment in Estoril. The main monument of these places is the Citadel, which was built to protect against external enemies. The citadel saved this part of the country many times; it was strengthened and rebuilt just as many times, until it turned into a powerful and impregnable stronghold. According to historians, the Citadel is a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture. It will also be interesting to see the Church of St. Anthony, the patron saint of Lisbon, built in the 16th century. In addition, it is worth visiting the amazing Boca de Inferno, which literally means "Devil's Mouth". This gloomy hole in the rock makes the most vivid impression in cloudy weather, especially when looking at the “mouth” from the sea. Museum lovers might be interested in visiting small local museums ( Maritime Museum, Museum of Folk Instruments, Museum of Antique Cars).
The easiest way to get to Estoril, which is located about 15 kilometers from Lisbon, is by train or bus from the capital. The cost of a bus trip is about 3 euros (about 145 rubles). The cost of a flight to Lisbon from Moscow and back is (as of May 2014) about 14,000 - 16,000 rubles per person if you fly with a transfer, and about 30,000 rubles without transfers. The flight time is approximately five and a half hours. As for hotel accommodation, prices in Estoril start from 1,500 rubles per day per room in a hostel or inexpensive hotel to 2,500 - 4,000 rubles per room in a three- or four-star hotel and 11,000 rubles per room in a luxury five-star hotel.
Cascais is the youngest
The most popular resort on the Lisbon Riviera among young people is Cascais, located a few kilometers from Estoril. This part of the coast has the most discos and nightclubs, and this is where nightlife lovers come.
Like the rest of the Riviera, the climate here is mild, allowing ocean swimming from May to early October. However, most tourists come here in the warmest months - July and August, when the air warms up to +28 degrees Celsius and the ocean - up to +20. In addition to cheerful young people, those tourists who like to relax on the best beaches come to Cascais. Here the sandy strip stretches along the coast for several kilometers. The most popular beach in this part of the Riviera is Guinho, with the highest waves attracting surfers, kiters and other water extreme sports enthusiasts. Connoisseurs of lazy “beaching” should choose the beaches of Riberia or Torre, which are calmer and have excellent infrastructure.
In addition to relaxing on the beach, tourists can visit Cascais interesting monuments antiquity. For example, Palacio de Conde de Castro Guimaraes (open on weekdays from 10-00 to 17-00, on weekends - from 10-00 to 13-00 and from 14-00 to 17-00) - a museum-library where you can see for a unique collection of 25,000 books, including many rare editions. Lovers of natural wonders should definitely see the Grutus do Poço Velho grottoes, which are located in the very center of the city and date back to the ancient Neolithic era. Tourists also enjoy walking around Parque Palmela between Estoril and Cascais, where open-air concerts often take place. The most convenient way to explore the city's attractions is on foot or by bicycle, since the situation with car parking is quite tense, especially in the city center. There is a separate path for cyclists in Cascais, which stretches almost ten kilometers from the city to the Guinho promenade in Estoril. By the way, you can rent a two-wheeled bicycle completely free of charge - there are rental points in different parts of the city where you just need to show your passport and rent a vehicle.
The most convenient way to get to Cascais from Lisbon, which is 25 kilometers away, is by bus or train. As for accommodation, hotel accommodation here will cost from 800 - 1000 rubles per day for a room in a hostel and 3000 - 4,500 in 3*-4* hotels to 12,000 rubles per day for rooms in luxury hotels such as Grande Real Villa Italia or Hotel Cascais Miragem.
Costa de Caparica - the whitest beach
Costa de Caparica, located not far from Lisbon, is considered the whitest resort on the Lisbon Riviera. That is why residents of the capital often come here on weekends. Young people come here for excellent waves, lovers of gastronomic pleasures for excellent fish dishes, and romantics for a walk along the magnificent coast. Here on the coast stretch best beaches with fine white sand. The most popular are Sereia and Morena, where the best beach bars are located, and the quiet Lagoa de Albufeira beach is ideal for families with children.
Costa de Caparica will be a real paradise for lovers of fish and seafood, because this city is nothing more than an overgrown fishing village. It's worth checking out the cozy Via Caparica restaurant, which has a homely atmosphere and serves delicious and inexpensive dishes. The beach restaurant Praia da Cabana do Pescador is also famous among tourists, where they play live music and offer the best cocktails in the resort. After relaxing on the beach and having some food at a local restaurant, you can go sightseeing. One of them is the Arriba Area - a huge protected area where there is a mass of rocks and fossils up to fifteen million years old. Sports lovers can relax by playing golf at the largest golf club in the Lisbon area - Aroeira. However, these courses are designed more for professionals due to the difficult terrain of the fields.
The easiest way to get to Costa de Caparica is from the nearest city, Lisbon. international Airport is located just 15 kilometers away, from where taxis, buses and trains go to Costa de Caparica. The center can be reached by train across the Tagus River to Pragal station, where you can take bus number 196 to Caparica. A more comfortable taxi ride will cost 25 - 30 euros (about 1,220 - 1,462 rubles), but may take longer due to traffic jams. When planning the budget for a trip to this resort, it is worth keeping in mind that accommodation costs from 700 - 1,700 rubles per day for a room in a hostel or mini-hotel to 3,000 - 5,000 rubles for a room in a more decent and comfortable hotel with all amenities.
The wineiest - Carcavelos
Carcavelos is not only distinguished by its excellent opportunities for beach holiday and active sports, but also many historical monuments. In addition, this city has long been known not only in Portugal, but also abroad for its delicious wine, which can be tasted in local restaurants and beach bars at an affordable price. Surfers, as well as lovers of other extreme water sports, also like to come to this resort.
The beach of this part of the Lisbon Riviera is the most visited local residents, people come here from all over Lisbon and the surrounding area, so don’t count on a quiet and secluded holiday. The beaches have an excellently developed infrastructure; in addition, their size provides excellent opportunities for playing football, volleyball, etc. Kiting and windsurfing schools also operate here, offering training in these sports. As for the “excursion”, lovers of attractions will be interested in seeing the Fort of São Julião da Barra at the very beginning of the beach. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was a political prison where followers of liberals, Jesuits and absolutists were imprisoned. The palace of the Marquis de Pombal, which was built in the 18th century in the center of the nearby town of Oeiras, is stunning in its sophistication. It is also worth a trip to the mouth of the Tagus River, where the Bugio lighthouse stands, which is a fort with a central tower. Initially, this lighthouse was built of wood, but later it was rebuilt in stone.
Tourists can take a break from sightseeing in one of the many restaurants in Carcavelos. Here you should definitely try the Carcavelos wine, made from a mixture of ten different grape varieties. The best place to try a succulent barbecue is at the Atlântico restaurant, and amazingly tasty shrimp and octopus in olive oil are served at the Gioconda restaurant. Restaurante A Pastorinha is rightfully considered the best of the coastal establishments, famous for its fish dishes and stunning soulful atmosphere.
The most convenient way to get to Carcavelos is from Lisbon. The train journey from Cais Sodre station will take only ten minutes and will cost no more than two euros (about 97 rubles). A taxi ride may take longer due to traffic jams and will cost up to 30 euros (about 1,462 rubles). As for hotels, the cost of living at this resort starts from 1,000 rubles per room in inexpensive hotel on the outskirts up to 3,000 - 4,500 rubles per night in a 3*-4* hotel with all amenities.
Situated along the Atlantic coast, the Lisbon Riviera stretches from the mouth of the Tagus River in a northerly direction. It is here that some of the best Portuguese resorts, characterized by a high level of service, are concentrated. Holidays on the Lisbon Riviera, Portugal, mean relatively affordable housing prices, a variety of entertainment and the opportunity to explore historical, cultural and natural attractions.
The leading resorts of the Lisbon Riviera are Estoril, Cascais, Carcavelos, Casta di Caparica.
How to get there
The very name of the region already suggests that you have to get there from the Portuguese capital. The Riviera's distance from Lisbon is insignificant; by car you can cover this distance in just 20-30 minutes.
However, if you are not planning to rent a vehicle, you are not planning to take a taxi. Then the most convenient option is by rail.
The train's departure point is Cais do Sodre station. By the way, in addition to the railway platform, there is a metro station of the same name and a pier. Not far from the station there are stops for various buses and tram routes, so getting to the platform will not be difficult.
Electric transport to the resorts of the Lisbon Riviera departs daily at intervals of half an hour. You need to board the train heading to Cascais. 
A one-way fare will cost 2.15 euros. You can save money if you do not pay for every trip, but purchase a prepaid Zapping card, which will reduce the price to 1.80 euros.
When to go
The Lisbon Riviera is interesting at any time of the year, but if, in addition to the desire to contemplate the sights and visit entertainment venues, you also want to soak up the shore, then it is better to go in the summer months, from the second half of June. Daytime temperatures at this time are about 28 degrees, the sea is warmed up to +20.
In winter, the daytime never gets cooler than +10 degrees, which means walks and excursions will be more than comfortable.
Main resort areas
Estoril
A holiday here is an opportunity to visit a large number of beaches, go shopping and see ancient churches. But the main thing that attracts many tourists here is the opportunity to spend time in the center of gambling and tourism in Portugal.
Main city attractions
- Fort of São Julião da Barra, rising at the very beginning of the beach;
- Palace of the Marquis de Pombal, built in the 18th century;
- Ancient lighthouse of Bugio.
Beaches
Local beaches are the most popular among Lisbon residents. There is a wide sandy beach here, stretching for almost one and a half kilometers, the ocean is calm, the entry into the water is gentle, which makes this an excellent place for families with children.
Near the shore there is a landscaped walking area, a large number of cafes and restaurants. By the way, in summer they are open to guests even at night.
There is a school on the beach where they teach surfing and other water sports, and equipment rentals are organized. There is a first aid station and a rescue service. The shower is working. There are grounds for playing volleyball and football
Tourist sites of the Lisbon Riviera
No matter what resort town The Lisbon Riviera is your holiday destination of choice in 2020 and has a number of must-see attractions.
While relaxing here, you can also visit the birthplace of port wine - the city or go explore the sights of Coimbra, which was the Portuguese capital in the 12-13 centuries.
What else you need to know about holidays on the Lisbon Riviera
Where to eat
Each resort has a wide selection of cafes and restaurants offering both seafood and meat delicacies. Grilled dishes are popular.
For wine lovers, it is worth visiting one of the Carcavelos wineries, where you can taste local drinks.
Shopping
It’s worth going to the capital of Portugal for shopping, because Lisbon is firmly established in the top ten cities in Europe, the best in terms of shopping.
Basic shopping centers capitals open at 11 and work until 23 o’clock, which cannot be said about smaller stores that receive customers from 9 to 19 o’clock.
Lisbon Riviera (Portuguese Riviera) is the famous summer resorts, which are located just 20 km from the center of Lisbon. It was here that the tourism industry of Portugal was born, it was here that the first tourists came to summer rest. Amazing nature and colorful villages attracted the world elite and representatives of famous families here. The climate of the Portuguese Riviera is determined by the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s warm here in winter, not hot in summer - cooler than in the Algarve resorts (the air is about 25-27°C), it’s windy on the beaches, and ocean water invigorates.
Today, the Lisbon coastline offers golden sandy beaches, gourmet restaurants, fun bars and discos, while outdoor enthusiasts will surely appreciate first-class golf courses and will truly enjoy horse riding, fishing and activities. various types water sports on the beach.
Main resorts:
Estoril is a fashionable resort with many beaches, ancient churches, an abundance of restaurants and shops. It will delight discerning tourists with its developed resort infrastructure and hotels with excellent service. Here is one of the largest casinos in Europe with an impressive entertainment program, as well as a race track where European-level racing takes place. Active recreation enthusiasts will find a variety of water sports, golf courses, excellent opportunities for horse riding and fishing, as well as eight water parks.
Cascais, located a few kilometers from Estoril, has in recent years become a real youth center with big amount discos and night clubs. Those who like to enjoy come here nightlife. Tourist centre Cascais includes Old city with a rich historical and architectural ensemble and a lively pedestrian area, numerous cafes and restaurants. Cascais beach stretches all the way to Estoril.
Costa de Caparica is the closest resort to Lisbon on the opposite side of the Tagus River, where Lisbon residents themselves love to relax on weekends. Young people go here for a good wave for body-board classes, others - for local cuisine from fresh fish and a walk along the coast. All summer long it runs along the coast small train and transports vacationers along beaches stretching for as much as 11 km.
Carcavelos is a resort town 15 km from Lisbon. There are good conditions for beach holidays, windsurfing and golf. An undoubted advantage of the resort is its proximity to famous historical monuments countries. Therefore, for those who want to combine a vacation on the shore with excursion program, it is better to choose Carcavelos.
30 km west of Lisbon and 8 km north of the coast is the old Moorish city of Sintra - the “pearl” of the Lisbon Riviera and the entire country. The symbol of Sintra is the National Palace with its painted halls and conical chimneys. Once there was a royal residence here, now it is a resort for aesthetes. There are other palaces in Sintra: Pena - former summer residence Portuguese kings, Setiais (now an elegant hotel) and Montserrat, famous for its gardens and ponds.
This is truly a paradise for tourists: many magnificent towns and villages, modern hotels, beaches, bars and restaurants - all this and much more attracts tourists from all over the world.
For lovers of active and beach holidays, there is a huge number of beaches. True, the water in the ocean is not too warm, but the modern infrastructure of the resorts fully compensates for this disadvantage. Besides picturesque nature, tourists are interested in historical sites that can be visited.
When is the best time to go on holiday to the Lisbon Riviera?
Like many other resorts, tourist season lasts from May to October, the climate here is mild Mediterranean. But the water in the ocean does not warm up above +22°C even in summer. The most optimal time for a holiday is August and September, when there are the most tourists here. average temperature air during the season ranges from +22°C to 29°C. Due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, there is often windy weather and powerful waves on the water, which attracts surfers.
Prices for tours to the Lisbon Riviera
The price at the height of the season is approximately 45,000 rubles per person for 7 days; for residents of our country this is an affordable cost of traveling abroad. For those who want to spend their holiday in luxurious surroundings, the price will increase to approximately 120,000 rubles per person, provided that two people are traveling.
Those who want to save money on their vacation can buy a last-minute tour. Will help save the situation early booking, a few months before the start of the season the ticket is cheaper.
Types of recreation. What to do in the Lisbon Riviera?
The Lisbon Riviera combines several resort towns, which each attracts tourists in its own way. The most visited of them are: Estoril, Carcavelos, Caixas, Cospa de Caparica. All of them are located near the capital Lisbon.
"Glamourous" holiday
The most popular and expensive resort on the Lisbon Riviera is Estoril. This is thanks to the fact that many entertainment venues are concentrated here: beaches with golden sand, golf clubs, shopping centers, water parks, casinos, bars and restaurants. Car lovers can visit the local race track and watch racing events.
The city is rightly called glamorous - rich and famous guests come here. Its entire atmosphere is imbued with luxury and wealth.
Youth recreation
The resort town where mostly young people vacation is Cascais. They are attracted here not only sandy beaches, but also night parties. There are an abundance of discos, nightclubs, bars and hotels here. The city is beautiful, but it is simply impossible to call it calm. It is definitely not suitable for passive relaxation with children.
Sports and active recreation
Carcavelos is a place for lovers of active recreation and a healthy lifestyle. In addition to the beautiful beach, there are many sports facilities here, and this is where surfing enthusiasts come. You can do something during the day water sports, and while away the evening with a glass of amazing dry wine. This wine is known in many European countries. It is made from 9 grape varieties and has an exquisite taste.
Family holiday
Costa da Caparica is famous for its white sandy beaches. This place is ideal for family vacation. It has everything you need for quality relaxation - attractions, hotels, restaurants, cinemas and shopping centers. There is a magnificent beach 30 kilometers long and huge plantings of eucalyptus, pine and acacia. Anyone who likes to alternate active holidays with beach holidays can go here.
Beaches
All the beaches of the Lisbon Riviera are sandy, and most importantly, they are all free. The largest of them is Carcavelos. Various competitions in beach sports are held here, and there are more vacationers here than in other places. The most beautiful beach is in Cascais, located in nature reserve Sintra-Cascais. Mostly surfers come here.
On the beaches of the Lisbon Riviera, guests are provided with a full range of beach activities. You can go scuba diving or snorkeling, parachute, ride along the shore or go spearfishing.
Sights of the Lisbon Riviera
It would take forever to list all the attractions of the Lisbon Riviera. But there are those that every tourist should see.
Source Fonte da Pipa
Once upon a time he “drinked” all the inhabitants of Sintra, but today it’s just beautiful monument architecture, which has survived to this day since 1787.
Extreme point of Europe
Cape Roca rises above the water at an altitude of 140 m. There is a lighthouse here, which symbolizes the westernmost point of the European continent. The view that opens from this point fascinates and shocks any tourist. There is also a souvenir shop where you can buy a miniature of the lighthouse.
Estate of Quinta de Rigalheira
This is true mystical place, whose history was connected with the Masonic fraternity. On its territory there is a deep well into which, according to legend, Masons threw people before initiation, leaving them without water and food for three days. If, after such a test, the applicant answered the questions correctly, he was accepted; if not, he was driven away.
Royal Palace
It is located in the city of Sintra. Portuguese kings lived here from the 15th to the 19th centuries. This palace is also called Wooden.
Cave "Devil's Mouth"
Church of Santo Antonio in Estoril
It was built at the beginning of the 16th century. Its building was damaged and restored several times. Tourists are attracted to this place. It reflects the history of Portugal as a whole.
Lisbon Riviera... This is the poetic name for the resorts located along the coastline from Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the European continent, to mouth of the Tagus River. This place is replete with numerous resort towns and well-kept villages with wonderful hotels, convenient beaches, numerous bars and restaurants and excellent opportunities for active recreation. Experienced travelers and those who value comfort and even luxury love to relax here. Yes, the water in the Atlantic Ocean is quite invigorating even in the summer months, but this is compensated by the versatility of the resorts. By the way, Cascais and its surroundings are best place to combine active and beach tourism with sightseeing and important historical sites in nearby cities and the country's capital, Lisbon, which are easily accessible. Best time holidays from May to September.
Glamorous and respectable Estoril
Estoril is the most famous and expensive resort Lisbon Riviera. There is plenty of entertainment here; tourists have golden beaches, gourmet restaurants, shopping centers, gambling establishments, water parks, and golf clubs at their disposal, which is why Estoril is so popular. In addition, car lovers can watch European-level racing competitions at the local circuit.
Estoril gained a reputation as a glamorous city during World War II. Back then, Portugal's neutrality and warm weather attracted the rich and famous, mainly members of European royal and aristocratic families, to the resort. Hollywood actor Orson Welles stayed at the legendary Palacio Hotel and was simply stunned by the number of kings in the hotel.
The city has since lost its former chic, but still remains a fashionable resort with Europe's largest casino, tennis courts, excellent golf courses and a picturesque sandy beach. Near Tamariz beach there is a castle belonging to the royal family of Monaco.
The local casino, surrounded by a beautiful park with tall palm trees, gives out the largest weekly prize in Europe and presents the world's leading shows on its stage. They say that it was this that inspired Ian Fleming to write the first James Bond novel, Casino Royale.
The Hotel Palacio can be seen in one of the first James Bond films (On Her Majesty's Secret Service) and served as the backdrop for Richard Wilson's A Little Death in Lisbon.
It is more convenient to get from Estoril to Lisbon by train: it is inexpensive and runs every 15 minutes.
Cascais - where the golden youth rests
The resort is mainly suitable for young people looking for the best nightlife in Portugal. In addition to the temptations of all kinds of entertainment, sunny beaches, numerous hotels and nightclubs, Cascais has interesting historical places, the old part of the city is replete with buildings with beautiful architecture. Palacio de Conde de Castro Guimarães looks like medieval castle and immediately attracts attention with its towers, bridge and massive foundation. The building houses a large museum library containing almost 25 thousand ancient books. Many of Cascais' attractions stem from its close proximity to the ocean, such as the citadels built to protect the inhabitants from sea invaders and the local museum with a huge exhibition of the inhabitants of the deep sea.
Costa da Caparica - Lisbon holiday cottages
Costa da Caparica, although located on the other side of the mouth of the Tagus River, also belongs to the Lisbon Riviera. This is the closest resort to Lisbon, only 15.5 km separates it from the Portuguese capital. This is simply a wonderful place that attracts lovers active tourism and perfect for a family holiday. The best golf clubs in Lisbon are located in Costa da Caparica.
Magnificent white sandy beaches stretching to the south for almost 30 kilometers, large plantings of eucalyptus, pine and acacia, a market where the wives of fishermen and farmers sell their goods, gourmet fish restaurants where you can try fresh and unusual dishes, coastal cafes open all the time night - such is the holiday in Costa da Caparica. And on the rock, right above the beach, stands old capuchin monastery, founded in 1558.
Carcavelos - the birthplace of Portuguese surfing
Carcavelos is a combination beautiful beaches and sports facilities with the wonderful architecture of ancient streets. This city is famous for its dry wines made from nine grape varieties. Surfing has been famous here since the 1960s and Carcavelos is recognized as a pioneer in bringing surfing to Portugal. Interested in local history can visit Fort San Julio da Barra, which served in the 18th century as a prison or Palace of the Marquis de Pombal, which amazes with its grandeur and incredible interior.
Holidays for the sophisticated
Holidays at the resorts of the Lisbon Riviera will satisfy even the most capricious and sophisticated travelers. Here, it seems, there is everything for a great time: the smallest White sand on magnificent beaches, the endless expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, entertainment for every taste, excellent restaurants and endless opportunities for active recreation. And if you wish, you can go on an excursion to nearby ancient towns or go see Lisbon.
