With its upscale hotels, gorgeous seafront and glamorous casino, it’s easy to see how Estoril earned a reputation as the gem of the Portuguese Riviera. Today, it’s a stylish holiday destination brimming with exclusive hotels, fine dining restaurants and fantastic shopping. While its beach is stunning, there’s no denying that Estoril’s casino steals the spotlight. It’s the largest on the Iberian Peninsula and is a fantastic place to relive the resort’s glamorous history.

Beyond sunbathing and slot machines, there’s plenty to do in Estoril. The resort is home to a handful of championship golf courses and is a great base for day trips to nearby beaches, as well as the neighbouring city of Cascais.

By train, Estoril is just a short 40-minute ride from Lisbon or a 1 and a 1/2 hour journey on public transport. A scenic coastal promenade links Estoril to Cascais, which is a lovely place for an evening stroll. For those wanting to explore the wider coastal region, local buses run to attractions like the picturesque town of Sintra, as well as Serra de Sintra National Park.

In its heydey, Estoril was a hotspot for the rich and famous, as well as WWII spies and exiles. The resort has a special allure for James Bond fans, as it was the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s iconic Casino Royale concept. Apparently, he came up with the idea as he shadowed Yugoslav double agent Dusko Popov through Estoril’s high-end casino.