Cascais & estoril in loco
Europe’s best kept secret It was most definitely not by chance that the members of various European royal families chose Estoril as their home and refuge to safeguard the continuation of future monarchies after their ousting by other regimes in their countries. With its sought-after microclimate, Atlantic coastal setting and short distance from the capital, it was to the safe haven of Estoril that they came. The royal houses of Spain, Bulgaria, Italy, Romania and
All of these mythical places were the stage for stories
Hungary, among others, set up residence here at the out-
replayed, with Estoril as their common thread.
break of war and the unfolding of other historical events
Many people imagine that it would have been here, in
in their own countries. Like many members of the Eu-
Estoril, that Ingrid Bergman stayed to wait for Hum-
ropean royalty, thousands of “accidental tourists” – en-
phrey Bogart in the film Casablanca… In the sixties,
forced refugees - made Estoril a staging post before em-
the Estoril Carnival, with its allegorical retinue and the
barking for the new world after the start of World War II.
presence of the film stars of the age, was carried on
That was when history became entwined with the
through the celebrated parties organised by Antenor
grand hotels, like the Palácio, Paris, Grande Hotel and
Patino and others – with Estoril as their backdrop.
Hotel das Termas and the wonderful Casino do Estoril –
Welcoming, safe Estoril, with its warm climate, sea,
the crowning glory of the complex dreamt up by the great
hot summer days and cool evenings where you can
instigator of this historical region, Fausto Figueiredo.
sleep without air conditioning!
The project was continued by his family, followed by the
In the thirties and forties, the residential areas of São
Teodoro dos Santos family and now by the organisation
João, Estoril and Monte Estoril used to house the sec-
headed by “the Casino King” – Stanley Ho.
ond homes of wealthy Lisboetas, turning over time into © evelyn kahn
a permanent residential area.These former villas were later adapted and turned into flats – perhaps enough of them already – for the many who enjoy living here, even if that means travelling everyday to Lisbon or the suburbs! But on returning home, on arriving in Estoril, they can say to their children – if they are in the car – as I used to: “We’re back in civilisation…”. Easy parking, little noise, endless sea views, fine sandy beaches, a beachside walkway since the 40s, 25 minutes by train to the capital and now the motorway, Crel and Cril which, depending on the time, deliver you in a moments to the airport, Vasco da Gama bridge or the northbound A1. There are incomparable fish and seafood restaurants and various outstanding food establishments such as the Pastelaria Garrett and Tamariz. Estoril for some foreigners, and the many Portuguese who live here, is Europe’s – and the world’s - best kept secret! •
16 · Cascais & estoril con vida