With a beautiful location on the Portuguese Riviera (part of the municipality of Cascais, some 25 km west of Lisbon), Estoril has an interesting and complex past.
Ancient to Medieval Period
The vicinity of Estoril has been settled since ancient times by prehistoric and Roman people. Under Roman control, it started to link Olisipo (Lisbon) with other sections of the Iberian Peninsula through the road network.
Like many of the Iberian Peninsula, the area was under Muslim authority in the early Middle Ages up until the Christian reconquest.
fifteenth to nineteenth century
Rural life and fishing villages: Until the 19th century, Estoril was a peaceful coastal region punctuated by tiny fishing communities. Though it remained mostly underdeveloped, its natural beauty and location near Lisbon made it appealing for recreation and farming.
Rising as a Resort Town Late 19th to Early 20th Century
The turning point of the late 19th-century extension of the railway to Cascais and Estoril was making the region accessible to Lisbon's elite.
Estoril became a well-known coastal vacation as Portuguese and international royalty began to patronize it. This period saw the start of magnificent hotels and homes.
World War II: The "Coast of Kings"
Neutral Portugal stayed impartial throughout World War II; Estoril became a sanctuary for exiled nobility and gentry, including King Umberto II of Italy, King Juan Carlos I of Spain (in his childhood), and members of the French and Hungarian royal families.
Estoril was also a haven for spies, among them those from the Axis and Allied powers, because of its neutrality and concentration of worldwide personalities.
Inspirations for Fiction: During the war, Ian Fleming, author of James Bond, stayed in Estoril; it is thought that his experiences there helped inspire components of the Bond character and Casino Royale.
Post-War Era through the Present
Following the war, Estoril kept growing as a luxury location with the building of the renowned Casino Estoril, among Europe's largest.
Culture and Tourism: Estoril has always been a hub for premium tourism, cultural events, golf, and motor racing (Formula One held its events from 1984 until 1996 at the Estoril Circuit).
Integration with Cascais: Estoril and Cascais have blended into a continuous urban area with great commuter connections to Lisbon in recent decades.
Today
Known for its cosmopolitan flair, sophisticated architecture, casino, beaches, and foreign events (like the Estoril Open tennis competition), Estoril provides. One of Portugal's most elite spots is its combination of historical relevance and contemporary leisure.
