Cascais and Estoril, or the coast north of Lisbon, became one of the most cosmopolitan and touristic places in Portugal ever since King Luís I chose the bay for his summer residence in the late 19th century.
The mild climate and an annual average of 260 rainless days were surely strong reasons for his choice and for the most affluent families of the time to follow the royal family and set up their villas and mansions there. It’s worth going on a stroll around town to get a feel for the atmosphere of that period.
To get there, follow the waterfront road from Lisbon to Cascais or take the train. It’s a very scenic route, always hugging the River Tagus and the busy beaches of the Estoril coast. En route, you will pass various forts erected to defend the capital, providing crossfire with the Bugio Fort, right in the middle of the river mouth, between Santo Amaro, on one side, and Trafaria, on the opposite bank.
Playing golf near Lisbon
The mild climate and the beauty of its coastal landscapes makes Lisbon a very much appreciated golf region by golfers from around the world.
Designed by architects known for challenging courses, such as Robert Trent Jones, Rocky Roquemore, Donald Steel, Frank Pennink, Severiano Ballesteros and Jorge Santana da Silva, the golf courses are remarkable for their quality and diversity, combined with the comfort and high level of service in their hotels and club houses.
Lisbon’s proximity to several areas of protected nature and to monuments and landscapes classified as World Heritage provides the perfect complement to a golfing holiday or a few concentrated days of golf.
The region was considered as Europe’s Best Golf Destination by IAGTO in 2007 and 2003, and contains the first golf course in Europe to possess the Certified Gold Audubon Signature Sanctuary by Audubon International.
