The Lisbon Coast line (Costa de Lisboa) is often referred as the Portuguese Riviera and includes some of the chicest seaside resorts in Portugal.
This is a cosmopolitan area with a long tradition of warm hospitality. Since the 1920s, it has been a favoured haunt of Europe's aristocracy and royal families (many of the exiled or deposed have made this their home) and in the 21st century, it is now a hot spot for major international personalities from the world of fashion, sport and entertainment.
This region has a unique atmosphere, lisbon Sunset dinner cruise removed from the bustle of the city but with easy access to all the culture that Lisbon offers. With a good road network, most venues on the Estoril Coast are within half-an-hours drive from Lisbon and its international airport.
Setubal, which is this regions most southerly town, is about 50 minutes. The railway system is excellent. Portuguese trains are generally very modern and clean and invariably run exactly on time, so you can leave your car and hop on a train to get into the city.
Many overseas visitors and investors consider the climate in the Lisbon Coast as perfect, it is never too hot or too cold and the sea breezes ensure that is it never too humid allowing the enjoyment of sports and other outdoor activities throughout the year.
Here you will find:
Long flat sandy beaches or wilder beaches with craggy rocks, caves and pirate coves
Lighthouses, cliff top fortresses, and windmills
Forests and dramatic mountains, the Serra Sintra lie to the north and west, and the Serra da Arrabida is situated to the south
Gentle hillsides, green valleys and farmland
Sophisticated towns with avenues of palm trees
Traditional fishing harbours
Castles, Palaces and Mansions
Prehistoric sites and medieval ruins
Museums, monuments and one of the largest sacred buildings in the world at Mafra
Vineyards and Wine cellars
The Estoril race track (a Mecca for car-racing enthusiasts)
Even though Lisbon is on the doorstep, this region has its own cultural traditions which include Music and Dance Festivals, equine displays at the Queluz Advanced Riding School, as well as the traditional Portuguese annual town Festas.