Lisbon, Portugal Area-Estoril or Carcavelos?
 

I'll be in the Lisbon, Portugal area at the end of May.

I am trying to decide between two Best Western hotels. One is the Hotel Inglaterra in Estoril and the other one is the Hotel Riviera in Carcavelos.

Which one is closer to the beach? Which town has the best beaches? How far are they from the train? Are there any places of interest (such as castles or churches) near either one?

Thanks. Rich

Just bringing this message back to the top. Someone must know these beach towns near Lisbon.

Hello Rich2000ac, I wish I had some info to share with you about this area, but I have a message on here myself asking for some help with our first visit to Portugal. There just doesn't seem to be a big response to questions about Portugal. A few kind people have taken the time to respond to me so their answers may be helpful to you as well. You can click on my name and check the replies I have received.

Others who have visited Portugal - such as Bob the Navigator, MMS, lobo_mau, ThinGorjus, and others, may read our posts and have info to share which might help both of us!

Have a great trip and please tell us about it when you return.

I have been to Estoril and neighbouring Cascais, never to Carcavelos. I don't know the Hotel Inglaterra in Estoril. The train from Lisbon (Cais do Sodre Station) goes right to Estoril and Cascais, the beach being just a very short walk away. The beach at Estoril is small and dirty, in my opinion. The beaches in Cascais are the size of a postage stamp, but are cleaner and more scenic. I like Cascais much better than Estoril.

The only beautiful beach in Portugal that I have ever been to is at Nazare. However, I think it would be a little chilly in May. The best beaches in Portugal are in the Algarve, down south.

There are many places of interest near Estoril, especially Sintra, which is one of the most beautiful towns in all of Europe. Palacio Queluz is also nearby.

Portugal is indeed a gorgeous country, and the Lisbon area is lovely. We lived there for 2 years in the mid 70's and returned last Oct. for a 4 day visit. We lived in Carcavelos, a costal town of lovely homes, and saw the new BW Riviera when we were there.(right behind "our" house) It is really beautiful and the beach is but a couple of blocks away. Having said that, you would probably need a car as there is not much to see or do in the Carcavelos area. It is about 1/2 way out the coast drive (by car OR train) from Lisbon to Cascais.
Cascais would be a lot better for staying. It is adjacent to Estoril, Estoril being a city of some nice hotels, a lovely casino, and a VERy beautiful residential area.
THe Hotel Inglaterra I don't know a lot about, but I THINK???it is very nice, and on the coast, AND a very good location. Estoril/Cascais area is really one the same---with more to do and see and shop further on in CAscais.
The Lisbon area beaches are not much at all...and are VERY COLD most the time....and I feel would be too cool in May.
I think you will love Lisbon area...most everyone does, and it is one of the "hidden Jewels" in Europe.

Thanks mari5 and ThinGorjus. I'll keep your tips in mind. I'm aware that May is a little early for the beach but I was just hoping for one or two nice days.

Hi Rich, we are headed to the area in 2 weeks. I will try to answer you then.
Cheers,
Jan

Thanks Jan. That would be a big help.

Hi!
Hotel Riviera is better than Hotel Inglaterra but it´s localization is not as good. Riviera is more modern but it in Parede while Hotel Inglaterra is next to the Casino Estoril, the largest casino in Europe, next to tamariz beach and the train station... Now it´s up to you!
If you need some more help, let me know!
All the best!

When we visited Portugal, we stayed in Lisbon for about 4 days and then Cascais for about 3 days. For us it was a good split.

In Cascais we stayed at a Best Western, the Cidadela. It was an easy walk to everything. There was a nice pool and the rooms were nice. Friends were in the regular rooms, but we had a 3 bedrooms suite since we had our children with us. The one thing that really sticks in my mind though was the staff. They truly cared about making our stay just right and did everything they could to help.

The kids and I took a cab from Lisbon to Cascais, but my dh took the train (he was there for work). I know he walked from the train station to the hotel, so it was not far.

We did one day trip out to Sintra. That is a beautiful area! A definite must see. The Moorish Castle and the Pena Palace are places that we really enjoyed.

In Lisbon go wander the Castelo de S. Jorge. Great views up there also.

All of this is making me want to go back! It is just such a beautiful country and everyone was so nice. When you return, please let us know how the trip went.

Thanks tourer and mms. I'm leaning toward Estoril or Cascais because of your advice.

May it's not too early for beach. I'd expect fair weather, however the temperature of water is cold (17... 18 Celsius). You must go to the Algarve to have it a litlle warmer (21...22 Celsius).
I think that Cascais is a very nice place to stay and a good base to explore Sintra and the region. Hotel Albatroz is very beautiful, but veeeeery expensive. Look for alternatives. The walk along the beach between Cascais and Estoril (about 2 miles) is very pleasant, specially in May when there will be very few people on the beach.
Staying in Cascais has an additional advantage as it is the train terminal station.
I think it's no point in renting a car during the days you are reserving for Lisbon, but it's very worth while you stay in Cascais area, because you'll have much more options to explore.
I made erratic comments, you you want more specific info, please direct my ansers.
To Marianne: I've never visited Portugal, since I live here since I was born :-)

Thanks lobo_mau. I will not be renting a car. Which beach towns in the Algarve can I take the train to?

Hello lobo-mau, you live in Portugal! No wonder you seem to have so much information to share. I am topping my questions in case you have anything to add. Look for it in the list.

Aren't we all so lucky to have Fodorites from all over the world sharing information to help other travelers. Thanks so much!

Towns in Algarve with train stations are Faro, Albufeira, Tavira, Silves, Portimao and Lagos.
Although the administrative capital, Faro is not a very charming place.
Albufeira is a typical touristic resourt (brits, germans, marina, yachts, etc...)
I know of some nice reviews about Tavira, but I've never been to there, may be somebody could kindly add some comments.
Silves was a great city if you are interested in the Portuguese Muslim heritage, but far away from the sea.
Portimao is a very typical fishing southern town, where you may find easily grilled sardines and things like that.
The last but not the least, Lagos is my favourite town in the Algarve. It's almost as authentic as Portimao and with a lot more of charm. It has a lot of cultural activities, as you can find easily with a search in Internet.
The first 3 towns have direct trains from Lisbon-Oriente (crossing the 25th April bridge), for the other it is mandatory to change to a regional (slow train).
Your option to catch a train is a good option, the route though 25th April bridge and Alentejo's rolling hills is very scenic and an extra bonus.
As a word of caution I must advert that train stations in Southern cities are sometimes a bit far from the cities themselves (3 or 5 miles), in that situation a taxi is needed.
For details, timetables, etc, check http://www.cp.pt

Good advice above--I would stay in Cascais and Lagos.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the help. All suggestions are welcome.

Hi Rich,
I just got back from the area. I do agree with Bob about Cascais and Lagos. The town of Cascais is much more charming than either Carcavelos or Estoril imo. We stayed in the Pestana Atlantic Gardens and enjoyed it. It's a 4 star with some great rates and good service, but not on the beach. Do try to get to Sintra which I liked much better than Cascais!

The building and zoning is out of control on the Lisbon Coast. It was a shame to see actually. To us, it felt very congested and cramped. We had visited b/c we were considering a move there, but our visit quashed that idea. One of the nice things about Cascais though was the walking/biking trail. If you can rent a bike, you can ride up to some very nice beaches in about 15 minutes. I think that would be very worthwhile.
Cheers,
Jan

Thanks Jan. Where exactly is that bike trail?. Is there a bike-rental shop?

It starts in Cascais and follows along the shore northward. It is about 8 kms to Guincho Beach which is a great beach for windsurfing. The trail is flat, paved and beautiful, perfect for running or riding. I am sure you can rent bikes. On www.virtualtourist.com, there are a couple of messages regarding bike rentals in Cascais. Check here: http://forum.virtualtourist.com/1/fo...bvc3Z6j2F19NVw

Cheers,
Jan