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Places of Interest

For those visiting Estoril and not attending the World Yacht Racing Forum, here are two suggestions for day excursions around the Estoril region

• Option 1 - Sintra and Cascais

• Option 2 - Mafra and Cascais

Option 1

Morning excursion to Sintra, world heritage site by UNESCO.
Sintra is one of the most delightful places to be found in Portugal. Its rich cultural heritage includes the Moorish Castle, Pena National Palace, the Sintra National Palace, and many other buildings of historical interest.

Visit to the Pena Palace
The Pena Palace stands on a mountaintop and has spectacular views over the park and the whole surrounding area.

Visit to the Regaleira Palace and Gardens
The combination of the palace and its lush gardens, which are full of mysterious grottoes,
wells, ponds, towers and statues, looks like the setting for an opera, where nothing is
casually arranged.

Lunch at Colares wine cellar, Sintra.
The Colares Cellar, with a fabulous heritage, based on the quality and, geniality of its wines, presents the opportunity to fulfil events, with an ambiance decorated according with the personality of the space, with
details aesthetically thought, don't forgetting an gentile illumination that creates an intimate ambiance

Panoramic drive until the Roca Cape, the westernmost point of continental Europe. There is a lighthouse and various facilities.

Gala dinner at the casino. The Estoril Casino is the largest casino in Europe. The entertainment here includes different types of gambling and nightly cabaret and music hall shows in a sophisticated atmosphere.

Option 2

Morning excursion to Mafra.
The town of Mafra lies at the northern edge of the region. The huge walls of the vast 17th century National Palace and Convent of Mafra seem to rise up out of nowhere. An enormous church with famous bells and an exquisite library are among its many attractions.

Visit to the Convent of Mafra
This imposing building is reminiscent of the Escorial Monastery. It measures 213 by 244 metres and the Palace, the Basilica and the convent have between them a total of 860 rooms. This Convent is one of the largest religious monument of the world.

Lunch and visit to Mafra's Game Park
This is an enormous park of 819 hectares, which used to be the hunting enclosure of the Royal Family. One can find many animals roaming free here, including wolves, foxes, jennet, ferrets and a wide variety of birds.

Dine around in Cascais - Quality Awarded Restaurants

Our suggestions of Quality Awarded and Michelin Guide recommended:

• "Porto de Santa Maria"

• "Beira - Mar"