Tamariz Beach

Head to Tamariz Beach (Praia do Tamariz) with its calm and clear blue waters and golden sands. The town beach is overlooked by Chalet Barros, a remarkable 19th-century castle owned by the royal family of Monaco.

The beach is surrounded by resorts, bars and restaurants, which gives you many options when it is time for refreshments or a meal. From the beach, you can also walk to the Jardim do Estoril, a central park, and the Estoril casino.

Walk along the wide beach and then rent a parasol with a chair if you want to relax, or simply lay down a towel and rest on the sand. Cool off by taking a dip in the clear blue waters of the bay. Tamariz Beach is a safe swimming beach because it is sheltered and non-tidal, making this a favorite with families.

The Piscina Oceânica do Estoril, a partly walled ocean pool on the eastern end of the beach, warms up on sunny days and is recommended for when the temperatures drop. To stretch your legs, stroll to the jetty on the southern end of the beach, a great spot for fishing and people-watching.

Follow the paredão, a bustling promenade along the seawall, to reach the beaches, marina, fort and lighthouse museum of nearby Cascais. The path is only about 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) long, so it is a pleasant walk for the whole family.

You can stay in a local resort or hotel. During the high season, come early in the day to enjoy the beach without the crowds that pour in from Lisbon. Prices of gear rental on this beach tend to be higher than on other beaches due to its close proximity to the town center, so carry some extra cash or bring your own sun umbrella.

Note that the beach doesn’t have a car park and parking spaces in Estoril itself run out fast during weekends and vacations. If you are visiting from Lisbon for the day, it is best to take the train to Estação Ferroviária do Estoril, just a short walk from the beach.