Place to see: Estoril Beach, Estoril, Portugal

About this place:

Estoril is perhaps the most lovely of daytrip options from the Porto-mecca of Lisbon - a mere 40 minutes by a regional train that runs early & often.
In summer Lisbon can get quite steamy (or clammy), and despite its proximity to the widening River Tagus, offers little or no swimming or shoreline-recreation options (with the water).

Hence, both locals and touristas have made the Estoril the resort/escape of choice. Both a convention centre (shared with nearby Cascais) and a gambling Casino attract enough numbers to offer the kind of restaurant & recreation options for all budgets.

Everything is for rent; bikes, chaises, umbrellas, etc., giving it the feel of a more laidback Mediterranean locale. The Atlantic surf can be chilly, but is absolute liquid-refreshment in summer months.

Inexpensive pensiones and B&Bs abound for those who wish for a quiter stay (than Lisbon). Trainfare is under 10 euros betwix the two.
And overall - Portugal is a really cheap date; perhaps the best value for food & lodging in all of western Europe. And even in the height of summer (July) delightfully tourista-thin!

For more photos go to my website: EuropeEndless.com