The casino's gardens lead to the beach
Estoril's casino was inaugurated in 1931, to rival the famous casino of Monte Carlo in Monaco. It’s the largest in Europe in terms of number of slot machines and game tables, and has been known to give out the largest prizes.
The casino is mostly a nighttime destination
It was one of the few safe and glamorous spots left on the continent during WWII, filling it with spies and wealthy businessmen. It was that environment that inspired author Ian Fleming during his visit to write the first James Bond novel "Casino Royale." Today it continues to be an important entertainment venue, with classy restaurants, musical shows, an art gallery, nightclub, and hundreds of slot machines and game tables.
The casino gardens lead to the beach of Tamariz, one of the most popular spots on the Lisbon coast during the summer. Facing it is the Palácio Estoril Hotel, which was where many of the spies and exiled monarchs stayed. It appeared in one of James Bond’s first films (“On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”) and served as a backdrop for the best-selling novel “A Small Death in Lisbon” by Robert Wilson.
How to Get to Casino Estoril
The casino is right outside Estoril’s train station, which is on the Lisbon-Cascais line. Trains depart from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station every 20 minutes, and reach Estoril in 36 minutes (28 minutes at rush hours). From Cascais, walk along the beachfront promenade, and you’re there in about 15 minutes.
Avenida Aida
Admission and Tickets to Casino Estoril
Admission is free. Must be 18 years old to enter.
Casinos in Portugal are not allowed to stay open for 24 hours. Estoril’s is open daily from 3pm to 3am (it only closes on December 24).
Attractions Nearby
In addition to Praia do Tamariz, there are other beaches within walking distance of the casino. Continue walking east from Tamariz, and you reach the beaches of Poça and Azarujinha. Walking west, down the promenade, you pass by the beaches of Moitas, Duquesa, and Conceição, before reaching the pedestrian streets of the center of Cascais.