If you’re thinking of taking a European road trip, then one of the best places to ride is on the Estoril Coast. It can be found in Portugal and features stunning seaside vistas and rugged cliffs. There’s lots to see as you make your way down the coast, from the beautiful town of Cascais, to the Pena Palace.
Jeronimos Monastery
Start off in Lisbon and visit the Jeronimos Monastery, a breathtaking building that is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The monastery is one of the best examples of the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style, which dates back to the 16th century. It incorporates maritime elements and that can be seen in the cloisters.
Cascais
Cascais is a coastal town that is home to magnificent beaches and elegant 19th century architecture. Visit the Palacio da Cidadela, the summer palace of King Dom Luis that was built in 1870. Explore the Castro Guimaraes Museum that features a wide collection of international paintings, furniture and jewellery. When you’ve had enough exploring, you can try one of the local delicacies such as goose barnacle.
Cabo de Roca
The Cabo de Roca is a famous cape full of sandy beaches. It’s considered the most westerly point in mainland Europe. You’ll be treated to panoramic views of the ocean and the golden coastline. Another point of interest is the lighthouse, which is an important point of navigation for ships.
The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
The Natural Park contains beautiful forests, limestone outcrops and lagoons. One of the most stunning natural landmarks is the Moon Mountain. Nature lovers will be able to see a range of wildlife that includes foxes, kestrels, weasels, horseshoe bats, Bonelli eagles and peregrine falcons.
Sintra
Sintra is a dreamlike town that has been a summer home for Portuguese nobility. Walk the streets and be amazed by the fairytale architecture of the mansions. The Pena Palace is one of the most impressive buildings and it sits on a peak overlooking the rest of the town. It has multi-coloured towers and turrets that stand out.
Another place worth seeing is the Quinta da Regaleira, a Gothic styled manor with a spectacular garden. The garden contains a labyrinth of grottoes, footpaths and towers. You’ll be able to admire the ornate fountains and streams that are full of water lilies
Riding along the Estoril Coast is the kind of journey you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Preparing your bike is important and you can do this by finding the right insurance. At Carole Nash, we provide travel insurance that will come in handy when you’re on holiday. We also provide coverage for various bikes, like tourers.