ESTORIL APPEAL.

Coasting to Portugal? The coastline west of Lisbon - the Costa do Estoril - boasts many great beaches, fine golf courses, lively seaside resorts and pretty mountain villages. These include elegant Estoril, charming Cascais and stunning Sintra, with its cobbled streets and hilltop location. All are within easy reach of the capital, Lisbon.

Beside the seaside? Separated only by a pleasant 3km promenade from its busier neighbour Cascais, Estoril (pronounced shtoe-reel) is an upmarket resort centred around its small, sandy beach and ocean swimming pool - as well as Europe's largest casino.

A sure bet? Estoril Casino, said to be a hang-out for WWII espionage agents and the inspiration for Ian Fleming's 007 novel Casino Royale, is open daily from 3pm to 3am. Featuring everything from bingo to blackjack, there is also an art gallery with modern paintings and sculpture.

Fishing for action? The former fishing village of Cascais (pronounced kuhsh-kaish) was a popular holiday resort for 19th century Lisbon nobility, but now attracts a young, international jet set. Its new marina has trendy bars and bistros. One hell of a view?

The hottest tourist attraction in Cascais is Boca do Inferno - The Mouth of Hell. This churning cauldron where the sea crashes into clefts in the rocks, roaring and spitting out spray, is just 2km along the coast and is at its best in rough weather. Tee time?

There are a dozen spectacular golf courses within 25km of Estoril, including the country's famous Golf do Estoril, which has hosted the Portuguese Open Championship. Beach magnets?

Although the sea is sometimes cool and often rough with strong undercurrents, the sandy beaches are among the cleanest in Europe. Praia do Guincho is a surfers' paradise. Praia des Macas, Praia Grande and Praia da Adraga are also popular, unspoilt beach resorts.

Saunter around Sintra? Don't miss the enchanting Unesco World Heritage site of Sintra, with its spectacular mountain views. Despite hordes of tourists, Sintra is magical with quaint cobbled streets, palaces, museums, Moorish ruins and parks. Must-sees include the National and Pena Palaces, while blokes may enjoy drinking from the Sabuga Fountain shaped as breasts!

Shop till you drop? There are lots of craft shops and market stalls in the resorts or flex your credit card at the Cascais Shopping complex, full of high street stores.

Rock star? The Cabo da Roca (Rock Cape) is the most westerly point in Europe. The sheer cliff, topped by a lighthouse, stands 150m above the Atlantic Ocean.

Feeling tarty? A day trip can be enjoyed in Lisbon, around an hour's journey from most of the coastal resorts by train or bus. Take a hop-on-hop-off tram or bus tour of the highlights including Baxia, the riverfront, Alfama and Belem, famed for its custard tarts.

Where to stay? Accommodation ranges from the luxury five-star Cascais Miragem Hotel (www.cascaismirage.com) to B& Bs, self-catering accommodation and campsites. More information from www.visitportugal.com Leaving on a jet plane?

Until October Bmi Baby (www.bmibaby.com) flies from Manchester to Lisbon, while EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) flies from Liverpool. British Airways (www.britishairways.com) flies to Lisbon from Heathrow with connections from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Take a train or bus to the Estoril coast or hire a car.