Host Region: Estoril Coast
The Estoril Convention Bureau (ECB) is a non-profit association designed to promote the regional capability in organizing any type of event.
The ECB has 75 members within the specialised industry and keeps a very close contact with them, as well as quality control system by surveying all Congresses held in town, which guaranties a very reliable sector of professionals.
www.estoril-portugal.com
www.estorilive.com
Estoril Coast
Bound by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west, the Estoril Coast is only 30 kilometres from Lisbon. It includes the municipalities of Cascais, Sintra, Oeiras and Mafra and has an area of approximately 800 square kilometres extending from the Tagus estuary at Oeiras to the northernmost limit of the county of Mafra. The region also takes in Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe.
In the geographical centre of the region is the majestic Serra de Sintra, classified as a UNESCO "Cultural Landscape". The winding ridge of the mountain gives the town of Sintra a romantic aspect as it nestles in its northern foothills and divides the surrounding countryside into different microclimates, landscapes and cultures. Indeed, it is the interplay between the mountains and the sea that gives the region its unique character.
History
The Estoril Coast is characterised by a wonderful climate and natural environment. Traces of mankind date back to the Palaeolithic period. As the years passed, people became aware of the strategic importance of the most westerly point in Europe and the Phoenicians, the Romans and the Arabs all came here.
This region was reconquered by the Christians and came under their rule in 1147. From that time onwards, and because the region is so near to the capital, it has been involved in many of the ups and downs of Portugal’s military and political history. Sintra was one of the favourite summer retreats of the royal family.
The waterfront towns of Cascais and Oeiras were the first settlements that seamen would catch sight of as they entered the Tagus River estuary and the last they saw of the human world as they set sail for the four corners of the Portuguese Empire.
More recently, Estoril has also played its part in history. It was the favourite venue of many kings and aristocrats who went into exile after many of the tumultuous events of the 20th century across Europe. It was also a major centre of international espionage and secret diplomacy during the Second World War, and from that time Estoril has kept a sophisticated and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
