Erasmus in Estoril

Information and tips for Erasmus students in Estoril

Why do Erasmus in Estoril? It’s known for its beaches, relaxed environment and international atmosphere, making it an ideal place to study and enjoy a unique experience in Portugal. This charming seaside town combines the tranquillity of a small village with the proximity to the capital, Lisbon, only 30 minutes away by train.

The town offers an exceptional quality of life. It’s a safe, clean and quiet place, ideal for those seeking a balance between studies and leisure time. Estoril is also renowned for its elegant atmosphere, with a cosmopolitan touch thanks to its historical tradition of attracting international visitors.

Estoril is well connected to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, where you can enjoy a wide range of culture, concerts, museums and nightlife. It’s also close to Cascais, another beautiful seaside destination, and Sintra, a fairytale town famous for its palaces and natural landscapes.

Cost of living in Estoril, Portugal

The cost of living for students in Estoril is moderate compared to other European cities, ranging from €600 to €1,000 per month. This budget includes accommodation, transport, food and leisure.

• Accommodation: A room in a shared flat costs around €400-€800 per month. If you prefer to live in a residence, a single room costs around €750 per month.
• Transport: Estoril is about 30 minutes by train from Lisbon. The journey takes between 30 and 40 minutes. There are frequent trains, especially at peak times, departing every 15-20 minutes, and tickets cost between €2 and €4 (and if you're under 25, you can get a 25% discount). Many Estoril residents travel to Lisbon to enjoy its nightlife, especially in areas such as Cais do Sodré and Bairro Alto.
• Food: Eating out in Estoril is affordable. You can find set menus for €8-€12 in local restaurants. If you prefer to cook, supermarkets offer reasonable prices.
• Leisure: Activities such as surfing, cultural visits and dinners usually require an additional budget of €50-€70 per month.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Estoril

Although Estoril is a quiet destination, it also offers leisure and partying:

• Praia do Tamariz: in summer, the beach is a meeting point for students and young people, with bars and live music.
• UMBAR Estoril: ideal for drinks with friends.
• Nightclubs nearby: although this city doesn’t have as many nightclubs as Lisbon, it’s only 30 minutes by train from the capital, where you can find places like Lux Frágil, one of Portugal's most popular nightclubs.

For daytime activities, you can explore the promenade connecting Estoril and Cascais, known as the 'Paredão'. This coastal path is perfect for walking, jogging or cycling while enjoying the views of the Atlantic Ocean and small beaches such as Praia da Poça or Praia das Moitas.

In Estoril, surfing is a popular activity thanks to its beaches, like Praia do Tamariz, in the centre of Estoril, ideal for surfers looking for a good day of waves without being too far from the city. If you're looking for something more challenging, Praia do Guincho, located just a few minutes' drive, is famous for its rough waves and constant wind, perfect for experienced surfers.

If you like nature, you can take a hike in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park (a 30-minute drive), where there are incredible routes such as the trail to the Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, with cliffs offering breathtaking views.

In addition, the Cascais market is a great place to enjoy fresh produce and local handicrafts as you walk through the colourful streets.

Culture and gastronomy in Estoril, Portugal

Estoril has great culture options and delicious gastronomy that you can't miss:

• Culture: make sure you visit the Fort da Cruz (Forte da Cruz) and the Museum of Portuguese Music (Museu da Música Portuguesa). You can also enjoy cultural events such as open-air concerts and local festivals.
• Architecture: Beautiful villas and historic buildings reflect its past as a refuge for European aristocrats.
• Gastronomy: During your stay, make sure to try typical dishes such as 'bacalhau à brás' (shredded cod with potatoes and egg), the 'ameijoas à Bulhão Pato' (clams with garlic and coriander) and the delicious 'pastéis de nata' (cream tartlets).

You can try some of these dishes at Leitaria Do Estoril or at Cakeria By Bruna Corrêa.

Advantages and Disadvantages of doing Erasmus in Estoril

Advantages

• You can enjoy the tranquillity of Estoril while having the possibility of visiting Lisbon at any time to enjoy its cultural and party offer. These two cities are only 30-40 minutes away by train!
• The beaches, natural parks and the possibility of water sports, such as surfing, make Estoril an idyllic place.
• Although it's a small town, it attracts students and visitors from all over the world.
• The mild winters and warm summers allow outdoor activities all year round.
• The train and bus network makes it easy to get between Estoril, Cascais, Sintra and Lisbon.

Disadvantages

• The options for partying are limited compared to Lisbon. In fact, students tend to choose between partying in the flats or going to nightclubs in the capital.
• The cultural offer is not very wide. If you're looking for a more lively cultural experience, you'll have to go to Lisbon or Cascais.

Cheap student accommodation in Estoril, Portugal

Do you need accommodation in Estoril and don't know how to find it? On Erasmus Play you can find the best student flats, rooms and residences in Estoril.

FAQ about doing Erasmus in Estoril

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