Estoril SBK 2024: destination guide

Estoril WorldSBK will be the penultimate Round of 2024. Toprak Razgatlıoğlu has his first ‘match ball’ to sentence mathematically the title. The possibilities for the BMW ROKiT rider to being crowned are good, but not guaranteed: Niccolò Bulega has showed consistent podium results in the last part of the season and is determined to delay the title until Jerez.

Moreover, all classes are still with the title at stake, so tension and emotions will be at a high level. A perfect setting in a great scenario: Estoril is an old-fashioned installation, but the track layout always delivers high-packed action with plenty of corners suitable for overtakes and spectacular turns. In few words, Estoril is worth a visit, and more if you consider it’s only 20 kilometers from Lisbon and in a renowned touristic city.

Estoril WorldSBK: few times but symbolic results

The Circuito do Estoril only has held a WorldSBK Round for five times before 2024. But Estoril has the honor of being one of the original nine Round that were part of the inaugural 1988 season. This debut ended in a double victory for Bimota riders Davide Tardozzi and Stéphane Mertens, who achieve the two top steps of the podium on both races. The Portuguese track hosted again WorldSBK in 1993 as the last race of the season: Fabrizio Pirovano for Yamaha and Carl Fogarty for Ducati achieved the wins while Kawasaki achieved his very first world title with American Scott Russell.

From then on, Estoril almost disappeared from the calendar until when it came back in 2020, as a suitable track during the difficult ‘pandemic season’ of 2020. As last Round of the year, Chaz Davies won what will be the last of his 32 wins at WorldSBK and Jonathan Rea secured his 6th consecutive WorldSBK title. Estoril repeated in 2021, where Rea and Redding shared wins, and in 2022 with memorable action in the triple duel of Bautista, Rea and Toprak for the title.

Visiting Estoril during WorldSBK: glamour, nature and relaxation

The city of Estoril is just 20 kilometers west of Lisboa, all the way following the seaside from the capital; it’s easy to get there following the A5 highway. Once a seaside resort town for the bourgeoisie class of the country, now Estoril still is a touristic destination thanks to a combination of beach, architecture and proximity with the Natural Park of Sintra-Cascais.

The local beach, Praia do Tamariz, is a golden stretch of sand ideal for swimming but also to enjoy fresh seafood while taking in the ocean views thanks to its long promenade and, proximity to the town center. Estoril’s palm-lined promenade connects the town to neighboring Cascais, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. This scenic pathway is ideal for a relaxing stroll or bike ride, and there are plenty of spots to stop for a drink or enjoy the sunset.

Estoril’s association with royalty and aristocracy is evident in its grand palaces and villas. Many of these historic residences are now private homes or hotels, but they still add a sense of grandeur to the town. The Palácio Estoril Hotel, for example, has hosted royalty and celebrities for decades and is a testament to Estoril’s luxurious heritage.

In connection with this background, Estoril has been synonymous with its casino since the early 20th century and still is one of the biggest attractions. Is Europe’s largest casino and features also art gallery, live shows, and events make it a popular entertainment venue. Also in the stylish side, there’s the renowned Estoril Golf Club, one of the most prestigious in Portugal.

Touring Lisboa during Estoril WorldSBK

Due to its proximity with Estoril Circuit, it’s easy to visit Portugal’s capital during your stay for the races. Either you’re going by motorbike or car, or you have taken the option of arriving by plane, Lisboa is must stop.

Lisbon is known for its seven hills and picturesque views its colorful neighborhoods, grand squares, and historic monuments make it a favorite destination in Portugal. Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest district, a labyrinth of narrow streets and steep alleyways that climb the hillsides from the River Tagus. Its main sight is the São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge): perched atop Alfama’s highest hill, this medieval fortress, that dates to the 11th century, offers sweeping views of Lisbon and the river.

Alfama is also the place to chill down in the viewpoints, like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro de Santa Luzia, that provide a good panoramic all over the city and enjoy also the Fado music firsthand.

Other interesting neighborhoods to visit are Baixa and Rossio. Baixa is Lisbon’s downtown district, a lively hub of commerce, filled with grand squares, pedestrianized streets, and beautiful neoclassical architecture. You will find the Praça do Comércio, located along the waterfront, this grand square was once the site of the Royal Palace. Surrounded by arcaded buildings and anchored by a statue of King José I, it's an impressive entry point to the city. The adjacent Cais das Colunas, a set of columns that emerge from the river, offers a great spot to relax and enjoy the view.

Also, the Rossio Square (Praça de D. Pedro IV) the lively heart of Lisbon and has been a meeting place for locals for centuries and Santa Justa Lift, one of Lisbon’s quirkiest landmarks, this 19th-century elevator connects Baixa with the higher Carmo neighborhood. Its neo-Gothic design is striking, and at the top, you'll find a terrace offering a fantastic panoramic view of the city.

Finally, Chiado and Barrio Alto are also worth a visit. Chiado is the cultural heart of Lisbon in lined with boutiques, theaters, and historic cafes. Otherwise, Bairro Alto is a quiet residential area, but by night, it transforms into Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife district. It’s filled with small bars and live music venues.

Bélem: the Tower and the Pastéis

Situated at the extreme west of Lisboa, Bélem was once a parish that has an important role in the maritime and merchant history of the city. And also feature two of the most iconic symbols of Portugal.

First is the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), probably the most well-known Portuguese architectonic sight. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a symbol of Portugal's Age of Discoveries. Built in the early 16th century, the fortress once guarded the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor. Just a short walk from there’s the Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos): the cloisters are an architectural marvel, and the church holds the tombs of significant figures like Vasco da Gama and poet Luís de Camões.

While in Belém you will find a very famous bakery. And there’s a delicious reason for it: the famous Pastéis de Belém also called the pastel de nata. The Pastéis de Belém bakery, which has been making these sweet custard tarts since 1837, is an unmissable stop for any food lover.

Talking about gastronomy, Lisbon and is surrounding offer all the best from Portuguese cuisine with sea products having a strong presence, from grilled sardines to Bacalhau à Brás (a traditional codfish dish).