Free tour about Spies and Royalty in Estoril and Cascais

The tour lasts 3 hours

Available in English

Description

Spies & Royalty – Estoril Cascais

Half Brazilian and half Portuguese, raised between cultures and shaped by an international life lived across Estoril, London, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro. As a writer and performer, I have always been drawn to outsiders, expatriates, exiles, and those who never quite fit neatly into a single place or identity. My first novel is set in Cascais, a place whose layered history continues to inspire my work and fascination with people who lived between worlds.

Join me for a walking tour through Estoril and Cascais, exploring the fascinating history of spies, exiles, diplomats and royalty who passed through the Portuguese Riviera during World War II.

Portugal remained neutral during the war, and Estoril became an extraordinary meeting point for refugees, intelligence agents, aristocrats and political figures from across Europe. Along the way, we will discover the places, hotels and stories that helped inspire Ian Fleming's vision of James Bond.

This tour combines history, storytelling and local knowledge, offering a deeper look at one of the most intriguing chapters of Portuguese history.

Ideal for travelers interested in history, espionage, World War II and the hidden stories behind famous places.

Guide: Ana Gabriela

Guiding since 2025

I am certified tourist guide in Rio de Janeiro , ( Half Brazilian / Half Portuguese), grew up in Estoril and I am back since January 2025. I am a passionate performer, and writer with international background, my first novel is set in Cascais. I also lived in London and Paris and I love to meet people from different countries and cultures, I offer a walking tour in Estoril and Cascais with a touch of the legendary spy that influenced Ian´s Flemming James Bond

7 stops

3 hours

Meeting point:Casino Estoril statue of Fausto Figueiredo ( Gardens)meeting point statue of Fausto Figueiredo. Open in Google Maps →

Outside visit

Loja CTTThis is a important place related with refugees and spies during the WWII. They kept "secret" correspondence ( with no adresses) , so spies and refugees could discreetly collect them.

Outside visit

Pastelaria Garrett EstorilLet´s stop in Garret ( opened in 1934) this was a famous space for spies and Royalty, princess Margareth of Spain, used to eat there Berliners ( a typical pastry made by the jewish refugees in Portugal) Garret is also well known for its delicious pastel de nata " La duchesse" and its Xmas Cake

Outside visit

Palácio Estoril HotelThe palace Hotel was the place where there were exchange of informations between spies and allies during WWII. They would exchange real and fake information. In 1968 they shot the film " On her Majesty´s secret service" and the head concierge José Diogo who made a small participation in the film , is still among the staff. During the afternoon, those who want to try the real Bond Dry Martini, " Shaken not Stirred" will be able to do it at the Spy´s bar

7 stops

3 hours

Meeting point:Casino Estoril statue of Fausto Figueiredo ( Gardens)meeting point statue of Fausto Figueiredo. Open in Google Maps →

Outside visit

Loja CTTThis is a important place related with refugees and spies during the WWII. They kept "secret" correspondence ( with no adresses) , so spies and refugees could discreetly collect them.

Outside visit

4.97

29 reviews

Professionalism

5.00

Entertainment

4.93

Communication

4.97

Quality

5.00

Route

4.92

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.

Accessibility

Suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Groups

Does not accept large group bookings.

Pets

Not suitable for bringing pets.

Minimum attendees

Requires a minimum of 5 people to conduct the tour.

Additional costs

The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.

Free cancellation

If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.