On the waterfront

IF YOUR holiday reading includes a Le Carré blockbuster or a Graham Greene reliable, then you will find no better backdrop than Estoril — the stylish coastal town just north of Lisbon in Portugal.

A haven for exiled leaders, spies and the glamorous celebrity set of the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, the very pretty town on the outskirts of Lisbon, still retains a lot of its former glory and attracts plenty of chic visitors.

Flanked by the smart Cascais marina to the south, and the imposing Tamariz castle to the north of the strip, the area is a veritable treasure trove of tiny coves and smart promenade cafes.