Estoril, because of Portugal´s neutrality during the war, is the meeting point from mid 1940 onwards of all sort of people passing through Lisbon. Some savour the tranquility, others partake in the mundane entertainments, and again others are merely in transit. And then there are those that try to gather the maximum of information for the secret services of the belligerent parties.

The end of the war brings new political refugees: Kings, princes and prime ministers. The regular comings and goings of Portuguese royal family and, somewhat later, of the high society which had settled in Monte Estoril, revives the aristrocratic air already apparent since 1870.

With the death of Fausto Figueiredo in 1950, a new era, calmer and more geared towards the Arts and Culture, begins for Estoril. The “Junta de Turismo da Costa do Sol” becomes the compelling force after the realisation of so many of the special events in the district.