Colares between the Atlantic Coast, Vineyards and History

Coast, cliffs and winegrowing

Colares lies at the foot of the Serra de Sintra and close to the sea; the entire area is part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. On the southern cliffs of Praia da Adraga, Pedra de Alvidrar drops almost vertically to the sea. Fojo da Adraga is a deep natural shaft connected to the sea at its base. Take care when viewing it. Praia da Adraga is also suitable for walks and moments of contemplation outside the bathing season.

The wine-growing landscape tells the story of the area's relationship with the Atlantic: vineyards near the sea are protected from strong sea winds by reed palisades. Colares has been a demarcated wine region since 1908, where Vinho de Colares is produced. Founded in 1808, Adega Viúva Gomes is considered the region's oldest winery. Winegrowing is therefore not just a product, but also a visible part of the landscape and local history.

Beaches and a variety of activities

Surfing and bodyboarding are practised at Praia das Maçãs; there is a saltwater pool next to the beach. The name Praia das Maçãs recalls an earlier story: many apples from the orchards were once carried there along the stream. At Praia Grande, a long sandy beach meets powerful waves; it is a destination for surfing and bodyboarding. Dinosaur footprints can be seen in a limestone cliff at the southern end.

Praia das Azenhas do Mar offers a different coastal view. At the end of the rocky valley are natural saltwater pools fed by the sea. Each beach offers a different experience: rock formations at Adraga, water sports at Praia Grande and Praia das Maçãs, and pools at the end of the valley at Azenhas do Mar. Praia da Adraga is also worth considering for walks outside the bathing season.

Architectural history and archaeological sites

A route through the historic centre of Colares passes churches, palaces on former estates and typical chalets from the late 19th century. Individual buildings bring these different layers of history to life. Pelourinho de Colares was probably erected in 1516, when King Manuel I granted the new charter. Igreja Paroquial de Nossa Senhora da Assunção was built in the second half of the 16th century.

Villa Costa, now called Vitorino, is also part of the area's architectural history: it was built in 1885 as a holiday residence for José Inácio da Costa and is considered the second-oldest chalet in the Sintra area. Ermida de S. Sebastião dates back to the early 16th century; the present building was constructed in the third quarter of the 18th century. In Ulgueira, Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição has a Mannerist portal dating from 1567. The Chafariz dos Festeiros there dates from the 18th century and was commissioned by José Nunes Correia in 1766. It is associated with the festival in honour of Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Ulgueira.

Archaeological sites add much older traces to the architectural history. Monumento Pré-histórico da Praia das Maçãs is a burial complex around 5,000 years old. Sítio Arqueológico do Alto da Vigia contains traces of settlement from the Roman, Islamic and modern periods; the remains of the Islamic Ribat of Alconchel are also preserved there.

Plan a tram ride and a circular walk

The Sintra tram connects the mountains with Praia das Maçãs along a route of almost 11 kilometres; the journey takes about 45 minutes. The first section, as far as São Sebastião de Colares, opened in 1904, and the line reached Praia das Maçãs in 1905. Buy tickets on the tram. Seasonal operating details may vary, so check the timetable for your travel date.

For a longer walking option, a circular route of about 16 kilometres starts and ends at Adega Regional de Colares. It runs between pine forest and the Atlantic coast, passing through Pinhal da Nazaré, the Vinho Ramisco vineyards, Fontanelas and Janas. When planning, note that the tram and walking-route details differ in both mode of transport and scope: the tram journey is described by its approximate duration, while the circular walk is described by its approximate total distance.

Discover more destinations: Loures, Vila Franca De Xira, Arruda Dos Vinhos, Torres Vedras, Odivelas, Cadaval, Santa Iria De Azoia, Amadora.

For the broader travel overview: Lisbon.