Colares: Wine, Architecture and History

Colares combines a distinctive wine landscape with historic buildings and a named walking route. If you are planning a stay, you can explore different themes here: local winegrowing, architectural history and a walking route that starts near the Adega Regional.

Winegrowing Between Sandy Soil and Sea Winds

The vineyards of Colares are close to the sea. Because of the very strong sea winds, they are protected by reed fences. The soil also shapes winegrowing: about 80 percent of the vineyards are on “chão de areia,” or sandy soil. In the traditional “unhar” method, the vine is anchored in the soil layer beneath the sand as a vine growing on its own roots—“pé franco.”

Colares is a demarcated wine region where the prized and now increasingly rare Vinho de Colares is produced. The Adega Regional de Colares was founded in 1931 and operates in its original building. Very large casks stand there, where the wines produced are aged. Guided tours and wine tastings are offered by prior appointment; if you would like to plan for both, arrange your visit in advance.

The Pequena Rota 8 – Vinho de Colares starts at the Adega Regional. It is a circular route and approximately 15.5 kilometers long. This lets you combine winegrowing with a specific hiking option, without confusing the full loop with a short visit. Its approximate length is a useful planning guide if you would like to include it in your stay.

Churches and Villas: Colares’ Architectural History

The Igreja Matriz de Colares is dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Assunção and was built in the second half of the 16th century. Its nave forms a spacious Mannerist interior with five round-arched openings, one of which contains the side entrance. The walls are clad in patterned 17th-century tiles in yellow, blue and white. The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, including its churchyard, is classified as a Monument of Public Interest.

Another historic church is the Ermida de São Sebastião. Its origins date back to the beginning of the 16th century; however, the present building was not constructed until the third quarter of the 18th century. These dates describe different phases of its architectural history. The main chapel has an oval floor plan, another architectural feature of the Ermida.

Villa Costa, now Vitorino, is also part of the town’s architectural history: it was built in 1885 as a summer residence for José Inácio da Costa. It is also considered the second-oldest chalet in the Sintra area. The villa complements the churches with a different building type and a later date.

A Historical Glimpse of Transport History

The Sintra tramway is part of the area’s transport history. Its first section, between Sintra (Vila Velha) and São Sebastião de Colares, opened on 31 March 1904. This section of the line was 8,900 meters long. As a historical reference, it complements the older architectural history of the churches and the later summer residence with a perspective from the early 20th century.

Discover more destinations: Queluz, Algueirão, Terrugem, Belas, Sintra, Almargem Do Bispo, Rio De Mouro, Mira-Sintra

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