Colares: Atlantic Coast, Winegrowing and Historical Discoveries

Colares lies at the foot of the Serra de Sintra and in the immediate vicinity of the sea. The entire area belongs to the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and combines striking coastal landscapes with winegrowing, historic sites and routes for different kinds of holiday days. 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.

Atlantic Coast Between Views and Activities

The beaches of Colares offer a variety of experiences. Praia da Adraga is also suitable for walks and moments of contemplation outside the bathing season. Bodyboarding and surfing take place at Praia das Maçãs; a saltwater pool is located directly beside it. Praia Grande has a long sandy beach and strong surf and is also a destination for surfing and bodyboarding. At the southern end of Praia Grande, dinosaur footprints can also be seen in a limestone cliff. The world bodyboarding championship is held there every year and is integrated into the sport's international competition series.

Praia das Azenhas do Mar also adds a distinctive coastal landscape to your travel plans: at the end of the rocky valley are natural saltwater pools fed by the sea. The upper area of the Miradouro das Azenhas do Mar can be reached on foot or by bicycle. Praia das Maçãs takes its name from the many apples that were once carried there from the orchards by the stream. In the Várzea de Colares, the Rio das Maçãs crosses the landscape and flows into Praia das Maçãs.

Winegrowing as a Defining Feature

Colares has been a demarcated winegrowing region since 1908, producing Vinho de Colares. The vineyards near the sea are protected from strong sea winds by reed palisades. The local wine tradition also includes Adega Viúva Gomes, considered the oldest winery in the region and founded in 1808. A circular route of around 16 kilometres begins and ends at Adega Regional de Colares and runs between pine forest and the Atlantic coast via Pinhal da Nazaré, the vineyards of Vinho Ramisco, Fontanelas and Janas.

Historic Colares and Archaeological Traces

Those who wish to get to know the town along a historic route will pass churches, palaces of old estates and typical chalets from the late 19th century. The Pelourinho de Colares was probably erected in 1516, when King Manuel I granted the new charter. The Igreja Paroquial de Nossa Senhora da Assunção dates from the second half of the 16th century. Villa Costa, now called Vitorino, was built in 1885 as a holiday residence for José Inácio da Costa and is considered the second-oldest chalet in the Sintra area.

Further evidence can be found in various districts. The house at Quinta Mazziotti has a two-storey, neoclassical L-shaped layout; the adjoining chapel is dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Carmo. The Ermida de S. Sebastião has origins dating back to the early 16th century, while the present building was constructed in the third quarter of the 18th century. At Forte da Roca, parts of the fortification wall and the vaulted ceiling of the powder magazine of a 17th-century fortress have survived.

In Ulgueira, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição has a Mannerist portal dating from 1567. The Chafariz dos Festeiros dates from the 18th century, was commissioned by José Nunes Correia in 1766 and is associated with the festival in honour of Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Ulgueira. The Monumento Pré-histórico da Praia das Maçãs is a burial complex around 5,000 years old. At the Sítio Arqueológico do Alto da Vigia, traces point to Roman, Islamic and modern-era settlement; the remains of the Islamic Ribat of Alconchel are also preserved there.

Routes and Choosing Your Accommodation

The Sintra tram is also a good option for planning excursions. It connects the mountains with Praia das Maçãs along a route of almost 11 kilometres; the journey takes around 45 minutes. The first section to São Sebastião de Colares opened in 1904, and the line reached Praia das Maçãs in 1905. Tickets are always purchased on the tram. When choosing a holiday apartment in Colares, you can therefore first consider whether winegrowing, historical discoveries, coastal landscapes or sporting activities should be the focus of your shared trip. Colares brings these themes together in a clearly recognisable holiday destination without requiring you to limit yourself to just one type of excursion.

More Destinations for Your Travel Plans

If you would like to add to your travel plans, you can also find Sintra, Cascais, Odivelas, Torres Vedras, Monte De Caparica, Lourinhã, Azambuja and Sobral De Monte Agraço.

To the higher-level travel overview: Lisbon.