In Colares, a striking coastal landscape and a long winemaking tradition meet historic sites. The area lies at the foot of the Serra de Sintra and close to the sea; it lies entirely within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. The close interplay of landscape and history is reflected in both the coastal rock formations and the region’s vineyards and buildings.

Cliffs and Wine Country

On the southern cliffs of Praia da Adraga, Pedra de Alvidrar drops almost vertically to the sea. Fojo da Adraga is also a distinctive natural formation: the deep shaft is connected to the sea at its base. Care is required when observing it. Praia da Adraga is also a place for walks and quiet contemplation—even outside the bathing season.

The vineyards of Colares near the sea are protected from strong sea winds by reed palisades. Since 1908, Colares has been a designated wine-growing region producing Vinho de Colares. The Adega Viúva Gomes is also part of the area’s winemaking history: it is considered the region’s oldest winery and was founded in 1808. Those interested in winemaking will find not only a current production area here, but also a long history passed down through the generations.

Beaches and Coastal Paths

Surfing and bodyboarding are popular at Praia das Maçãs, and there is a saltwater swimming pool beside the beach. The beach’s name comes from the many apples that were once carried there from the orchards along the stream. At Praia Grande, a long sandy beach and strong surf provide the setting for surfing and bodyboarding. At the southern end, dinosaur footprints can be seen preserved in a limestone cliff. At Praia das Azenhas do Mar, natural saltwater pools fed by the sea lie at the end of a rocky valley.

For a journey between the mountains and the coast, the Sintra tram connects the mountains with Praia das Maçãs. The route is almost 11 kilometres long and the journey takes about 45 minutes. As seasonal operating details may vary, check the timetable before planning your trip. Tickets are always purchased on board the tram. The line’s history goes back further: the first section, as far as São Sebastião de Colares, opened in 1904; the line reached Praia das Maçãs in 1905.

Another perspective is offered by a circular route of about 16 kilometres, starting and ending at Adega Regional de Colares. It runs between pine forest and the Atlantic coast, passing through Pinhal da Nazaré and the Vinho Ramisco vineyards, as well as Fontanelas and Janas. The tram is described in terms of journey time, while the circular route has its own stated distance and fixed start and end points.

History in Townscapes and Archaeological Sites

The route through the historic centre of Colares passes churches, palaces of old country estates and typical chalets from the late 19th century. One example is Villa Costa, now called Vitorino: José Inácio da Costa had it built as a holiday residence in 1885; it is considered the second-oldest chalet in the Sintra area. The Pelourinho de Colares is thought to date from 1516, when King Manuel I granted the new royal charter. The Igreja Paroquial de Nossa Senhora da Assunção dates from the second half of the 16th century. The Ermida de S. Sebastião has origins in the early 16th century, while the present building was erected in the third quarter of the 18th century.

Ulgueira also preserves architectural history that can be dated: the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição has a Mannerist portal dating from 1567. The Chafariz dos Festeiros 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. In this way, different centuries and architectural styles can be seen in specific buildings.

The archaeological sites offer a glimpse into even earlier times. The Monumento Pré-histórico da Praia das Maçãs is a burial complex dating back about 5,000 years. At the Sítio Arqueológico do Alto da Vigia, traces point to settlement in the Roman, Islamic and modern periods; the remains of the Islamic Ribat of Alconchel are also preserved there. Parts of the fortification wall and the vaulted gunpowder store remain from the 17th-century Forte da Roca. The Farol do Cabo da Roca was built in 1772.

Discover more destinations: Torres Vedras, Oeiras, Odivelas, Sintra, Azambuja, Lisbon, Vila Franca De Xira, Santa Iria De Azoia.

For the main travel overview: Lisbon.