Colares

Colares is a sleepy coastal town on the northern shore of Lisbon's doorstep, where the Atlantic crashes against golden sand and the Serra de Sintra's pine-clad hills roll down to meet the sea. It's the kind of place where life slows to the rhythm of the tides and the scent of grilled fish drifts from beachfront tascas. For travellers weaving a self-drive itinerary around the Lisbon coast, Colares offers a blissful escape from the city buzz without sacrificing good food or natural beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Praia das Maçãs – A wide, sandy beach with a retro tram that chugs from Sintra town right to the shore. Surfers love the consistent swell, while families appreciate the calm rock pools at low tide.
• Azenhas do Mar – A picture-perfect whitewashed village clinging to a cliff, with a natural swimming pool carved into the rocks. Arrive for sunset when the houses turn honey-gold.
• Praia da Adraga – A wild, rugged beach flanked by dramatic sea cliffs and a famous seafood restaurant (Restaurante Adraga) that serves the freshest grilled percebes (goose barnacles).
• Museu do Vinho de Colares – A small museum celebrating the region's unique Ramisco wine, grown in sandy soils that survived the phylloxera plague. Tastings are a must for oenophiles.
• Farol do Cabo da Roca – The westernmost point of mainland Europe, a windswept lighthouse with vertiginous cliffs and epic coastal views. Snap a certificate at the tourist office.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a half-day exploring Colares and its beaches, but a full day allows you to hike the clifftop trail between Praia da Adraga and Cabo da Roca, then settle in for a late lunch of seafood and vinho verde. If you're a surfer, plan two nights to chase the best waves at Praia das Maçãs or nearby Praia Grande. The area is compact enough to combine with a morning in Sintra and an afternoon on the coast.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Sintra – The fairy-tale town of palaces and Moorish ruins, just 20 minutes by car or tram. Don't miss Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle.
• Cascais – A glamorous seaside town with a charming old town, marina, and excellent seafood markets. Great for a stroll and gelato.
• Praia Grande – A vast, surf-friendly beach with a dinosaur footprint fossil site at its northern end. Ideal for a morning walk.
• Magoito Beach – A quieter alternative with a long wooden boardwalk over dunes and a lagoon that attracts birdlife.
• Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais – The protected natural park that covers the entire Serra de Sintra, offering hiking trails through cork oak forests and hidden waterfalls.

Please check official sources for current details.