Day 1
Start the day with an appetizing breakfast and, if you are a nature lover, get ready for a walk along the cliffs.
How about doing one of the beautiful hiking trails, marked on the ground and with information panels and georeferencing files?
Drive to Cabo da Roca. You can use part of the GR 11 trail, which intersects in Largo das Flores, in Ulgueira, with PR 7 that will take you to Cabo da Roca.
If you are not so adventurous, take the N247 to Azóia and from there go down to Cabo da Roca. There, let yourself be impressed by the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, one of the most emblematic places in Portugal “where the land ends and the sea begins…”. Take the opportunity to get a certificate of presence at the local Tourism Office at the westernmost point of the European continent (link to information on Cabo da Roca).
As lunchtime approaches, head to Vila da Azóia and, in one of the local restaurants, indulge your appetite for fresh fish from the sea or seafood from the coast (link to information on restaurants). Take the opportunity to pair the meal with a Colares Wine. White or red from the demarcated region for over 100 years, Colares produces a unique wine, where 80 % of the vineyard is on "sand soils". (link to information on Colares wine)
Have you travelled by foot? If so, then now is the time to make your way back or, alternatively, you can use public transport that serves Cabo da Roca, returning faster. (Timetables)
If you still have time, visit the Colares Regional Wine cellar. Founded in 1931, it currently brings together more than 50 % of the region's production and over 90 % of the producers. It produces wines under the denomination of Controlled Origin of Colares, Regional Extremadura and Table Wines, suitable to any occasion.
If you book in advance, you can take a guided tour and discover the entire history of Colares vineyard and wine. (link to Wine cellar website)
Enjoy the rest of the day by the sea and try to arrive in time to watch the sunset at the Praia Grande viewpoint, where you can have a drink at one of the local restaurants and let yourself dine to the sound of the ocean waves.
Day 2
Early in the morning, start by visiting the emblematic village of Azenhas do Mar. A true picture postcard, Azenhas do Mar is surprising for its geographical location, with the houses cascading down the cliff to the sea and a chapel in honour of São Lourenço. Take a moment to enjoy the view of the Azenhas viewpoint and enjoy the framing for beautiful photographs. A little further down the road to Fontanelas enjoy the architecture of the famous Raul Lino (1879-1974) at Casa Branca or Casa do Marco in Azenhas do Mar, with sea view, built in 1920 as the architect's holiday residence.
After the stroll through this beautiful village, return to Maçãs Beach and depart towards Sintra aboard the centenary Tram, in a route extending almost 13 km through sycamore trees, vineyards and orchards, reaching Sintra in approximately 45 minutes. In open or closed tram carriages, the journey brings the taste of other times. The last stop is in the Estefânia neighbourhood – Timetable.
Enjoy a lunch at one of the restaurants you will find on the way to the town centre.
Then, head towards the historic centre, past the Correnteza Garden and stop at the viewpoint to admire and photograph one of the magnificent landscapes of Sintra (link on Correnteza viewpoint).
Keep walking until you reach the City Hall, a revivalist building from the 20th century. Enter Volta do Duche and admire the Public Art exhibition, comprising pieces by various authors, which embellishing the path to the historic centre.
Midway through this route, you will find the entrance to the Liberty Park, with a predominantly green vegetation, trees with eco-friendly and biodiversity niches. Ideal for a refreshing walk during summer days or watching Autumn’s golden leaves.
In the town centre stands the emblematic Sintra National Palace, with its imposing chimneys. Be sure to visit some of Sintra's history.
Walk through the narrow streets, alleys and staircases of Vila Velha (Old Town), do some local shopping, head into one of the pastry shops that make traditional Sintra sweets and indulge yourself with queijadas and travesseiros that will leave you wanting more.
Then, come back. There is much more to discover.
