Day 1
Start your stay in Sintra with a tasty breakfast overlooking the sea.
Start your stay in Sintra with a tasty breakfast overlooking the sea.
Then, start by visiting Cabo da Roca. Follow the EN247 until the village of Azóia and, from there, go down to Cabo da Roca. Upon arrival, let yourself be impressed by the beautiful immensity of the Atlantic Ocean that is revealed in front of your eyes, in one of the most emblematic places in Portugal.
At Cabo da Roca “… where the land ends and the sea begins…”, get a certificate of presence at the westernmost point of the European continent at the local tourism office.
Then return to the EN247 towards Sintra and after about 3.2 km, at the foot of the mountains, turn right onto EN247-3 towards the Capuchos Convent. This Franciscan convent built in direct contact with nature and in accordance with a philosophy of extreme architectural and decorative simplicity is small and remarkable in its simplicity.
After the visit, take the same road until you reach the EN247 and continue until Adraga Beach, in Almoçageme. Rough, wild and with an intense blue. Simply beautiful! Indulge in fresh fish and seafood from the coast for an extended lunch at a local restaurant.
Head towards Azenhas do Mar and, in the afternoon, visit the beautiful and emblematic village. Make sure you do not miss the picture perfect scenery, as Azenhas do Mar surprises with its geographical location, with houses cascading down the cliff until the sea.
Have a glass of Colares wine and watch the sunset. There is no hurry.
Day 2
Start the day with a hiking trail to discover the vineyards of the historic Colares Wine - PR8 – Colares Wine.
This is a circular route, close to 15 km, which starts at the Colares Regional Wine cellar, passing by Pinhal da Nazaré, Ramisco Wine Vines, Fontanelas and Janas. This hiking trail, among others, is marked on the ground and with information panels and georeferencing files.
If you don't feel adventurous walking the whole way, drive around the picturesque villages by car, but don't miss the opportunity to discover the traditional “sand soil” vineyards that give rise to the DOC Colares wine.
If you have time, in the late morning or early afternoon, complement the vineyard tour with a visit to 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. Here are wines from the Denomination of Controlled Origin of Colares, Regional Extremadura and Table Wines to enjoy on any occasion.
By booking in advance, you can make a guided tour with wine tasting and discover the entire history of Colares wine.
In the afternoon drive to Odrinhas - the northernmost village in the county - and visit the Archaeological Museum of São Miguel de Odrinhas and the adjacent Roman ruins. The collection has over 400 pieces: coins, ceramic, lithic, metallic and osteological objects, among others.
Day 3
On this third and last day in Sintra, leave the car parked. Take the opportunity to board the centenary Sintra Tram. Departing from Maçãs Beach, in a route extending almost 13 km through sycamore trees, vineyards and orchards, reaching Sintra in approximately 45 minutes. In open or closed carriages, the journey brings to memory other times, bringing you to the Estefânea district, one of Sintra's entrances. (Timetable)
Once in Sintra, walk towards the historic centre, along the pedestrian street, past the Correnteza Garden and stop at the viewpoint to admire the magnificent landscape of Sintra.
Keep walking until you reach the City Hall, a revivalist building from the 20th century. Continue and follow Volta do Duche and admire the Public Art exhibition, comprising pieces by various authors, which embellishing the path to the historic centre.
On the way back or at the historic centre, it is a good idea to lunch at one of the local restaurants.
Then, visit the emblematic Sintra National Palace, with its imposing chimneys, standing tall right in the town centre. Before heading back, walk along the narrow streets, alleys and staircases of the picturesque historic centre.
Go to the Estefânea stop so you don't miss the last tram to Maçãs Beach.
Still on the way and near the City Hall is a factory of the traditional queijadas de Sintra. Take a pack of queijadas to enjoy on the way to the tram stop.
Have a good trip back to Maçãs Beach. In summer, there is still time to watch the sunset. If you are a wine lover, enjoy and taste the famous Colares wine.
