Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TRAM
On weekends, Sintra's restored electric tram, the Elétrico de Sintra ( www.cm-sintra.pt ; one-way €2;
Fri-Sun) offers access to the coast, running from Rua Alves Roçadas near Portela de Sin-
tra train station, arriving at Praia das Maçãs 45 minutes later. Trams depart hourly from
9am to 6pm from Friday to Sunday. The last tram back leaves the beach around 7pm.
TOP OF CHAPTER
West of Sintra
Precipitous cliffs and crescent-shaped bays pummelled by the Atlantic lie just 12km west
of Sintra. Previous host of the European Surfing Championships, Praia Grande lures surfers
and bodyboarders to its big sandy beach with ripping breakers. Clamber over the cliffs to
spot dinosaur fossils. Family -friendly Praia das Maçãs has a sweep of gold sand, backed by a
lively little resort. Azenhas do Mar , 2km further, is a cliff-hanger of a village, where a
jumble of whitewashed, red-roofed houses tumble down the crags to a free saltwater pool
(only accessible when the sea is calm).
En route to the beaches, ridgetop Colares makes a great pit stop with its panoramas,
stuck-in-time village charm and wines dating back to the 13th century. The vines grown
today are the only ones in Europe to have survived the 19th-century phylloxera plague,
saved by their deep roots and sandy soil. To purchase some of the venerable wines, visit
Adega Regional de Colares ( 219 291 210; Alameda Coronel, Linhares de Lima 32) .
Wild and wonderful Cabo da Roca (Rock Cape) is a sheer 150m cliff, facing the roaring
sea, 18km west of Sintra. It's Europe's westernmost point and a terrific sunset spot.
Though a steady trickle of visitors come to see the lighthouse and buy an I've- been-there
certificate at the turismo, it still has an air of rugged, windswept remoteness.
Just before reaching Cabo da Roca, there's a small sign indicating the turnoff to Praia
Ursa . From here it's a 20-minute descent along a treacherous path (take care!) to a beauti-
ful deserted beach (bring your own food and drinks). You might see a few nudists there in
the summer. From here you can continue walking along the coast another 5km to Praia
Grande.
Sleeping
Residencial Real
GUESTHOUSE
 
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