Description of Apartment/Location
Out and About Locally
Conveniently located just off the church square in the picturesque and historic village of Colares within the Sintra UNESCO World Heritage area. Colares has many amenites including restaurants, cafés, bank, chemist, grocery stores, local market, bakery, butcher and post office. The local beaches - Praia da Adraga , Praia Grande and Praia das Maças - are all within a 5 - 10 minute drive. There are more beaches in Cascais and Estoril which are a stunning 15 km drive away along the Atlantic coast road. Sintra itself is just an 8 km drive.
Sintra is a world heritage site and has a lot to be seen, including the Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, National Palace and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira. It also offers great shopping and restaurants. Markets in Sintra are on the 1st and 3rd weekends of each month.
And with Lisbon only 25 minutes away and Cascais only 15 minutes, you can get all the cosmopolitan and night life you need.
A short distance away you can enjoy a lovely lunch or dinner at the Restaurant Adrage at Praia da Adrage, the closest beach.
Pay a visit to Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point of Europe where you can enjoy a cliff top walk with spectacular views and visit to local tourism point.
There are many walking routes in the mountains and in the parks (parts of it protected by World Heritage), if you wish we can provide information and/or contacts to the local walking groups.
Just north of Sintra is the delightful old town of Ericeira takes you back in time to the days when it was a tiny fishing village. Cobbled streets, white-washed houses and a plethora of restaurants and cafes offer excellent food, especially the sea-food for which Portugal is deservedly famous.
Out & About in Lisbon
Lisbon & the Lisbon Coast are both an all-year-round destination. Summers, whilst warm are rarely oppressive and the cooling sea breeze keeps it comfortable even during the hottest months. Very mild winters mean you can enjoy your short break in the winter sun in Cascais and Lisbon.
Lisbon itself has lots to delight; from taking an old electric tram up the steep hills of Lisbon to whizzing up to the top of the Santa Justa Elevator to get a panoramic view of the city of Lisbon. Do visit Alfama (the old quarter) and be sure to wear comfortable rubber soled shoes to avoid slipping on the cobbles. In the evenings, take in a Fado evening over dinner in one of the many restaurants in this area. Bairro Alto is also wonderfully lively at night – lots of restaurants, Fado houses and late night bars/clubs.
June 12th is the night of the Festival of St Anthony; the best night for trying traditional sardines in Lisbon.
Go by tram - #15 is the best - to Belem. It leaves from Praça Figueira and stops at Praça do Comerçio and Cais do Sodré before going on to Belem - a wonderful place of fountains, parks, monuments and monasteries.
Worth visiting in the Estremadura and beyond are, Óbidos, Sintra, Azeitão & Setúbal, Fatima & Nazaré. Alentejo is a little further (about 2 hours) but worth visiting are Évora and Monsaraz. The Esporão Wine Estate is worth having lunch at if you are going as far as Monsaraz
We can offer you a day excursion at competitive rates. See our Tours section.
Out & About in Cascais
When in Cascais, take a stroll through the local park. Parque Municipal da Gandarinha in Cascais is located opposite the marina and beside the cultural centre. Feed the ducks - or just sit at the local café and read a book whilst the peacocks strut around you.
Sit out in the late afternoon and enjoy the sunset on the Esplanade Beach Bar in Cascais (Praia da Rainha) whilst enjoying champagne sangria or overlooking the ocean at Casa da Guia over a sun down cocktail. If you have spent the day on Guincho Beach, the most romantic sunsets can be viewed from the Abano Beach Bar (BG Bar)
If you're an early riser, catch the auctions in the fish market square where the fishermen sell their daily catch. Market days are Wednesday (full market day) and Saturday, (fresh produce)
Local activities include diving, surfing, swimming, tennis, walking, sailing, cycling, fishing, horse riding, golf, wind-surfing, water skiing, mountain biking, mountaineering, roller blading on the purpose-built pathway along the coast road.
Parque Marechal Carmona - one single space resulting from the marriage of the gardens of the Palace of the Conde of Castro Guimarães and the property of the Visconde of Gandarinha. Apart from an abundance of exotic trees and shrubs, the tranquility of this park offers curious hiding places to quietly read a book or romantic tree lined pathways. Wander around the small ponds, infant playground, mini zoo, aviary, youth library, duck pond, café, museum, chapel, rose gardens etc... Right in the heart of Cascais! Open 8.30-19.45 summer & 8.30-17.45 winter
Bicycles can be hired locally (no charge) in Cascais and there is a bicycle path which stretches for miles along the beautiful coastline to Guincho Beach. Another useful service is the “Giro” Bus from outside the apt to Cascais Shopping - a shopping mall on the outskirts of Cascais & Estoril.
The Cascais tourism office is situated in the square in Cascais, for all the maps and local information you need.
The Lisbon tourism office is situated on the water front just beside the casino gardens and opposite the Estoril train station.
Night life includes the Tamariz Night Club which is practically suspended over the beach in Estoril (summertime only) and Jezebels Night Club behind Estoril Casino during the winter months. Alternatively try the club for "the young at heart" (Vangogo) or 70's retro club Rolls Royce, both in Cascais old town. Take in the International Show or Dinner & Show at the Estoril Casino.
The Artisan Fair in Estoril (behind Casino) each July and August offers handicraft and a variety of restaurants serving traditional food.
Other Information
Gastronomy
