Colares

Colares is a civil parish (freguesia) in the municipality of Sintra, in the Lisbon District of Portugal. It sits on the Atlantic coast north of Lisbon and includes the village of Colares and several nearby beaches such as Praia das Maçãs.

The area is part of the Sintra-Cascais coastal landscape. It features sandy, poor soils near the sea and a cool, windy Atlantic climate that shapes local agriculture, particularly viticulture.

Colares is known for its historic wine region, producing two native varieties: Ramisco (red) and Malvasia (white). Ramisco wines are often full-bodied and long-lived, while Malvasia yields aromatic whites. Both are tied to the sands and sea winds.

Viticulture in Colares developed in medieval times and reached prominence in earlier centuries. The vineyards were traditionally planted on the wind-swept sands to protect vines, and wines gained reputation for aging potential. The sector faced decline after phylloxera but has revived since the late 20th century.

Today Colares combines wine heritage with coastal tourism. The parish offers beaches, close proximity to Sintra’s cultural sites, and scenic landscapes that attract visitors seeking natural beauty and local gastronomy.