Guide to Route 1242: from the Saloio countryside to Sintra’s Atlantic beaches and villages

Guide to Route 1242: from the Saloio countryside to Sintra’s Atlantic beaches and villages

Between Casais Cabrela and Almoçageme, route 1242 crosses small rural settlements, Terrugem, Colares, and Sintra’s coastal strip, opening the way to traditional markets, historic wines, beaches, and viewpoints over the Atlantic.

The route begins in the peaceful surroundings of Casais Cabrela and follows local roads toward Terrugem, where the landscape still combines houses, farmland, and local shops. The stretch along Estrada Nacional 247 serves as a transition between the municipality’s inland area and the villages of the coastal zone.

In the second half of the journey, the route takes on a more tourist-oriented character. The itinerary approaches Colares, Praia das Maçãs, Azenhas do Mar, and Almoçageme, in a succession of residential streets, vineyards, traditional establishments, and access points to golden-sand beaches, saltwater pools, and coastal viewpoints.

Attention: the distances indicated are approximate and estimated from the route coordinates and the listed stops, and may vary depending on the exact drop-off point and the walking route. Route 1242 has 58 departures in the Casais Cabrela–Almoçageme direction on weekdays, 10 on Saturdays, and 10 on Sundays and public holidays; in the opposite direction, there are 51 departures on weekdays, 9 on Saturdays, and 9 on Sundays and public holidays. The fare and operator were not provided in the supplied data.

Mercado de Almoçageme

The Almoçageme terminal places passengers practically in front of one of the village’s main commercial landmarks. Mercado de Almoçageme is known for its selection of fresh and regional products, including fruit, vegetables, flowers, bread, honey, preserves, and other items connected to local production.

It is an especially interesting stop for anyone wishing to experience Sintra’s more everyday, rural Saloio side, away from the best-known circuits of the historic center. On certain days, the market and fair activity turns the area into a meeting point for residents and visitors.

• 📍 Location: Rua de Santo André, Almoçageme, Colares.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Almoçageme (Mercado), next to the site.
• 🏷️ Category: Market and local shopping.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Fresh products and regional flavors in a traditional shopping environment.

Adega Viúva Gomes

A few minutes’ walk from the Almoçageme terminal, Adega Viúva Gomes provides an entry point into the history of Colares wine. The establishment appears in regional wine-tourism itineraries and offers visits and tastings connected to a winemaking tradition shaped by cultivation in sandy soils near the coast.

The experience combines heritage, conversations with producers, and tastings of highly distinctive wines. Since experiences may require advance booking, it is advisable to confirm availability before setting out.

• 📍 Location: Largo Comendador Gomes da Silva, 2 and 3, Almoçageme.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Almoçageme (Mercado), approximately 0.2 to 0.4 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Wine tourism and specialty shopping.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Direct contact with the tradition of Colares wine and the possibility of guided visits and tastings by appointment.

Praia da Adraga

Although it is not directly beside a 1242 stop, Praia da Adraga is one of the best extensions to the trip from Almoçageme. Access requires a longer walk or another form of transport, but the reward is a landscape of cliffs, dark rocks, and open sea, in one of the most striking coastal settings in the Sintra municipality.

The beach has a relatively wild atmosphere and is visited both during the bathing season and outside summer, when the beach and cliffs invite walking and contemplation. Nearby are natural landmarks such as Pedra de Alvidrar and Fojo da Adraga, which require extra care around the cliffs.

• 📍 Location: Rua da Praia da Adraga, Colares.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Almoçageme (Mercado), approximately 2 to 3 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Beach and nature.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Golden beach, rock formations, cliffs, and an almost wild atmosphere.

Praia das Maçãs

Praia das Maçãs is the main leisure destination along the central section of route 1242. The Praia Maçãs (Mercado) stop leaves visitors beside the center of the settlement, the beach, and a concentration of cafés, restaurants, and local shops aimed at those who want to spend a few hours facing the Atlantic.

The beach’s name is associated with Ribeira das Maçãs, which crosses areas of former orchards before reaching the sea. In addition to swimming and walking by the water, the region retains its historic connection with the Sintra Tram and offers a relaxed setting both for a beach day and for an evening on the outdoor terraces.

• 📍 Location: Praia das Maçãs, Colares, Sintra.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Praia Maçãs (Mercado), next to the beach.
• 🏷️ Category: Beach and leisure.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Combines beach, shops, dining, seascapes, and the historic atmosphere of the Sintra coast.

Piscinas Oceânicas da Praia das Maçãs

For those who prefer swimming in controlled water, Piscinas Oceânicas da Praia das Maçãs is located beside the sea and is supplied with saltwater. The complex has a large pool, slides, and a diving area, as well as a smaller pool for children.

It is a practical alternative for families and visitors who want to enjoy the maritime setting without relying exclusively on ocean conditions. Opening is seasonal, and access rules, opening dates, and prices should be confirmed directly with the facility.

• 📍 Location: Avenida Eugene Levy, No. 29, Praia das Maçãs.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Av Eugene Levy (Praia) or Praia Maçãs (Mercado), approximately 0.1 to 0.3 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Water-based leisure.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Saltwater pools, slides, a diving area, and facilities for different age groups.

Aldeia da Praia

Along Avenida do Atlântico, between Praia das Maçãs and the Colares area, Aldeia da Praia serves as a hub for accommodation, food, and outdoor activities. The venue brings together various dining options, including pizza, sushi, Thai food, hamburgers, and vegetarian or vegan choices, as well as craft drinks and local products.

Its location near the beaches and Sintra-Cascais Natural Park makes it a good choice for a longer break. There are also classes and experiences related to yoga, surfing, and bodyboarding, usually subject to reservation.

• 📍 Location: Avenida do Atlântico, beside the former CP Holiday Camp, Colares.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Av Atlântico 157 or Av Atlântico Fte 189, approximately 0.1 to 0.4 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Dining and leisure hub.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A concentration of dining options, local products, and surfing and wellness activities near the coast.

Azenhas do Mar and its viewpoint

The section along Avenida Luís Augusto de Colares brings route 1242 close to Azenhas do Mar, one of the most recognizable landscapes on the Sintra coast. The village spreads down the cliff toward the ocean, with white houses, sloping streets, and a powerful visual relationship with the sea.

Miradouro das Azenhas do Mar, accessible from Rua Doutor António Brandão de Vasconcelos and Escadinhas J. Ramos Baeta, offers a broad view over the Atlantic and the group of houses built on the hillside. Farther below, beside the water, there is a natural pool whose conditions depend on the sea and tides, so it is important to observe the signs and avoid hazardous areas.

• 📍 Location: Azenhas do Mar, Colares; viewpoint on Rua Doutor António Brandão de Vasconcelos.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Av Luís Augusto de Colares 16, Av Luís Aug Colares (Lgo Marcelino), or nearby stops, approximately 0.4 to 0.8 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Tourist attraction and landscape.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Houses cascading down the cliff, panoramic ocean views, and a natural pool beside the sea.

Adega Regional de Colares

Near the stops identified as Adega Colares, Adega Regional de Colares preserves one of Portugal’s most distinctive winemaking traditions. Founded in 1931, the cooperative works with wines from the demarcated Colares region, including the Ramisco grape for reds and Malvasia de Colares for whites.

The historic building houses large casks and a shop, in addition to guided visits and wine tastings by appointment. It is an especially interesting stop for anyone wishing to understand how the Atlantic climate, sandy soils, and manual labor shaped the identity of Colares wines.

• 📍 Location: Alameda Coronel Linhares de Lima, No. 32, Colares.
• 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Av Cel Linhares Lima (Adega Colares) or Av Dr Brandão Vasconcelos, approximately 0.1 to 0.4 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Wine and local heritage.
• ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Historic cooperative winery, DOC Colares wines, shop, and wine-tourism experiences by appointment.

To make the most of route 1242, the itinerary can be divided into two stages: get off at Praia Maçãs (Mercado) to combine the beach, pools, and dining; then, on a later trip or in the direction of Almoçageme, explore Colares, Azenhas do Mar, Mercado de Almoçageme, and the wineries. Since service is more frequent on weekdays, it is advisable to check return times in advance, especially on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, when there are fewer departures in each direction.

Sources

• Visit Sintra — Praia das Maçãs
• Visit Sintra — Praia da Adraga
• Visit Sintra — Praia das Azenhas do Mar
• Visit Sintra — Miradouro das Azenhas do Mar
• Visit Sintra — Adega Regional de Colares
• Adega Viúva Gomes
• Adega Regional de Colares
• Piscinas Oceânicas da Praia das Maçãs
• Aldeia da Praia
• Sintra Municipal Council — Praia da Adraga and Almoçageme