Guide to Route 1633: from the Ericeira sea to Sintra's culture via São Julião
On weekdays, route 1633 connects Ericeira Bus Terminal to Portela de Sintra North Station, passing beaches, markets, supermarkets and cultural facilities through the interior of the saloia region.
The route begins in the centre of Ericeira and follows the coast towards Praia do Sul and Foz do Lizandro, before continuing through Carvoeira, Baleia and Seixal. It is a journey that alternates between urban streets, coastal roads and small rural settlements, revealing a less tourist-oriented and more everyday landscape of the municipality of Mafra.
In the municipality of Sintra, the route passes through areas such as Pobral, Odrinhas, Terrugem and Alto do Chão Frio before reaching Portela de Sintra. Along the way, there are important points of interest for those wishing to combine transport and leisure: archaeological heritage, everyday shopping, beaches with bathing facilities and cultural spaces near the station.
Attention: the distances indicated are approximate and estimated from the coordinates provided for the route and the locations of the establishments or attractions. The route operates only on weekdays, with 6 departures in the Ericeira–Portela de Sintra direction and 3 departures in the Portela de Sintra–Ericeira direction. The fare and service operator were not provided in the available data.
| Location | Category | Nearest stop/section | Approximate distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ericeira Municipal Market | Market and gastronomy | Ericeira (Bus Terminal) | About 0.9 km |
| Santa Marta Park | Park, leisure and sports | EN 247 (X) Praia Sul | About 0.8 km |
| Praia do Sul or Baleia | Beach and outdoor leisure | EN 247 (X) Praia Sul | About 0.2 km |
| Foz do Lizandro Beach | Beach, surfing and dining | EN 247 6 (X) Foz Lizandro | About 0.4 km |
| São Miguel de Odrinhas Archaeological Museum | Museum and historical heritage | Av Prof D Dom Fernando de Almeida 87 | About 0.4 km |
| Lidl Terrugem | Supermarket | Av 29 August (Hypermarket) | About 0.1 km |
| ALDI Terrugem | Supermarket | Av Portuguese Aviation (Fire Station) | About 0.3 km |
| MU.SA – Sintra Museum of Art | Museum and contemporary art | Portela de Sintra (Station) | About 0.7 km |
| Olga Cadaval Cultural Centre | Theatre, concerts and performances | Portela de Sintra (Station) | About 0.9 km |
Ericeira Municipal Market
To begin an outing on route 1633, Ericeira Municipal Market is one of the best stops for getting into the rhythm of the town. The venue brings together fishmongers, fruit and vegetable stalls, grocers, bakeries, florists, delicatessens and handicrafts, maintaining a direct connection with the region's fishing and agricultural traditions.
The market also has a gastronomic dimension: in addition to buying fresh produce, the upper floor has a bar and dining areas. It is an especially interesting place to visit in the morning, when activity is more intense and local commerce is in full swing.
- 📍 Location: Rua do Mercado, no. 22, Ericeira.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Ericeira (Bus Terminal), about 0.9 km away.
- 🏷️ Category: Municipal market, shopping and gastronomy.
- ⭐ Distinctive feature: It brings together fresh fish, regional products, handicrafts and dining in a traditional venue in the town.
Santa Marta Park
Near Ericeira's historic centre, Santa Marta Park provides a green break with sea views. The complex includes landscaped areas, a children's playground, skating rink, open-air amphitheatre, tennis courts, padel courts, mini-golf and outdoor fitness equipment.
It is a versatile option for those travelling with children, wishing to exercise or simply wanting to rest before continuing the journey. The amphitheatre gives the space a cultural vocation and it also hosts activities and events throughout the year.
- 📍 Location: Largo de Santa Marta, Ericeira.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Ericeira (Bus Terminal), about 0.8 km away.
- 🏷️ Category: Urban park, leisure and sports.
- ⭐ Distinctive feature: It combines green areas, sports facilities, a children's area and an amphitheatre overlooking the ocean.
Praia do Sul or Baleia
The stop identified as EN 247 (X) Praia Sul leaves passengers very close to one of Ericeira's most accessible beaches. Also known as Baleia, Praia do Sul is protected from northerly winds by Ponta de Santa Marta and has a more family-friendly atmosphere, with beach facilities, changing rooms, showers and a dining area.
The beach is popular for swimming as well as surfing and bodyboarding. The setting, with the town in the background and its traditional colourful sunshades, makes it a good choice for a short outing, a walk by the sea or a few hours of relaxation without having to move far from the route.
- 📍 Location: Praia do Sul or Baleia, Ericeira.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: EN 247 (X) Praia Sul, about 0.2 km away.
- 🏷️ Category: Beach and outdoor leisure.
- ⭐ Distinctive feature: It is a sheltered beach close to Ericeira's centre, with facilities for bathers.
Foz do Lizandro Beach
At the stop EN 247 6 (X) Foz Lizandro, route 1633 comes close to one of the most striking coastal landscapes in the municipality of Mafra. The beach lies beside the mouth of the Lizandro River, creating a combination of sand, fresh water and ocean that appeals to both families and surfers and bodyboarders.
During the day, the site has supporting bars and a restaurant, as well as parking, showers and bathing services. The small lagoons formed by the river are an attraction for children, while the waves keep the beach on the region's watersports map.
- 📍 Location: Mouth of the Lizandro River, Carvoeira, Mafra.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: EN 247 6 (X) Foz Lizandro, about 0.4 km away.
- 🏷️ Category: Beach, surfing, nature and dining.
- ⭐ Distinctive feature: It brings together river, ocean and a landscape suitable for both family leisure and wave sports.
São Miguel de Odrinhas Archaeological Museum
The Odrinhas section is one of the great cultural surprises on route 1633. São Miguel de Odrinhas Archaeological Museum houses a collection spanning more than two millennia of history, including Roman inscriptions, Etruscan sarcophagi, Early Christian tombstones, medieval pieces and the ruins of a Roman villa.
The museum is halfway between Sintra and Ericeira, beside the EN 247, and Sintra's tourist information identifies route 1633 itself as a way to reach the facility. Since visits are guided, it is advisable to confirm the visiting arrangements in advance before boarding.
- 📍 Location: Avenida Prof. Dr. D. Fernando de Almeida, São Miguel de Odrinhas, Sintra.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Av Prof D Dom Fernando de Almeida 87, about 0.4 km away.
- 🏷️ Category: Museum, archaeology and historical heritage.
- ⭐ Distinctive feature: It presents Roman and medieval remains in the territory where they were found, including the ruins of a Roman villa.
Lidl Terrugem
For practical shopping during the journey, the stop Av 29 August (Hypermarket) is next to Lidl Terrugem. The store offers fresh produce, a bakery, household goods, ready-to-eat options and parking, making it a convenient alternative for local residents or anyone needing to stock up before continuing their journey.
Its proximity to the main avenue makes the location especially functional for weekday travel. It is a service point rather than a sightseeing destination, but it helps explain how route 1633 connects outlying communities with important commercial facilities.
- 📍 Location: Avenida 29 de Agosto, 80, Terrugem, Sintra.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Av 29 August (Hypermarket), about 0.1 km away.
- 🏷️ Category: Supermarket.
- ⭐ Distinctive feature: Located practically alongside the route corridor, with food, household products and non-food items.
ALDI Terrugem
Further on, on Avenida da Aviação Portuguesa, ALDI Terrugem offers another shopping option close to the itinerary. The branch has a sales area, free parking and a charging station for electric vehicles, as well as fresh produce, a bakery, quick meals, snacks and bazaar items.
The supermarket is on a section served by the Aviação Portuguesa stops, including the Fire Station area. For those travelling on the route towards Sintra, it is a useful stop for quick shopping, particularly before reaching the more urban area of Portela.
- 📍 Location: Avenida da Aviação Portuguesa, Terrugem, Sintra.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Av Portuguese Aviation (Fire Station), about 0.3 km away.
- 🏷️ Category: Supermarket.
- ⭐ Distinctive feature: It combines convenience shopping, fresh produce, parking and charging for electric vehicles.
MU.SA – Sintra Museum of Art
Upon arriving at Portela de Sintra, passengers can continue on foot to MU.SA – Sintra Museum of Art, housed in the former Estefânia Casino. The museum is dedicated to contemporary art and presents temporary exhibitions, works from the municipal collection, educational programmes and initiatives aimed at different audiences.
A visit is a good way to extend the outing beyond Sintra's classic landscape. Instead of palaces and gardens, MU.SA focuses on contemporary creation and the relationship between art, community and city, with free admission according to the municipal tourist information.
- 📍 Location: Avenida Heliodoro Salgado, Estefânia, Sintra.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Portela de Sintra (Station) P7 North Entrance, about 0.7 km away.
- 🏷️ Category: Museum and contemporary art.
- ⭐ Distinctive feature: It occupies a former casino designed by Manuel Norte Júnior and maintains a diverse cultural programme.
Olga Cadaval Cultural Centre
In the same Estefânia area, Olga Cadaval Cultural Centre is the main suggestion for those seeking theatre, dance, concerts and cultural programming. The venue hosts performances in different formats, from classical music and family shows to theatrical productions, dance and concerts by Portuguese artists.
Its proximity to the station makes the venue an interesting option for activities at the end of the day, although it is important to check the schedule and whether tickets are required in advance. For those arriving on route 1633, the cultural centre extends the outing into an evening or late-afternoon experience in Sintra.
- 📍 Location: Estefânia, Sintra, near MU.SA.
- 🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Portela de Sintra (Station) P7 North Entrance, about 0.9 km away.
- 🏷️ Category: Cultural centre, theatre, music and performances.
- ⭐ Distinctive feature: It has a varied programme throughout the year and is one of Sintra's main cultural stages.
Operating exclusively on weekdays, route 1633 works best as transport for planned outings: beach and market visits in Ericeira, quick stops in Carvoeira and Terrugem, a cultural visit in Odrinhas or an afternoon of museums and performances near Portela de Sintra. As there are no departures on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays, it is worth checking the outbound and return schedules before planning the itinerary.
Sources
- Ericeira Municipal Market – Mafra Municipal Council
- Santa Marta Park – Mafra Municipal Council
- Praia do Sul or Baleia – Mafra Municipal Council
- Foz do Lizandro Beach – Visit Portugal
- São Miguel de Odrinhas Archaeological Museum – Sintra Municipality
- Lidl Terrugem
- ALDI Terrugem
- MU.SA – Sintra Museum of Art
- Olga Cadaval Cultural Centre – Sintra Municipality