The walk follows trails of great natural beauty and scenic interest in the green immensity of the Sintra mountains and in the countryside adjoining its northern slopes. It begins in Várzea de Colares, continues to the village of Mucifal and from there to Galamares, always along narrow streets and country lanes, along which we can see some of the most beautiful monuments in the Sintra mountains, namely the Palaces of Monserrate, Seteais, Pena and the Moorish Castle. After crossing the line of the typical tram, we'll start the climb up the mountainside to the centre of the town, next to the National Palace, where we'll take a break to regain our strength with a nice travesseiro or a delicious queijada. We'll then head back towards Vila Sassetti, climbing up to the Penedo da Amizade and then along beautiful trails to the Parque da Pena, then on to Alto de S. Eufémia, from where we'll be able to enjoy the views. Eufémia, from where we can enjoy the wide horizons that open up from its cosy viewpoint, and then along the Valle Flor Way, Estrada dos Capuchos and refreshing trails, to the vicinity of the modest convent of Frei Honório, after which we begin a long descent along the Boca da Mata Way, the Fonte Velha Way and some challenging trails, until we reach Colares Velho and then return to our starting point.

Colares Pillory

The Manueline pillory of Colares was probably erected in 1516 when King Manuel I granted it a charter. It rests on three hexagonal steps and its base is also hexagonal and is formed from three platforms of increasingly smaller radius. The column, divided into two drums separated in the middle by a triple cord, has a torso shaft decorated with rosettes. The upper section consists of a small “pine cone” capital, profusely decorated according to the grammar of the time, which is surmounted by a pinnacle with helical grooves. It is devoid of any weapons and the smithies of the ordeals have now disappeared. It has been classified as a National Monument since 1910.

- Várzea de Colares - Mucifal - Galamares - Rural landscapes - Sintra National Palace - Vila Sassetti - Penedo da Amizade - Parque da Pena - Miradouro de S. Eufémia - Cruz Alta - Tapada do Saldanha - Convento dos Capuchos - Colares Velho - Natural landscapes -