Visits to the wine regions of Colares and Bucelas give you the opportunity to discover some of the prettiest areas in the Lisbon region.
The red wines of Colares are grown in vineyards set among the palaces and lush greenery of the Serra de Sintra hills. UNESCO has classified this area as a World Heritage Cultural Landscape. The vines extend out into the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and as far as the beach at Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point of mainland Europe.
From here, take in Queluz Palace before dropping in on the hugely impressive Convent of Mafra, then head into the rural ambience of Bucelas. Its wine is one of the best Portuguese whites.
To the south of the Tagus, there are other highlights that make up the Costa Azul Wine Route as it stretches along the coast. Begin with Palmela, and then head to the two towns of Azeitão. Here first class wines are produced at both the Quinta da Bacalhoa and the Adega de José Maria da Fonseca. And no visit is complete without a few drops of Setúbal muscatel.
Feel the energy of the sea at Cabo Espichel and then the calm of Sesimbra bay. Finally go up to the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park for some unforgettable coastal views and end your journey in Setúbal by enjoying some delicious grilled fish.