Praia das Maçãs, Atlantic beach in Colares, Portugal
Praia das Maçãs is a beach set within a river valley with golden sands bordered by rocky headlands on both sides. The shore spans roughly 200 meters and is enclosed by the Ribeira de Colares, which flows down from the hills.
The location emerged as a bathing destination in the late 1800s when infrastructure began to develop for visitors. A tram line from Sintra opened in 1904 and made the place easier to reach from nearby towns.
Local families come here to spend time together by the water and enjoy leisure activities. The nearby restaurants serve fresh fish prepared according to traditional recipes.
Summer months bring lifeguard coverage, sunbed rentals, shower facilities, and parking near the entrance. Water temperatures stay cool year-round, so swimming is most comfortable from June through September.
The name comes from apples that would wash downstream during winter storms and arrive on the beach. This odd origin story links the landscape to an unusual natural occurrence.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
