The long distance Atlantic Path GR11 is internationally known as the E9. 30 km of it pass in Sintra, entering Sintra from Cascais in Azoia, and exiting in Carvalhal, Mafra. It is marked with white and red painted marks as well as wooden signs. A marked variant of 2.2 km (each way) to visit Cabo da Roca starts after the village of Ulgueira. Later on, at different points along the path, it coincides with PR7, PR8 and PR9 – these parts of the trail have the markings with the 3 colors: white, red and yellow (see more here) 

The first 15 km of this route are mainly on the coast. In Magoito the route enters inland, passing through villages and countryside until it reaches Mafra. The GR11 is very varied in nature and can easily be done is stretches. Though most people will walk it South to North, it is marked both ways. There are various locations with public transportation and services along the whole route so you can start at one end and walk until you feel like it, catching a bus or a tram to Sintra.  Below is a description of the route divided into two stretches of about 15 km.

This route is created and maintained by the City of Sintra.

Starting in Azoia, the path follows the village roads to and through Ulgueira where an optional variant of 2.2km (each way) takes you to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Continental Europe. Until Adraga Beach, the route goes on dirt roads, partly lined by bamboo, passing vineyards, on a high plateau with views over low vegetation both to the sea and the mountain.  A bit before Adraga Beach, another short variant is marked to visit a natural crater straight down from the cliffs to the sea (Buraco do Fojo).

ATTENTION: Recently the variant was altered.  Though it now has better views and less traffic, the initial dip down and up is technical and therefore more demanding.  As an option, you can stay on the road (the red line option on the PDF).

At Adraga the path climbs up a sandy hill, and after a small pine forests, changes into a single-lane path on the cliffs.

Reaching Praia Grande, there is an option to descend a long a staircase to the Southern tip of the beach alongside the cliff with dinosaur footsteps on sight.

From Praia Grande northward, the path goes along the beach. Between Praia Pequena and Praia das Maçãs there is an archaeological excavation site on the cliffs, and a crossing of a small river along large rocks placed in the river for the purpose.

Continuing along the coast, the footpath passes through the villages of Praia das Maçãs and the picturesque Azenhas do Mar, continuing on the cliffs over Aguda Beach until it descends to Magoito Beach.

Though this is not a technical trail, good footgear is suggested for the climbs.  There are several options for services in the villages, but very little shade, so a hat, sunscreen, and water are recommended.

PR7 (Cabo da Roca) and GR11 coincide between Ulgueira and the top of Praia Grande. PR8 (Colares Wine route) and GR11 coincide between Azenhas do Mar and a bit North of Aguda Beach.

In these cases the markings have three colors: white, red and yellow all together.

Public transportation options from Sintra:

• Scotturb Bus 403 goes to Azoia, Cabo da Roca and Almoçagem (near Adraga Beach)
• Praia Grande is served by Scotturb Busses 441 and 439
• Praia das Maçãs  – Scotturb 441 and  the classic Sintra tram
• Azenhas do Mar  – Scotturb 440 and 441
• Praia do Magoito (Top North part, near the restaurant) by Scotturb 444.

In Magoito Beach the GR11 goes inland on a single lane path through a pine forest and alongside a bamboo lined creek.  Inicially the path is sandy, changing to a harder soil after crossing the waters the first time.  After about 2 km, a small waterfall will be on your left and soon thereafter, the path starts a slow ascent to the left and into Bolembre e Magoito village. On the village roads the trail continues through Tojeira and descends to the valley of Ribeira da Samarra.  By an old water mill, the trail continues up toward São João das Lampas, all the time on a single lane, rocky path. After São João das Lampas, the trail is either country roads or single paths, in the saloia country side, with windmills, small creeks, the characteristic rock fencing, and small villages (Amoreira, Alvarinhos, Odrinhas, Funchal).  Finally the path descends to the village of Carvalhal, in the Mafra district by the river Lizandro.  A visit to the Archaeological Museum of Odrinhas is an interesting stop on the way.

Most of the villages have services, so a light day-pack is enough.  The single paths are often rocky, so good shoes are suggested. Though there is more natural shade on this part of GR11, especially the end few kilometres are quite exposed, and a hat and sunscreen are recommended in the summer months.

For a brief moment, near São João das Lampas, PR9 (Countryside Villages) coincides with the GR11, during which the markings have three colors: white, red and yellow all together.

Public transportation options from Sintra:

• Magoito Beach (Top North Part near the restaurant), Magoito, Bolembre and Tojeira – Scotturb 444
• São João das Lampas e Amoreira – Scotturb 443
• Odrinhas – Mafrense 202
• Carvalhal – Scotturb 445

• For transportation and more detailed general information, please consult our site www.walksintra.com
• You can use this route as your base for your hiking trip in Sintra and include several smaller routes on your plan. Ask us for suggestions!