Complete Guide to Coloane Village 2026
Hac Sa Beach, Andrew's Bakery & Portuguese Charm
TL;DR: Coloane walkable area 30 mins·Hac Sa Beach free·Day trip transport bus 15A·Seafood restaurants concentrated at Pier Square·Best shooting time at dusk
In Macau, Coloane is the place that best preserves Portuguese small-town charm. The main attractions can be covered on foot from the bus terminal in 30 minutes; Hac Sa Beach, St. Francis Xavier Church, and Coloane Town form the core triangle, with seafood dinners costing MOP$150-300 per person.Top picks: Little City Story (Pier Square, famous for crab and satay beef); Andrew's Bakery (Coloane original shop, Portuguese tarts a must-try); Hac Sa Beach (free, swimming season May-October). For detailed Coloane day trip routes and transport, see → Complete Guide to Coloane.
Macau's last fishing village—a place without casinos, only the scent of egg tarts and sea breeze. From the 1864 Portuguese garrison to today's cultural walk routes, this is the only Coloane guide you need.
Contents
I. Coloane History: Macau's Last Fishing Village and Portuguese Architecture
From Salt Fields to Pirate Hideouts
Coloane (Portuguese: Coloane), located at the southernmost tip of Macau, covers an area of approximately 7.6 square kilometres and is the largest constituent part of the Macau Special Administrative Region. As early as the Song Dynasty, Coloane was already a sea salt production base in China, with island residents making their living from salt-drying and fishing. Due to Coloane's mountainous terrain and remote location, it became a haven for pirates from the Ming Dynasty onwards—pirate activity in these waters continued for centuries.
1864: Portuguese Expansion
In 1864, to consolidate sovereignty over Macau, Portugal extended its territory from the Macau Peninsula to Taipa and Coloane. Coloane's formal garrisoning and administrative governance began from this point. Unlike the bustling Macau Peninsula, Coloane, due to its sparse population and poor transport links, has maintained an isolated fishing village appearance.
1910 Coloane Pirate Incident: The Final Battle
In July 1910, a gang of pirates kidnapped 18 Chinese children, demanding a ransom of 35,000 Macau patacas. This triggered the last actual combat operation by Portuguese forces in Macau—a 10-day encirclement and elimination campaign, resulting in 310 pirates being captured or dispersed. Today, Rua Cinco de Outubro (Avenida Cinco de Outubro) in Coloane town centre is named to commemorate Portugal's Republican Revolution of 5th October 1910, and the monument in front of St. Francis Xavier's Church records this victory over the pirates.
Portuguese Architecture: Frozen in Time
Walking into Coloane town centre, you immediately sense a completely different atmosphere from the rest of Macau. There are no high-rise buildings here; instead, you find rows of one- to two-storey Portuguese architecture—colourful facades, tiled floors, and narrow cobblestone alleyways. The Coloane Customs House (a single-storey Portuguese-style office building), the Coloane Library (an elegant small building constructed in 1911), and Portuguese residences scattered throughout together form a vivid colonial-era landscape.
Coloane is today the only district in Macau without a casino. While Taipa has been transformed into the Cotai Strip through land reclamation, Coloane has deliberately preserved the fishing village's original character. This contrast is Coloane's most precious asset.
II. Pilgrimage Guide to Andrew Stow's Bakery Flagship Store
The Egg Tart Legend of a British Pharmacist
The story of Andrew's egg tarts begins with an Englishman. Andrew Stow, originally from Essex, England, was a retail pharmacist for the Boots pharmacy chain. During a trip to Portugal in the late 1980s, he was deeply captivated by the "wrinkled golden-brown tarts" in the window of a pastry shop in the Belém district of Lisbon. His sister Eileen recalls: "We had our noses pressed against the cake shop window. He said to me: 'This is what I want to make in my bakery.'"
On 15 September 1989, Andrew opened Lord Stow's Bakery in Coloane town centre. He didn't have the recipe for Pasteis de Nata, but the experimental spirit of a pharmacist meant he was not afraid—after just five trials, he finalised Andrew's egg tart secret recipe. He abandoned some of the traditional Portuguese methods and incorporated English baking techniques, creating a perfect combination of crisp pastry and rich custard filling—a dessert that is neither Portuguese nor English, but entirely Macau's own.
Andrew passed away suddenly from an asthma attack on 25 October 2006. Today, the bakery is run by his daughter Audrey Stow and his sister Eileen Stow, maintaining the quality standards Andrew upheld during his lifetime.
Andrew Stow's Bakery — Coloane Flagship Store
Address: Rua do Tassara No. 1, Coloane Town Square
Telephone:(+853) 2888 2534
Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 - 21:00, open all year round
Signature Product: Portuguese Egg Tarts (MOP$13 each)
Baking Schedule: Fresh batches roll out all day at the flagship store, typically every 15-20 minutes. The first fresh egg tarts are available at 7:00am when the shop opens; the peak period for tourists is between 3:00pm and 5:00pm, so it's advisable to avoid this time or arrive earlier.
Tips: Egg tarts are best eaten hot—the pastry is crisp and the filling is slightly warm with a caramel aroma. Once cooled, the pastry becomes soft and the flavour is greatly diminished.
Other Andrew Stow Branches in Coloane
Lord Stow's Cafe
Address: No. 9 Rua do Matadouro, G/F, Coloane Town Centre
Telephone:(+853) 2888 2174
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 18:00; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 08:00 - 18:00
Special Features: Offers sandwiches, salads and coffee alongside egg tarts, ideal for sitting down and enjoying a leisurely meal.
Lord Stow's Garden Cafe
Address: No. 21C Rua do Matadouro, G/F, Kang Leng Kok, Coloane Town Centre
Telephone:(+853) 2888 1851
Opening Hours: Monday 09:00 - 17:00; Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays 09:00 - 20:00
Special Features: Features outdoor garden seating with the most relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying egg tarts with coffee.
3. Coloane Town Walking Route
The Coloane town area is compact, with the main sights all within walking distance. The following route is approximately 1.5 kilometres in total, taking around 1.5-2 hours at a leisurely pace with photo stops.
The starting point is Coloane Pier. This small pier was once the sole transport link between Coloane and the outside world—before the Cotai Causeway was built, Coloane could only be connected to the Macau Peninsula by ferry. Although the pier no longer handles passenger services, the fishing boats moored along the shore and the salty sea breeze still allow you to experience the fisherman's village atmosphere. The seafood dried goods shops beside the pier are worth a browse; shrimp paste and salted fish are local specialities.
Reachable by walking along the seafront for 3 minutes. Built in 1862 (the first year of the Tongzhi reign in the Qing Dynasty), it is the only temple in Macau dedicated to Tam Kong. Tam Kong is the sea god, and fishermen would always come to worship here before setting sail. The most notable feature inside the temple is a dragon boat carved from whale bone—the entire boat is made from a single piece of whale bone, with exquisite craftsmanship. Every year during the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, Tam Kong's birthday is celebrated with bamboo stages erected in front of the temple for Cantonese opera performances, making it the busiest day in Coloane.
Address: End of Rua do Istmo (Estrada de Added to: 10 de Maio), Coloane
Opening hours: 08:30 - 17:30, free entry
From Tam Kong Temple, walk along Rua do Istmo (Estrada de 10 de Maio) towards the village centre for about 5 minutes. This Portuguese-style building constructed in 1911 is one of the oldest public libraries still standing in Macau, with a floor area of just 170 square metres and 22 seats—probably the smallest library you have ever seen. The cream-coloured walls and green shutters are typical of Portuguese colonial architecture.
Address: Rua do Istmo (Avenida Cinco de Outubro), Coloane
Opening hours: Monday 14:00 - 20:00; Tuesday to Sunday 08:00 - 20:00; closed on public holidays
A 3-minute walk brings you to Coloane's most iconic building. This Baroque church, built in 1928, features cream-coloured walls with white trim, a bell tower, stained glass windows, and interior altar paintings that create a highly recognisable image. The church is named after St. Francis Xavier, the 16th-century Jesuit missionary—one of the earliest Europeans to bring Christianity to Asia.
A memorial stands in the small square in front of the church, commemorating the 1910 Coloane bandit suppression campaign. The church once housed the holy relics of St. Francis Xavier's arm bone and the remains of 26 Catholic priests martyred in Nagasaki in 1597, but these relics were moved in 1996 to the relic treasury behind the Ruins of St. Paul's.
Opening hours: 10:00 - 18:00, free entry
Tips: The square in front of the church (Praça de Dez de Maio) is the best spot for photographs, with the best lighting in the afternoon.
From the church, it's a 1-minute walk to Rua do Gambleiro. Buy a box of freshly baked egg tarts, sit on a bench in the square with a coffee—this is the most classic experience in Coloane. See the "Lord's St. Andrew's Shop Pilgrimage Guide" above for more details.
Starting from Lord's St. Andrew's Shop, wander through the alleyways between Rua do Gambleiro, Rua dos Negociantes and Rua Caetano. This is the most characterful area of Coloane: faded Portuguese tiled walls, iron railings with clothes hung out to dry, cats sunbathing at doorways, occasional Cantonese TV sound from residential houses. Coloane's pace of life is hidden in these details.
4. Complete Guide to Hac Sa Beach
Why is the Sand Black?
Hac Sa Beach (Hac Sa Beach, Portuguese Praia de Hac Sa) is Macau's largest natural beach, stretching approximately 1 kilometre. The sand appears uniquely black, originating from secondary minerals in the ocean (mainly biotite and manganese minerals) that have been deposited on the shore by waves over many years. It is worth noting that due to natural erosion, the government has previously imported yellow sand from Hainan Island to replenish the beach. As a result, the current sand colour is no longer as pure black as in earlier years, but rather a mixture of black and yellow.
Facilities Overview
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free entry |
| Changing rooms/showers | Public changing rooms and showers available at the beach entrance (free of charge) |
| Public barbecue area | There are multiple barbecues in Hac Sa Beach Park, free to use. Visitors must bring their own food and charcoal. |
| Children's playground | Slide and swings available in the beach park |
| Toilets | Multiple public toilets available |
| Car park | Hac Sa Beach car park (free of charge) |
| Food and drink | Miramar Restaurant and other snack shops |
| Lifeguards | On duty 10:00-19:00 during the swimming season (May to October) |
Best Time to Visit
Swimming: May to October is the official swimming season, with June to September having the most comfortable water temperatures (approximately 26-30°C), when lifeguards are on duty. Watch for typhoon signals between July and September—the beach closes when Signal 8 is hoisted.
Walking/barbecuing: November to March offers cooler weather (15-20°C) with gentle sunshine, making it ideal for a stroll along the beach or a barbecue. This period sees fewer visitors, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
Avoid: During Chinese New Year and the National Day Golden Week, Hac Sa Beach gets crowded with local families and mainland tourists, and parking spaces and barbecue areas are hard to come by.
Transport
Take bus route 26A (筷子基北灣—黑沙海灘) and get off at the terminus "Hac Sa Beach". The beach is a 5-minute walk away. Bus route 21A (媽閣—九澳油庫) also passes near Hac Sa Beach. It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to walk from the bus stop to the water's edge.
5. Must-Try Restaurants in Coloane
Coloane is the heart of Macanese Portuguese cuisine - away from the tourist crowds, these restaurants offer a taste of authentic Portuguese home cooking.
Espaco Lisboa 葡京餐廳
Authentic Portuguese Centuries-Old Building MOP$200-350 per personAddress: Rua das Gaivotas, No. 8, R/C, Coloane
Phone: (+853) 2888 2226
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 12:00-15:00, 18:30-22:00; Saturday and Sunday 12:00-22:00; Closed on Wednesdays
Recommended Dishes:
- Cozido (Portuguese Stew) — A slow-cooked pot of various meats and vegetables, Portugal's most classic winter dish
- Garlic and White Wine Clams — Rich in garlic, sweet and savoury broth, perfect for dipping bread
- Grilled Bacalhau — Portugal's national ingredient, Espaco Lisboa's version is cooked to perfection
- African Chicken — Seasoned with ginger, peanuts, chillies and coconut milk, this is the signature dish of Macanese cuisine
- Daily set menu from approximately MOP$98
Tips: The restaurant is housed in a centuries-old building with only two floors and limited seating. Reservations are essential at weekends.
Miramar 美麗華餐廳
Beach Views Portuguese BBQ MOP$250-400 per personAddress: Zona Norte, Praia de Hac Sa, Coloane (Black Sand Beach North Zone)
Phone: (+853) 2888 2601 / 2888 2623
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 11:30-15:00, 18:00-23:00; Saturday and Sunday 11:30-23:00
Recommended Dishes:
- African Chicken MOP$220 — Miramar's signature dish with excellent balance of spice and seasoning
- Arroz de Pato MOP$195 — Traditional Portuguese duck baked rice
- Roast Suckling Pig — Weekend special, advance booking required
- Octopus Salad — Top choice for starters
Tips: Opt for outdoor seating for direct views of Hac Sa Beach. The restaurant is often fully booked at weekends, so do call ahead to reserve.
Nga Tim Cafe 雅憩花園餐廳
Long-established Chinese-Portuguese Fusion MOP$100-200 per personAddress: Rua Caetano No. 8, Coloane Village
Phone: (+853) 2888 2086
Opening hours: Daily 12:00 - 01:00 (1am)
Recommended dishes: Garlic Prawns, Portuguese Roast Chicken, Curry Crab, African Chicken
Background: Opened in the 1970s, when Coloane was still an isolated island accessible only by ferry. Nga Tim is one of the oldest restaurants in Coloane, with outdoor seating on the small square next to St. Francis Xavier's Church.
Tips: Open until late, this is the only "late-night dining" option in Coloane. Affordable prices with generous portions.
6. Coloane Walking Trails and Natural Ecology
Coloane is the greenest area in Macau, with over 70% covered by forest and mountains. Below are the most worthwhile walking trails, with information from the official data of the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM).
Coloane Trail Trilho de Coloane
ModerateTotal length:8,100 metres | Estimated time:3-4 hours
Starting point:Near the Botanic Garden on Estrada do Alto de Coloane
Coloane's longest walking trail, circling the mountain at an altitude of approximately 100 metres. The entire route offers panoramic views of Coloane Island, the Mazu statue, and Zhuhai and Hengqin in the distance. The path consists mainly of dirt tracks and stone steps, with some steep sections. Hiking boots and ample water are recommended.
Hac Sa Reservoir Family Walk
EasyTotal length:2,650 metres | Estimated time:1-1.5 hours
Starting point:Hac Sa Reservoir
A gentle circular path around Hac Sa Reservoir, shaded by lush trees with expansive reservoir views. Ideal for families, with viewing platforms and rest pavilions along the way. The reservoir also offers pedal boat hire.
Ka Ho Reservoir Lakeside Walk
EasyTotal length:1,550 metres | Estimated time:40-60 minutes
Starting point:Estrada de Nossa Senhora de Ka Ho
One of Coloane's most hidden trails. The emerald green reservoir, rust-red earth, and verdant forest create striking contrasting colours—a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Very few visitors, offering true tranquility.
Long Chao Kok Coastal Trail
EasyTotal length:1,200 metres | Estimated time:30-45 minutes
Starting point:Rua de Hac Sa Long Chao Kok
A coastal path, with the main highlight being the rust-red giant rock formations—shaped uniquely by wind and sea erosion. The trail ends at a small pavilion with red and green colouring, one of the best spots in Coloane for watching the sunset.
Seac Min Pun Ancient Path
ModerateTotal length:1,500 metres | Estimated time:45-60 minutes
Starting point:Estrada de Hac Sa
The oldest walking trail in Coloane, originally a trading route for the ancestors. Along the way, you can see stone basin terrain—natural depressions in the rocks that fill with water like basins after rain. It offers both historical atmosphere and natural scenery.
Hiking Suggestions
Best season: November to March, temperatures 15-20°C, lower humidity, clear visibility.
Equipment: Hiking boots (many muddy paths), over 1 litre of water, sunscreen, mosquito repellent.
Note: There are no supply stations along the Coloane walking trail, so be sure to bring your own snacks and water. Mobile signal is weaker in some sections.
7. Transport Guide
Bus
Coloane has no light rail station, so buses are the main form of public transport.
| Route | Termini | Via | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | Border Gate — Coloane Town | Amador Pimental Square, Taipa | Direct from Macau Peninsula/Border Gate to Coloane Village |
| 26A | 筷子基北灣 — 黑沙海灘 | Areia Preta Beach | Coloane Town, Cheoc Van |
| 21A | 媽閣 — 九澳油庫 | Taipa, Coloane | Preferred route to Hac Sa Beach |
| 15 | 海洋花園 — 九澳 | Coloane Town | From Barra to Coloane |
Bus Fares (2025/2026)
Cash: MOP$6.0 (no change given, please bring exact fare)
Macau Pass stored-value card: MOP$3.0
Student card: MOP$1.5
Senior citizen card: Free
26A service hours: 06:00 - 01:00
Recommendation: Purchase a Macau Pass at a convenience store (MOP$130, includes MOP$100 credit). Bus fares are half-price and you get free transfers within 40 minutes.
Taxi
Taking a taxi from the Macau Peninsula (Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro/St. Paul's area) to Coloane Town takes about 20-25 minutes and costs approximately MOP$80-100. From the Cotai Strip (Venetian/Parisian) it's about 10-15 minutes and costs approximately MOP$50-70. Note: It can be difficult to hail an empty taxi when returning from Coloane. We recommend asking a restaurant to call a taxi or using the "Macau Taxi" app.
Self-driving/Car Rental
The streets in Coloane Town are narrow and parking spaces are extremely limited, so self-driving into the town centre is not recommended. If driving to Hac Sa Beach, you can use the free car park next to the beach (may be full at weekends).
VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I get to Coloane Village? Which bus should I take from the Macau Peninsula?
From the Macau Peninsula, you can take Bus No. 25 (Portas do Sol—Coloane Town) or Bus No. 26A (Rua do Norte—Hac Sa Beach) directly. Journey time is approximately 40-50 minutes. Cash fare is MOP$6.0, or MOP$3.0 using a Macau Pass stored-value card. Bus No. 21A (Barra—Ka Ho Oil Depot) also reaches Coloane.
Q2: What are the opening hours of Lord Stow's Bakery in Coloane?
Lord Stow's Bakery Coloane flagship shop is located at Rua do Tassara No. 1, open daily from 07:00 - 21:00, all year round. Telephone: (+853) 2888 2534. Egg tarts are baked throughout the day on a rolling basis, generally one batch every 15-20 minutes. It is advisable to avoid the tourist peak between 15:00 and 17:00.
Q3: Does Hac Sa Beach require admission? What facilities are there?
Free entry, no ticket required. Facilities include public barbecue areas (free of charge, you must bring your own ingredients and charcoal), changing rooms, showers, toilets, children's play facilities, and a beach volleyball court. Nearby there are Portuguese restaurants such as Miramar. Lifeguards are on duty during the swimming season (May to October).
Q4: How long does it take to walk around Coloane Village?
The core area of Coloane town is not large. Walking around takes approximately 1.5-2 hours to cover the main attractions (St. Francis Xavier Church, Tam Kong Temple, Coloane Library, Lord Stow's Bakery, the pier). If you include meals and photography, it is advisable to allow half a day. If you also want to visit Hac Sa Beach and the walking trails, it is recommended to plan for a full day.
Q5: What Portuguese restaurants in Coloane do you recommend?
Three must-visit options: (1) Espaco Lisboa (No. 8 Rua da Gaivota), authentic Portuguese cuisine in a century-old house, average spend MOP$200-350, closed on Wednesdays; (2) Miramar (next to Hac Sa Beach), signature African Chicken MOP$220, with beach views; (3) Nga Tim Cafe (No. 8 Rua de João Mendes), a 1970s establishment open until late night, average spend MOP$100-200. It is advisable to book in advance at weekends.
Q6: What is the best season for Hac Sa Beach?
The best time for swimming is June to September (water temperature 26-30°C), but do bear in mind typhoon season. For purely strolling and enjoying the scenery, November to March is most comfortable (15-20°C). Avoid the Chinese New Year and National Day Golden Week—car parks and barbecue areas are impossible to find during these periods.
Q7: What walking trails are recommended in Coloane? How difficult are they?
Three recommended routes: (1) Coloane Trail (8,100 metres, moderate difficulty, 3-4 hours), a circular mountain trail with views of the Goddess of A-Ma statue; (2) Hac Sa Reservoir Family Trail (2,650 metres, easy, 1-1.5 hours), suitable for families; (3) Dragon's Tail Coast Trail (1,200 metres, easy, 30-45 minutes), featuring ochre-red rock formations and sunset views. The best season for hiking is November to March.
Q8: What's the difference between Coloane and Taipa? Why visit Coloane specifically?
Taipa has become highly commercialised—the Galaxy, Venetian, Parisian and other resort casinos are all located here. Coloane is the only area in Macau without a casino, preserving its fishing village character, Portuguese-style architecture, and large areas of natural woodland and hills. Coming to Coloane is about experiencing the most original side of Macau: 162 years of colonial heritage, the Tam Kong Temple built in 1862, the church built in 1928, the Lord Stow's egg tarts from 1989—and the tranquility that cannot be found in the casino city.
This information was last updated in March 2026. Opening hours and prices are subject to change; we recommend calling to confirm before you travel.
Further Reading
- Macau Family Trip 2026: Complete Guide to Family-Friendly Attractions and Kids Activities
- Macau Portuguese Food Recommendations 2026: Complete Guide to Authentic Portuguese Cuisine vs. Macanese Cuisine
- Macau Nightlife 2026: Complete Guide to Bars, Nightclubs and Late-Night Food
- Taipa Luxury Shopping Guide: Top Shopping Malls in Cotai Recommended by Locals
- Macau Casino Restaurant Recommendations 2026: Complete Guide to Food at Six Major Integrated Resorts
