Taipa and Coloane

Away from the peninsula's old town and the glittering Cotai casinos that now join the islands, Taipa and Coloane preserve a quieter, charming and old-world side of Macau. Taipa Village is a delight of narrow lanes, pastel colonial houses, temples and a famous food street lined with bakeries and restaurants, the place to sample Macau's beloved egg tarts, pork chop buns and Macanese specialities. Further south, sleepy Coloane retains a village atmosphere around its pretty colonial chapel and square, with black-sand beaches, walking trails and the original home of the famous Lord Stow's egg tart, offering a genuinely relaxed, atmospheric escape.

What you actually see

• Taipa Village - the pastel lanes and famous food street.
• The egg tarts - the beloved Macanese egg tarts and treats.
• Coloane Village - the sleepy colonial square and chapel.
• The beaches and trails - the black-sand beaches and walking paths.

When to go

October to December, the cool, dry autumn, for the most pleasant weather to wander the villages and food streets and enjoy the beaches and trails; the food streets are lively year-round, especially at weekends. Taipa and Coloane are an easy escape from the casinos and old town, reached quickly by road.

Honest expectations

The Cotai casino strip has been built on reclaimed land between Taipa and Coloane, so the glitz presses close and the villages are no longer truly remote, and Taipa's food street can get crowded; the beaches are modest black sand rather than tropical white. As a charming, atmospheric and relaxed contrast to Macau's casinos and crowds, though, with their pretty colonial villages, famous food and beloved egg tarts, Taipa and Coloane are a delightful part of any visit.

Nearby

The Cotai casinos, the Macau Tower and the historic centre are close by.