The Calmness of Coloane Village

Coloane (路環) is one of the main islands of Macau, but it is also the furthest removed from downtown, so I wonder if this is part of the reason that it’s remained less developed as the other main island, Taipa (氹仔).

The recent hotel developments in Macau are along a strip that connects Taipa and Coloane, but thankfully, it hasn’t seemed to affect Coloane just yet, leaving it as a very charming, peaceful little village, that appears like it’s been frozen in time.

For me, the two most famous and attractive things in Coloane are Hac Sa Beach (黑沙海灘) and Lord Stow’s Bakery.

Hac Sa Beach is the largest natural beach in Macau and its name derives from the dark sand that fills the beach. Unfortunately, the beach has been disappearing due to erosion, so the government has had to refill the beach with artificial sand in the recent years. I’ve visited the beach twice and both times the weather was uncooperative, so we didn’t get to stay to hang around there for too long.

Lord Stow’s Bakery claims that they are the creator of the egg tart. Its small, modest store front keeps a large selection of pastries, drinks and daily hot meals. I’ve never tried most of their items and have always stuck with their tarts, but of all the pastries I have tried, everything has been delicious and I can’t wait to go back one day to try a few other items.

There is a little area along the water with some park benches that are just a few paces away from the store, so it was great to be able to enjoy our snacks with the view of the water.