The Discover Portugal blog contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See the Disclaimer for more information.
Discover the picturesque coastal town Azenhas do Mar near Sintra
Azenhas do Mar is known as one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Portugal! You can easily reach the Mediterranean-looking village from Lisbon and Sintra by car or a guided tour. You’ll enjoy stunning views over the ocean and rocky coastline from the cliff overlooking the town. You can even swim in the natural pool! Find out why you should add a visit to Azenhas do Mar to your Lisbon itinerary!
What to expect at Azenhas do Mar?
The history of Azenhas do Mar Colares Portugal
Azenhas do Mar is a coastal village northwest of Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, and south of Peniche. The name of the place translates to Watermills of the Sea. The name derives from the once-powerful stream that existed here. There were several sea-powered water mills, and you can even still find remnants of these water mills!
You have an incredible view of the white houses tumbling down on the rugged cliffs from the nearby cliffs. They were originally fishermen’s homes, but over the years, they turned into the summer homes of wealthy families. Azenhas do Mar is still a popular destination amongst the locals, and we love to visit from time to time, too!
Azenhas do Mar things to do
Although the village is small, there are a few things to do in Azenhas do Mar. Let’s take a look!
Walking around Azenhas do Mar village
It is a very small town, and it only consists of a few houses, some holiday homes and a restaurant. The whitewashed houses with orange roofs complete the rustic charm of the village. Discover the cobblestone streets and enjoy the stunning ocean views from every angle.
You’ll enjoy the best views of the village from the cliffs on the south side of the village at the Azenhas do Mar viewpoint. The authentic homes create a stunning contrast with the colours of the ocean! The village is built against the cliffs, and you can walk around the town in half an hour.
The natural pool at Azenhas do Mar
One of the biggest highlights is the seawater pool. During high tide, natural seawater will fill up the pool. But be aware that the seawater can be ice cold in summer! At low tide, it’s great to bathe in the natural pool. Be careful with small children, though, as they might be too young. There are some facilities as well, such as a bathroom and a shower.
Azenhas do Mar Beach
Right below the rock formations is a small sandy beach, Praia das Azenhas do Mar. It isn’t the best beach on this coast, but swimming and relaxing there are great. The sandy beach is nestled between the dramatic cliffs and is easy to reach from the car park and the village.
How to get to Azenhas do Mar?
Along the Atlantic coast, there is a public transport service, but it doesn’t run regularly. There are also some guided tour options. The easiest way to get to Azenhas do Mar is by car. We always rent with DiscoverCars for the best service and best prices. Click below to discover the latest offers. Let’s closely examine all the options to find out what is best suited for you.
Lisbon to Azenhas do Mar
Lisbon is 40 kilometres (25 miles) away and can be reached in under an hour by car. You can follow the A5, A9, and A16 from downtown Lisbon before reaching the seaside town. When taking public transport, you can take a train from Lisbon to Sintra train station (the final destination) or Portela de Sintra.
You can take the 1248 bus from Portela de Sintra. From Sintra, you can also take a tram or bus (see below). The estimated Uber price from Lisbon is €30.00 – €40.00.
Sintra to Azenhas do Mar
Sintra train station is around 10 kilometres (6 miles) from Azenhas do Mar. By car, depending on the traffic, it takes around 15 minutes. From Portela de Sintra, you can take bus 1254 (towards Praia do Magneto) or bus 1248.
The bus stop is located at Av Luís Aug Colares 108. A historic tram also rides between Sintra and Praia das Maçãs. A must if you can! Alternatively, an Uber or Bolt will cost around €10.00 – €15.00 each way.
Cascais to Azenhas do Mar
From Cascais, it is around 35 minutes by car. You can also make some stops and visit places such as Cabo da Roca, Praia da Ursa and Colares. An Uber or Bolt is the best option if you don’t have a car. There is a bus to Cabo da Roca and Sintra, but you’ll travel for some time to reach Azenhas do Mar. Expect to pay around €20.00 – €35.00.
Nazaré to Azenhas do Mar
Another famous seaside town along the Atlantic coast is Nazaré, known for its big waves! There is no public transportation available between the two towns, and the drive will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by car. Instead, make it a fun day trip and visit places such as Peniche, Berlengas Islands, Óbidos, or the Buddha Eden Garden! There is plenty to see en route.
Parking space in Azenhas do Mar
There are a few small car parks around the village. The easiest parking lot to use is the one at the Azenhas do Mar viewpoint. Besides, the view from Miradouro das Azenhas do Mar is incredible! It’s a short walk down the rugged cliff to reach the village’s cobbled streets. Closer to the beach is another parking space. This one has a slope, and it can be a pain to reverse the narrow strip, which is often full! You can also try parking on Largo do Padre António.
Guided tours to Azenhas do Mar
A guided excursion is ideal if you want to avoid renting a car, and public transportation sounds too tedious. And the best thing is that some tours combine a visit to the Sintra Palaces with a trip to Azenhas do Mar! You can see the best of two worlds while enjoying a relaxing day.
Your guide can also tell you a lot about Sintra and the surrounding area. Your excursion might include visits to Biester Palace, Monserrate Palace or Pena Palace. Other tours include famous nearby beaches and the Palace in Mafra.
Nearby places to discover
After you visit Azenhas do Mar, it’s time to explore the surrounding area. A popular beach close to Azenhos do Mar is Praia das Maçãs. This beach is much bigger and perfect for swimming in the sea. Another stunning beach is Praia do Magoito.
It’s nicely busy in the summer, and in the colder months, it’s perfect for getting some fresh air! Other stunning Sintra beaches are Praia Pequena do Rodízio (small beach), Praia Grande do Rodízio (big beach), Praia da Adraga and Praia da Ursa.
If you prefer sightseeing over a day at the beach, Sintra is the place to be! Here, you can visit famous highlights such as Quinta da Regaleira, Pena Palace, Sintra Palace and the Moorish Castle.
Beautiful hidden gems are the Biester Palace, the Convent of the Capuchos, and the Park and Palace of Monserrate. Another must-see is the Palace in Mafra! All these places are reachable within half an hour by car.
Tip!
Another fabulous place to visit is the typical Portuguese village Aldeia da Mata Pequena. You can book a room in a charming farmhouse, and you’ll be surrounded by nature and animals. They have single and larger cottages with double rooms. Perfect for a few days in nature in Portugal!
Outdoor activities in Colares
Azenhas do Mar is located in the parish Colares. This also includes Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, an incredible place for hiking! You can hike along the sea to places like Praia da Ursa, but the jungle-like forests are just as magical.
A lovely hike goes to Lagoa dos Mosqueiros, a small lake hidden between the trees. Or discover the trails around Rio da Mula and the reservoir. Discover over 50 more hikes in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park on the AllTrails app!
Azenhas do Mar restaurants
The town is very small, with only a few food options. However, the main restaurant, Azenhas do Mar Restaurante, offers incredible Portuguese meals! It’s the best place to enjoy fresh seafood dishes, Portuguese cheese and local meat. And the best thing? The view from Azenhas do Mar restaurant is incredible!
Some of the best dishes in Portugal include cataplana (fish and/or seafood), Bacalhau à Brás (codfish with potato gratin), and Arroz de Pato (Portuguese-style duck rice).
Favourite Places to eat
Cataplana at Azenhas do Mar Restaurante
Hotels in Azenhas do Mar
Are you looking for a romantic break in Portugal? Azenhas do Mar is the perfect spot for it! And with Sintra Cascais Natural Park and the sea at your doorstep, it’s an incredible location for a holiday! There are some summer homes in the main cluster of the village, and you wake up to the sound of the waves and the seagulls. During the summer months, it gets busy with locals and tourists, so ensure to book in time!
The stylish Azenhas do Mar Valley House has beautiful rooms with a sea view and an indoor swimming pool. Casa das Azenhas by Lisbon Village Apartments is lovely if you want to stay longer. The apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, so you can prepare meals. It is located 50 metres from the beach and the natural swimming pool.
We also had a great experience at Villa Maça House, in the nearby town of Praia das Maçãs. Do you want to enjoy the water sports facilities along the coast? Then Azenhas do Mar West Coast Design, and Surf Villas is perfect!
FAQ
Is Azenhas do Mar worth visiting?
Absolutely! The views from the Azenhas do Mar viewpoint are incredible, and you can visit the town’s cobbled streets, as well as a small beach and natural pools.
Where to stay in Azenhas do Mar?
There are a few hotels and accommodations in Azenhas do Mar. Examples are Azenhas do Mar West Coast design and surf villas, Azenhas do Mar Valley House, Chalet O Amorzinho, and Casa das Azenhas by Lisbon Village Apartments.
Where is Azenhas do Mar?
Azenhas do Mar is a tiny town on the Atlantic coast in Portugal. It’s built against a cliff offering views over the sea. There is a fabulous restaurant with local Portuguese dishes and a few places to eat. It’s northwest of Lisbon and south of Peniche.
Conclusion
Azenhas do Mar is well worth seeing if you’re visiting Sintra and the Atlantic coast in Portugal. The town is nestled along the side of a cliff overlooking the sea. It’s an excellent escape for romantic couples, and families and nature lovers will also love staying here. Once you’ve visited Azenhas do Mar, you can explore the rest of this area. Sintra, Mafra and Peniche are all within reach!
Other beautiful cities and sights north of Lisbon:
- 10 amazing tips for what to do in Óbidos Portugal
- Watch the Nazaré big waves in Portugal; Things to know before you go!
- Buddha Eden; The largest, most beautiful oriental garden in Europe
- Discover the stunning Mafra National Palace
- Lisbon to Ericeira: A local guide to Portugal’s favourite surf town
- 10 Things to do in Caldas da Rainha
- 15 things to do in Tomar
- Visiting Fátima, Portugal: What you need to know
- Visit or stay at Aldeia da Mata Pequena in Portugal’s stunning countryside
- Stunning nature at Berlengas, Portugal + 8 things to do
- Celebrate the amazing Carnaval Torres Vedras in Portugal
Pin to read later!
