Azenhas do Mar is an idyllic seaside village on the Sintra coastline of Portugal. This typically Portuguese style village clings dramatically to a cliffside, with whitewashed houses and terracotta rooftops tumbling down to the ocean and a small but stunning beach. It’s a stunning scene that has been featured on Portuguese postcards since the mid-20th century.
Azenhas do Mar – A Brief History
Azenhas do Mar which translates to “Watermills of the Sea,” derives its name from a once-powerful stream that powered watermills as it made its way to the Atlantic. During the mid-20th century affluent families from Lisbon and Sintra recognized the location’s beauty and established summer homes just beyond the main cluster of houses. Some of these residences were designed by renowned Portuguese architects like Raul Lino his most famous in Azenhas do Mar being Casa Branca. In fact, you’ll find buildings by Raul Lino across this part of Portugal – perhaps most famously Casa de Santa Maria in Cascais.
Exploring the Village of Azenhas do Mar
Originally, most houses in Azenhas do Mar were built by a fishing community, cobbled together closely at the cliff’s summit. These houses form a steep labyrinth of narrow streets, tight corners, and patios with stunning coastal views. It’s well worth the hike through to the cliff top to get a feel for the architecture and of course the stunning views.
Praia das Azenhas do Mar – Azenhas do Mar’s Beach
At the bottom of the cliff, several steep steps lead to a very small beach. At low tide its only around 30 meters (100 feet) wide. However, it’s sheltered by the tall cliffs which means its often protected from the strong Atlantic winds. At high tide though, the beach all but disappears, so if you plan on using the beach check the local tide table! Facing the ocean, on the right hand side you’ll see the amazing Piscina Oceânica.
Piscina Oceânica – Azenhas do Mar’s Stunning Sea Pool
This stunning sea pool, piscina oceânica in Portuguese, is the most unique swimming spot on the Atlantic coastline of Portugal. One half of the pool is almost within a restaurant so you’ll see a few people drinking and dining while taking in the atmosphere. During the summer, the small beach and the sea pool are life guarded, so it’s a safe spot for families too!
Miradouro das Azenhas do Mar
For the best, and ‘postcard perfect’ views of the village, beach and charismatic pool, you’ll need to head to Miradouro das Azenhas do Mar. It’s on the N375 as you head into the village and has car parking for around 30 vehicles. From here you’ll get the best views up and down the coast, and of course that picture perfect view of Azenhas do Mar in all its glory.
How to Get to Azenhas do Mar by Public Transport
To reach Azenhas do Mar by public transport, you’ll first need to get to Sintra which is easily reached by both bus and train from Lisbon. Once in Sintra, there’s several buses to Azenhas do Mar from the main bus station Portela de Sintra.
Bus number 1254 departs regularly with the destination of Praia do Magoito, and it makes stops at Praia das Maçãs and Azenhas do Mar. Additionally, bus number 1248 with a destination of Praia das Maçãs also stops in Azenhas do Mar. You can check the full times on the Carris Metropolitana website.
Nearby Attractions
For those interested in exploring further, a walk up the coastal road from Azenhas do Mar leads to a sign pointing to Praia da Aguda. This wild, untamed beach is about a 15-minute walk away, accessible via a staircase. Continuing for another 15 minutes over rocks and tidal pools, you’ll reach Praia do Magoito, a favorite spot for locals and surfers.
To the south of Azenhas do Mar lies Sintra’s most popular beach, Praia das Maçãs. This beach can be reached by a 20-minute walk down Avenida Luís Augusto Colares and Avenida Eugene Levy, or a few minutes on one of the buses above.
