Azenhas do Mar: Is It Worth Visiting this Hidden Gem?

Azenhas do Mar is an ancient fishing village nestled on the cliffs of the Sintra region in Portugal. It offers a picturesque escape that feels like it’s straight out of a postcard. This hidden gem is not directly on the train line from Lisbon, so you might ask: Is it worth visiting Azenhas do Mar?

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How to Get to Azenhas do Mar

Reaching Azenhas do Mar from Lisbon, Cascais, or Sintra is relatively straightforward, offering both scenic and convenient options for travel. Many Sintra tours will make a brief stop in Azenhas do Mar as well.

Azenhas do Mar by Car

If you’d like to explore the coast around Azenhas do Mar, traveling by car is the most convenient option.

• From Lisbon: the journey from Lisbon takes about 45 minutes. The last part of the drive is on smaller and narrower roads that runs along the coast. This route offers beautiful ocean vistas.
• From Cascais, the drive takes about 30 minutes, much of this on smaller rural roads.
• From Sintra, this is a short 15 minute drive, also on rural and sometimes narrow roads.
• Parking directly in Azenhas do Mar can be a challenge. We’d recommend stopping at the viewpoint just above town and parking there. Parking is free. The café “Mensagem” at the viewpoint is a great spot to grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the fabulous views over the coast.

Azenhas do Mar by Public Transport

• From Lisbon: take a 35 minute train ride from Lisbon’s Sete Rios station to Sintra (1-3 Euros). Then follow Sintra directions below.
• From Cascais, take a 30 minute bus ride to Sintra (2-4 Euros). Then follow the Sintra directions below.
• From Sintra, buses run every 30 minutes down to Azenhas do Mar (20-30 minutes and 2-4 Euros). You can also opt for a taxi or rideshare, as public buses are less frequent and the routes can be less direct. This last leg of the journey by taxi takes approximately 15 minutes.
• A unique way to get to Azenhas do Mar from Sintra is to take the Sintra tram from Sintra down to Praia das Maças. Once there, it’s a 4 minute bus ride or a pleasant 20-25 minute stroll along the coast.

The Breathtaking View

After parking at the viewpoint or getting off the bus, walk north along the coast and you will quickly see the breathtaking view of white-washed houses perched on the rugged cliffs over the Atlantic Ocean. The panorama is stunning at any time of the day, but during sunset, it’s truly magical.

The Beach and Natural Swimming Pool

Azenhas do Mar’s beach might be small, but its beauty and the unique natural swimming pool formed by the ocean waters make it a great spot to relax and go swimming. Keep in mind that, at high tide, the beach effectively disappears, and the pools may not be swimmable. Check the tide schedule before you head out, Although the Atlantic can be brisk, the pool often offers a warmer, calmer alternative to the ocean. Many visitors also come here simply for the pictures of the beautiful village on the sea.

There are other larger beaches north and south of Azenhas do Mar if you would like a more traditional beach experience. You can follow the road or the paths along the cliffs to visit Praia das Maças to the south and Praia da Aguda to the north. The paths were not in as good as shape as the ones we often explore around Cabo da Roca and elsewhere in the Sintra-Cascais Nature Park, but the views were stunning when we did these walks. Note that Praia da Aguda was closed when we visited recently, but we still enjoyed beautiful views over the coastline.

Dining with a View

Perched on the cliff edge just above the pools, the local restaurant Azenhas do Mar Restaurante Piscinas offers some of the freshest seafood, paired with traditional Portuguese dishes. Enjoying a meal while overlooking the sea, especially during sunset, is worth the effort to get to Azenhas do Mar. They also operate a beach bar for more casual drinks and food.

Accessibility and Crowds

One of the key advantages of Azenhas do Mar is that it’s stayed relatively under the radar compared to other tourist spots in the area. This means fewer crowds and a more serene experience. However, getting here can be a bit challenging without a car, and parking is limited. We’d recommend visiting during the off-season or on a weekday if possible. Sunday afternoons in particular can be quite crowded.

Is It Worth Visiting Azenhas do Mar?

If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of Sintra and Lisbon, Azenhas do Mar is definitely worth visiting. Azenhas do Mar might be small, but its charm and tranquility make it a must-visit for those who prefer exploring Portugal off the beaten path. You may not need a full day in Azenhas do Mar though. We’d recommend combining it with visits to other area beaches or towns.

What to Combine with a Visit to Azenhas do Mar

While Azenhas do Mar itself is worth exploring, you can easily combine it with other options. An obvious choice is to combine it with is Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sintra offers a vast number of historical palaces, lush gardens, and ruins like the Pena Palace, Castelo dos Mouros, and Quinta da Regaleira. For a quieter side of Sintra, consider visiting the Convento dos Capuchos, Monserrate’s gardens, or the Peninha Sanctuary.

Just a few kilometers southwest of Azenhas do Mar, you’ll find Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. There are numerous dirt roads and hiking trails leading north and south from Cabo da Roca. One of our favorites is the somewhat challenging trail to Praia da Ursa, where the picture below was taken from.

Nearby beaches such as Praia das Maças and Praia Grande also offer lovely seaside escapes. Praia das Maças is charming and accessible, featuring quaint cafes and the tramline mentioned previously. Praia Grande is a hotspot for surfers due to its larger waves and expansive sands, making it an ideal destination for sports enthusiasts. The Arribas Sintra Hotel in Praia Grande has one of the biggest saltwater pools around, though only open during the warmer months (typically May-September). Non-guests can use the pool for a fee.

Combining these sites with a visit to Azenhas do Mar allows for a rich exploration of the Sintra coast, blending history with natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Where to Stay when Visiting Azenhas do Mar

Praia Grande	The oceanfront Arribas Sintra Hotel with its large swimming pool, restaurant, and sustainable practices is one of the nicest choices in the area.
Azenhas do Mar	Casa no Campo is a wonderful oceanfront house with a hot tub in Azenhas do Mar if you’d like to stay directly in town.
Sintra	If you’re looking for a full service hotel closer to Sintra, Vila Gale Sintra is a top choice.
Cascais	Casa Vela Guest House is quiet and has lovely gardens and pools. It is in a great location to reach all of the Cascais sites as well as the coast.

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