Azenhas do Mar: Picturesque Coastal Town near Lisbon -

BY JARED DILLINGHAM

Azenhas do Mar: One of the Best Beach Towns Near Lisbon

Azenhas do Mar has become a popular destination, attracting visitors who appreciate its natural scenic beauty and tranquility. The historic cliffside village provides an escape from the more crowded tourist areas nearby. You can stop for lunch, or for a few days, to relax and enjoy this beautiful stretch of Portugal’s coast.

Where is Azenhas do Mar

Azenhas do Mar is a picturesque coastal village located in the municipality of Sintra, Portugal, along the Atlantic Coast. There’s no train station in town, but you can drive, take a bus, or take an Uber to get there.

Hotels & Rentals in Azenhas do Mar

Azenhas do Mar has become a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors who appreciate its natural beauty and peaceful ambiance. Despite its growing popularity, the village has managed to maintain its authenticity and tranquility, making it a haven for those seeking a break from the bustling city or crowded tourist areas, like Lisbon or Sintra.

You can use this interactive map to check hotel and rental options in and around Azenhas do Mar:

Azenhas do Mar Tours

Tours of Azenhas do Mar often include stops at other classic sites on the coast of Portugal.

You can also hire a private guide, and choose your own course for the day.

➡️ Click to Book: Portugal’s West Coast

This is a small group day tour from Lisbon, which hits Azenhas do Mar and several other sites along the coast.

➡️ Click to Book: Private Tour of Sintra & the Coast

You’ll get a private driver and guide, who will take you to Portugal’s palaces, Azenhas do Mar, and anywhere else you’d like to go in a day.

➡️ Click to Book: Lisbon to Sintra’s Beaches

This is a day tour from Lisbon, which hits Azenhas do Mar and several other beaches on the west coast of Portugal.

How to Get to Azenhas do Mar

It’s not overly convenient to use public transportation to get from Lisbon to Azenhas do Mar, but they’re close enough that it’s definitely doable.

Lisbon to Azenhas do Mar

Azenhas do Mar is a 40-kilometer drive (25 miles) west of Lisbon. Depending on traffic, it’s about a 45-minute drive.

Driving yourself is the best option, since rental cars are very reasonably priced in Lisbon.

PRO TIP: You don’t have to rent a car from Lisbon’s airport. Several rental companies, including Hertz and Sixt, have more convenient locations in downtown Lisbon (which are likely closer to your hotel) to choose from.

I use Discover Cars, since they compare all of the international car rental companies, plus the locally-based Portuguese rental car companies to choose from.

🚘 Click to Search Rental Cars in Portugal

Another option to get from Lisbon to Azanhas do Mar is to use a combination of public transportation. You can take the train from Lisbon’s Rossio Square Train Station to Sintra, and then take a bus or Uber to the coast.

Sintra to Azenhas do Mar

Once in Sintra, you can find an Uber driver to take you the 12 kilometers to Azenhas do Mar on the coast. The drive will take 20 minutes, after the 40-minute train ride.

Or, from Sintra, you can take Bus 1248 for another 45 minutes to Avenhas do Mar (the stop is Av Luís Aug Colares 108).

Porto to Azenhas do Mar

It’s a 340-kilometer drive south from Porto to Azenhas do Mar. Depending on traffic, it’s about three-and-a-half hours on the highway.

If you’re depending on public transportation, you can take the FlixBus from Porto to Sintra, and then an Uber or Bus 1248 to Azenhas do Mar.

Nazare to Azenhas do Mar

It’s a 130-kilometer drive south from Nazare to Azenhas do Mar, which will take 90 minutes. There’s no direct or easy public transportation route between the two coastal towns.

Cascais to Azenhas do Mar

From Cascais, it’s a 23-kilometer drive north to Azenhas do Mar. An Uber driver will be happy to take you for a very reasonable price.

The Cliffs and Beach (Praia) at Azenhas do Mar

The beach at Azenhas do Mar is relatively small, but picturesque. It’s nestled in a cove between cliffs, creating a sense of seclusion. The surrounding cliffs offer natural protection from wind and waves, creating a calm environment on the beach.

The sandy shoreline is nice for sunbathing, picnicking, and walks along the water’s edge.

The rugged coastline surrounding Azenhas do Mar is known for its dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and rock formations. It offers stunning vistas, especially during sunset when the sky transforms into a palette of vibrant colors.

You’ll find a much larger (and busier) beach two kilometers south at Praia das Maçãs.

The Natural Pool at Azenhas do Mar

The natural pool at Azenhas do Mar is one of the main attractions!

The pool is filled with seawater, which is replenished by the tides. During high tide, the seawater flows into the pool, with waves often crashing over the sides. As the tide recedes, some of the water may flow back into the sea, but a portion remains in the pool, allowing visitors to enjoy swimming in calm and clear waters.

Keep in mind: it’s chilly! Even in the summer, the Atlantic Ocean water off the west coast of Portugal is usually in the mid-60s!

The natural pool at Azenhas do Mar is easily accessible, with stairs and pathways leading down from the cliffside.

The Village of Azenhas do Mar

Azenhas do Mar is full of preserved, traditional Portuguese architecture. Many of the houses are whitewashed, which not only provides a striking contrast against the green of the ocean water, but also reflects sunlight, keeping the interiors cool. The use of terracotta roofs adds to the village’s rustic charm.

This Portuguese coastal town has managed to retain its authenticity over the years. The village features narrow cobblestone streets, which wind around homes, restaurants and shops.

The History of Portugal’s Prettiest Coastal Town

The name “Azenhas do Mar” translates to “Watermills of the Sea,” which is a reference to the flour mills and watermills that were once part of the village. These mills harnessed the power of nearby streams and the sea to grind flour.

Over time, Azenhas do Mar developed into a fishing village. Its strategic location along the coast of Portugal provided easy access to the abundant seafood in the Atlantic.

In the 20th century, Azenhas do Mar began to attract attention from tourists due to its natural beauty and unique location on the cliffs. The village’s stunning vistas and coastal charm led to increased interest from visitors seeking a picturesque destination.

Things to Do in Azenhas do Mar: Hiking & More

Azenhas do Mar is surrounded by natural wonders. The village is located within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, which offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, in addition to the nearby beaches.

Here are a few notable hiking trails near Azenhas do Mar:

Pena Park in Sintra: Away from the crowds at Pena Palace in Sintra, you can walk the trails through the gardens on the surrounding hillsides (photos below).
Sintra Cascais Natural Park: Several hikes to choose from in this protected area, which are listed on the Natural Park’s website.
Guincho Coastal Route: This is a beautiful hike along the coast beginning in Malveira da Serra. You can find more information at the Natural Park’s website.

Food & Restaurants in Azenhas do Mar

The village of Azenhas do Mar offers restaurants focused on fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Fresh catches from the Atlantic include fish, shrimp, clams, and other shellfish. Grilled sardines, codfish (bacalhau), and octopus (polvo).

Cataplana is a traditional Portuguese cooking vessel used to prepare flavorful seafood and meat dishes. In Azenhas do Mar, you may find cataplana dishes that combine a variety of shellfish, fish, and even meats, cooked together with vegetables, herbs, and aromatic spices.

Aside from seafood, you can also find other traditional Portuguese dishes in Azenhas do Mar. These may include hearty meat stews like Cozido à Portuguesa (a mixed meat and vegetable stew), Feijoada (bean and meat stew), or the famous Portuguese grilled meats like grilled chicken (Frango de Churrasco) or grilled pork (Febras de Porco).

Restaurants in Azenhas do Mar

This is a very small town, so restaurant options are fairly limited.

Azenhas do Mar Restaurant: This restaurant is located right in the heart of Azenhas do Mar and offers stunning views of the ocean. It specializes in fresh seafood dishes, including grilled fish and shellfish.
Adega das Azenhas: Adega das Azenhas is a traditional Portuguese restaurant above the beach. It serves a range of local dishes, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. The restaurant also has outdoor seating available, allowing guests to enjoy their meals while taking in the coastal scenery.
Baobezi: Baobezi is a smaller cliff-top cafe for snacks and drinks near the parking lot at the viewpoint. It’s a perfect place to watch a sunset, or enjoy the afternoon with a glass of wine.
Agua e Sal: Aqua e Sal is known for its outdoor terrace, which provides an ideal spot for diners to enjoy their meal while watching the waves crash against the cliffs. The restaurant can get quite busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. Reservations are recommended to secure a table.

Other Sites Nearby

The west coast of Portugal is full of stunning beaches and small towns, so really you could just drive up and down the coast stopping wherever you’d like. Two of the most popular (and crowded) touristy areas near Azenhas do Mar are Sintra and Cascais.

Sintra

Sintra is the most popular day trip from Lisbon. It’s known for its castles and palaces. It’s very crowded, and tickets should be purchased in advance for anything you’d like to see there.

The slower pace and smaller tourist crowd at Azenhas do Mar is a welcome change after a busy day at Sintra.

Cascais

Cascais is a much larger beach town closer to Lisbon. It’s home to a sizable promenade, several beaches, and many more restaurants and shops.

Cascais is easy to get to from Lisbon. Head right to the Cais do Sodre train station. The 30 minute train ride will cost 2.30 Euros each way.

Wrap: One of the Best Beach Towns Near Lisbon

While Cascais and Sintra are far more popular with tourists, Azenhas do Mar offers something more relaxing for a day outside the city of Lisbon. It’s become insta-famous for its beautiful setting and the charm of the buildings, and is definitely worth exploring on a trip to Portugal!