Azenhas Do Mar, Portugal

Azenhas Do Mar, Portugal, a province of Sintra, is a seaside town. Its name means “Watermills of the Sea”. Over the years a stream powered the watermills as it flowed into the sea.

With its white-washed building and red roofs, it overlooks the Atlantic Ocean from the high cliffs. It is located about 19 miles (30 km) from Lisbon and this village avoids much of the heavy tourist traffic. It is more of a hidden gem.

The History of Azenhas Do Mar, Portugal

Although shrouded in mystery,  Azenhas Do Mar, Portugal is linked to the “azenhas”, or watermills which were once prominent in this area. It is thought that these water mills date back to the period of Arab occupation.

Over many years fishing, milling, agriculture, and shellfish gathering were the main occupations and livelihood of the locals.

With the inauguration of the Sintra tramway in the 1930s, the town became a seaside resort. The local architectural style is known as “soft Portuguese” which is evident in all of the buildings.

A Few Interesting Facts about Azenhas Do Mar

• the population is about 800 residents
• there are several beaches in the area with Praia do Magoito being the most popular for surfers and the locals
• a prehistoric monument, Tholos of Outeiro, is located near the beach, Paria das Macas
• this tiny seaside village is very similar to coastal Greek towns
• the town is filled with low stone cottages along the cobbled streets and narrow staircases
• there are walking and biking tours available
• there are still a few remaining watermills and millstones scattered about along the cobblestone streets
• the village is surrounded by natural beauty and is a great place for surfing and hiking. It is ideal for outdoor activities.
• a car is necessary to check out the interesting sights in the area. There is no public transportation in the village but there is bus and taxi service from Sintra and Lisbon. You can also take a guided tour from Lisbon.
• This area inspired Nobel Prize-winning writer José Saramago

Things to Do in Azenhas do Mar, Portugal

• Wander through the Streets of the Town — the wealthy families of Lisbon and Sintra built summer homes here in the mid-20th century around this fishing village. These houses are scattered about the cobbled streets. Wander through the streets and alleys and take in the culture and history of this village. Since it’s such a small town it only about a twenty (20) minute walk to tour the entire town.
• Cuisine — next to the ocean pool is the well-known restaurant, Nortada. Excellent food with a fantastic view of the sea. Piscinas Azenhas do Mar restaurant is located just above the natural pool overlooking the ocean. It’s a romantic setting with great cuisine but a bit pricey. Near the bus stop and main parking area of the town is a family-owned seafood restaurant, Agua e Sal, with quality food at a reasonable price. Located in an old Portuguese home is Adega das Azenhas, where the locals hang out and you get large portions at an excellent price. There are also kiosks and cafes in the village. The delicacies travesseiros (filo pastry filled with a sweet egg and almond paste) and queijada da Sintra (fresh cheese and cinnamon pastry tart) are local favorites.
• Take a Coastal H ike — a hike along the coast provides the best views and landscapes. A 7.5 mile (12 kilometers) trek from Azenhas do Mar to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in Europe, takes you along the cliffs as well as descending to sea level along the way. You will pass many beaches on this sojourn including Praia da Adraga, Praia Grande, Praia da Usra, and Praia da Aroreira.
• Lookout Viewpoint — this area was an inspiration for painters in the middle of the 20th century. Today it is a photographer’s paradise. Lookout Point, located just south of the village, gives a marvelous view of the houses on the cliff. A stone staircase leads the way to the top. Dusk and dawn are the best viewing times.
• Natural Sea Pool — there is a natural sea pool that is fed by the Atlantic Ocean. It is located below the cliff where the village is located. Azenhas do Mar beach is there and accessible when the ocean is calm; otherwise, the waves bang against the cliff.
• Swimming and Surfing — the beaches are stunning as they are backed by these enormous cliffs, and the Atlantic provides plenty of waves for the surfers. Depending on the time of the year you may want to wear a wet suit.
• Great Place to Relax — this quiet village is a great place to lay back and relax. Surprisingly it does not have a huge amount of tourists.
• Visit Sintra –located in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains this resort town is only a few minutes by car from Azenhas Do Mar. For many years this has been a sanctuary for royalty and you will find many palaces and colorful homes, villas, and castles. Each structure has its own unique history and charm. It is in the 19th century that Sintra became known for its European romantic architecture. It’s a very walkable city with a historic center and many wonderful sights to take in.

Why Visit Azenhas Do Mar, Portugal?

This picturesque seaside village, Azenhas Do Mar, Portugal, has a calming presence and is the perfect place to unwind and re-energize. Walking the cobblestone streets or relaxing on the beach will do the trick. Although a popular destination for the Portuguese, it is relatively unknown to other folks around the world.

There are a variety of choices for accommodations including Airbnb, bed and breakfasts, hotels, and several houses in the village are available for seasonal rental as well. The Azenhas do Mar Valley House is a popular choice with free breakfast and great views of the ocean.

There are also good accommodations in the town of Sintra which is just a short drive from the village.

This is just the place to enjoy an area with a rich history, serene setting, and natural beauty. Consider adding this to your destination list.

Happy travels,

Joseph William

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