On the coast of Portugal, just an hour by car from Lisbon already scarce 15 minutes of Sintra, there is Azenhas do Mar, a marine village perched on a cliff that seems to melt with the Atlantic. This small nucleus, of less than a thousand inhabitants, has managed to conserve intact the charm of the old Pesqueras Lusas communities, combining the legacy of past centuries with a natural location that gives it a singular stamp.
White houses, many of them decorated with traditional tiles and topped with terracotta roofs, are distributed steadily over the rock, descending to an oceanic pool that works as a border between architecture and the sea.
Azenhas do Mar is not a massive destination. Its serene beauty, the authenticity of its urban layout and the force with which the sea hits the rocks have made it a place that many discover by recommendation or by curiosity, rather than by appearing in popular destinations lists.
The name of the town comes from the ancient water mills, called Azenhas that were placed in the channel of the Ribeira do Cameijo, a stream that crosses the place. These mills took advantage of the force of water to grind grain, an activity that once was the main livelihood of the population together with agriculture and fishing. Today, although the mills no longer work, the village keeps the memory of that past alive.
A pool between the sea and the stone
One of the main attractions of Azenhas do Mar is his natural pool, a salt water formation that feeds directly from the Atlantic and remains protected from the currents by a stone wall. With about 60 meters long and 15 wide, this oceanic pool is at the foot of the cliff and works as a safe bathing area, especially during the summer months.
Its existence provides added value to the set, since it allows you to enjoy the sea water in a saucepan protected. During the high tide, the pool can be completely covered, which adds a component to the place: sometimes it is visible, sometimes it melts with the sea.
The beach that extends next to the pool is of reduced dimensions. Its sand strip barely exceeds 30 meters and, at certain times of the year, it can disappear under water. However, its small size does not remain attractive to this corner, which becomes an ideal space for those looking for a quiet and less frequented atmosphere.
The uniqueness of the enclave, framed by the homes that climb the cliff, has made it one of the most photographed places in the municipality of Sintra. In addition, its orientation allows you to observe the sunset over the sea, one of the most sought after postcards by visitors.
LIVING TRADITION AND ATLANTIC KITCHEN
Azenhas do Mar retains a strong local identity, reflected in its popular festivals and gastronomy. The festival is celebrated every August in honor of São Lourenço, patron of the village. The procession, which descends to the sea, is one of the most anticipated events of the local calendar and congregates neighbors and visitors in an act loaded with symbolism.
As for the gastronomic offer, the presence of restaurants located next to the cliff stands out, many of them with terraces oriented towards the sea. These establishments specialize in fresh fish and shellfish, prepared in a simple way to highlight the natural flavors of the product.
It is usual to find dishes such as the boiler, seafood rice or perclabes, all made with ingredients obtained in the vicinity. The experience of eating in front of the Atlantic, with the sound of the background waves, makes the visit more than a tourist walk: it is an immersion in the marine culture of the region.
Its proximity to Sintra allows combining the tranquility of the coastal environment with the monumental heritage of the interior. Palacios, gardens, convents and forests make up an itinerary that can be explored on the same day. In addition, other beaches such as Maçãs or Adraga are located a few kilometers away, which makes this village an excellent basis to travel the western coast of Portugal.
Azenhas do Mar does not need great artificial attractions to highlight. His strength lies in harmony between landscape, architecture and tradition. A place where time seems to advance to another rhythm and where every corner invites contemplation. An enclave that, without making noise, has established itself as one of the most special of the Portuguese coast.
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