Travel: Azenhas do Mar, Portugal

Azenhas do Mar: A Hidden Gem in Colares, Portugal

A Travel Guide

Why Azenhas do Mar Is the Perfect Getaway

As so often happens when living in a beautiful, lush place, sometimes you just need to get away. Living amidst the dense green jungle comes with its work and responsibilities, so every once in a while, a girl’s gotta step away from the daily grind.

Whenever I leave home, I always return feeling refreshed and inspired, ready to pour that newfound energy back into our dreams and projects. Earlier this year, I was drawn to the Iberian Peninsula, with Madrid as my base for research and friends. But, during my time there, I knew I had to make one special trip to a place I’d been dreaming of: Portugal.

Tile mosaic of Azenhas do Mar viewpoint.

How to Get to Azenhas do Mar from Lisbon

When planning my journey, I knew time would be tight. There are so many places I wanted to explore, but I decided to make an intentional choice and focus on one destination. After a little Googling, I came across a single photo that captured my heart. I knew instantly: Azenhas do Mar was where I had to go.

Transportation Tips for Traveling to Azenhas do Mar

Azenhas do Mar is located about 3 hours west of Lisboa in the town of Colares, and a few bus rides away from Sintra, situated just north of Praia de Maças. Getting there isn’t the easiest, but that only adds to the adventure.

My journey began in the southern town of Faro, where I stumbled across a snail festival (and, on a local’s recommendation, tried a dish I’ll likely never try again). Fortunately, fresh sangria made the experience far more enjoyable. From Faro, I hopped on a bus to Lisboa — a 4-hour ride that gave me time to appreciate the changing landscape.

When I travel, I always prefer buses to planes. I find that the overland journey allows me to see the land more intimately and encounter the unpredictability of people and culture. I used Flex Bus to get around Portugal, but several other companies offer similar services at comparable prices.

From Lisbon, I boarded another bus to Azenhas do Mar, which took a bit of navigating, but the locals were kind enough to help me along the way.

Best Places to Stay in Azenhas do Mar

Accommodation options in Azenhas do Mar are limited, especially if you want to stay close to the scenic cliffside viewpoint. After some careful searching, I found a charming Airbnb managed by a kind host, who offered several cozy campervans for travelers.

Stay Close to the Scenic Views

The camper I stayed in was small but incredibly cozy, with a space heater, Wi-Fi, and a closet. The atmosphere was much more intimate than staying in a hotel, and I enjoyed meeting fellow travelers during my stay. The family running the property fostered a warm, welcoming environment, and it was easy to feel at home.

The property was just a 10-minute walk to the Azenhas scenic viewpoint and a 15-20-minute walk to Praia do Maças, which was perfect for me since I love walking. Once I arrived, I didn’t need public transportation until it was time to leave.

Things to Do in Azenhas do Mar

The beauty of Azenhas do Mar lies in its simplicity. There’s not a lot to do here, which is part of its charm. The town doesn’t offer the bustling activity of major tourist destinations, making it the perfect escape for those seeking peace and beauty without crowds.

Explore Praia do Maças Beach and Beyond

In addition to the handful of restaurants and cafes (including a coffee bar suspended on the cliffside), the best things to do are to enjoy a vinho tinto overlooking the ocean or sip a warm espresso while gazing at the iconic viewpoint I had seen in the photo that led me here.

Praia do Maças is a short walk from Azenhas and slightly more developed, with additional dining and shopping options. The beach here offers golden sands perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean — a luxury that Azenhas, perched 135 feet above sea level, doesn’t offer. But that’s also part of what makes Azenhas so special — its cliffside isolation.

The Beauty of Azenhas do Mar

What truly captivated me about Azenhas do Mar was how beauty seemed to be everywhere — not just in the stunning coastal views, but in the architecture, the narrow streets, and even the painted tiles that tell the town's history. There’s something magical about walking through the quiet, winding lanes lined with stucco houses and clay-tile roofs, all overlooking the sea.

The people here were incredibly welcoming, and I found myself wondering how each of them arrived in this tucked-away village. Was this all a dream? Was I really in Portugal?

Morning Magic

In the early mornings, a mystical fog blankets the town, creating an almost otherworldly stillness. Without the constant hum of commercial activity, Azenhas feels timeless. On one of my walks, I ventured behind the main street of restaurants, expecting to find more tourist shops. To my surprise, there were none — just white homes with ocean views.

Why Visit Azenhas do Mar?

Azenhas do Mar is one of the most unique places I’ve visited. It has none of the commercialism or fast-paced tourism found in larger destinations like Lisbon or Porto. Instead, its beauty is in its quiet charm, which has helped it remain largely untouched by mass tourism.

The main attraction in Azenhas is the scenic viewpoint — where the village clings to the cliffside next to the roaring ocean. There are only a few places to eat, and most tourists come for the views, the atmosphere, and the opportunity to disconnect.

Even though getting to Azenhas wasn’t the easiest, it was so worth the journey. The locals are friendly and happy to help if you ask for directions, and the peaceful walks along the cliffside trails will leave you feeling deeply restored.

Conclusion: A Restorative Getaway

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat away from the more crowded tourist spots, Azenhas do Mar is the perfect place. It may be less populated than Praia do Maças or Lisbon, but it’s more than worth the visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and serenity of Portugal’s coast.

I left Azenhas feeling deeply refreshed, inspired, and grateful for the experience. The village’s quiet charm, its welcoming locals, and the stunning coastal views are memories I’ll treasure for years to come. If you want to experience a quieter, more authentic side of Portugal, I can guarantee Azenhas do Mar won’t disappoint.

I hope you get to see everywhere you want to see! <3 Lex of the jungle