Praia das Azenhas do Mar

Colares, Portugal, Portugal

---

Praia das Azenhas do Mar is a picturesque beach in the cliffside fishing village of Azenhas do Mar, located in Colares within the Sintra municipality of Portugal, about 30 kilometers northwest of Lisbon.

This postcard-perfect destination is famous for its man-made oceanic swimming pool built into the rocky shore, which is the beach's main attraction and delights visitors with its calm, sea-fed waters perfect for safe swimming. The beach itself is small with a sandy area under 30 meters that can disappear completely during high tide, surrounded by dramatic rocky formations and a scenic waterfall where the Ribeira do Cameijo creek meets the Atlantic Ocean.

The village features charming whitewashed houses with red-tiled roofs cascading down the cliffside to the sea, creating a stunning visual that has inspired many painters and made it a popular second-home destination. Situated within the protected Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, the beach offers breathtaking views from a miradouro (viewpoint) atop the cliff, while nearby amenities include restaurants and a tranquil atmosphere that transformed this former fishing village into a peaceful summer resort.

The location provides easy access via stairs and remains a true Portuguese coastal gem combining natural beauty, historic charm, and the unique experience of swimming in a natural ocean pool.