The fact that Spain and Portugal border leads to many tourists from the neighboring country to choose to visit Portuguese cities such as Porto, Lisbon and Faro. Some tourists also venture out to discover the small villages and villages of the countryside, but there is a village very close to the sea that many Spaniards are ‘forget’ to visit, as the 20minutos portal states.
Located about 40 kilometers from Lisbon, Vila das Azenhas do Mar is a destination that continues to surprise those who discover it. On the banks of the Atlantic, this small town hides one of the “most fascinating natural pools of the Iberian Peninsula”, which can be appreciated throughout the year.
Alternatives to Lisbon and Sintra
Making a trip to the Portuguese capital is a usual choice among tourists, but according to the Spanish portal, many are unaware that, a few kilometers from the city, there are equally notable places to explore. Sintra is one of these examples, known for the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, but it is not the only destination that deserves prominence in this region.
Among the municipalities surrounding Sintra are less places frequented by foreign tourists, but which hold true ‘treasures’. One of these secrets is precisely Azenhas do Mar, a coastal village that combines the tranquility of a village with a natural landscape.
The houses that go down to the sea
The Azenhas do Mar scenery is dominated by its white red -roofed houses, which are distributed along the cliff, cascading to the sea. This architectural composition offers a picturesque and unique image that marks the identity of the village.
The natural pool of this locality is the village’s business card. Formed by the sea, it directly receives the waters of the Atlantic, providing visitors a unique bath in nature. During the summer, many Lisboners choose the seawear to escape the heat of the city and enjoy a few days of rest by the ocean. Proximity to Lisbon makes the village a convenient option for a weekend escape.
A small but much sought after beach
The beach that surrounds the natural pool is another of the jewelry. Although the sand does not exceed 30 meters wide and may disappear during the full tide, it remains much sought after by bathers during the bathing season.
The beach surveillance is assured by salvator swimmers, who operate between the local restaurant terrace, known for its fresh fish, and the oceanic pool, whose access is free for all visitors.
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Of the fishing village to vacation destination
Old fishing village, Azenhas do Mar has become over the past decades into a quiet summer destination. He was also a source of inspiration for artists, such as Julio Pomar and Milly Possz, who found here the beauty of Portuguese landscapes.
Although small, the village holds remarkable examples of architecture, with houses that mix modernist elements with traditional features, such as tile panels on the facades. Some of these constructions were designed by the most reputable architects of the twentieth century.
Walks through the narrow streets of the village
Walking through the narrow streets of Azenhas do Mar is an opportunity to enjoy this architectural fusion, while enjoying the calm atmosphere that characterizes the village. The white light that bathes the slope further enhances the contrast with the deep blue of the Atlantic.
Visitors are still advised to have precautions, as the force of the sea can be intense, especially on days of bad weather. Still, the natural pool remains a safe and accessible point of attraction for those who want to dive into ocean waters.
From the sea watering can explore Sintra
Azenhas do Mar, with their privileged location, about 15 kilometers from Sintra, continue to be an option for those who want to know other corners of the region, where nature and tradition are in a postcard scenario. However, many Spanish tourists continue to let this village escape when they come to visit Portugal.
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