The picturesque seaside village of Azenhas do Mar, located 30 km from Sintra, reminds me mainly of a great viewpoint, a restaurant serving delicious seafood, tiny beach and natural swimming pool. Coming from the cape Cabo da Roca, it is worth stopping at the parking lot just before the entrance to Azenhas do Mar and to take a look at the filigree white houses that seems to be glued to the rock. The place has something romantic about it, it brings to mind the end of the world.
In 2017, on October 19th, in the morning, the inhabitants of Azenhas do Mar got a surprise from a stranger. Huge mysterious signs appeared on the beach. Restaurant employees were the first to notice them, their photos were the first to circulate the Internet. The author of these amazing drawings on the sand is a native of California Ian Ross. The artist has been creating amazing works on sand for several years and his main tools are a rake and a broom.
Ian’s portfolio: www.ianrossart.com
How to get to Azenhas do Mar?
The easiest way to reach the town of Azenhas do Mar is by car. From Lisbon, the easiest route is the IC19 towards Sintra and then the A16 towards Sintra/Mafra/Ericeira.
Azenhas do Mar can also be reached by public transport. In the center of Lisbon, at the Rossio station, take the train to Portela de Sintra station. There are two bus options waiting for you on site:
- Line 441 which ends the route in Terrugem. This is a faster option, you will reach Azenhas do Mar in 20 minutes.
- Line 440, which runs less often, takes about 25 minutes and the bus stop is right above the beach.
What else to see nearby Azenhas do Mar?
Beach Praia das Maçãs – 2 km
Beach Praia do Magoito – 4 km
Cabo da Roca – 13 km. The westernmost point of Europe with a lighthouse.
Praia da Ursa – 13 km. Beautiful wild beach accessed by a steep trail, offering golden shores & an outcropping of large rocks. Be sure you have proper shoes for this demanding trekking.
