Azenhas do Mar

Azenhas do Mar developed as a coastal settlement within the Colares wine region, with its early economy based on grain milling, viticulture and fishing. The village takes its name from the watermills (azenhas) that once operated along the Cameijo Creek (Ribeira do Cameijo) to grind wheat. Its popularity grew in the early 20th century, becoming a favored retreat for the Portuguese bourgeoisie and attracting visitors such as King Carlos I and Queens Amélia and Maria Pia. According to local tradition, the opening was marked by a large celebration during which a resident, José Henriques Totta, arranged for a nearby fountain to flow with Colares wine instead of water. The tram line operated until 1955, when the section between Praia das Maçãs and Azenhas do Mar was closed due to declining use. == Geography ==

Azenhas do Mar is on a cliff by the Atlantic Ocean in the civil parish of Colares, in Sintra municipality. It is northwest of Lisbon and part of its metropolitan area. Azenhas do Mar is located north of Cabo da Roca and it a part of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. It is located less than north of Praia das Maçãs, where there is a prehistoric monument known as the Tholos of Outeiro das Mós. == Landmarks ==

Notable historical structures include the Chapel of Saint Lawrence (Capela de São Lourenço), dating from the late 16th century and a school constructed in 1927 and inaugurated by President Óscar Carmona. The school later served as a model for school architecture during the Estado Novo period. There are other beaches located near the Azenhas do Mar, including Praia da Aguda, Praia do Magoito and Praia das Maçãs. File:Pôr do Sol na praia das Azenhas.jpg|Beach sunset File:Azenhas do Mar by drone.jpg|Azenhas do Mar by drone File:Praia das Maçãs.jpg|Praia das Maçãs ==References==