Less than an hour from Lisbon, the dramatic cliffs of the Sintra coast are punctuated by the postcard-perfect village of Azenhas do Mar. Whitewashed houses with terracotta roof tiles cascade down a small valley to the sea. Think great seafood, winding lanes, sunsets and salty air. Visitors can still spot old millstones (azenhas) and ornately hand painted Portuguese tiles around the village.
Down a narrow street, big green gates open onto an expansive terrace dotted with tropical plants. To the right, a row of four pristinely white casitas – former fishermen’s homes. To the left, a glass-panelled wall with breathtaking view to the Atlantic below. The perfect spot for a morning coffee, sunset drink or anything in between. It’s almost like being on the deck of a cruise ship.
The old casitas have been converted into light, bright and airy 1-2 bed self-catering apartments – minimalist enough to ensure the incredible views are the star of the show. The staff leave you in peace but are just a WhatsApp away if you need anything. It's ideal for couples, friends or families, but we also think booking the whole place would be perfect for a special holiday with friends or extended family.
Highs
- The jaw-dropping cliff-edge location at the top of a pretty whitewashed village
- The bright white buildings with blue accents and tropical indoor plants
- You’re right in much-photographed clifftop village Azenhas do Mar: restaurants, the grocery store and tidal pool are all within a few minutes’ walk
- As well as each casita’s own patio area, there are tables and chairs along the cliff edge... sunset drinks, anyone?
- The casitas are perfectly located for exploring Sintra and its beautiful coast
Lows
- There’s a dropoff zone but guests will need to find parking in the village’s small, winding cobbled streets
- Living area windows and glass front doors don’t have coverings – passing guests or those socialising on the shared terrace can see in
- In some units, the bedrooms and bathroom are tight, and the bedrooms, while adequate, can feel a little sparse
- No swimming pool although one is planned
- No extra beds
Best time to go
Go during the shoulder seasons when the weather is still very pleasant but the summer crowds have left. The Sintra coast can be windy in August and parking is difficult at the main sights and beaches. In spring and autumn, restaurant reservations are easier, beaches are much emptier and the area is more tranquil. In winter, the casitas’ underfloor heating and wood-burning stoves provide a cosy refuge after a bracing walk along the cliffs. Outpost - Ocean Casitas is open year round.
Our top tips
Walk to the viewpoint on the opposite side of the valley for a gorgeous view of the village and chat with fishermen who have mastered fishing from the clifftops.
Walk or cycle along the well-marked cliff trail – see how many beaches and villages you can cover during your stay. There’s no shortage of cafes and restaurants to refuel at.
Try some of the local pastry specialities. The Sintra area is famous for airy, pillow-shaped travesseiros and sweet cheese-based queijadas.
Walk or cycle along the well-marked cliff trail – see how many beaches and villages you can cover during your stay. There’s no shortage of cafes and restaurants to refuel at.
Try some of the local pastry specialities. The Sintra area is famous for airy, pillow-shaped travesseiros and sweet cheese-based queijadas.
- Boutique Apartments
- 4 apartments for 2-4
- Self-catering; restaurants nearby
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Tennis Court
- Laundry Service
- Massages available
Rooms
All casitas have sea views and are light and airy, with minimalist whites and greys accented by blues, wood and tropical plants. The comfortable beds and delicious-smelling organic shower gel, shampoo and soap add luxurious touches.
Casitas I-III sleep up to four people in two bedrooms, with one bathroom, a lounge-dining-kitchen area and a dedicated patio area out front. A wood burning stove, state-of-the-art heat pumps and underfloor heating keep things cosy during chilly months. We stayed in Casita I and loved its cosy but bright feel and the huge strelitzia plant in the living area. Casita II has a bigger kitchen but smaller bedrooms and the bathroom is compact. Comfy seating is limited for four guests, but there are plenty of dining and outdoor chairs.
Casita IV is a one-bed petite apartment for two people at the far end of the terrace. Its outdoor area is a little more private than the other casitas’ – and it has arguably the best view.
All Casitas are on the ground floor, just a couple of steps up from the drop-off area. It's a step down to the large shared terrace which has sun loungers, more tables and chairs, and an outdoor shower.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- WiFi
Eating
The kitchens are well-equipped for self-catering, including a coffee machine and dishwasher (no microwaves and Casita IV has a smaller kitchenette). Eat indoors, at your casita’s patio out front, or at one of the tables by the cliff edge. Mobile barbecues, equipment and wood are available and you can order a local or organic breakfast basket for an extra cost.
Some kitchen basics are provided and you can buy further provisions at the little grocery shop in the village, or at a supermarket in Sintra (10km). Several villages nearby have daily or weekly markets and we found an incredible organic grocery store and restaurant (great for vegetarians) in neighbouring Janas (2.5km).
Seafood fans will want to taste the local specialities at one of the village’s restaurants – we loved the lobster risotto at the restaurant right by the water. Food delivery apps don’t work here, but the Outpost team can organise lunch or dinner deliveries from local restaurants, and for a special occasion a private chef can be arranged.
Features include:
- Chef on request
- Coffee maker
- Dishwasher
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Meal delivery service
- Restaurants nearby
- Toaster
Activities
- Spend a day at the beach. The small beach and tidal pool in the village are good at low tide. For larger beaches, you’re spoilt for choice. We love Praia Grande, Praia das Maçãs and Praia do Magoito. The Atlantic ocean is chilly year round
- Rent surfing or bodyboarding equipment, or take a lesson. Experienced surfers will enjoy Guincho, Praia Grande and Praia da Ursa all year round
- Hike or cycle along the cliff path or through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. The Outpost team can arrange a massage in your casita when you return
- There are regular (thrice-weekly) yoga classes in the well-equipped yoga studio nearby, or you can book a one-on-one practice with the teacher
- Do a wine tasting at the nearby Regional de Colares Winery or Casal Sta. Maria
- A day exploring Sintra is a must: its fairytale palaces, mystical castles, beautiful parks and delicious pastries are unforgettable. Drive the 11km there, or take the charming historic tram from Praia das Maçãs
- Visit the pretty surf town of Ericeira (21km), upmarket Cascais (28km) or even Lisbon (40km) for a day
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Shopping / markets
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Wine tasting
- Yoga
Kids
Children are welcome. The Outpost team will provide baby cots and highchairs on request. While the wall by the cliffs is high and safe, curious little climbers should be supervised. Note there are no extra beds.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
Casitas I-III have two bedrooms so are the best for families; beds can be configured as twins on request. All four casitas can take a baby cot.
Cots Available
Baby equipment:
- Baby cot
- High chair
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Kids Activities nearby:
- Beaches
- Surf lessons
- Biking
- Hiking
- Sintra's historical sites
Distances:
- Airport: 45 minutes
- Hospital: 30 minutes (Sintra)
- Shops: 2 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Outpost - Ocean Casitas is found in the pretty village of Azenhas do Mar, which is located on Portugal's west coast, 10km north west of Sintra.
By Air:
Both Lisbon and its airport are 40km away (less than an hour outside rush hour).
Getting Around:
We recommend renting a car, you can see car hire recommendations here, as it will make exploring the area's sights and beaches easier, but guests who want to stay put in the village can get away with a train from Lisbon to Sintra, and a taxi to the casitas.
Detailed directions will be sent when you confirm a booking through i-escape.
Airports:
- Lisbon Portela 40.0 km LIS
Other:
- Beach 2.3 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape