Praia da Azarujinha - a sandy beach next to a body of water
1 / 10

Praia da Azarujinha

4.5
·2k reviews·Estoril, Portugal

A small, picturesque beach framed by dramatic cliffs, easily accessible by train, offering a unique coastal escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide mornings

More sand, less crowded

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Praia da Azarujinha - a sandy beach next to a body of water

Praia da Azarujinha

Best Time

Low tide mornings

More sand, less crowded

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A small, picturesque beach framed by dramatic cliffs, easily accessible by train, offering a unique coastal escape.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"Lovely little beach surrounded by high walls within 7min walk from São João de Estoril train station."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Bring Water Shoes

The rocky bottom can be slippery and uncomfortable. Water shoes are a must for enjoying the water safely.

⏰ Check Tide Charts

This small beach disappears at high tide. Always check the tide times before heading out.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dramatic Cliffside Setting

Dramatic Cliffside Setting

The beach itself

Dramatic cliffs create a secluded atmosphere, offering a unique and picturesque backdrop for relaxation.

Convenient Train Access

Convenient Train Access

Adjacent to São João de Estoril train station

Easily accessible via a short walk from the train station, making it a perfect quick getaway.

Unique Umbrella Anchors

Unique Umbrella Anchors

Concrete sunbathing area

A concrete area features holes specifically designed to hold beach umbrellas securely.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Tide Times are Crucial

Praia da Azarujinha is a small beach that can be completely submerged at high tide. Always check the tide schedule before you go to maximize your beach time and avoid disappointment. Reddit

Footwear for Rocky Shores

Much of the beach floor is covered in rock formations, making beach shoes highly recommended for comfort and safety. Reddit

Best Times

When
Low tide mornings
Why
More sand, less crowded
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Escape weekend crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🥾 Bring Water Shoes

The rocky bottom can be slippery and uncomfortable. Water shoes are a must for enjoying the water safely. Reddit

⏰ Check Tide Charts

This small beach disappears at high tide. Always check the tide times before heading out. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Train Access

Just a 7-minute walk from São João de Estoril train station, making it super convenient. Reddit

⛱️ Concrete Sunbathing Area

There's a concrete section with umbrella holders, great for setting up camp. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Bring Water Shoes

The rocky bottom can be slippery and uncomfortable. Water shoes are a must for enjoying the water safely. Reddit

⏰ Check Tide Charts

This small beach disappears at high tide. Always check the tide times before heading out. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Train Access

Just a 7-minute walk from São João de Estoril train station, making it super convenient. Reddit

⛱️ Concrete Sunbathing Area

There's a concrete section with umbrella holders, great for setting up camp. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Praia da Azarujinha is praised for its dramatic cliffside setting and convenient train access, making it a picturesque and easily reachable spot. However, many find it too small, rocky, and prone to overcrowding, especially during peak season. The limited sand and rocky bottom are recurring points of contention for visitors seeking a traditional beach experience.

"Lovely little beach surrounded by high walls within 7min walk from São João de Estoril train station. There is not much sand, most of the shallow water bottom is covered by rock formations so you might want to bring your beach shoes. There is a good concrete area to stretch your beach towels that's got holes in the floor for beach umbrellas, though. The facilities include pretty clean restrooms, water fountain and a beach shower outside. The whole area gets covered by the sea in high tide."

Ewe k

"Too small and with algee."

Bruno Santos

"One of my favorites in Cascais. Very small beach surrounded by high cliffs. Nice to seat down and relax. It can get very busy during summer time."

Gustavo Pytlik

What People Like

Dramatic cliff scenery
Easy train access
Unique umbrella holders

What People Dislike

Very small size
Rocky seabed
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Praia da Azarujinha is easily accessible by train. Take the Cascais Line to São João de Estoril station, and it's about a 7-minute walk from there. Reddit

Parking can be challenging in the area, especially during peak season. The train is the most recommended and convenient way to reach the beach. Reddit

From Lisbon, take the train to Cais do Sodré station and then transfer to the Cascais Line towards Cascais. Alight at São João de Estoril. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Praia da Azarujinha is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Access is free for everyone. Reddit

As a natural beach, Praia da Azarujinha is open 24/7. However, facilities like restrooms are typically available during daylight hours. Reddit

No, spots cannot be booked. It's a first-come, first-served beach, and it can get very crowded during summer. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The beach offers clean restrooms, a water fountain, and an outdoor shower. There's also a concrete area with holes for beach umbrellas. Reddit

Swimming is possible, but the shallow water bottom is covered by rock formations, so water shoes are highly recommended. Reddit

Definitely bring water shoes for the rocky seabed, sunscreen, a towel, and perhaps a beach umbrella for the concrete area. Reddit

Yes, it can get very crowded, especially during the summer months. Visiting during low tide or on weekdays can help avoid the biggest crowds. Reddit

The beach has limited sand; much of the area is covered by rocks. The concrete sunbathing area is a popular alternative. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there aren't direct facilities on the beach itself, there are amenities and dining options available in the nearby town of São João de Estoril, just a short walk away. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach. Remember to clean up after yourself. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The dramatic cliffs framing the beach offer stunning photographic opportunities. Capture the contrast between the rocks, sea, and sky, especially during golden hour. Reddit

Absolutely! The unique setting with high cliffs and the small, intimate beach makes for very picturesque shots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Praia da Azarujinha can be a fun, albeit small, stop for families. The easy train access makes getting there with little ones less of a hassle. However, the rocky seabed means close supervision is essential if children are swimming. Bringing water shoes for everyone is highly recommended to prevent scraped knees and feet. The concrete area with umbrella holders is a good spot for younger children to play safely away from the water's edge. Reddit

Be mindful of the tide; a sudden high tide can quickly reduce the available space. It's best to visit during low tide when there's more room to spread out and play. While there aren't extensive play facilities, the novelty of the cliffs and the sea can be engaging for children. Pack snacks and drinks, as dining options directly on the beach are limited. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Praia da Azarujinha is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. As a public beach, entry is free, and its proximity to the train station means you can save on transportation costs by using public transit. Reddit

Bring your own picnic and water to avoid expensive beachside cafes. The available amenities like restrooms and showers mean you can spend a full day without needing to pay for extra services. The unique natural beauty and convenient location offer a great value experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Tides at Praia da Azarujinha

Praia da Azarujinha is a prime example of a beach whose character is dictated by the sea. At high tide, the beach can be completely submerged, leaving only the towering cliffs visible. This means that planning your visit around the low tide is absolutely essential for enjoying any significant amount of sand or space. Many visitors recommend checking tide charts online or via local apps before making the trip to ensure you arrive when the beach is most accessible. Reddit

When the tide is out, you'll discover a small stretch of sand, but be prepared for a rocky seabed. This unique characteristic is why many travelers advise bringing water shoes or beach shoes. These will not only make walking on the rocks more comfortable but also safer for swimming and exploring the tide pools that may form. Reddit

Accessibility and Amenities

One of the major draws of Praia da Azarujinha is its remarkable accessibility. Located just a short, approximately 7-minute walk from the São João de Estoril train station, it's an incredibly convenient spot for a quick escape from the city. This makes it a popular choice for day-trippers and those relying on public transport. Reddit

Despite its small size, the beach is surprisingly well-equipped. You'll find clean restrooms, a water fountain, and an outdoor shower for rinsing off. A unique feature is the concrete sunbathing area which includes pre-drilled holes, perfect for securing beach umbrellas. While the beach itself is rocky, this paved section offers a comfortable alternative for lounging. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2