SintraCascaisSesimbra.com
The best independent guide to Sesimbra
SintraCascaisSesimbra.com
The best independent guide to Sesimbra
About Phil Giddings: Your Guide to Sesimbra and Setúbal
Olá, I'm Phil. While many visitors to Lisbon make a day trip to Sintra or Cascais, this website is dedicated to showing you the region the locals love to escape to: the stunning Arrábida coastline, home to Sesimbra and Setúbal. Sharing my passion for this beautiful and often-overlooked area is now my full-time profession.
My journey with Portugal began back in 2001, when my wife, Carla, introduced me to her home country. Her local's perspective helped me discover places that weren't in the guidebooks. In 2009, I launched my first website as a passion project to share this first-hand knowledge, and it has since grown into my full-time job. This site, SintraCascaisSesimbra.com exists to shine a light on one of my favourite parts of the country.
For me, the magic of this region lies in its raw, natural beauty and authentic atmosphere. It’s in Setúbal, a proud working port city where you can eat the best choco frito (fried cuttlefish) of your life just metres from the fishing boats. It's the thrill of taking a boat trip out on the Sado Estuary to see the resident pod of bottlenose dolphins.
It’s also in the charm of Sesimbra, a town nestled in a tranquil bay, watched over by a magnificent Moorish castle. I’ve spent countless days exploring the coastline here, from the main town beach to the wild, paradise-like coves hidden within the Serra da Arrábida national park, such as the breathtaking Praia dos Galapinhos. This coastline offers a completely different experience to the rest of the Lisbon region.
My approach is built on personal exploration. I drive the winding coastal roads, hike the trails of the Arrábida, and continually revisit the towns to ensure the information I provide is both practical and inspiring.
I hope these guides convince you to explore this incredible coastline. Thank you for trusting me with your holiday plans.
For my full story and specific expertise on Lisbon, you can read my main profile here.
Our most popular guides to the Sesimbra region
Expert Insight: These guides are curated by Philip Giddings, a travel writer with over 25 years of local experience in Portugal. Since 2008, Phil has focused on providing verified, on-the-ground advice for the Setubal and Sesimbra region, supported by deep cultural ties through his Portuguese family. Read the full story here.
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