A day trip to Sesimbra offers a refreshing contrast to the busy capital and the tourist-heavy beaches of the Lisbon coastline. This charming town provides an authentic Portuguese experience, blending the atmosphere of a working fishing port with stunning beaches and dramatic natural scenery.

The town lies in a sheltered bay between two dramatic landscapes; the forest-covered hills of the Serra da Arrábida to the east and the windswept cliffs and coastline of Cabo Espichel to the west. Despite its proximity to Lisbon, Sesimbra has retained its traditional character and relaxed pace of life.

While many visitors are drawn to the region for its numerous outdoor activities like kayaking, cycling, hiking, coasteering, or simply to relax on its beautiful beaches, the town itself has much to discover. There are traditional cobbled streets lined with family-run restaurants, an ancient castle to explore and a scenic coastal promenade running the length of the town. When combined with its scenic surroundings, Sesimbra is an enjoyable day trip destination that can rival the more famous locations in the Lisbon region.

This guide provides everything you need for a perfect day trip to Sesimbra.
Related articles: Day trips from Lisbon

Castelo de Sesimbra - The ancient Moorish castle sits 200 metres above the town, offering spectacular panoramic views across the bay, the Arrábida mountains and out to the Atlantic Ocean.

Fresh Seafood - Sesimbra's fishing fleet supplies restaurants with the freshest catch, making this one of the best places in Portugal to enjoy grilled fish, caldeirada stew, or shellfish in a traditional marisqueira restaurant.

Praia da Califórnia - The town's main beach stretches for nearly a kilometre, with golden sand, calm waters protected by the bay, and a palm-lined promenade.

Cabo Espichel - This wild and windswept headland features dramatic 100-metre cliffs, a unique pilgrimage sanctuary, dinosaur footprints preserved in rock, and a sense of standing at the edge of the world - Cabo Espichel

The N379 – The N379-1 is one of Portugal's most stunning driving routes as it winds through the hills of the Serra da Arrábida. Admire views of the Portinho da Arrábida coastline, pass the Convento de Nossa Senhora da Arrábida and see all the way to Lisbon from the Miradouro do Norte.

A suggested 1-day tour of Sesimbra
The interactive map below shows both a suggested walking tour of Sesimbra and a driving tour of the region. The walking tour starts from the bus station and is 6km due to the challenging up hill walk to the castle. The tour of the region is marked in the black line and is detailed in the next section. (Note: zoom out to see all of the points)

Sights of Sesimbra: 1) Jardim Público de Sesimbra 2) Câmara Municipal de Sesimbra 3) Praia da Califórnia 4) Fortaleza Santiago 5) Praia do Ouro 6) Castelo de Sesimbra
Sights of the region: 7) Lagoa de Albufeira 8) Farol do Cabo Espichel 9) Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Castelo 10) Dinosaur footprints 11) N379 12) Convento de Nossa Senhora 13) Praia do Creiro 14) Praia de Galapinhos 15) Miradouro do Norte 16) José Maria Da Fonseca 17) Bacalhôa 18) Cristo Rei

Having a car opens up the stunning landscapes surrounding Sesimbra, allowing you to combine the town with the natural beauty of the Arrábida Natural Park and the dramatic Cabo Espichel. This full-day itinerary requires approximately 8–9 hours to complete.

Morning (Start in Lisbon):
Begin your day by driving from Lisbon across the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge and head south through Almada. The 40km journey to your first destination takes approximately 45 minutes via the A2 and N378 roads.

Optional Stop: Lagoa de Albufeira (30 min)
A scenic lagoon surrounded by pristine forests, the Lagoa de Albufeira offers a dramatic contrast between the calm, sheltered waters of the lagoon and the powerful surf of the Atlantic on the other side of its sandbank. This is a beautiful location, but you may want to skip it in favour of wine tasting later in the day.

Cabo Espichel (1 hour)
Explore one of Portugal's most atmospheric locations. The headland is home to the Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel, a complex featuring a vast cobbled courtyard flanked by hauntingly empty arcaded pilgrim lodgings. Nearby, the tiny Ermida da Memória chapel is perched precariously close to the cliff edge. Don't miss the Monumento Natural da Pedra da Mua, where 150-million-year-old dinosaur tracks are clearly visible in the tilted rock strata - Cabo Espichel guide.

Castelo de Sesimbra (30 minutes)
Next, drive to the Castelo de Sesimbra. The narrow road winds steeply upward, but parking is available near the entrance. Inside the castle walls, you can explore the ruins of the medieval town and a small church adorned with beautiful azulejo tiles. The battlements offer breathtaking 360-degree views. The €2 entrance fee is excellent value.

Lunch and Beach Time in Sesimbra (2–3 hours)
Descend into Sesimbra town for lunch and some time on the beach. It is best to park near the fishing harbour, where you can watch the colourful boats and may even see the day's catch being unloaded. For the best value, explore the narrow streets behind the waterfront, which hide excellent seafood restaurants away from the higher tourist prices of the main beachfront.

Afternoon Drive: Serra da Arrábida (40 minutes)
After lunch, drive east through the Serra da Arrábida along the spectacular N379 road. This protected natural park combines lush Mediterranean vegetation with dramatic limestone cliffs that plunge into crystal-clear waters. Be sure to stop at the Portinho da Arrábida viewpoint for fantastic photo opportunities.

Beach Stop: Praia da Figueirinha or Praia do Creiro (1 hour minimum)
Choose to visit either Praia da Figueirinha or the more secluded Praia do Creiro. These beaches, backed by the green hills of Arrábida, boast some of the clearest water in the Lisbon region. Be aware that they can become extremely crowded on summer weekends, so it is best to visit early or late in the day.

Optional Stop: Azeitão Wineries (1 hour)
For wine enthusiasts, a stop at Bacalhôa Vinhos or José Maria da Fonseca in the town of Azeitão is a must. Both historic wineries offer tours and tastings of the region's famous wines, including the sweet Moscatel de Setúbal.
Note: Portugal has strict drink-driving laws, so the driver should abstain from tastings.

End of Day: Cristo Rei (Time Permitting)
If time allows on your return journey, end your day at the Cristo Rei statue for magnificent sunset views over Lisbon and the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge.

Sesimbra's restaurants excel at fresh seafood, with prices significantly lower than Lisbon. Avoid the tourist-oriented beachfront establishments and head to the backstreets where locals eat.

O Rodinhas - A true hidden gem tucked away on a quiet residential street. This is a classic, no-frills marisqueira (shellfish restaurant) where the quality of the seafood does all the talking. It’s famed among locals for its incredible value and generous portions, especially the signature arroz de marisco (seafood rice), which is packed with flavour and perfect for sharing.

Lobo do Mar – For an authentic taste of Sesimbra, head to this local favourite located directly opposite the bustling fishing harbour. You can’t get much fresher than this; the menu is built around the catch of the day, with fish chosen by you and simply grilled to perfection. The lively, traditional atmosphere makes it the ideal spot to enjoy fantastic seafood right at the source.

Casa Mateus - A family-run gem where traditional Portuguese recipes are given a modern twist. The owner, Mateus, is known for his warm welcome and personal recommendations, while his wife, the chef, creates memorable dishes. The octopus is a standout, and they are happy to accommodate sharing plates, making it a great option for trying a few different things.

O Velho e o Mar - With a prime location on the promenade near the Fortaleza de Santiago, this restaurant offers stunning sea views to accompany its fresh fish and seafood. You can choose your fish by weight or opt for a fixed-price serving. It's a classic Sesimbra dining experience, combining great food with a beautiful setting.

Praiamar - Though not directly on the seafront, Praiamar is a favourite for its extensive menu of mixed shellfish and grilled fish platters, perfect for sharing. It's known for regional specialties like sapateira recheada (stuffed stone crab). The atmosphere is informal, with outdoor seating on a charming cobblestone street.

From the calm waters of the Sado Estuary to the dramatic cliffs of Arrábida Natural Park, Sesimbra offers an exciting range of outdoor adventures. Whether you're seeking marine wildlife encounters, adrenaline-fueled climbs, or underground explorations, these activities highlight the region's passion for the outdoors.

Kayaking the Sesimbra Coast - Rent a kayak and paddle along one of Portugal's most beautiful stretches of coastline. Discover hidden coves and secluded beaches like the stunning Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo, or venture onwards to explore the impressive Boca do Tamboril sea cave. Kayaks can be rented or there are guided tours. - Kayak tour details

Kayak to the Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo

Coastering – Experience Portugal's rugged coast with this exhilarating activity that combines cliff scrambling, sea swimming, and heart-pumping jumps from heights of up to 8 metres into the crystal-clear Atlantic waters below - Details here

Via Ferrata Adventure: For a more advanced challenge, try this guided climbing experience in Arrábida Natural Park. A Via Ferrata ("iron path") allows you to traverse equipped rock faces and undertake dramatic rappelling descents. (Full information here)

Paragliding Experience: Take to the skies with a thrilling tandem flight above the stunning coastline and the Serra da Arrábida. During the 30-minute flight, you can choose between gentle sightseeing or exciting acrobatic manoeuvres while enjoying unforgettable panoramic views. (Full information here)

Cave Exploration: A guided underground adventure through Arrábida's ancient cave systems. This experience combines basic climbing techniques with fascinating geological insights as you explore hidden caverns and underground galleries beneath the natural park. (Full information here)

Lisbon is connected to Sesimbra by the 3721 bus route. In Lisbon the bus departs from Sete Rios bus station, which is connected to the blue metro line by the Jardim Zoológico metro station. The bus tickets are purchased from the driver and a single costs €4.50. For the latest timetable, please see the Carris Metropolitana website: carrismetropolitana.pt
Related articles: Lisbon to Sesimbra

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