Sesimbra is a delightful resort town adored by the Portuguese. It is a popular holiday destination famed for its seafood restaurants, glorious beaches, and authentic Portuguese atmosphere.

Surrounding Sesimbra are the Serra da Arrábida mountains and a rugged coastline of cliffs, rocky headlands, and hidden cove beaches. These dramatic landscapes have become a centre for adventure activities such as coasteering, climbing, mountain biking, sea kayaking, and diving. The glorious sandy beaches of the Costa da Caparica are a favourite for surfing and kitesurfing.

Along with the sights of the town, there are many enjoyable day trips from Sesimbra. These include the port town of Setúbal, the paradise beaches of Tróia, wine tasting at Azeitão, or the beautiful natural scenery of Lagoa de Albufeira.

This article will detail the best sights and activities for Sesimbra, whether for a short trip (such as a day trip) or for a longer holiday based in the town.
Related articles: Sesimbra introduction – Sesimbra beach guide

Top Activities and Sights for a Short Trip to Sesimbra:

• Praia da Califórnia: Relax on the golden sands of this sheltered beach, famous for its calm waters and family-friendly atmosphere. Perfectly situated within walking distance of the town centre, it is bordered by a scenic waterfront promenade lined with cafés and restaurants.

• Seafood Dining: Visit a traditional marisqueira in the historic side streets to sample the fresh catch of the day. Sesimbra is famed for its grilled swordfish and rich seafood rice, offering some of the finest dining experiences in the Lisbon region.

• Sea Kayaking: Join a guided tour to paddle along the base of the towering limestone cliffs. This is the best way to explore hidden sea caves and reach the turquoise waters of the secluded Ribeira do Cavalo beach kayak tour details.

• Castelo de Sesimbra: Walk the ancient stone battlements of the last clifftop Moorish castle in the region.

• Cabo Espichel: Visit this wild and windswept headland to explore a unique 18th-century pilgrimage church and a historic lighthouse. The cliffs also hold fascinating dinosaur footprints dating back millions of years, set against a backdrop of raw natural beauty.Cabo Espichel guide.

• Coasteering: For a thrill, try a guided adventure involving climbing, jumping, and swimming along the rugged shoreline - coasteering trips

• Portinho da Arrábida: Spend time at this picturesque cove where the green mountains of the Serra da Arrábida meet the crystal-clear sea, often cited as one of the most beautiful spots in Portugal.

The Portinho da Arrábida coastline is sheltered from the powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean

Exploring the Wider Sesimbra Region

For those staying a week or longer, the surrounding Serra da Arrábida and the Setúbal Peninsula offer a diverse range of experiences. Highlights for a holiday include:

• Estrada de Escarpa (N379): Drive one of the most scenic roads in the country as it twists through the heart of the Arrábida mountains.

• Praia de Galapinhos: Visit this turquoise-water beach, which has gained international fame for its untouched natural beauty.

• Setúbal: Spend a day in this bustling port city exploring the vibrant Mercado do Livramento and the historic waterfront.

• Dolphin Watching: Take a boat trip into the Sado Estuary to see the resident pod of bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.

• Wine Tasting in Azeitão: Visit prestigious estates like José Maria da Fonseca to sample the famous Moscatel de Setúbal.

• Lagoa de Albufeira: A peaceful coastal lagoon protected by high sand dunes, where the shallow waters are perfect for young families and those looking for a quiet day away from the ocean waves.

• Hiking to Formosinho: Trek to the highest point of the Serra da Arrábida for views that stretch all the way to Lisbon and Sintra.

• Tróia Peninsula: Take a scenic ferry ride across the Sado Estuary to discover an exclusive peninsula of white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and the ruins of one of the largest Roman fish-salting centers in Europe.

• Costa da Caparica: Head to the western coast for wide, sandy beaches and some of the best surfing conditions in the region.

• Palmela Castle: Visit this imposing fortification that sits high above the vineyards, offering a glimpse into the area's medieval past.

The interactive map below shows the location of Sesimbra's sights and activities – the day trip sights are marked in yellow and the activities in green. (Note: zoom in or out to see all of the points.)

Sesimbra sights (yellow): 1) Praia da Califórnia 2) Marisqueira restaurants 3) Castelo de Sesimbra 4) Kayak coastline tour 5) Dolphins in the Sado Estuary 6) Coasteering 7) Cabo Espichel headland 8) Estrada de Escarpa (N379) 9) Portinho da Arrábida coastline
Sesimbra activities (green): 10) Setubal 11) Praia de Galapinhos 12) Bacalhôa Vinhos 13) José Maria da Fonseca 14) Lagoa de Albufeira 15) Formosinho hill 16) Serra do Risco 17) Troia 18) Fonte da Telha 19) Fenda da Arrábida (rock climbing) 20) Palmela castle 21) Dinosaur footprints Cabo Espichel

The following section explains in detail some of the main sights and activities of Sesimbra and the surrounding region.

The Serra da Arrábida is a range of beautiful limestone hills that stretches across the southern edge of the Setúbal Peninsula. The landscape is one of contrasts: to the north, you will find gentle rolling hills covered in historic vineyards and olive groves, while the southern side rises sharply into jagged ridges and rocky outcrops. The highest point is the Formosinho summit, which stands 501 m above sea level and offers views that reach as far as Lisbon and the Sintra mountains on a clear day.

The southern coastline is particularly dramatic, where the hills are abruptly cut away to form the towering cliffs of the Serra do Risco, the highest limestone cliffs in mainland Portugal. Tucked at the base of these mountains are the sheltered beaches of the Portinho da Arrábida coastline. With their calm, turquoise waters and white sands, these beaches are frequently cited as the most beautiful in the country.

Within the Serra da Arrábida, there is much to discover beyond the scenery. The region is home to a unique Mediterranean forest and the hidden Convento da Arrábida, a 16th-century monastery built into the hillside. For those seeking activity, the park offers challenging hiking trails, off-road cycling routes, and world-class rock climbing.

The best way to experience the park is via the N379 (the "Estrada de Escarpa"). This route follows ancient shepherd trails along the mountain ridge and is widely considered one of the most scenic drives in Portugal. If you have a car, exploring the Serra da Arrábida is an essential part of any trip to Sesimbra.
Related articles: The Serra da Arrabida

The Serra da Arrábida has a year-round lush and green appearance as it is covered by evergreen Carob Bushes and Kermes Oaks.

The Castelo de Sesimbra stands high above the town, situated on a jagged cliff edge that offers panoramic views over the bay and the surrounding Arrábida hills. This was the last of the Moorish castles in the region to be captured by Christian forces in the 12th century, and its strategic position allowed for a clear line of sight over the Sado Estuary and the Atlantic approaches.

The castle is surprisingly large and has been extensively restored, allowing visitors to walk the full length of the battlements. Inside the heavy stone walls, you will find the 18th-century Church of Santa Maria, which features a traditional façade and beautiful interior tilework. There are also two small museum spaces located within the towers that explain the medieval history of the site through archaeological finds.

Despite its historical significance, the castle remains free to visit and retains a peaceful, unhurried atmosphere. The walk from the town centre is a steep, 30-minute uphill trek that can be quite taxing in the midday sun. It is often better to take a short taxi or Uber ride to the entrance and then enjoy the much easier walk back down into town.

The view from the castle walls

Sesimbra is widely considered to have some of the finest seafood in the Lisbon region. This reputation is built upon the town's active fishing fleet, which brings in a fresh haul daily to the harbour on the western side of the bay.

The most authentic dining experiences are found in marisqueiras (seafood restaurants). While many restaurants line the beachfront, some of the best value and most traditional establishments are tucked away in the narrow side streets of the historic centre. These family-run spots prioritise the quality of the catch over a sea view. If a restaurant is bustling with Portuguese families, it is a sign of high quality and fair prices.

A local specialty you must try is espadarte preto (black scabbardfish), which is typically grilled and served with simple sides. For a communal dining experience, arroz de marisco (seafood rice) is the highlight. This rich, stew-like dish is filled with crab, shrimp, and clams, and is usually served in a large clay pot designed for at least two people to share.

Arroz de Marisco

A popular kayak route starts from the Porto de Abrigo (the fishing harbour) and heads west towards Praia da Ribeira do Cavalo. This beach is frequently named as one of the most beautiful in Portugal, but because the hiking trail down the cliffs is steep and difficult, arriving by water is the preferred choice for many.

The journey takes you past towering cliffs and hidden sea caves, such as the Boca de Tamboril. These caves are large enough to paddle into when the tide is right, offering a unique perspective on the geological history of the region.

You have two main options for this activity:
• Guided Tours: Most tours last around three hours and cost approximately €30 to €35 per person. These usually include a professional guide, safety equipment, and sometimes snorkelling gear or a small local snack. - kayak tour details.
• Independent Rental: If you are an experienced paddler, you can hire a kayak independently. Prices are typically around €30 for a three-hour rental, which is plenty of time to reach Ribeira do Cavalo, enjoy a swim, and return.

Insight: If you are planning an independent trip, aim to start in the morning. The sea is generally much calmer before midday.

Cabo Espichel is a dramatic headland situated at the southwestern tip of the Setúbal Peninsula. This barren and windswept plateau is defined by its towering cliffs, which drop 100 metres into the churning Atlantic Ocean. It is a place of raw natural beauty, where the power of the wind and sea has shaped a landscape that feels worlds away from the sheltered bay of Sesimbra.

For centuries, the cape was one of Portugal's most important pilgrimage sites. At the centre of the complex is the Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel, an 18th-century church flanked by two long rows of pilgrim lodgings known as the Casa dos Círios. These decaying white buildings give the site a unique, almost cinematic atmosphere. Nearby, you will find the Farol do Cabo Espichel, one of the oldest and most powerful lighthouses in the country, which still guides ships through these treacherous waters today.

The headland is also a site of immense prehistoric importance. Preserved within the weathered rock are two distinct sets of dinosaur footprints. On the steep cliffs of Pedra da Mua, you can see the tracks of giant sauropods, while the Jazidas de Lagosteiros tracks belong to bipedal dinosaurs from the Cretaceous period.

Insight: While the two sets of dinosaur footprints are only 400 metres apart, they were created 50 million years apart. The cliffs have tilted over millions of years, revealing these tracks on what were once flat, muddy lagoon shores.
Related articles: Cabo Espiche

The giant cliffs of the Cabo Espichel

The Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel

The town of Azeitão, located on the northern slopes of the Serra da Arrábida, is the heart of the region's famous wine culture. The unique clay-limestone soil and the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean create the perfect conditions for the Moscatel grape. While the golden Moscatel de Setúbal is the most famous export, the region also produces a rarer, copper-coloured variety known as Moscatel Roxo.

There are two major wineries in Azeitão that offer excellent tours and tastings:

• José Maria da Fonseca (JMF): Founded in 1834, this is the oldest producer of table wines in Portugal and is still family-run. A visit to their Casa Museu takes you through historic cellars where some of the oldest Moscatel wines in the world are aged in vast oak barrels. You will also learn about Periquita, the first red wine ever to be bottled in Portugal. - José Maria da Fonseca

• Quinta da Bacalhôa: This estate offers a different experience by blending wine with fine art. The tour includes a visit to a 16th-century Renaissance palace, which houses a private art collection and beautiful gardens. Inside the palace grounds, you can see the earliest dated tile in Portugal, which was made in 1565. The tasting usually takes place in their modern museum space, where you can sample both fortified wines and structured reds. - Bacalhôa Vinhos

For those seeking a more physical way to experience the coastline, coasteering is one of the most exciting activities available in Sesimbra. This adventure sport allows you to traverse the intertidal zone, the rugged area where the limestone cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean, using a combination of swimming, climbing, and jumping.

The routes usually take place along the wild cliffs to the east of the town, within the protected Arrábida Natural Park. Under the supervision of professional guides, you will clamber over rocky ledges, abseil down steep faces, and leap from heights into the deep, clear waters below.

Most tours last between four and five hours and include all necessary safety equipment, such as wetsuits, helmets, buoyancy aids, and harnesses.

Insight: While the jumps can be high and provide a significant adrenaline rush, they are almost always optional. - coasteering trips

The Estrada de Escarpa is one of the most scenic drives in Portugal, following the N379 as it winds between Sesimbra and Setúbal. This road climbs sharply into the limestone ridges of the Serra da Arrábida, offering a succession of viewpoints that look out over the deep blue of the Atlantic and the green canopy of the forest.

The route is famous for its dramatic switchbacks as it scales the southern slopes of Mount Formosinho, reaching heights of over 450 metres. At the crest of the ridge, there are several laybys where you can stop to see the entire Sado Estuary, the Tróia Peninsula, and even the distant mountains of the Alentejo.

Key Viewpoints Along the N379
• Miradouro do Norte: Offers views across the rolling vineyards toward Azeitão and Lisbon.
• Miradouro do Portinho: The best spot for a classic photo of the Portinho da Arrábida bay.
• The Convent Lookout: A high point providing a clear view of the 16th-century Franciscan monastery

The views from the Estrada de Escarpa

The Lagoa de Albufeira is a unique coastal lagoon located approximately 15 km north of Sesimbra. Separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a vast bank of golden sand dunes, the lagoon offers a peaceful alternative to the powerful waves of the surrounding coastline. The geography is distinct: a narrow canal connects the saltwater lagoon to the sea, allowing for a constant renewal of the water while keeping the inner area calm and sheltered.

Because there are no strong currents or waves in the main body of the lagoon, it has become a premier location for learning water sports. It is a favoured spot for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding, with several schools operating along the shore.

The northern reaches of the lagoon form part of a National Ecological Reserve. This area of pine forests and reedbeds is a haven for birdwatchers, who come to see grey herons, kingfishers, and occasionally flamingos during the migration seasons. For those who prefer the open sea, a short walk over the dunes leads to Praia da Lagoa de Albufeira, a massive stretch of Atlantic beach known for its excellent surfing conditions.

The Tróia Peninsula is a 25 km stretch of sand that sits between the Sado Estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its clear, calm waters and fine white sand, it is one of the most unique coastal landscapes in Portugal. The northern tip of the peninsula has been developed into a sophisticated resort area, featuring a marina, a casino, and a world-class 18-hole golf course.

The main reason to visit Tróia is the coastline. While the beaches near the ferry terminal offer plenty of facilities and a social atmosphere, the sand stretches for miles to the south. If you are prepared to walk for 15 to 20 minutes, you can find quiet, nearly deserted sections of beach even in the height of summer.

History is also a major part of the peninsula's appeal. The Ruínas Romanas de Tróia are located on the eastern bank and offer a glimpse into an ancient industrial complex. From the 1st to the 6th century, this was a major site for the production of salted fish and fish sauce, which was shipped across the Roman Empire.

Our most popular guides to the Sesimbra region