Explore Sesimbra:
our beautiful region

A SPECIAL PLACE BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS AND SEA

The Beach and Fishing Village of Sesimbra

Sesimbra is in the Costa Azul (blue coast), Portugal, 30 kilometres south from Lisbon, surrounded by protected wildlife areas, steep coasts, pine, and eucalyptus woods and by a great beach coastline. The bay of Sesimbra maintains its charm as a fishing village, where tourism has not become too intensified, so you will not find a lot of tourists. It is a place of choice for Portuguese holidays, especially in the period of July till September having incredibly attractive and varied surroundings. The beaches are ideal for children, the sand is fine and white, and the sea is very calm.

You can explore Sesimbra all year! In summer you can enjoy everything the sea has to offer. In winter you can have a great time with Carnival. Sesimbra offers a large variety of restaurants, ‘tascas’ and bars for fishing enthusiasts. Sesimbra has a large harbour where you can watch fish auctions or visit the traditional fish market. There is also a Moor Castle, with a Church, where you can contemplate the view over the village and the sea.

California beach in Sesimbra, Portugal
Traditional fishing boat in Sesimbra
View of Sesimbra from its fish auction and port
Romantic sunset next to the Fortaleza de Santiago, Sesimbra
Dolphins passing by in the bay of Sesimbra, Portugal
The bay of Sesimbra seen from the Castle: viewpoint over the sea
FOR RELAXING SUNBATHING

The Most Beautiful Sandy Beaches

The region, which has one of the best microclimates in Europe, includes a great extension of magnificent beaches. After doubling the Cape, in the south facing coast and before reaching the bay of Sesimbra, you can come across small inlets, hidden in the rocks, among them one of the most beautiful isolated beaches in Portugal: Ribeiro do Cavalo. Not far away from Sesimbra, you will also find the romantic bays and beaches of the Serra da Arrábida nature reserve, whose calm and transparent waters are everyone’s delight. Between Sesimbra and Setúbal, you can find several beaches, very exclusive, among them the best known: Portinho da Arrábida beach, Galápagos and Figueirinha. You may prefer to spend a perfect day on the isolated beach of Ribeira do Cavalo, only accessible by trail or boat.

If you want to experience a different side of Atlantic, then drive to the beach at Aldeia do Meco, 10 kilometres from Vila de Sol, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. With its 25 km of sandy coastline, it goes from Cabo Espichel to the Tagus River in Lisbon. Here you can enjoy some protected forest areas, cliffs, and dunes. In this area, there is a naturist beach, where nudism is allowed. The sunbathing is very pleasant due to the refreshing and almost constant breeze coming from the sea. On the slopes, there are several sources of clay with excellent benefits proven to improve skin problems.

Cliffs and rock formation of Praia da Foz, Sesimbra
Aldeia do Meco beach
Aerial view of Lagoa de Albufeira em Sesimbra
Beaches of the Arrábida Natural Park in Setúbal
Crystalline water of Galapinhos Beach, between mountains
Ribeiro do Cavalo, Paradise beach with crystal clear water
TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND FORGET THE FRENZY OF EVERYDAY LIFE

Natural Landscapes to Contemplate

In the surroundings of Sesimbra you can escape the daily routine and be enchanted by breath-taking landscapes. The municipality of Sesimbra has more than half of its territory in natural reserve. You can take the opportunity to go hiking or to rent a mountain bike. You can spend a whole day exploring our wonderful blue coast, with a mandatory stop at Cabo Espichel, and enjoying an unforgettable sunset. Our landscapes of protected nature areas will remain forever in your memory.

Arrabida Natural Park in Setubal, Portugal
Beautiful scenic landscape in Portinho da Arrabida
Aerial drone view of Cabo Espichel
NAUTICAL AND LAND ACTIVITIES

Experiences and Adventures for all Ages

For water sports enthusiasts, Sesimbra has a lot to offer you: diving, canoeing, boat trips, jet ski, among other possibilities. Many people look for Sesimbra to start diving. There are several spots at a shallow depth, suitable for those who have no experience and are looking for a first dive with a professional school. If you want to try something different, you should go to Aldeia do Meco (25 km of pure Atlantic) where you can find the best conditions to practice Windsurf or Kitesurf. At Lagoa de Albufeira, there is a natural lake with sea water inlet, which is a true paradise for windsurfers. If you are interested, you can learn this modality in the different existing surf schools.

On land there are many activities that allow you to explore sesimbra with direct contact with nature: hiking, trail, mountain biking, climbing, abseiling and bird watching. Golfers have not been forgotten, there are three excellent 18-hole golf courses, such as Quinta do Peru, Aroeira I and Aroeira II on Costa da Caparica, Troia Golf on the Troia peninsula or in Grândola at the Club de Golf de Montado.

In Sesimbra you can make your first dive in clear waters
Ringneck blenny photographed underwater in the waters of Sesimbra beach
Lagoa de Albufeira has fantastic conditions for kitesurfing
Enjoy your vacation, by doing mountain biking in Serra da Arrábida
Bird watching in the protected area of Lagoa de Albufeira
Sesimbra is a good option if you are a golf holiday lover
MANY CENTURIES OF HISTORY TO DISCOVER

Get to know the Place and the People

With more than five centuries of history, Sesimbra offers you many proposals and points of interest to visit. In the historic centre, you can discover the Fortaleza de Santiago, with the Sesimbra Maritime Museum, and the Castle of Sesimbra, which are true viewpoints and balconies over the Ocean. Do not forget to try our characteristic sweet, Farinha Torrada, and delight yourself with the best and freshest grilled fish. Between July and September, you can watch, in the bay of Sesimbra, every Thursday, the Xávega Art, which is a millennial fishing method.

About 15km from Sesimbra, you can find one of the most extraordinary places in Portugal, Cabo Espichel, where you can visit the Church of Nossa Senhora do Cabo, the Ermida da Memória and the Casa dos Círios. You can also take the opportunity to visit the Livramento fish market, in Setúbal, which is considered one of the best markets in the world. And if you want to experience a different environment, Lisbon is just a 30-minute drive away. Lisbon is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, where you can find places of interest around every corner.

Memory Chapel near cape Espichel, Portugal
The 15th century Our Lady of the Cape Church near Cape Espichel, Portugal
Church of Our Lady of the Castle in the Moorish castle of Sesimbra
Delight yourself with the best fresh grilled fish of the region
Dinosaur footprints on the limestone cliffs north of Cabo Espichel in Portugal
Xávega Art: the ancient fishing method in Sesimbra

Curious to know more?

Our location is perfect for those who want to explore sesimbra and spend a relaxing holiday close to the beach and nature. You have peace and quiet to relax and let your thoughts fly. Within minutes you have access to water sports, restaurants, bars, nightlife, and entertainment. What are you waiting for to discover Sesimbra?

Enjoy Sesimbra