There’s no doubt that Sesimbra is also known for its famous and “secret” beaches, but there is much more to discover in this town: cultural traditions linked to the sea, monuments and even urban art, which has spread throughout the town in recent years.
Located in the Setúbal and known for its fishing industry and traditional fish restaurants, Sesimbra is also a popular tourist destination.
The town has history and several attractions such as Sesimbra Castle and Nossa Senhora do Castelo church, offering a mix of cultural experiences, outdoor activities and stunning natural landscapes to enjoy.
Come with us on this journey to one of our country’s most charismatic villages. In this guide we’ll introduce you to many other places of interest.
Table Of Contents
The beaches of Sesimbra
There’s no turning back: to talk about Sesimbra is to talk about its spectacular beaches, such as Praia da Ribeira do Cavalo, the most “secret”, or Praia do Meco, one of the most famous nudist beaches, but which is also frequented by many families.
So, without further ado, here’s our list of the best and most “secret” ones beaches of Sesimbra.
The marginal
Sesimbra’s waterfront, day or night, is one of the busiest areas, always full of people strolling from one side to the other, on the terraces and restaurants or on their way to the town’s main beach.
Between the beaches of Ouro and California you’ll find the Fortaleza de Santiago, also known as Forte da Praia or Forte da Marinha.
It’s a 17th century monument and from here you can look out over the sea as if you were on a balcony.
Port of refuge
There’s no place more relaxing than a harbor, and Sesimbra invites you to stroll around most days.
This is also where you’ll find most of the companies that offer you the chance to get to know the town of Sesimbra from another perspective: on foot, by bike or by sea.
Here you can rent diving equipment, canoes, enjoy a boat trip or a sailing adventure, among other interesting and more or less radical proposals.
Stroll through the “artistic” streets
The streets of Sesimbra have had more color since 2014, when the City Council challenged a group of artists to paint the doors and windows of old buildings in the Old Urban Core.
The result is there for all to see, with spectacular work in several of the town’s streets.
Since then, other challenges have been carried out, bringing more life to nearly 50 doors, windows, walls, which has made this part of the town even more touristic.
Cape Espichel
Anyone going to Sesimbra must stop off at Cape Espichel, about 15 kilometers from the town.
Here you’ll find trails of dinosaur footprints and, of course, some of the most incredible scenery in Portugal, with the Church of Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel in the background.
As well as the church, you’ll find the guesthouses, the Ermida da Memória, the ruined Opera House, the Pilgrims’ Gardens, the Water House, the aqueduct and, of course, the imposing lighthouse.
Restaurants with fresh fish
The gastronomy of the town of Sesimbra is closely linked to the sea, which is why almost all the restaurants serve the freshest fish and seafood in the region.
You can find proof of this in any restaurant that has a display case with the catch of the day. Then choose from the vast menu what you’re most in the mood for.
We suggest the characteristic grilled fish, which is the most popular and leaves a “mesmerizing” aroma throughout the town’s streets.
Sesimbra Castle
From the town it is impossible to remain indifferent to the imposing castle that stands out on one of the hills. It is over 850 years old, is the last medieval castle on the Portuguese coast and has been classified as a National Monument since 1910.
Sesimbra Castle can be reached by car or on foot, but the path is not very easy, so if you decide to go on foot (which is our suggestion), you should be in good physical shape.
Once inside, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a spectacular view over the town and visit the exhibitions on display in the two towers.
Serra da Arrábida
Sesimbra “shares” with Setúbal the magnificent and verdant Serra da Arrábida, one of the most beautiful in our country. Whatever time of year you visit, will always be breathtakingly beautiful, with dense and very diverse vegetation, where the maquis stand out.
The Serra da Arrábida Natural Park, which has been in existence since 1976, covers an area of around 10,500 hectares and, in addition to the vegetation, you can also enjoy caves, castles and a breathtaking landscape, which covers a large part of the Sado Estuary and, on the other side, the Troia Peninsula. Here’s our suggestion: climb to the highest point of the mountain, Serra do Risco. Then tell us about your experience!
Albufeira Lagoon
Yes, we’ve already talked about the beaches in point 1, but Lagoa de Albufeira is different: it offers the best of three worlds: the lagoon, the sea and the pine forest.
It is made up of two lagoon systems connected by a channel: Lagoa Pequena, which is more inland and shallower, and Lagoa Grande, with a maximum depth of around 15 meters.
On the north shore and by the sea, since this lagoon is connected to the Atlantic Ocean, there are several sandy areas perfect for families to enjoy.
It is also a popular spot for sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and canoeing.
Here you will also find the Espaço Interpretativo da Lagoa Pequena, where there are various routes and observatories that allow you to appreciate the great variety of birds that live and nest in this Special Protection Area for Birds.
Sesimbra Maritime Museum
The Sesimbra Maritime Museum is located inside the Santiago Fortress, next to the town’s main beach. It’s in this museum that you’ll learn about Sesimbra’s connection to the sea and fishing, a journey that goes back 5,000 years.
You can buy your ticket at the reception, next to the Tourist Office at the entrance to the Fortress, and then visit the various spaces. And don’t forget to go to the wall facing the sea… the view is incredible.
In July and August, this space is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 3.30pm to 7pm and from 8.30pm to 11pm.
Esta é a Área Metropolitana de Lisboa que não sabias que existia