From the most secret, hidden in the Arrábida mountains, to the most urban, in the middle of the town, passing by the long sands of Meco and the familiar Lagoa de Albufeira, these are the best and most “secret” beaches in Sesimbra.
A true beach paradise, this seaside village offers perfect summer options with clean sand and crystal-clear waters.
Sometimes it’s hard to choose, so we’ ve selected a dozen that you really need to know. Take a look at our list and choose the ones that suit you best. Good dives!
Table Of Contents
Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach
Close to Cape Espichel, for years it was an almost wild beach, but today it is becoming more popular with bathers and the curious, who don’t mind making the difficult journey there (or going by boat).
With no human hands, no security guards and no ice-cream stalls (nature lovers will thank you), it has a relatively long stretch of sand and offers incredible scenery, the kind that is a hit on social media.
Penedo or Inferno Beach
It is a beach with very difficult access, which is why it is sought out mainly by fishermen, nudists and fans of absolute peace and quiet.
It has little sand, but lots of pebbles and stones. The waters are crystal clear and sometimes a little rough.
Cova da Mijona Beach
Also known as Ilhau beach, it is a difficult beach to access in the heart of the Serra da Arrábida.
To get there, you have to go down a trail dug into the ravine, which ends on a deserted sandy beach, where you can see a curious house that once served as a shelter for fishermen.
Moinho de Baixo (or Meco) Beach
Next to Aldeia do Meco, it is one of the most popular beaches in the municipality of Sesimbra, not only because of its large stretch of sand, but also because of its relatively easy access and parking. The sea usually has a strong swell.
It was one of the first beaches in the country licensed for the naturism, practiced mainly in more remote areas (such as Praia do Rio da Prata).
Rio da Prata Beach
Located at the southern end of Praia do Meco, it is a semi-deserted beach, much sought after by nudists, accessed via a path in the middle of the pine forest.
Some bathers use the clay from the cliffs for natural skin treatments.
Bicas Beach
Close to the Campimeco campsite (Aldeia do Meco), to the south of Moinho de Baixo beach, it is a beach with strong waves, which is why it is popular with many surfers and bodyboarders.
The sand is long and the waters clear.
Foz Beach
It’s a little-known beach, which makes it perfect for those who like to be away from the crowds.
With a relatively small stretch of sand, the sea is rough and there are some treacherous currents.
Albufeira Lagoon Beach
While the lagoon area is popular with families because of its calm waters, the sea beach is perfect for those who like long stretches of sand and don’t mind big waves, such as wave sports enthusiasts.
Lagosteiros Beach
Close to the Cabo Espichel Sanctuary, it is a beach that is difficult to access, located in a cove at the end of large cliffs.
It has more rocks than sand, but offers incredible scenery and still hides a secret: not far away, on the hillside, there are trails of dinosaur footprints and tail tracks.
Gold and California Beach
Sesimbra’s two urban beaches (located side by side along the waterfront) offer calm waters with little slope, which is why they are very popular with families with children .
They have been flying the Blue Flag and, more recently, they have also been awarded the Accessible Beach Flag, which recognizes bathing areas suitable for people with reduced mobility.