Just 40 km from Lisbon, Sesimbra is a beautiful seaside town that is perfect for a day trip or a weekend escape. Known for its stunning beaches, fresh seafood, and charming fishing harbor, it is a place where you can truly relax. Do not miss the Moorish castle perched above the town as it offers amazing views of the coastline. Getting to Sesimbra is easy with just a 45-minute drive or bus ride from Lisbon. Whether you want to lounge on the beach, enjoy delicious seafood, or soak up the local vibe, Sesimbra is a must-visit destination.
If you’re planning to travel from Lisbon to Sesimbra, there are several convenient options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best one.
Getting to Sesimbra from Lisbon is easy, and you have a few great options to choose from.
The bus is a convenient and affordable choice, with regular departures from Praça de Espanha or Sete Rios. The journey takes about an hour and drops you right in the centre of Sesimbra, close to the beaches and main attractions.
If you’re driving, it’s a quick and scenic 40-minute trip along the A2 and N378. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore Sesimbra’s coastline, visit Cabo Espichel, or even stop by the Arrábida Natural Park. Parking is usually easy to find, especially near the beach.
For a stress-free and personalized experience, you can book a private tour. These tours often include transport, visits to Sesimbra’s highlights, and optional stops at nearby spots like Azeitão for wine tasting or Arrábida for stunning views.
No matter how you go, Sesimbra is a perfect getaway from Lisbon, with beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and plenty of charm waiting for you.
Sesimbra Castle sits high on a hill, offering incredible views over the village, the bay and the surrounding hills. Built in 1201 and now a national monument, it is the last coastal castle in Portugal to retain its medieval charm. It can be reached by car or a short but steep 600 metre walk from the village. Inside you will find fascinating exhibits about the history of the castle, medieval life and Sesimbra’s past. Be sure to visit the church within the castle walls, with its stunning azulejo tiles. Sesimbra Castle is a perfect combination of history, culture and stunning views.
Just 15 kilometres west of Sesimbra, Cabo Espichel is a must-visit spot with incredible ocean views and dramatic cliffs. This historic cape is home to the Cape Espichel Lighthouse, one of Portugal’s oldest, built in 1790. The lighthouse offers stunning views and free weekly tours where you can see its fascinating old equipment. Nearby, you can explore dinosaur footprints on a scenic hiking trail or visit the Church of Our Lady of Cabo Espichel, surrounded by legends and history. Cabo Espichel is the perfect mix of natural beauty, history, and unforgettable views.
Sesimbra is known for its stunning beaches, each with its own charm. Praia da Ribeira do Cavalo is a hidden paradise with clear blue water and dramatic cliffs, perfect for those who don’t mind a short hike to get there. Meco Beach is spacious and welcoming, loved by both families and nudists for its natural beauty. The Albufeira Lagoon offers a unique mix of sea, lagoon, and pine forest, great for relaxing or trying water sports like kitesurfing. Whether you want adventure, relaxation, or just a beautiful view, Sesimbra’s beaches have something special for everyone.
The Sesimbra Maritime Museum, located inside the Santiago Fortress by the beach, is the perfect place to discover Sesimbra’s strong connection to the sea. With artifacts over 5,000 years old, including ancient fishing tools and Roman-era anchors, the museum tells the story of the town’s fishing traditions and maritime history. Many items were donated by local fishermen and their families, making the experience even more special. After exploring the exhibits, head to the fortress walls for amazing views of the ocean. It’s a great mix of history, culture, and stunning scenery.
Sesimbra’s gastronomy is deeply connected to the sea, making it a paradise for seafood lovers. Almost every restaurant in town serves freshly caught fish and seafood, often displayed in cases so you can see the catch of the day. The most popular dish is freshly grilled fish, filling the streets with its irresistible aroma. Whether you’re in the mood for fish, shellfish, or other traditional dishes, Sesimbra offers an authentic taste of Portugal’s coastal flavours. Make sure to try a meal at one of the many local seafood restaurants for a true culinary experience.
Since 2014, Sesimbra has become a colourful destination thanks to its vibrant urban art. The town’s streets are filled with murals on doors, windows, and walls, showcasing the local fishing culture and sea life. One of the standout pieces is the “We Love Fish” mural, which has even been named one of the most beautiful doors in the world. Today, nearly 50 works of art can be found throughout Sesimbra, giving the town a unique charm and making it a must-visit for art lovers and tourists alike.
Sesimbra’s waterfront, known as the “marginal,” is the heart of the town and perfect for a relaxing walk. Whether it’s day or night, you can enjoy the sea views and beautiful scenery while strolling along the lively promenade, lined with cafes and restaurants. The walk connects the golden beaches of Ouro and California, with the historic Fortaleza de Santiago in the middle. This 17th-century fortress offers amazing views over the ocean. The waterfront is always busy with visitors, making it a must-visit spot in Sesimbra.
Sesimbra’s Port is a vibrant hub that combines its rich fishing traditions with exciting activities for visitors. It is the perfect place to explore the town’s coastal charm and enjoy the sea. You can rent canoes or diving equipment, go on a boat trip or try a sailing adventure to discover the stunning coastline from a new perspective. The port is also a great base for exploring Sesimbra on foot or by bike, with scenic routes offering spectacular views. The Port of Sesimbra is a must for anyone exploring this seaside town.
We have curated a diverse range of accommodation options that cater to every budget and preference, from charming hotels to cozy apartments and enchanting guest houses. Our selection process involved considering the location of the accommodations, reliable reviews from our partner Booking.com, and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, which has 40 thousand enthusiastic members. These options have been selected carefully to make sure that your stay in Sesimbra is truly memorable.
Getting around Sesimbra is simple, with plenty of options to explore the town and its surroundings. The best way to enjoy Sesimbra is on foot, wandering through the charming streets, visiting local shops, and taking in the relaxed vibe of the fishing harbor.
To visit the Moorish Castle and enjoy its stunning views, you can drive, take a taxi, or even hike if you love walking. Bikes are also a great choice, especially for exploring the coastal paths and nearby beaches.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are easy to find and make getting around convenient. For day trips, public buses connect Sesimbra to nearby attractions like Arrábida Natural Park and Cape Espichel, giving you more reasons to explore this beautiful region
We have curated a list of the best restaurants in Sesimbra, inspired by the region’s rich culinary and cultural traditions. To create this list, we used trusted TripAdvisor reviews and insider tips from our amazing Lisbon Friends Facebook group, where over 40,000 members share their favourite recommendations.
Seafood, Mediterranean, $$ – $$$
Seafood, Mediterranean, $$ – $$$
Seafood, Mediterranean, $$ – $$$
Mediterranean, European, $$ – $$$
We have selected a diverse range of tour options to suit all budgets and preferences. Our selection was based on the reliable reviews of our partner GetYourGuide and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, with 40,000 passionate members. These options have been carefully selected to ensure that your stay in Sesimbra is truly memorable.
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