Sesimbra is a fishing town and beach resort on the coast south of Lisbon, at the western edge of the Arrábida range, with a long town beach, a working fishing harbor, and a hilltop castle above the town. It is quieter and less internationally known than Cascais, drawing more domestic weekend visitors, and pairs naturally with a stop in the Arrábida hills on the same route.
| Distance | 40 km south of Lisbon |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 75 minutes by bus |
| Getting there | TST Bus 207 from Praça de Espanha, Lisbon (75 min, €5/$5.40); or drive via A2 (40 min) |
| Address | Largo da Marinha, 2970-637 Sesimbra |
How to get there
- Mode
- Bus (TST 207)
- Cost
- €5 ($5.40) each way
- Frequency
- Several daily; Praça de Espanha (Metro: São Sebastião)
- Mode
- Car
- Cost
- Fuel only; parking along the seafront from €1.50 ($1.60)/hour
- Notes
- 40 min via A2/A33
Location
Largo da Marinha, 2970-637 Sesimbra
38.4434, -9.1022 View on map
Highlights
- Praia de Sesimbra - the main town beach, a long stretch of sand right along the seafront promenade, backed by cafes and seafood restaurants
- Castelo de Sesimbra - the Moorish-era castle on the hill above town, reachable by a short drive, taxi, or a steeper walk, with views over the town and coastline
- Sesimbra fishing harbor - where the day's catch comes in, and the reason the town's seafood restaurants are known for particularly fresh fish and grilled swordfish
- Cabo Espichel - a windswept headland with a cliffside sanctuary (Santuário do Cabo Espichel) a short drive west of town, dramatic and largely empty of crowds
- Portinho da Arrábida (via the coastal road) - reachable from Sesimbra as an alternative approach to the Arrábida coves described in the Serra da Arrábida entry