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Things to do in Sesimbra

Our most recommended things to do in Sesimbra

Sesimbra: Dolphin Watching in Arrábida Natural Park

1. Sesimbra: Dolphin Watching in Arrábida Natural Park

Depart from the Sesimbra Harbor and search for dolphins in their natural habitat with your marine biologist guide. See Bottlenose Dolphins as well as Short Beaked Common Dolphins in the clear blue waters of the park.  Learn about their food habits, group behaviors and family relations. Observe various forms of other wildlife, including birds, as well. At the end of the dolphin watching activity, take the opportunity to swim and sunbathe in one of the Portugal's most beautiful beaches, only accessible by sea. Also, visit some caves and rock formations along the coastline of the park.

Sesimbra: Arrabida Park Small Group Kayak Tour

2. Sesimbra: Arrabida Park Small Group Kayak Tour

Discover the wonders of the Sesimbra in the heart of Arrábida Natural Park on this guided trip. Explore the water by kayak and stop at the Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach for a picnic and some relaxation in the sun. Choose between the option with pickup from Lisbon or the option of meeting directly in the ancient village of Sesimbra (about a 45-minute drive from Lisbon). Once in Sesimbra, hop in a kayak (double sit on top kayaks) to go into the ocean. In both options, you'll have all the necessary equipment for kayaking, including mandatory life vests. Sesimbra is located in the heart of Arrábida Natural Park and has the most beautiful landscape in the region, filled with limestone cliffs, grouts, passages in between rock formations, and a beach to enjoy a break and soak in the sun. The first leg of the kayaking tour includes about 1.5 hours of paddling until you reach Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach. Enjoy a picnic break where you can admire the landscape in a relaxed way for about an hour. Get comfortable on a provided beach blanket. Enjoy a homemade, picnic of a baguette sandwich (chicken or vegan), fresh fruit, Farinha Torrada (a typical sweet from Sesimbra), and water. Options are available if you have food allergies or other restrictions (a message will be sent with extra info about the food and with extra info before the start of the trip) but by default, a chicken salad will be served. The second leg on the kayaks will bring you back to the starting point. The journey, in general, is a bit faster as you'll have some wind helping you on the return route so it should take about an hour. If you chose pickup from Lisbon you will have time to change into a dry set of clothes before going back to Lisbon for drop-off.

Lisbon: Coasteering Adventure Sesimbra/Arrábida Natural Park

3. Lisbon: Coasteering Adventure Sesimbra/Arrábida Natural Park

Explore the coast of Portugal’s picturesque Sesimbra on a unique coasteering activity, and experience the latest adventure sport craze to hit Portugal and Arrábida. Coasteering is a mix of rock climbing, rappelling, swimming and walking, and Sesimbra is one of the best spots for the sport. Thanks to its combination of a natural protected area with the blue green translucent waters of the sea, coasteering in Sesimbra is a special adventure guaranteed to be a thrill whatever time of year. Meet your guide at the Porto de Abrigo to collect your coasteering equipment. As you’d expect, this activity requires several security measures, and you will be assisted and monitored by experienced professionals all the time. You’ll be provided with a helmet, buoyancy aid wet suit, and trainers. Some routes require rappelling and the use of a harness. Ropes and rescue kits are available in case of an emergency, but typically the activity is a cool and calm experience. Marvel at the breathtaking landscapes as you swim, walk, climb, and jump. Clamber over magnificent rocky escarpments that plunge over bays and coves.

From Sesimbra: Arrábida Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

4. From Sesimbra: Arrábida Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

Enjoy a boat tour with dolphin observation through Arrábida coast, with boarding in Sesimbra. Observe more than one species of dolphin if you are lucky, like common dolphin and roazes corvineiros. Watch the cetaceans in their own natural habitat, as they socialize, swim, and eat. Experience an educational component about sea living and biodiversity, and the geology and points of interest of archeological and historical importance connected with this region. Travel along Arrábida coast, passing through the caves and sacred beaches protected by cliffs with transparent and crystalline water if the dolphin observation happens early in the tour. Stop for diving and swimming if the weather and sea conditions are favorable.

Sesimbra: Arrábida Natural Park Secret Beaches and Caves

5. Sesimbra: Arrábida Natural Park Secret Beaches and Caves

Enjoy a boat tour in Arrábida Natural Park, starting at Sesimbra and heading towards Cabo Espichel. Wild beaches, stunning bays, caves and cliffs are some of the highlights of this magnificent tour. Set out on an adventure to discover all the splendour of this unique ecosystem. The tour will start at the sheltered port of Sesimbra. Firstly, visit the famous Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach. Enjoy the surrounding landscape as you dive and swim in the crystal clear waters. The tour will then proceed to the west where you will visit the mythical beaches of Mijona and Inferno.  Continue along the Arrábida Natural Park and see the famous whaling bay, taking the opportunity to learn a little about the history of the fishermen who used to hunt whales in this same area. Dive and swim in the crystal clear waters of this same beach. Typical liquor from the Setubal region will also be served. After this stop, sail towards Cabo Espichel where you will visit more caves and landscapes of incredible wonder. After all this adventure, return to the harbor of Sesimbra where this experience ends.

Sesimbra and Arrábida National Park Tour with Wine Tasting

6. Sesimbra and Arrábida National Park Tour with Wine Tasting

Spend a full day exploring the Setubal region of Portugal on a tour that takes you through the countryside to see castles and taste wine. Begin your trip by crossing the Tagus River on your way to the impressive Cabo Espiche on the westernmost point of the Sesimbra coastline. Then, it is time to go to the fishing town of Sesimbra and visit a Moorish castle. This seaport town also boasts plenty of beaches and restaurants serving fresh seafood. Nearby is Arrábida Natural Park, located on the shore of the Sado River estuary. Visit the famous beaches of Portinho da Arrábida and Figueirinha, before heading to Setubal for a fish lunch! After lunch you will make your way to the astonishing Arrabida Mountain. This is a protected (Arrabida Natural Park) area. Here you will visit a a small local family owned cellar in the middle of the peaceful Arrabida Mountain to learn more about how this precious nectar is made. You will see the vineyards, see how the process is completed and of course, taste the results. All this is done in the company of a local, in an informal and funny way.

Arrábida and Sesimbra Day Tour & Wine Tasting

7. Arrábida and Sesimbra Day Tour & Wine Tasting

Experience the flavors and natural beauty of Portugal on this lovely full-day tour. Heading towards Portugal's Extremadura region, you will travel out of Lisbon over the longest bridge in Europe, the Vasco da Gama Bridge. In Palmela, you will find a Moorish castle offering fantastic photo opportunities. Visit a family estate where you can try homemade wine. Then continue through the mountains of the Arrábida National Park - up to 500 meters or 1,640 feet above sea level- and marvel at the spectacular views of one of Portugal's most beautiful landscapes. The park is also home to many plant and animal species found exclusively in this region. Much of the park is subject to strong protective measures and certain locations can only be accessed with special permission. Time for a short break. Take a relaxed stroll on the beach of Portinho Arrábida and enjoy the cool sea breeze and crisp air. Then, head to the charming fishing village of Sesimbra to have lunch at one of the village's friendly local restaurants with delicious dishes featuring the day's fresh catch. In the summer, cool off with a swim in the Atlantic, or simply go for another walk along the village's inviting beaches. Don't miss your chance to visit the village's beautifully restored church dating back to 1725, or take a walk to explore the Sesimbra Castle. Of course, the perfect follow-up to a delicious meal is great wine. Take part in a guided tour of the José Maria da Fonseca winery, one of the oldest in Portugal. It is still family-owned. Discover the region's outstanding wines at a wine tasting that includes 2 local varieties. As a perfect finale, take in the view over Lisbon from the platform of the Christ the King statue before crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge and heading back to Lisbon.

Lisbon: Sesimbra Kayak Discovery Experience

8. Lisbon: Sesimbra Kayak Discovery Experience

This discovery tour by kayak is 3-hour guided tour which begins from the Bork outdoor center in Sesimbra Harbour. The tour travels through the Bay of Sesimbra, before also traveling along the beautiful coast of Arrabida Nature Park and Luiz de Saldanha Maritime Reserve. Your guide/instructor will help you find your way, as you explore the cliffs, caves, and other geological wonders during the tour. You’ll also have time to rest and enjoy a snack on Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo, one of Portugal’s areas which contains crystal clear waters. You will then paddle back toward Sesimbra Harbour, where your tour began. This tour by kayak is the best way to have fun with family and friends while admiring unique landscapes and taking amazing souvenir photos.

Lisbon: Arrábida Natural Park and Sesimbra Day Trip

9. Lisbon: Arrábida Natural Park and Sesimbra Day Trip

Discover Arrabida Natural Park and Sesimbra on a Day Trip from Lisbon. Learn about the history of the region from your expert guide, admire the beauty of the coastline, and visit a Moorish castle, lunch on fresh fish and swim at a hidden beach. Meet your guide at your local Lisbon hotel for your day trip to Arrábida National Park and Sesimbra. Hop aboard your air-conditioned minivan and cross the 25th of April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril). Drive for about 40 minutes and arrive at the stunningly green Arrábida Natural Park. Enter the park while learning from your guide the history of this protected region, and reach the cliffs of Meco Beach, where you can admire the beauty of the Western Coastline. Cruise onward to the beautiful cliffs of Cabo Espichel. Here, hop out to see Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel, a 600-year-old religious site where pilgrims gathered to honor Our Lady of the Cape. Then, snap some clifftop panoramic shots of the stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. Next, drive to the charming seaside town of Sesimbra, where local fishermen haul in fresh catches from the ocean. Stroll to the Moorish castle and discover its medieval roots. Afterward, stop for lunch (own expense) fresh fish in Sesimbra. Rejoin your guide and continue driving by unmapped roads to explore the Southern Coastline of the Park, where you'll discover St. Margareth's Cave (moderate walking required) and the charming Portinho da Arrábida harbor. Continue by a curvy seaside road, admiring the gorgeous beaches of Arrábida, to Setúbal, where you'll visit the Casa da Baía Center, a historical XVIII century building hosting local products and an interpretative center about the resident dolphin community. Alternatively, spend some free time soaking up the sun and swimming at Galapos, Galapinhos, or Praia dos Coelhos, Arrábida’s hidden golden beaches. After an adventurous day, ride back to your Lisbon hotel where this tour ends.

Setubal & Tróia: Sado Estuary Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

10. Setubal & Tróia: Sado Estuary Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

Depart from Setubal or Tróia onboard a 22-meter long catamaran and go in search of the community of dolphins that inhabit the Sado estuary. Be accompanied by a knowledgeable crew who will use their expertise to locate these playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Learn more about this unique dolphin community, the only one of its kind in Portugal, with your expert guides. Sail through the estuary and admire the beautiful landscapes of the coastline of the Arrábida Natural Park. Keep an eye out for the playful dolphins which have inhabited this part of the coast for generations. Watch the dolphins frolic and play as they swim through the calm waters. Hear more about their feeding habits, breeding and their relationship to humans on an informative and relaxing boat trip.

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What people are saying about Sesimbra

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 1,910 reviews

I had a fantastic day with our guide Tanja. She is knowledgeable, intelligent and made our trip one of the best experience in Lisbon. This particular excursion has everything you will enjoy in one day: history, nature and Vine.

This was my first time rock climbing. Luis was really patient snd understanding. I managed to do big climbs that I never thought possible. Luis was amazing and really knowledgeable. 10/10 I recommend him

It was a great day, we visit Palmela Castle, Arrabida and Sesimbra have amazing views, very good food in Fort Sesimbra, and the winery Jose Maria da Fonseca and Quinta de Alcube, good wine. GREAT GIDE!

Great itinerary with a highly knowledgeable and engaging guide. Outstanding experience, highly recommend!

A beautiful tour of the park and various historic sites. The guide, Gil, was excellent and fun.