Sesimbra

Day Trips

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 pickup from Lisbon or meeting directly in the ancient village of Sesimbra (about a 45-minute drive from Lisbon). Once in Sesimbra, hop in a kayak to go into the ocean. 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 on the Kayak from the starting point is 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. 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). 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. If you chose pickup, get driven back to Lisbon for drop-off.

Depart from Sesimbra and discover the beauty of Arrábida Natural Park. Enter the protected area to explore the different types of habitats, from the mountains to the sea. Venture along the coast by kayak to locate sacred caves that are only accessible by boat. Encounter secret beaches as you make your way towards the remarkable karst formation of the Gruta do Frade. Soak up the coastal scenery and get up close to the impressive rock formations with the help of your guide. Then, make your way back towards Sesimbra and stop at the tranquil beach of Ribeiro do Cavalo. Enjoy a snack and go for a swim in the transparent waters, surrounded by dramatic rock formations. Taste some typical sweets from the region to end your amazing experience.

Tour the 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 and enjoy some snorkeling. 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.

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.

The 8-hour excursion begins with a drive to Palmela, a town known for its natural beauty. Visit the castle and enjoy magnificent views over the plain between the Tagus and Sado rivers. You’ll see the hills of São Francisco and Arrábida and also the Cristo Rei. Next stop is at the gates of the park, on the grounds of Azeitão. Inside Arrábida Natural Park you’ll learn about the protected area and its native plants and wildlife. You’ll also have an opportunity to relax in Portinho Arrábida. In the afternoon you’ll head to Sesimbra, a fishing village, where you’ll enjoy a walk along the coastal way that extends through the village. Visit the castle, now a National Monument. Continue on to Cabo Espichel for stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean and stop for a wine tasting.

Take in a unique experience designed for those who want adventure and nature activities. The region of the Arrábida Natural Park and the Marine Park Luiz Saldanha offers the ideal conditions for Kayaking: good weather, clear and transparent waters, and a vast sea coast to explore.  Enjoy 2 hours of kayaking along the coast where you can admire one of the most scenic views of Portugal. Enjoy the quiet and narrow beaches between rocks and secret caves along the Serra da Arrábida.  Stop at Pedra da Anicha, a small island of clear and transparent waters. Take your time to snorkel and explore the great biological diversity, cracks, and underwater cavities that provide an excellent diving experience.

After being picked up from your hotel, climb aboard a classic Jeep Cabrio 4x4 vehicle and begin your tour of the remote corners of the Espichel Cape. Visit a rare example of a monumental sanctuary for pilgrims in a unique religious architectural complex. See dinosaur footprints located on the north escarpment of the cape. The footprints are fossilized tracks left by sauropods and theropods about 150 million years ago. Get back in the Jeep and drive to the southern area of the cape to discover and explore wild and magnificent beaches. Take a short hike to the Hell beach, a sandy beach located in front of an imposing vertical rock that protrudes from the cliff. Enjoy the fantastic views from the top. Enjoy a delicious snack prepared by the team. In summer, swim in the calm blue waters. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Travel through the Arrábida region with a local guide on a 4x4 vehicle. Select pickup from a meeting point in Lisbon or Sesimbra. Have the the chance to go off-road on your way to Cape Espichel. Hop aboard a 4x4. Admire Sesimbra Castle which is perched on a green hill. Stare into the past as you see dinosaur footprints at Cabo Espichel. Pass by the charming village of Meco. Try to spot wildlife in Arrábida National Park. Hear about legends that gave rise to traditions. Listen to your guide tell you stories that turned into culture.

Discover the peninsula of Setúbal and admire the impressive mountain ranges and beaches. Ride over the Vasco de Gama Bridge and see the other side of the river at Tejo. Enjoy the view of the beautiful coast and the Arrábida mountains, then ride past the wine producers in Palmela, Setúbal and Montijo, where the finest wines are made. Visit Cabo Espichel and its breathtaking landscape. Sample the famous local cake in Azeitão, then ride again over the Arrábida mountains, which take their name from the Arrábida Natural Park, to Setúbal. Visit the Livramento Market and sample regional wine and cheese at the Mourisca tidal mill.

You have a choice of landmarks and attractions that can be worked into a 4-hour program. First, visit Albufeira Lagoon and its warm waters known as a perfect place for kayaking, kitesurfing and windsurfing. Then, visit an almost wild Praia das Bicas, an unexplored beach with clear waters in the Sesimbra area. From the cliffs, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the ocean and of the Sintra ridge in the background. Cabo Espichel is an impressive cliff where you can visit the sanctuary and the Church of Nossa Senhora do Cabo and the aqueduct. Make the most of this incredible landscape by making a toast. Admire the dinosaur footprints at Zambujal. Then at Sesimbra Castle, contemplate the view over the fishing village. Sesimbra is a fishing village located in a bay with calm waters. In the village, you can enjoy fish and seafood of exceptional quality and take a walk along the breakwater near the beach. Afterwards, head to Portinho da Arrábida, a paradisiacal beach with crystal clear waters and white sand in the mouth of the river Sado. It can’t be missed. Serra da Arrábida is a climb up to the top of the ridge. You will have no words to describe the incredible landscape presented in front of you. To the north, you will be able to see the entire city of Lisbon, the mountains of S. Luís, S. Francisco, Louro and Gaiteiros. And to the south, the crystal clear blue sea, the islets, the Tróia peninsula and the city of Setúbal. Then go to the Azeitão in the cellars of José Maria da Fonseca to have a tasting of the best regional wines and the local delicacy of Tortas de Azeitão.