Fantastic weekend in Sesimbra

27 june, 2024 | Reading Time – 5 min

Are you visiting Lisbon and have no plans for the weekend? Don’t worry, here’s how to have a fantastic weekend in Sesimbra!

Sesimbra is an exciting fishing village in the municipality of Setúbal, about 55 minutes from Lisbon. Surrounded by the Arrábida National Park, Sesimbra is charming and full of natural beauty.

Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with every corner of this paradise.

We recommend that you explore the Arrábida National Park, a place of incomparable beauty with its limestone cliffs and dense green vegetation. A true international natural relic. You won’t believe what awaits you!

Sesimbra

The town of Sesimbra is divided into three parishes, Santiago, Castelo and Quinta do Conde. The first is the town of Sesimbra, where you’ll find the fishing and bathing center. You should take a stroll along the waterfront, where most of the fish restaurants in Sesimbra are located.

Also, if you’re interested in fishing traditions, take the opportunity to visit the fish market or simply take a walk along the pier, where you can see all the hustle and bustle of fishing, as well as the arrival and departure of the boats.

The parish of Castelo is a rural area, closely linked to agriculture. This area is home to the famous Cape Espichel and its paradisiacal golden sandy beaches and imposing limestone cliffs.

Finally, we have the parish of Quinta do Conde, the newest and most urban of the three. This area is perfect for golf lovers, there are courses to suit all tastes! So go and have fun.

When to visit

Sesimbra is a perfect getaway for a family or friends vacation. As well as being a fantastic summer destination in Portugal, it’s also a place for sensory experiences. Visiting this fishing village is always a great pleasure, but we advise you to enjoy Sesimbra between March and November.

The best months are June, July and August, when the weather and water temperatures are higher. In addition, it is in June that the festivities of the popular saints begin, kicking off the high season.

However, if you’re looking for a combo of beach, culture and nature, spring and fall are the best months to explore the region.

What to see on a fantastic weekend in Sesimbra

After introducing you to Sesimbra, let’s embark on an epic weekend. Ready to explore one of Portugal’s most beautiful villages? Let’s do it!

Sesimbra seafront

With the sun or the stars in the background, a stroll along the Sesimbra seafront is always the best first contact you can have with this fishing village.

With more than five centuries of history, this promenade is made up of portuguese sidewalk and wooden walkways over a stretch of sand almost two kilometers long. An experience that will inspire the start of your weekend.

Santiago Fortress

Situated in the middle of two beaches, stands the 17th century fortress, the eternal guardian of stone! The Fortress of Santiago was recently renovated and transformed into a cultural and leisure space, housing the Sesimbra Maritime Museum.

So, enjoy this wonderful monument where you can visit the museum and later enjoy its terrace in the company of a craft beer.

Old Town

This area of the town of Sesimbra is where the soul of this fishing village resides. Visit the three most traditional streets: Street of Faith, Hope and Charity.

Explore every nook and cranny of this picturesque and traditional town, as well as its people who are so welcoming.

Bombaldes Square

This square combines tradition with modernity, which will leave you open-mouthed.

A tribute to the fishermen, this place is full of street art that surrounds itself with the salutary routine of the “pexitos”, the traditional name given to the inhabitants of Sesimbra.

Sesimbra Castle

Want to see one of the best sunsets of your vacation? We have just the place for you: Sesimbra Castle.

But don’t be fooled if you think that beauty can only be seen from the outside, within the walls of this castle you’ll find the magnificent Church of Santa Maria and the Sesimbra Archaeological Museum.

We recommend that you set aside a late afternoon to visit this place, believe us, it will be magical!

Cape Espichel

This is one of the most iconic places in Sesimbra. Cape Espichel is the westernmost point of the blue coast, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

However, the highlight is the majestic and mystical Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel, a place of pilgrimage for thousands of years.

This is a place that will surprise you, so get your camera ready for some fantastic shots.

Albufeira Lagoon

Albufeira Lagoon is another place you should include in your fantastic weekend in Sesimbra. As well as an excellent beach, it is one of the best birdwatching spots in Portugal.

What’s more, there’s a curious event that happens every year in this lagoon: it’s opened to the sea every year for the regeneration and maintenance of living organisms.

Sesimbra beaches

There are dozens of beaches, which need no introduction, around the town of Sesimbra. However, Califórnia Beach and Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach are two places you can’t miss. Characterized by the cliffs of the Serra da Arrábida, they have the bluest, clearest water imaginable.

If you want a guided tour, a stop at various tourist attractions and a nice picnic on the beach, you can make your reservation here: https://seecountries.com/private-4×4-jeep-and-beach-picnic-tour-in-arrabida-and-sesimbra-from-lisbon