Arrábida & Sesimbra

The ridge road over the Arrábida hills, turquoise water at Portinho, grilled fish in Sesimbra and the cliffs of Cape Espichel.

Nature and sea a short drive from Lisbon: the road along the Arrábida ridge, the turquoise water of Portinho, fish for lunch in Sesimbra and, to finish, the cliffs of Cabo Espichel. Your driver stops wherever you wish, and meals are paid separately. For anyone wanting a day outdoors close to the city.

The day, stop by stop

1. 

   1

   Serra da Arrábida

   The Serra da Arrábida is a limestone ridge covered in Mediterranean scrub between Setúbal and Sesimbra, with the sea directly below. The road along the top is one of the most scenic in the country, with several places to stop and look over the bays, the Tróia peninsula and the Sado estuary. Halfway down the slope, among the greenery, is the Arrábida convent. Your driver stops wherever you ask. Come in the morning, when the light is clear, and bring a jacket, as the wind is cool up top.

2. 

   2

   Portinho da Arrábida

   Portinho da Arrábida is a small bay of pale sand and clear water in shades of green and blue, at the foot of the scrub-covered hillside. When the sea is calm it is perfect for swimming or peering at the seabed by the rocks. There is a small cluster of houses and fish restaurants by the water, paid separately. In summer, car access may be restricted, so your driver will agree with you the best way to get there. Bring water shoes for the stones.

3. 

   3

   Sesimbra

   Sesimbra is a fishing town tucked into a sheltered bay south of the Arrábida hills, with a calm beach in front of its houses. On the seafront stands the Fortress of Santiago and, high on the hillside, the walls of the castle. The main thing to do here is eat fish: grills smoke in the street by the beach, and restaurants serve scabbard fish or a fish stew, paid separately. After lunch, take a stroll along the promenade and around the fishing harbour.

4. 

   4

   Cabo Espichel

   Cabo Espichel is a headland of high cliffs above the Atlantic at the tip of the Setúbal peninsula. Here stand the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Cabo, with the long wings where pilgrims once slept, the small Ermida da Memória at the edge of the drop and an eighteenth-century lighthouse. On the cliffs of Pedra da Mua there are dinosaur tracks, visible from a distance. Keep well back from the edge, as much of it is unfenced. It is lovely at sunset; bring a jacket.

The essentials

Duration

6 h · Full day

Pick-up

At your hotel. The final price depends on where you are staying; we confirm it when you tell us.

Included

The car and the driver, only for your group, tolls and water.

Not included

Entrance tickets and meals.

Who it is for

Anyone who wants nature and the sea close to Lisbon.

The route