Sesimbra is a tiny fishing village in a sheltered bay overlooked by a Moorish castle that also encloses a 12th century church and affords wonderful views from its ramparts.

In the old town is a 17th century fort overlooking the sea, a good starting point for a scenic walk before hitting the beach that, although crowded in the summer, has unpolluted waters ideal for swimming.

In late afternoon the fishing boats return and there's a fish auction on the dockside. That same fresh fish can be sampled at one of the several restaurants along the shore.

A short drive or a 30-minute bus journey from Sesimbra leads to windswept Cabo Espichel, quite a mystical and eerie cape. The views of the coast and ocean are stunning, with cliffs dropping almost vertically several hundred feet into the Atlantic.

In such a dramatic and pristine setting, it is not surprising that large dinosaur footprints were found nearby on Lagosteiros Beach.

The cape was once an important pilgrimage site, and there is an abandoned 17th century convent that will soon be turned into a pousada. Behind it is a domed chapel with tile panels depicting fishing scenes.

Sesimbra can be reached by buses that leave several times during the day from Setúbal, or from Lisbon's Praça de Espanha terminal.

Places Nearby

Setubal - Busy port; the birthplace of Manueline architecture; dolphin watching Arrábida - Mediterranean vegetation by the Atlantic. Azeitão - Sleepy village with fine mansions and wine Lisbon - The Age of Discovery, World Heritage monuments, museum treasures, vibrant nightlife