Intern Adventures: Day trip to Sesimbra

Just a short distance south of Lisbon lies Sesimbra, a beach town surrounded by the beautiful landscape of the Arradiba natural park. Sesimbra offers a perfect day trip destination from Lisbon that promises a taste of authentic Portuguese coastal life.

Getting there

Sesimbra is conveniently located just about 40 kilometers south of Lisbon, making it easily accessible for a day trip. From Lisbon you can either book a bolt/uber to drive you there directly or you can catch a bus from Lisbon's Sete Rios bus station. Buses run regularly throughout the day and take about an hour to reach Sesimbra. Alternatively, you can take a commuter train from Lisbon's Roma-Areeiro station to Coina and then transfer to a bus to Sesimbra.

What to do

Make sure to head down to “Praia do Ouro”, Sesimbra’s main beach, surrounded by many waterfront restaurants and cafes that line the harbour. The delicious seafood local cuisine is a must try!

We visited the stunning ‘Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach’. From the town centre, follow the signs to the trailhead, which is located near Fortaleza de Santiago. Here, you'll find a well-marked path that leads you towards the coast, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean along the way. The beach is only accessible by foot, starting from the road where the carpark is situated, the route is marked by arrows. After a 40 minute scenic hike, you’ll arrive at your isolated destination, tucked away between the cliffs. You can spend hours sunbathing and swimming in the crystal blue waters, but make sure to bring a packed lunch as there are no shops nearby.

If time allows, you can explore Sesimbra Castle, perched atop a hill overlooking the town and the sea. Dating back to Moorish times, the castle offers panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding landscape.