Sesimbra Setúbal
Set in the Parque Natural Arrábida near Setúbal, the idyllic Praia de Galapinhos is one of the regions most stunning beaches. The crescent of golden-white sand, backed by the densely forested hills of the Serra da Arrabida, is lapped by crystal-clear azure waters. It is little wonder this beach was awarded 'most beautiful beach in Europe' by the European Best Destinations organization.
Whilst the beach is a little slice of paradise getting down to it is a different matter....
bernswaelz
The North African Moors, mainly originating from Morocco, occupied southern and central Portugal from 8th until 12th/13th centuries. It was they who first built a fortress above the picturesque fishing village of Sesimbra in the 10th century.
In 1165 troops believed to have been led by King Afonso Henriques, with the help of Frankish Crusaders captured the castle, which was later re-built and underwent significant works of restoration in the early 20th century.
Today visitors can reach the castle via an exhilarating hike ascending 230 metres from...
Joaomartinho63 | BY-SA
The cape of Cabo Espichel is a windswept, rocky headland at the south-western tip of the land across the Tejo, around 40 kilometres south of Lisbon. This is a wild, desolate spot, where giant waves crash against sheer, towering cliffs. It is a place to appreciate the raw beauty of nature and is often a great place to come to watch the sunset, although visitors need to beware of the dangerous drops and the powerful gusts of wind.
There has been a lighthouse at Cabo Espichel since the 15th century, and today a...
Sesimbra
Rui Ornelas | BY-SA
Praia do Meco is a fairly remote beach located within the Serra da Arrabida national park near Sesimbra. It occupies a 4km stretch of coast to the south of the beaches of Costa da Caparica, around 40km south of Lisbon.
This long, sandy beach was largely undiscovered until the early 1970s. There was no vehicular access and nothing in the way of development. Around this time travelling 'hippies' from around Europe and the U.S. set up camp at the beach.
Over the years the beach...
The beautiful sandy beach and azure waters of Sesimbra. Only 40km south of Lisbon this is a different world - until the summer holidays that is, when half of Lisbon descends on the beaches and cafes here.
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The restored medieval hilltop castle in Sesimbra. Built in the 13th century by King Sancho II the walls and 5 towers enclose the 12th century church of Santa Maria
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The view over Sesimbra's 13th century medieval castle towards the town and the Atlantic coast
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This picturesque fishing port lies about 40 km due south of Lisbon and is situated nestled at the foot of the hills of Arrabida and inside a sparkling blue bay, protecting it from cold northerly winds. Since the 1960’s Sesimbra has become increasingly popular with weekenders from Lisbon, looking for an easy escape from the city and a pretty place to eat fantastic fish, stroll on the promenade or relax on the pretty beach with its enticing clean water.
Sesimbra
José Manuel
A short drive east of Setubal down tiny winding roads will bring you to one of the most stunning beaches in Portugal - Portinho da Arrabida. This former tiny fishing village is now attracting increasing numbers of foreign visitors each year, but its isolation from public transport have so far protected this sheltered cove from serious overcrowding. Crystal clear waters, reaching 17 degrees in high summer, make this an excellent spot for fishing and...
Sesimbra
This curving, turquoise bay just 40km south of Lisbon is home to a long, sandy beach that splits in two at high tide to form a strand each side of an intriguing waterfront fort.
Jetskis and ketches play off-shore while droves of Lisbon residents flock to taste the marine delights on offer at scores of beachfront restaurants, each with its own charcoal grill.
The town of Sesimbra, nestling in the foothills of the Serra da...