Sesimbra, Best kept secret in Portugal.
Sesimbra is a quiet fishing village just 20 miles South of Lisbon. It has the most fabulous gold sandy beaches, which are kept in fantastic condition and are amazingly clean, this combined with the sheltered bay and gentle currents, make it an ideal base for sun worshippers and families alike. If this is not enough to tempt you, also consider the wonderful restaurants in Sesimbra, they are famous for miles around and here you can eat the freshest of fish or the finest chicken piri piri around. Here is an ideal base to visit many of the historical sites around, such as Sesimbra Castle, Cabo Espichel, Pousada do St Filipe in Setubal, Palmela Castle or the many sites in Lisbon itself. There are also many sporting activities nearby, such as sea fishing, horse riding, scuba diving, a good selection of first class golf courses and the normal watersports.
Ideal for Families
Sesimbra is a charming working fishing village that is expanding in popularity and size, but still keeps the original charm and Portuguese identity. It is a really friendly place and not spoilt by tourism that is so common in the Algarve.The palm tree lined promenade in front of the lovely golden sands of the California Beach is truly magical. There are new modern shops and fashionable café’s and restaurants. Sesimbra is sheltered by the hills of the Arrabida Natural Park from high winds and the sea is generally calm, this makes it an ideal beach for families.At the Port do Abrigo, filled with many colourful boats, there are several places where you can arrange scuba diving, hire boats for sightseeing or deep sea fishing. There is also a glass bottomed boat.Sesimbra is renowned for its fish restaurants and there are many fabulous places to dine here, where you can eat the freshest of fish. Places to see. Sesimbra Castle 12th century Moorish Castle, high on a hill above the village, with fantastic views of the sea and village. Free to enter and park, you can walk along the battlements and into the keep. Cabo Espichel, picturesque 17th century convent on the top of cliffs at the tip of the west part of the peninsula. Fantastic views from here, with a fabulously restored church, this is a must to visit and a great place to see the sunset. Lagoa De Albufeira. A bright blue lagoon that is a great place to enjoy the sea and beaches. There are also many opportunities for windsurfing and clubs where you can take classes and hire all that you need. You might prefer to take one of the pedalos or canoes on hire. Costa Da Caparica. Long beach area on the north side of the peninsula favoured by surfers. Pontinho Do Arrabida, and Praia do Galapos. This is set at the foot of the Serra Da Arrabida and is truly picturesque and has a couple of lovely restaurants on stilts above the sea. Here you can see schools of grey mullet swimming around in the clear blue sea. There is a small bay filled with small boats. You may also see dolphins from here or people paragliding from the mountains above. Palmela Castle. Free to enter and park. Built on the hills above Palmela offers fantastic views of the area. You can walk along the battlements and enter any of the exhibitions. Castle de San Filipe in Setubal High up on the hills west of Setubal, offers fantastic views across the Sado river to Troia. Cristo Rei, (Big statue of Christ) in Almada south of the Bridge 25 April. You can pay to go up to the feet of the statue where you get absolutely fantastic views of Lisbon and the surrounding areas. Golf. There are several good quality golf course within a 20 minute drive. Quinta Do Peru in Azeitao, Aroeira 1 and 2 in Mata Nacional dos Medos. Troia on the Troia Peninsula. Montado in Pontes near Setubal. Shopping, a must to visit, is the Almada Forum, there are three floors of designer shops, boutiques, hypermarket with many of the top names. Also a cinema complex and an area with loads of restaurants to choose from. Lisbon. So much to see and do here. Just walking along the small lanes and shops and taking a coffee in one of the plazas people watching. Visit St George castle, Praca do commercial, Rozzio square, Bastilica da Estrela, Marquis de Pombal statue. The area do Belem with the Mosteiro Dos Jeronimos, Torre de Belem, monument to the discoverers. Also the nightlife here is said to be fantastic especially in the Alcantara area. There is so much to see and do here that a week may not be enough. When coming to Sesimbra, you cannot leave without experiencing the real Portugal and taking some of the Portuguese culture home with you.
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Cabo Espichel
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