Sesimbra: Where the Portuguese go in Portugal

Set less than 40 km south of the bustling Portuguese capital of Lisbon, Sesimbra is something truly unique in the world of travel destinations. Retaining all the character and centuries old charm of its maritime tradition, this picturesque fishing village is also an upmarket tourist hotspot, which has been welcoming both foreign visitors and well-heeled weekenders from Lisbon for decades.

Sesimbra offers visitors the luxury of a high-end destination with the peace and tranquillity of the ultimate getaway.

Set on a stunning, curved turquoise bay dotted with brightly coloured fishing boats, Sesimbra boasts the stunning natural beauty that has made Portugal a perennial favourite. Despite the high-end developments built to accommodate the upmarket tourists the region attracts, Sesimbra maintains the relaxed pace that dictates life along the coast.

Indeed, relaxation is what a trip to Sesimbra is all about. Leaving the noise of the city and the commercialisation of the tourist spots to the south behind, Sesimbra offers a chance to soak up what makes Portugal such a magical place – the sun, the sea, the scenery, the culture and of course, the welcome.

For lovers of natural beauty a drive along the knife-edge ridge of the glorious surrounding Arrabida hills is rewarded with stunning views of chalk white cliff faces and picturesque azure blue seas. The Arrabida Natural Park itself combines a memorable mix of rugged hillside terrain and the luscious green countryside that plays host to wildlife of the Sado Estuary – including a colony of bottlenose dolphins along the coast at Setubal.

On the hill behind the town, and well worth a visit, you’ll find the restored medieval castle and 12th century church, both standing in the grounds of the Moorish fortress captured in 1165.  They’re just one of many beautiful historic sites that sit within a few minutes drive of the village, but like most of the region are best enjoyed at a more sedate pace - as part of a leisurely cycle or even on horseback.

Once you’ve finished enjoying the breath taking scenery you may enjoy a taste of more active pursuits. Needless to say, Sesimbra benefits from a wealth of water sports and sits within easy reach of ten top class golf courses. Deep-sea sport fishing has been a favourite pursuit for decades – combining the beauty of the sea with the thrill of the chase.

Of course, being less than 30 minutes from Lisbon means visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds. A day spent savouring the sights and sounds of the historic Portuguese capital is ideally capped off with a stroll along the traditional promenade at Sesimbra, alongside well-heeled Lisbon tourists and local families enjoying the sunset.

As the light fades, follow the locals to one of the town’s renowned seafood restaurants where tuna and swordfish are the stars of the menu before settling down in one of the cosy bars that line the pristine beach.

However you choose to spend your time, Sesimbra’s quiet charm and stunning natural beauty make it the perfect destination for a truly relaxing getaway

More here about the luxury hotel rooms in Sesimbra Bay

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