Top Tourist Places to Visit in Sesimbra, Portugal, Europe
Sesimbra is a town and municipality in the region of Lisboa in Portugal geographically positioned at 38°43′ N 9°11′ W. Being a tourist favor town, Sesimbra receives higher percentage of its economy from tourism, especially beaches and nightlife.
Geography of Sesimbra:
Sesimbra is located at the entrance of the Sado River at the foothills of a mountain range called, Serra da Arrábida and covers an area of 195.0 sq. km.
History of Sesimbra:
As like many Portuguese cities, Sesimbra was originally settled by the Celtic tribe. After several years rule of the Moors, Sesimbra was conquered by King Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, in 1165. The major historical landmarks of Sesimbra include the church Nossa Senhora do Castelo and the Moorish Castle.
Connectivity to Sesimbra:
Sesimbra is located around 35 km south of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and around 45 km south of Lisbon Airport. This is the most important airport of Portugal covering all the important European cities such as Paris, London, Madrid, Rome, Dublin, Athens, Moscow, Amsterdam and Berlin.
There is a road link between Lisbon Airport and Sesimbra, served by regular buses and minibuses.
For local travel, sightseeing and to reach neighboring cities of Sesimbra, visitors can choose buses or rental vehicles.
Food and Shopping in Sesimbra:
Sesimbra houses several food corners all around with all types of eateries, especially sea food. The major food corners in Sesimbra are listed below:
- Restaurante Padaria
- Ristorante Pasta Fina
- Cafe Central de Alfarim
- Portofino Restaurante e Bar
- Restaurante A Sesimbrense
Shops in Sesimbra range from handicraft products to branded clothes, electronic items and shoes.
Things to do in Sesimbra:
- Bolhas Tours
- Water sports
- Visiting nature park
Places to see in Sesimbra:
Arrábida Natural Park:
Established in 1976, the Arrábida Natural Park or Parque Natural da Arrábida is a nature reserve covering an area of 108 square kilometers. It houses around 150 birds, 8 amphibians, 35 mammals and 15 reptiles and this park is also rich in flora species.
The Church Nossa Senhora do Castelo:
The Nossa Senhora do Castelo Church is situated in the vicinity of the Moorish castle at the site of 13th century’s Romanesque chapel and this church was constructed in the year 1721. It was rebuilt in the end of the 20th century.
Moorish Castle:
The Moorish Castle played a major role in the history of Sesimbra as it witnessed many wars fought between the Moorish and Portuguese kings. This historical church is still good in condition allowed for public.
Other places of interests in and around Sesimbra are as follows:
- Praia da Ribeira do Cavalo
- Cabo Espichel
- Praia da California
- Praia do Meco
- Church of Nossa Senhora de Castelo
- Castelo de Sesimbra
- Praia das Bicas
- Anthia Diving Center
- Lisbon Zoo
- Jerónimos Monastery
- Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga
- Castelo de São Jorge
- Museu do Teatro Romano
- Aqueduto das Aguas Livres
- Statue to Afonso de Albuquerque
- The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Best time to visit Sesimbra:
For beach exploration and other outdoor activities in Sesimbra, the summer months will be best.
Accommodation Options in Sesimbra:
Including star rated hotels, Sesimbra has lot of accommodation options for tourists’ comfortable stay. Here are some reputed hotels in Sesimbra with all the basic and upgraded facilities:
- SANA Sesimbra Hotel
- Sesimbra Hotel & Spa
- Estalagem Dos Zimbros
- Estalagem Quinta do Rio
- Hotel do Mar
- Apartment Varandas De Falesia
- Estalagem Quinta do Rio
- Pip Surf House
- Casas das Amoreiras
- Apartamentos Turim
- Villas de Sesimbra
- Casa Sesimbra
- Residencial Restaurante SolMar
- Casa Das Videiras
- Quinta De Catralvos
- Quinta Dos Amarelos