If you take a break in the charming fishing village of Sesimbra, let yourself be carried away by the beauty of its coastline lined with sandy beaches on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Along this unspoilt coastline of the Arrábida Natural Park, we discovered lively urban beaches and wild coves accessible only on foot or by boat.
Here’s our selection of Sesimbra’s most beautiful beaches, with our own photos and useful tips to help you plan!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Sesimbra’s best beaches – map
Map
Here’s a map of Sesimbra in Portugal:
Where to go in Sesimbra for the best beaches?
In Sesimbra, you’ll find different types of beach to suit all tastes. For a lively urban beach with all amenities, we recommend the Praia de Sesimbra or the Praia do Ouro in the heart of the village. For wilder, more unspoilt coves, we recommend Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo, accessible only after a hike. Want to combine comfort, the beauty of the cliffs and a splendid view of the horizon? Head for Praia da California to the east of the bay, a good compromise between nature and easy access. Enjoying the sandy beaches of this picturesque village is one of our top ideas for things to do in Sesimbra!
1. Praia de Sesimbra
Why we love it
The Praia de Sesimbra is the city’s main beach, bordered by a pleasant, lively promenade. This is the central stretch facing the ocean at the foot of Santiago Fort between Praia do Ouro and Praia da Caflifornia. We loved the fine golden sand that stretches for almost a kilometer. Protected by the natural bay, it offers ideal conditions for family bathing. The atmosphere is typically Portuguese, with fresh fish restaurants and sunny terraces. It’s a popular beach with locals, with plenty of space and beautiful shades of blue!
Access and useful information
- In the heart of Sesimbra
- About 1 hour’s drive from Lisbon
- Pay parking lots nearby
- Soft, fine sand beach
- In-season monitoring
- No showers or public toilets
- Sunshades and deckchairs available for hire
- Numerous restaurants nearby
- PRM-accessible descent (but no special equipment)
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Portugal
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
2. Praia do Ouro
Why we love it
To the west of Sesimbra, we dipped our feet in the warm sand of Praia do Ouro. Did you know that its name means “golden beach” in Portuguese? We also noticed the crescent moon shape of this very large section of bay, from which you can see the small Sesimbra lighthouse. The water is calm and shallow, but cool enough for the more adventurous! It’s an ideal spot for swimming and water sports. We appreciated its facilities for all publics. Playgrounds, water sports and beach soccer fields are sure to delight young and old alike!
Access and useful information
- West of Sesimbra center
- 10min walk from downtown
- Pay parking lots nearby
- Golden sand beach
- In-season monitoring
- Toilets and showers
- Umbrella, deckchair and nautical equipment rental
- Recycling garbage cans and beach ashtrays available
- PRM access and facilities
- Restaurants and bars nearby (on the beach and promenade)
3. Praia da California
Why we love it
Head due east from Sesimbra to the foot of one of the cliffs in the Arrabida Natural Park! Opposite the Oceanfront Hotel, Praia da California is a beautiful, peaceful cove nestling at the end of the bay. Its lively atmosphere won us over. Its crystal-clear waters make it an excellent spot for snorkeling, where you can observe marine flora and fauna. Aren’t these ocean views magnificent?
Access and useful information
- East of Sesimbra
- 10min walk from downtown
- Free outdoor parking and paid indoor parking
- Sandy beach and a few rocks
- Monitored in season
- Showers and toilets
- Recycling garbage cans and beach ashtrays available
- PRM access and facilities
- Nearby restaurants open in season
WHERE TO STAY IN Sesimbra
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
On the heights of Sesimbra
Four Points By Sheraton Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
On the beach
Sesimbra Oceanfront Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Sesimbra
4. Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo
Why we love it
Do you love hiking and adventure? Then, like us, you’ll love the Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo to the west of Sesimbra, just past the marina. This wild beach is one of the region’s hidden gems! We fell under the spell of its turquoise waters and impressive rocks. Note that access requires a short hike, but you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama. Its isolation makes it a haven of peace where you can enjoy nature in complete tranquillity. We recommend coming early in the morning to have the beach almost to yourself. Be careful and wear good shoes. This beach is a little less suitable for young children, given the long walk to it.
Access and useful information
- 45min walk west of Sesimbra (and 10min by car)
- About 30min walk from the parking lot
- Access only on foot or by boat
- Free parking at the trailhead
- Sandy beach and rocks
- Unattended
- No infrastructure
- Bring water, snacks and parasol
- Not recommended for people with reduced mobility or young children
A LITTLE MORE patience
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5. Praia do Portofino
Why we love it
A little further up before the Sesimbra marina, this little stretch of beach enchanted us with its idyllic setting. We were charmed by the color of the water, contrasting with the orange hues of the sunset in the background. You’ll particularly appreciate the mild climate, as the bay is protected from the prevailing winds. The shallow waters make it a perfect spot for family bathing. Last but not least, our proximity to the small harbor ensures you’ll be able to see some pretty boats moored near the breakwater in front of the lighthouse.
Access and useful information
- 10min walk from Sesimbra center
- Pay parking in summer
- Fine sand beach
- In-season monitoring
- Toilets and showers
- Sunshade and deckchair hire
- Nearby restaurants on the beach
Other beaches in Sesimbra
Other beaches can be found in the Sesimbra region:
- Praia da Mijona: located near Sesimbra, Plage da Mijona is a quiet, natural and secluded spot. Accessible after a 45-minute hike up the slope or by boat, you’ll appreciate its crystal-clear waters and serene ambience. A delight for nature lovers!
- Praia Baleeira: do you know this peaceful cove? Located near the site of a former fishing factory, its abandoned buildings add a historic touch to this wild and charming place. Crystal-clear water and a unique panorama guaranteed!
- Praia das Bicas: near Sesimbra, this pretty beach, accessible by car, is popular with surfers for its powerful waves and cliffs. The sunsets are unforgettable! The waves are very strong, so be careful if you’re going there with children.
Frequently asked questions
When to swim in Sesimbra
The best time to swim is from June to September, with water temperatures between 18°C and 22°C. The peak season (July and August) is very busy. Note that the months of June and September offer a good compromise between pleasant climate and tranquillity.
Is it possible to camp in the wild near beaches?
Unauthorized camping is prohibited on Sesimbra’s beaches and seashores. In the Arrábida Natural Park, specific regulations apply, and bivouacs are subject to authorization. For camping, opt for the region’s serviced campsites, which offer easy access to beaches while respecting the environment.
Which beaches are suitable for families and water sports?
In our opinion, the urban beaches of Sesimbra, California and do Ouro are ideal for families, with their calm waters and comprehensive facilities. You’ll also find water activities such as inflatable slides, kayaks, pedalos…
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