Things to do in

Cabo Espichel

Spend a full day exploring the Setubal region of Portugal on a tour that takes you through the countryside to see castles and taste wine. Begin your trip by crossing the Tagus River on your way to the impressive Cabo Espiche on the westernmost point of the Sesimbra coastline. Then, it is time to go to the fishing town of Sesimbra and visit a Moorish castle. This seaport town also boasts plenty of beaches and restaurants serving fresh seafood. Nearby is Arrábida Natural Park, located on the shore of the Sado River estuary. Visit the famous beaches of Portinho da Arrábida and Figueirinha, before heading to Setubal for a fish lunch! After lunch you will make your way to the astonishing Arrabida Mountain. This is a protected (Arrabida Natural Park) area. Here you will visit a a small local family owned cellar in the middle of the peaceful Arrabida Mountain to learn more about how this precious nectar is made. You will see the vineyards, see how the process is completed and of course, taste the results. All this is done in the company of a local, in an informal and funny way.

Tour the Arrábida Natural Park, starting at Sesimbra and heading towards Cabo Espichel. Wild beaches, stunning bays, caves, and cliffs are some of the highlights of this magnificent tour. Set out on an adventure to discover all the splendour of this unique ecosystem. The tour will start at the sheltered port of Sesimbra. Firstly, visit the famous Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach. Enjoy the surrounding landscape as you dive and swim in the crystal clear waters. The tour will then proceed to the west where you will visit the mythical beaches of Mijona and Inferno.  Continue along the Arrábida Natural Park and see the famous whaling bay, taking the opportunity to learn a little about the history of the fishermen who used to hunt whales in this same area. Dive and swim in the crystal clear waters of this same beach and enjoy some snorkeling. Typical liquor from the Setubal region will also be served. After this stop, sail towards Cabo Espichel where you will visit more caves and landscapes of incredible wonder. After all this adventure, return to the harbor of Sesimbra where this experience ends.

Enjoy a day away from the city and visit the stunning Arrábida Nature Park. This jeep tour will take you to places you might not have been able to access normally, including the secular convents, castles, caves, viewpoints and cliffs over the sea. A lot of the paths are covered in typical Mediterranean vegetation and can only be travelled by jeep. Much of the park is under environmental protection and some sites can only be accessed with the permission of the park. You can also visit one of the most famous wine cellars in the region and taste the most charismatic wine of Setúbal, the "Moscatel de Setúbal".

Discover the stunning beauty of the Arrábida Natural Park on the Sado River estuary on a full-day sightseeing tour from Lisbon. Following a pick-up from your hotel or apartment, transfer by air-conditioned minivan across the 25th of April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril), which spans the Tagus River and sets you on course for the coastal town of Cascais. Relax on the 30-minute journey to Arrábida Natural Park, and then marvel at the abundance of trees and beautiful flora. The 108-acre park is one of 30 nationally protected regions and is home to the famous Convento de Nossa Senhora da Arrábida, a former monastery built in the 16th century. Continue through the park, catching glimpses of the golden sand beaches surrounding the Albufeira Lagoon (Lagoa de Albufeira). Go to Cabo Espichel and hop out to explore the Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel, a pilgrim site since the early 18th century. Stroll to the nearby cliffs for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to the Setubal Peninsula to explore the quiet fishing town of Sesimbra. Head to the Moorish Castle high above the town, before a break for lunch (own expense), either in Sesimbra or in the nearby bay of Portinho da Arrábida. Your guide will be happy to provide recommendations. If you selected the optional 3-hour dolphin cruise, rendezvous with your guide and transfer to a luxury catamaran. Cruise the serene waters listening to live onboard narration and keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins. Alternatively, bask in the sun at one of Arrábida’s hidden beaches, or taste traditional food and wine at a local cellar. Transfer back to Lisbon for the end of the tour services, enjoying the splendid views along the way.

After being picked up from your hotel, climb aboard a classic Jeep Cabrio 4x4 vehicle and begin your tour of the remote corners of the Espichel Cape. Visit a rare example of a monumental sanctuary for pilgrims in a unique religious architectural complex. See dinosaur footprints located on the north escarpment of the cape. The footprints are fossilized tracks left by sauropods and theropods about 150 million years ago. Get back in the Jeep and drive to the southern area of the cape to discover and explore wild and magnificent beaches. Take a short hike to the Hell beach, a sandy beach located in front of an imposing vertical rock that protrudes from the cliff. Enjoy the fantastic views from the top. Enjoy a delicious snack prepared by the team. In summer, swim in the calm blue waters. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Cross the Tagus River from Lisbon to the south side and visit a medieval castle with an archaeological museum inside. Travel through the dense forest to the immense Portuguese coast surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with beautiful beaches to explore. Located next to the sea, between Setúbal and the fishing town of Sesimbra, Arrábida Natural Park has incomparable natural beauty.  Here, the blue of the sea alternates with the white tones of the chalk cliffs and the depths of the green vegetation that covers the mountain range. Have lunch in a sunny fisherman village, and taste the fresh flavors of the Portuguese fish-based gastronomy.  Passing through the dense forest, you'll visit an old sanctuary on the top of a dramatic cliff by the sea, and discover astonishing landscapes. Enjoy a  wine tasting session in one of the most prestigious local wine producer.

After gathering at the meeting point, you will begin your tour to appreciate the small beaches hidden between the various escarpments and caves. You can observe the Fort of São Domingos da Baralha Ruins, as well as the old warehouses of fishing armours from the 60s. There will be plenty of time to stop at one of the beaches or coves for swimming in the calm, transparent, and crystalline waters. Later, stop by Ribeira do Cavalo Beach, famous for being one of the most beautiful places of the Arrabida Reserve. You will also enjoy the Praia do Inferno (Evil Beach), and the Mijona and Baleeira beaches, before traveling through the Arco do Pombeira (Pombeira's Arch). This tour will prove to be the perfect opportunity to discover the secrets and stories of this region, and at the conclusion of your experience, you will result at your tour starting point.

Espichel Cape is famous for its geological wealth and country’s unique limestone formations. To begin your boat tour, you'll depart from Sesimbra to Espichel Cape. Throughout the experience you'll visit the caves and geological formations that cover this coastal region. You'll begin with a visit to the Tamboril Grotto, with its zenithal lighting and crystal clear waters. From there, you'll proceed to the entrance of the Frade Grotto, which is one of the biggest cave formations in the area. You'll also encounter “Mesas”, which are geological formations made by marine erosion. Your tour will eventually wind down with a visit to Sesimbra's Caves, where you'll encounter the monumental Arco da Pombeira Grotto. You will also discover here “Bifa”, a singular geological formation at the cape’s feet where you can see the sea being expelled as if it was a geyser. Upon return, you'll have the option to stop for some diving in Baleeira Bay's crystal clear waters.

Set sail from the harbor of Sesimbra and travel towards the famous Ribeiro do Cavalo beach. Enjoy the surrounding landscape and learn about the microclimate of the region from your guide.  Continue sailing westwards, where you will visit the beautiful beaches of Mijona and Inferno. Sail along the shores of the Arrábida Natural Park and visit "Whale Bay" and learn about the history of whale hunting in the region.  Then, sail towards Cabo Espichel and explore the caves and incredible rock formations dotted along the coast. Finally, enjoy a beautiful sunset with a glass of wine on the boat, before returning to Sesimbra.

Discover the peninsula of Setúbal and admire the impressive mountain ranges and beaches. Ride over the Vasco de Gama Bridge and see the other side of the river at Tejo. Enjoy the view of the beautiful coast and the Arrábida mountains, then ride past the wine producers in Palmela, Setúbal and Montijo, where the finest wines are made. Visit Cabo Espichel and its breathtaking landscape. Sample the famous local cake in Azeitão, then ride again over the Arrábida mountains, which take their name from the Arrábida Natural Park, to Setúbal. Visit the Livramento Market and sample regional wine and cheese at the Mourisca tidal mill.