4 Best Day Trips to Arrábida and Sesimbra from Lisbon

There are endless things to see and do in Lisbon, but if you want to explore beyond the city center, an excellent option is to take a trip to Arrábida and Sesimbra, two nearby destinations that are highly valued for their natural beauty, wine tradition, and proximity to the capital. Discover them with the best excursions.

The first thing you need to know about a trip to these places from Lisbon is that it is a relatively short journey, as both are located less than an hour away by car on high-speed motorways. Now, as for the number of participants in this type of plan, you should know that it is a small group, but it is not a private excursion, as there are usually around 20 people on average.

The main attraction of this itinerary is to visit the wineries located in the surroundings of the Arrábida Natural Park, which are one of the most important areas for the Portuguese wine industry. This means that during this excursion you will enjoy approximately six wine tastings at at least two different wineries. One of them is at the Casa Museu Jose Maria da Fonseca, which is one of the oldest wineries in Portugal.

Keep in mind that this is a guided tour, so you will always be accompanied by a specialist who will tell you all the historical details about each of the sites you visit along the way. Also keep in mind that the vehicles are usually quite exclusive and always have air conditioning.

Details of interest

• Price: from $98
• Duration: on average, these types of tours last approximately 8 hours.
• Means of transportation: usually a minibus.

This excursion is ideal if you are looking for an active and different plan in the south of Lisbon. Although Arrábida and Sesimbra are already known for their natural beauty, this tour allows you to discover their beaches from the water, by kayak, an experience that other excursions do not offer. What's more, it's done in very small groups, which guarantees an intimate and safe experience.

During the kayak trip, you'll discover idyllic coves such as Figueirinha, Galápos, and Portinho da Arrábida, all within the Arrábida Natural Park. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel with equipment included, so you don't have to worry about anything other than enjoying the marine environment.

Transportation is also included in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the activity lasts about 8 hours. It's an excellent way to combine sports, nature, and the sea in a single day.

Details of interest

• Price: from $55
• Duration: around 8 hours
• Transportation: air-conditioned minivan

There are always those who prefer privacy and exclusivity when visiting the tourist destinations that interest them most on a trip. For this reason, there are private excursions that also take you to these two destinations without having to share the vehicle with a relatively large group of people.

Keep in mind that these types of activities usually begin with a pick-up directly at your accommodation in Lisbon, and from there, the drive to the first stop on the itinerary begins . This is usually the Arrábida Natural Park, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of this forest region. The beaches of Portinho da Arrábida, Praia da Figueirinha, and Albarquel are other places that could be included in the tour if you wish.

And since this is a private tour, you have the final say on which places will be visited. Keep in mind that Sesimbra will always be one of the stops on this excursion, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the immensity of the medieval castle located at the northern end of this town. You can also stroll through its streets and have lunch on your own at one of the Portuguese restaurants.

I would like to highlight the fact that a private tour in an air-conditioned vehicle could be one of the best things to do in Lisbon in the summer if you want to explore the surrounding area. I would also like to emphasize again that this tour is reserved exclusively for your group.

Details of interest

• Price: from $206
• Duration: approximately eight hours from departure from Lisbon to return. Keep in mind that if you wish, you can also visit the wineries in the wine-growing areas around the Arrábida Natural Park.
• Transportation: usually a three- or four-seater car, but a minivan can also be arranged for groups of more than six people.

The first thing you should know about this excursion is that it is a completely private experience, which means you can enjoy the tour in total comfort and flexibility, accompanied at all times by an expert local guide. Transportation is also exclusive and air-conditioned, ideal for getting around the region with peace of mind.

One of the main advantages of this itinerary is that, in addition to visiting Arrábida and Sesimbra as on other similar excursions, it includes a stop in Azeitão, a charming village known for its wine tradition and artisanal cheese production. Here you will visit the prestigious José Maria da Fonseca winery and the Tile Factory, two essential cultural stops to discover the essence of Portugal.

In addition, you can enjoy a wine tasting and tour some of the most beautiful landscapes in southern Lisbon, such as the Arrábida mountains with their views of the Atlantic, or the medieval castle of Sesimbra. This is an ideal option if you are looking for a plan with history, wine, and nature.

Details of interest

• Price: from $151
• Duration: approximately 8 hours
• Transportation: private vehicle with air conditioning

You have different options when booking a trip to Arrábida and Sesimbra from Lisbon, and the best option is always online. This is because it allows you to see exactly how prices vary according to the dates available and you usually receive immediate confirmation of your purchase.

With an online booking for an excursion of this kind, you can usually cancel your purchase free of charge if you give sufficient notice. In addition, you can read comments from other users who have had the same experience, giving you greater assurance that you are spending your money wisely. The same applies if you are looking for options on how to get from Lisbon to Porto or how to get from Lisbon to Fátima.

You also have the option of purchasing the excursion directly from a travel agency located in any of Lisbon's neighborhoods. The problem with this alternative is that you don't know if there will be availability for the exact date of your trip, as you are leaving this purchase to the last minute. You also wouldn't know if it's a convenient plan, as you have no way of comparing it with other options.

Duration of the excursions to Arrábida and Sesimbra from Lisbon

On average, a trip from Lisbon to these two tourist destinations usually lasts about six or seven hours. This may be extended to eight or even nine hours depending on traffic and the number of activities you do.

This is exactly why a trip like this is recommended if you are looking for plans in Lisbon for a five-day trip or if you are thinking about activities to do in Lisbon during a four-day visit. This is because you would still have time to tour the city and still have a couple of hours left over to explore the surrounding area.

What will I see on this type of excursion?

On an excursion like this, you can enjoy the natural landscape that characterizes southern Lisbon and the entire populated area that has developed over centuries south of the riverbank and mouth of the Tagus River. Specifically, in the Arrábida Natural Park, you will see cliffs, mountains, a forest area, some forts, and a couple of spots with spectacular coastal scenery.

At the stops related to wine tasting, you can also admire the beauty of typical Portuguese villages and even visit medieval buildings, such as Palmela Castle.

Keep in mind that although there are quite a few activities on these types of tours, you will still have enough time to get back to your accommodation to rest for a couple of minutes before heading out to explore the best things to see and do in Lisbon at night. The following places are essential stops on this type of tour:

Palmela Castle

This castle, located beyond the eastern end of the Arrabiada Natural Park, is a medieval fortress that is usually part of the itinerary for this type of excursion. It is usually the next stop after the last wine tasting of the excursion, which is undoubtedly one of the best wine tastings in Lisbon and its surroundings.

Sesimbra

Sesimbra is a modest coastal community located at the western end of the Arrábida Natural Park. It has several picturesque areas, including the Forte de Santiago de Sesimbra and the castle of the same name. The castle dates back to medieval times and is located on a cliff that offers excellent views of the rest of the village. Keep in mind that this part of the itinerary is usually chosen to enjoy a good authentic Portuguese lunch.

On the return to Lisbon, the route that crosses the 25 de Abril Bridge is usually chosen. The bridge itself is a real tourist attraction in the city due to its similarity to the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Before crossing the Tagus River via this famous structure, there is usually a stop at the National Sanctuary of Christ the King. This is a beautiful Catholic statue created in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and directly inspired by Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The first tip I can give you is to choose the excursion based on your needs. It's not worth paying for a private excursion just for yourself if you won't have anyone to share the experience with. On the other hand, with a shared excursion to Arrábida and Sesimbra, you will have the privilege of traveling with an expert on the history of the places you are visiting and, at the same time, you will be able to make friends with some of the other people participating in the tour.

Another tip I can give you is to bring enough snacks and water. This is because there are sections of the route where there are no stops, and if you get hungry or thirsty at that point, it will be very uncomfortable to have to wait until the next part of the itinerary.

Another thing I can recommend about this type of excursion is that you don't leave yourself without plans for when you return to the city. Most of them start early in the morning, which means that by around 6pm you should be back in Lisbon. For this reason, it would be a good idea to book an activity such as a visit to the best places to listen to Fado in Lisbon or an elegant dinner at a restaurant that catches your eye.

A trip like this usually costs more than $60 per person. However, you should take into account the type of activities included in the itinerary, as an interesting and entertaining activity with wine tasting can bring the price up to €80 or even €100 per person.

Another important thing to note about this type of excursion is that prices may vary during less touristy seasons. That's why excursions to the outskirts of the Portuguese capital are usually one of the best things to see and do in Lisbon in October, along with the other autumn months. This is because the number of visitors drops dramatically compared to the summer.

A trip to Arrábida and Sesimbra from Lisbon is a recommended experience for all types of tourists because it is an activity that allows you to explore the beauty of Portugal beyond the typical tourist destinations that everyone knows.

In turn, a trip of this kind is a truly complete experience, knowing that it takes you to four, five , or even six important places, all for a relatively low price. This means you can make the most of your time, as you get to see a large number of attractions in the southern area of the Tagus River estuary in a single itinerary.