*** This charming picturesque fishing village lies due south of Lisbon and is accessed off the motorway leading to Setúbal. It is about 40 minutes drive from Lisbon Airport.  
 
Set on a curving turquoise bay 40 km south of Lisbon, Sesimbra is both an attractive fishing town and popular tourist resort. 
 
Portuguese flock here at weekends to dine in the many beach-front fish restaurants after taking a relaxing evening stroll along the promenade. The smell of the barbecued fish is very inviting. I have eaten in most of the restaurants in Sesimbra and the fish is always so fresh here and I have never yet eaten a bad meal. 
 
Overlooking the town stands the Moorish Castle captured by Afonso Henriques in 1165. Housed inside the castle walls. From here you have magnificent views over the whole of Sesimbra and the Port. 
 
A few miles west of Sesimbra is Cabo Espichel, a fascinating place with magnificent views northwards to Lisbon and the mouth of the River Tagus. There are two rows of Pilgrims houses, with the recently restored church of Nossa Senhora do Cabo built in 1701 inside there are Baroque paintings and a frescoed ceiling. The cliffs behind are also a must to see, this is a fantastice place to watch the sun set. 
 
A few miles east of Sesimbra brings you to the charming bay of Portinho da Arrábida, one of the most picturesque beach settings in Portugal. Here you have two restaurants on stilts over the beautiful crystal clear sea. You will see the fish swimming below. The multi coloured boats and the possibility of people paracending from the mountains above. This is a place not to be missed. Again the food in either of the restaurants is superb and very reasonably priced. 
 
SESIMBRA GOLF COURSES - : Aroeira I : Aroeira II : Montado : Quinta da Peru : Santo Estavão : Troia :