Sesimbra and Cabo Espichel from Setúbal
Sesimbra lies on the coast west of Setúbal and works as a half-day or full-day trip. It has two city beaches and a castle. Cabo Espichel is a headland further west with a sanctuary, an old complex of buildings and steep cliffs. Treat the two as separate stops, because getting to the cape is not the same journey as getting to the town.
If you stay in Setúbal, you can add Sesimbra with the Setúbal Peninsula road trip. The Arrábida Natural Park and the Arrábida beaches lie between the two towns.
Sesimbra: beaches and castle
What the town offers once you arrive.
The city beaches
Califórnia and Ouro are the two beaches of Sesimbra, and both carry a Blue Flag for 2026. The bathing season runs from 4 June to 13 September 2026. Outside those dates a swim is still possible, but do not count on lifeguard cover.
The castle
The Castelo de Sesimbra is open daily. Winter hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., which apply until the last week of March, and summer hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. These times are for the castle grounds. They do not cover the castle church or any exhibition. Check the entry rules and any fee on the day.
A simple day
Beach time and the castle fit into a relaxed half day. Add the cape only if you have the time to get there and back.
Our picks: Sesimbra by kayak
This kayak trip leaves from Sesimbra harbour and passes the coastal caves on the way to Ribeira do Cavalo.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Day trips and boat tours near Sesimbra and Setúbal
Boat trips, jeep tours and coast excursions on the Setúbal Peninsula, with live prices and availability.
Cabo Espichel: sanctuary and cliffs
A plateau above the sea, west of Sesimbra.
The Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel is a group of buildings on a plateau above steep sea cliffs. The complex includes the church, long rows of pilgrim lodgings called hospedarias, the Ermida da Memória, a water house with an aqueduct and the ruin of an opera house. The sanctuary is still used for worship, and you should not expect every building to be open to visitors.
Dinosaur tracks
The area is known for dinosaur footprints from the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. Pedra da Mua and Lagosteiros are known sites. Pedreira do Avelino is a separate site and not part of the cape itself. The cliffs are steep, and the existence of the sites does not mean you can see the tracks up close. Stay on the marked paths, respect any barriers and do not look for ways down to the tracks.
Getting to Sesimbra from Setúbal
By bus or by car.
| Option | What to know | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Bus 3642 | Runs between Setúbal Hospital and Sesimbra Terminal. Check the current timetable and fares with Carris Metropolitana before you go. | Sesimbra town and its beaches |
| Bus to Cabo Espichel | Do not count on a through bus from Setúbal to the cape. Check connections with Carris Metropolitana. | – |
| Car | The most flexible way to combine town, cape and the Arrábida coast in one day. | Sesimbra plus Cabo Espichel |
For most visitors without a car, Sesimbra town by bus is the realistic day. Add the cape only if you have a car or a confirmed connection. See the getting there page for the wider transport picture.
More near Setúbal
Places that combine well with Sesimbra.
Sesimbra: frequently asked questions
Can I reach Cabo Espichel by bus from Setúbal?
Do not count on a through bus from Setúbal to the cape. Bus 3642 links Setúbal Hospital with Sesimbra Terminal, and the cape needs a further connection or a car. Check the timetable before you go.
Which beaches does Sesimbra have?
Califórnia and Ouro are the two city beaches. Both have a Blue Flag for 2026, and the bathing season runs from 4 June to 13 September 2026.
When is the castle open?
Daily, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in winter and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in summer. Winter hours apply until the last week of March. The castle church and exhibitions have their own times.
Can I walk down to the dinosaur tracks?
Do not look for your own way down. The cliffs are steep. Stay on marked paths and follow local barriers.
Is Sesimbra a day trip from Setúbal?
Yes. Sesimbra town works as a half day or a day. Adding the cape makes it a longer day, mostly by car.