Portugal’s Coastal Treasures Near Lisbon

If you’re spending time in Lisbon and want a change of pace, a short drive south reveals one of Portugal’s most scenic areas – the Setúbal District, on the country’s western coast. This region has a little bit of everything: wide sandy beaches with calm turquoise water, hiking trails and scenic roads in the mountains of the Arrábida Natural Park  (Serra da Arrábida), great wineries and cheese producers, welcoming fishing towns offering fresh and delicious seafood, and authentic Portuguese culture without the big-city crowds. It’s one of my favourite easy getaways from Lisbon – and one I keep returning to.

In this guide, I’m grouping three of my favourite stops in the area — charming Sesimbra, lively Setúbal, and Praia da Figueirinha – along with a glimpse at other breathtaking Arrábida beaches you won’t want to miss. You could choose to visit them on different days (like I did), but they’re close enough to combine in one trip, each offering a different slice of Portuguese coastal charm.

Sesimbra – Beaches, Seafood & a Laid-Back Vibe

While Sesimbra is a long-time summer favourite for Portuguese vacationers, it’s still somewhat under the radar with foreign tourists. Tucked at the western edge of Arrábida Natural Park, it’s known for its fresh fish restaurants, lively summer nightlife, and two postcard-worthy beaches – Praia do Ouro and Praia da Califórnia – which are lined by a lively promenade and boardwalk also featuring many cafés, bars, and shops. 

Sitting between the two beaches, don’t miss a visit to the Fortress of Saint James (Fortaleza de Santiago) for its history and viewpoints. This oceanfront fort has stood there since the 17th century, and now houses two museums, a souvenir shop, a tourist information kiosk and a café.

With its natural harbour, Sesimbra has long been an important fishing hub, and today it’s also a popular spot for diving and sport fishing. Away from the shoreline, the hilly streets are a reminder that the forest-covered Arrábida is nearby.

Why I love it: It’s a perfect blend of relaxed beach town and authentic Portuguese atmosphere. The food is excellent, prices are fair, and the vibe is usually unpretentious. If you enjoy diving, sport fishing, or simply soaking up the sun with a seafood feast afterward, Sesimbra will keep you happy.

Tip: For panoramic views, head uphill to the Moorish Castle (Castelo de Sesimbra), a medieval fortress offering sweeping views over the town, beaches, and coastline.

Setúbal – Market Life, History & Sardines

Capital of the district and gateway to the Arrábida, Setúbal is a working port city with a mix of industry, history, and excellent food. Historically important for its strategic location on the Sado River estuary since long before the golden era of the Portuguese Discoveries, it remains central to Portugal’s sardine industry and is also known internationally for the production of Moscatel (Moscato) grapes and wine from the surrounding vineyards. The Arrabida mountains provide an impressive but peaceful backdrop to the scenery.

The Setúbal port is a prominent feature in the waterfront, but venture into the compact and colourful historic centre and you’ll find a variety of pastel façades, tile-adorned buildings, lively squares and cafés, and plenty of fresh fish restaurants. Closer to the water, a selection of seafood-focused restaurants serve the day’s catch from local fishermen, with two main specialties – choco frito (fried cuttlefish) and fresh sardines (seasonal).

If you love markets, stop by the Mercado do Livramento, one of Portugal’s most famous market halls, where tiled murals surround stalls piled high with fish, produce, local cheeses, and more.

Don’t miss:

• Choco Frito (fried cuttlefish) – A local specialty, served in almost every restaurant.
• Mercado do Livramento – One of Portugal’s best food markets.
• A glass of Moscatel de Setúbal with dessert.

For travellers, Setúbal’s proximity to Lisbon makes it easily accessible by car as well as by regular bus and train routes. It is much less crowded, offering good value on accommodations and meals. Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring the peninsula – beautiful beaches, rugged coastline, historic monuments, majestic mountains, and wine-producing countryside are all nearby. 

The Beaches of Arrábida – Calm Waters & Stunning Scenery

The coastal side of the Arrábida Natural Park is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Unlike most of the country’s Atlantic coastline, here the waters are calm, sheltered from strong waves by the shape of the surrounding bay. The ocean colour ranges from aquamarine to deep turquoise, and the scenery looks straight out of a postcard.

Our favourite spot in the area is:

• Praia da Figueirinha – the largest and most accessible beach in the park, only about 8 km (5 Miles) from Setubal. It offers calm, crystal-clear water and a wide stretch of soft white sand. There’s a parking lot with 240 spaces (paid from June to September, free for the rest of the year), a restaurant and a snack bar, public toilets, and sun loungers / straw umbrellas for rent. 

Other highlights nearby:

• Praia de Galápos – A smaller, scenic beach, framed by green hills, it’s a short walk downhill from the (limited) parking area. There’s a restaurant and beach rentals.
• Praia de Galapinhos – Awarded Best Beach in Europe in 2017. You’ll need to walk/hike a steep trail down from the road. No facilities, unspoiled beauty.
• Praia do Creiro / Portinho da Arrábida – Known for its scenic cove and crystal-clear water, it features beach rentals and seafood restaurants like O Farol and O Zeca. Again, it’s a short walk downhill from the road or paid parking area (limited, 140 spaces). 

In peak summer, traffic access to these beaches and the park’s roads can be restricted due to the higher vehicle volume and limited parking.

2025 Update 
There are two seasonal bus lines: One (#4474) runs from Alegro Shopping Centre in Setúbal (free parking there) directly to Praia da Figueirinha, and another (#4470) runs from Brejos de Azeitão to Praia do Creiro/Portinho da Arrábida, with free parking at the start of the line (by Mercado Mensal de Azeitão)

Scenic drive tip: If open, take the Estrada da Escarpa (N379-1) for breathtaking cliffside views over the coastline and some great photo stops.

Practical Tips for Visiting

• Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn. July-August are hottest and busiest; May-June and September-October offer great weather and fewer crowds. Winter is good for quieter exploration.
• Getting there: Sesimbra is about 40 km (25 miles) from Lisbon, Setúbal about 48 km (30 miles). Both are reachable by car, bus, or train (Setúbal only) in under an hour.
• Car vs. public transport: A car gives you the most freedom, especially for smaller beaches. For peak summer, consider going very early or taking public transport to avoid parking stress.
• Food: Try seafood in Sesimbra, choco frito in Setúbal, and pack snacks if visiting Galapinhos or other beaches with no amenities.

Other Things to Do Nearby

• Hiking trails in Arrábida Natural Park.
• Dolphin watching tours from Setúbal harbour.
• Wine tasting at a local Moscatel vineyard, such as Bacalhoa or José Maria da Fonseca.
• Kayaking or paddleboarding in Portinho da Arrábida.
• Day trip to Troia Peninsula for endless sandy beaches.

Ever been there or planning to visit? Send us your comments and questions!