Sesimbra

This small but informative oceanographical museum is housed within the grounds of the Fortaleza de Santiago fort. It celebrates the connection of Sesimbra's relationship to the sea and its maritime and fishing heritage. The exhibits feature saltwater aquariums containing marine life found around the Sesimbra coastline, preserved species and artefacts which span 5000 years of human maritime activity. Impressive lighting and interactive displays are employed to enhance the visitor's experience.
Adult: €3.00, Concessionary: €1.50, Family: €6.00

June to September Tusesday - Sunday: 15h30 – 19h00/18h30 - 23h00, Monday: CLOSED
September to May Tusesday - Sunday: 10h00 – 13h00/14h30 - 17h30, Monday: CLOSED

Rua da Fortaleza, 2970-738 Sesimbra, Portugal. | 38º 26" 34.4' N | 09º 06" 03.7' W
+351 212 288 206/7 | museu@cm-sesimbra.pt | Website

Away from the coast, the town ascends steeply through a network of narrow streets. It's in these lanes you'll find the best value restaurants. One curious building you'll encounter when meandering the back lanes is the Capela do Espírito Santo dos Mareantes chapel. Originally constructed in the 15th century to house Sesimbra Seamen's Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit, the building contained both a hospital and a place of worship. The building was mostly destroyed during the great earthquake of 1755. Only the chapel was re-built. After a period of restoration, it has housed Sesimbra's Municipal Museum. The first floor corresponds to the old chapel. It exhibits an excellent collection of Sacred Art, notably the Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia panel, by Gregório Lopes, which dates from the first half of the 16th century. The ground floor houses a medieval hospital, where visitors can see parietal drawings of boats used from the 16th to the 18th century.
July to August Tusesday - Sunday: 14h30 – 19h00/21h00 - 23h00, Monday: CLOSED
August to July Tusesday - Sunday: 09h00 – 12h30/14h00 - 17h30, Monday: CLOSED

Adult: €1.00, Concessionary: €0.50, Child: FREE
17 Rua Cândido dos Reis, 2970-724, Sesimbra, Portugal. | 38º 26" 37.9' N | 09º 06" 06.1' W
+351 212 231 134 | museu@cm-sesimbra.pt | Website

The castle was constructed during the Moorish occupation of the area and was the last built by them to defend Sesimbra against Christian forces. It fell to the crusader army in 1165. Its damaged walls were hastily rebuilt and strengthened. Its commanding position to the north of the city and overlooking the coast gave protection to Sesimbra and its townsfolk from North African pirates. The broad vista makes the 230m trek to the top a rewarding experience. The view from here over the town, the Sado estuary, the Tróia peninsula and Arrábida mountain is breathtaking.

Housed within one of the towers is a small museum that explains Sesimbra's historic role on the world stage and explains the evolution of Portuguese castle design. Also inside the castle complex, there's a small church, the Igreja de Santa Maria. Its somewhat stark exterior hides a richly decorated interior. There's also a café at hand for your refreshment. Visitors are welcome and entrance is free of charge. The gates at the Porta do Sol close at night.
.
High Season Daily: 07h00 – 20h00
Low Season Daily: 07h00 – 19h00
38º 27" 10.8' N | 09º 06" 24.8' W

Founded in 1971 and covering 42 square miles (108 square kilometres) between Setúbal and Sesimbra, Palmela to the north and terminating at the Tejo estuary. Arrábida has a varied landscape from valleys surrounded by limestone mountain ridges, dramatic coastlines and the Arrábida mountain - Alto do Formosinho (499m) that stands guard over most of the park. This Nature Park contains vast amounts of Mediterranean shrubland biome and a large number of microhabitats. Perched on the slopes overlooking the sea is a whitewashed 16th-century Franciscan monastery. Alongside are five circular chapels which once were used for solitary meditation.

Where the park meets the sea one finds the crystal-clear waters of the beaches of the Costa Azul. These warm waters are popular with divers and bathers alike. It was along this stretch of coastline where Tracy Bond (played by Diana Rigg) was shot dead by Irma Bunt (Ilse Steppat) in a drive-by shooting at the end of the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service, 1969.

To the west of Setúbal, where the Arrábida Natural park meets the sea, are a series of beaches, most of which have Blue Flag status. Often marketed as Portugal's Dream Coast or Costa Azul this dramatic and beautiful coastline offers white sands, warm clear waters and stunning views. Take the coastal road off the N10-4 marked Praias and pass the cement works. There are buses from central Setúbal to most of these beaches:-

Praia Figueirinha, Outão

With the Arrábida Hills as the backdrop Figueirinha Beach extends over a great expanse of sand, at low tide a sandbank is exposed. Due to it's easy access, it's proximity to Setúbal (only five miles west), calm waters, size and amenities this Blue Flag beach can be quite popular, especially with those who have young families. 723

Praia de Galápos

Approached via a staircase, the sheltered cove of the Galápos beach has crystal clear waters which are favoured by divers and bathers alike. With a calm swell, it's ideal for children and popular with windsurfers. Good ample parking and has a restaurant with facilities, who hire marquees and serve good coffee. There's a lifeguard at hand. The architectural record of the area indicates the richness of marine life here that have been harvested since Neolithic times.

Separated from Praia de Galápos by a few rocks is Praia Dos Galapinhos and offers the visitor a more tranquil and secluded spot to bathe. A little further along still is Praia dos Coelhos (Arrábida). Coelho's beach is a small cove surrounded by forest at the foot of the Arrábida Natural Park. It consists of soft white sand, with clear and calm waters. Small and quiet, it has a bar that can be accessed via Galapos beach or by boat.

Praia Portinho da Arrábida

Fourteen miles East of Sesimbra in the direction of the Convento da Arrábida and down a meandering road is the tranquil little beach of Praia Portinho da Arrabida that is on the turn off after the road leading to the village of the same name. The warm and crystal clear water here makes it a great spot both for divers and bathers. Closer to the village there's a 17th-century fort, which is now an oceanic museum (Museo Oceanografico) that houses live and preserved local marine animals. There's a small restaurant on the beach and more further along the coast in Portinho da Arrabida village.

The main feature within Vila Nogueira de Azeitão is this magnificent nineteenth-century manor house. It is the traditional home to the Soares Franco family, owners of the José Maria Fonseca, who still produce Portugal's oldest wine brand. Lovingly restored in 1923 by the Swiss architect Ernesto Korrodi it served as a family home until 1974. Now it's a living museum that pays tribute to the family's long winemaking heritage. The house itself is a place of beauty with its imposing façade and elegant gardens. As visitors arrive, the tour starts with a brief explanation of the company's history, where traditions and values have been passed down eight generations and are kept alive while allowing the company to project itself into the 21st century.

The tour continues through the gardens to the cellars, where iconic table wines such as the Periquita, is aged. José Maria Fonseca is also credited for making Muscatel de Sétubal wines, fortified sweet wines made from the Muscatel (Muscat) grape which is then aged in oak barrels. Within the darkest and most cobwebbed regions of the winery lie true relics, over 100 years old. The company has expanded into other wine regions applying the same values and dedication to produce wines that excel. The tour ends in the wine shop, where, as part of the tour, you will sample three wines and are able to sample wines from their whole range, complementing the wine with regional gourmet products.

April to October 10h00 – 12h00/14h00pm - 17h30 | November to March 10h00 – 12h00/14h30pm - 16h30
Rua José Augusto Coelho 11/13, Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, Portugal. | 38° 31' 05.2" N | 09° 00' 55.5" W
+351 212 198 940 | enoturismo@jmfonseca.pt | Website | Facebook

A mile and a half east of Vila Nogueira de Azeitão on the road to Setúbal is the magnificent 15th-century Paláçio da Bacalhoa and its beautiful gardens. The estate is considered to be one of the loveliest country houses in Portugal. Built by order of King Manuel I as a summer palace for his mother. The design is thought to be the work of the Tuscan sculptor and architect Sansovino. Amongst the building's most notable features are its Moorish melon domed towers and Italianate loggias. It was first restored in the 16th century and more recently in 1937 by the American Orlena Scoville. Inside there are antiques associated with Catherine of Braganza, who was the wife of King Charles II and Queen of England during the 17th century.

The gardens are part of the tour and are some of the most outstanding in Portugal. Renaissance in style, they feature the oldest azulejo tile panel in the country depicting the story of Susannah and the Elders. Newly established vineyards spread out beneath the well-ordered French parterres, here too are rose bushes that flourish year-round. An asymmetrical garden pool that placidly mirrors the genteel Renaissance geometry of an exquisitely tiled l6th Century pavilion. The tour around the Palace and grounds takes about 60 minutes and includes a wine tasting session of the fine Bacalhôa wines. Tours can be combined with visits to the museum and winery in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão. Note: All visits start at the Bacalhôa Winery in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão.

Monday - Saturday: 10h00 – 19h00, Sunday: CLOSED | Guided Tours 10h30, 11h30, 14h30, 15h30, 16h30
Bacalhôa Palace/Quinta: €4.00, Bacalhôa Museum & Palace/Quinta (inc. wine tasting): €6.00
Estrada Nacional 10, 2925-483, São Simão, Azeitão, Portugal. | 38° 31' 09.8" N | 09° 00' 49.7" W
+351 212 198 060 | bacalhoa@jpvinhos.com | Website