Lisbon to Arrabida & Sesimbra: Wine Tastings, Market & Cristo Rei

Summary

From Lisbon’s bridges to Setúbal’s market stalls and Arrabida’s quiet hills

You’ll cross Lisbon’s longest bridge before tasting your way through Setúbal’s lively market with your guide. Climb Arrábida hills for Atlantic views, stroll Sesimbra’s fishing village streets, then sample six local wines—including at one of Portugal’s oldest wineries. End your day gazing over Lisbon from Cristo Rei Sanctuary—the kind of view that lingers long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

"If you want the best chouriço, you have to ask for Dona Teresa," our guide Rui grinned as we shuffled into Mercado do Livramento in Setúbal. The place was noisy but not overwhelming—fishmongers calling out prices, the smell of citrus somewhere behind the cheese counters. I’m still not sure if Rui actually knew Dona Teresa or just liked the drama of it, but he did wave at half the vendors like old friends. I tried a sliver of something salty and sharp—sheep cheese maybe?—and immediately wished I’d bought more for later.

The drive from Lisbon over the Vasco da Gama Bridge felt longer than it looks on a map (17 kilometers, Rui said, which is apparently Europe’s longest), but there was something calming about watching the city fade out behind us. When we reached Arrábida Natural Park, the light changed—softer somehow, and everything smelled faintly of pine and sea. We climbed up to a viewpoint where you could see all the way down to these pale beaches that looked almost fake. Someone in our group tried to pronounce “Arrábida” properly; Li laughed when I tried too—probably butchered it. The wind up there made my hair stick straight out.

Lunch in Sesimbra wasn’t included (I think that’s normal), but it was worth every euro—grilled fish that tasted like it had been caught that morning, with a squeeze of lemon and a view of fishing boats bobbing in the bay. Afterward we wandered along the sand for a bit before heading off for wine tastings at Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca. The cellars were cool and smelled like wet stone and old wood; our host poured two reds and a white, explaining each one slowly so even I could follow. I liked the muscat best—not too sweet—and ended up buying a bottle because why not?

We finished at Cristo Rei Sanctuary, looking back at Lisbon across the water just as the sun started dipping low. The city looked small from there; quieter than it feels when you’re inside it. On the ride back everyone got kind of sleepy—maybe from all that wine or just from being out in so much fresh air. Anyway, I keep thinking about those market smells and how Rui seemed to know everyone’s name.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrabida and Sesimbra day trip

• Cross Vasco da Gama Bridge
• Visit Mercado do Livramento in Setúbal
• Wine tasting at local family winery
• Explore Arrabida Natural Park views
• Lunch and stroll in Sesimbra
• Wine tasting at Casa Museu Jose Maria da Fonseca
• Visit Cristo Rei Sanctuary

Top questions

How long is the drive from Lisbon to Arrábida?

It takes about an hour by minivan from Lisbon to Arrábida Natural Park via Vasco da Gama Bridge.

Are wine tastings included on this day trip?

Yes, six wine tastings are included: two at Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca and four at a family-owned winery in Arrábida park.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No, lunch in Sesimbra is not included; you'll have free time to choose where to eat fresh seafood or explore on your own.

Does this tour include pickup in Lisbon?

The tour includes transport by air-conditioned minivan but does not specify hotel pickup; check with your provider when booking.

Can children join this day trip from Lisbon?

Yes, children can join; infant/child seats are available on request for ages 0-11 (mandatory).

Is there time to walk on Sesimbra beach?

You’ll have free time in Sesimbra for lunch and can walk along its golden beaches or explore town streets.

Do you visit Palmela Castle on this tour?

Palmela Castle is visited only on Mondays; other days include Mercado do Livramento instead.

Are tours always conducted in English?

Tours are usually in English but may be conducted in two languages if needed for participants.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable minivan transport from Lisbon with an engaging local guide, entry to two wineries with six tastings total (reds and whites), stops at Setúbal market or Palmela Castle (depending on day), free time for lunch in Sesimbra’s fishing village, plus visits to Arrábida park viewpoints and Cristo Rei Sanctuary before heading back into town.