Lisbon to Sesimbra & Arrabida: Small Group Wine Tasting Day Trip

Summary

Arrabida cliffs, Sesimbra castle, wine tasting and Atlantic breezes

You’ll cross Lisbon’s iconic bridge into another world: stand on windswept cliffs at Cabo Espichel, stroll Sesimbra’s fishing village streets, climb an ancient castle, then relax in Arrabida’s vineyards tasting five local wines with real family stories behind every glass.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out from Avenida da Liberdade, still half-awake but already grinning at the thought of escaping Lisbon for a day. Our guide Pedro had this easy way of weaving stories as we crossed the 25th of April Bridge — he called it Portugal’s “Golden Gate,” which made everyone laugh. The city faded behind us and suddenly there was that salty river smell and the kind of light that makes you squint even through sunglasses. I didn’t expect to feel so far from the city so quickly.

The drive down towards Cabo Espichel was quiet, just wind rushing past and Pedro pointing out old churches perched on cliffs. When we stepped out at the cape, it was like standing at the edge of everything — cliffs dropping straight into restless Atlantic blue. There’s a church there with whitewashed walls battered by wind, and these abandoned lodges where pilgrims used to stay. Someone in our group tried to take a selfie but nearly lost their hat to the gusts (we all cracked up). I just stood there for a minute breathing in sea air mixed with wild thyme — honestly, I still think about that moment sometimes.

Sesimbra itself felt like a postcard someone forgot to send: narrow lanes lined with little bakeries (the smell of fresh bread is everywhere), old men playing cards under palm trees, fishing boats bobbing along turquoise water. We wandered up to the Moorish castle above town — steep climb but worth it for those views over the bay. Pedro told us about pirate raids and kings hiding out here; I’m not sure how much was true but it made me look at those stone walls differently.

Later we wound through Arrabida Natural Park — all green hillsides dotted with olive trees and wildflowers. The air tasted sweet somehow? Hard to explain. At Quinta de Alcube, this family-run winery tucked into the hills, we walked between vines before sitting down for five wines (I liked the muscat best but maybe that’s just me). The owner’s daughter poured our glasses and told us about her grandfather planting those first vines; she laughed when I tried my Portuguese — probably butchered it. And then suddenly it was late afternoon and we were heading back toward Lisbon with a car full of sleepy people and clinking bottles under our seats.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Sesimbra and Arrabida with wine tasting

• Meet at Avenida da Liberdade 9
• Cross the April 25th Bridge
• Pass by Albufeira Lagoon
• Visit Espichel Cape cliffs and buildings
• Tour Sesimbra Castle
• Explore Santiago Fortress in Sesimbra
• Enjoy California beach
• Explore Sesimbra fishing village
• Drive and stop in Arrabida Natural Park
• Visit Arrabida Monastery
• Tour Quinta de Alcube winery and taste wines

Top questions

How long does the Sesimbra & Arrabida wine tour from Lisbon take?

The day trip lasts around 8 hours including travel time from central Lisbon.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

No hotel pickup; you meet at Avenida da Liberdade 9 near Armani Exchange.

How many wines do you taste during the Arrabida winery visit?

You’ll taste five local wines at Quinta de Alcube during the tour.

Is lunch included on this small group tour?

No lunch is included but you’ll have time in Sesimbra to buy food or snacks.

Are there stops for photos along the Atlantic coast?

Yes, there are several scenic stops along Arrabida Natural Park and Cabo Espichel for photos.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The tour is only conducted in English.

Are infants or children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and children can join; infant seats are available if needed.

How many people are on each tour group?

The maximum group size is eight people plus your guide/driver.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transport in an air-conditioned vehicle from central Lisbon (Avenida da Liberdade), a friendly English-speaking local guide who shares stories along the way, all tastings of five regional wines at a family-owned winery in Arrabida, entrance fees where needed, plus plenty of stops for photos or snacks before returning to Lisbon by evening.