following the locals south is an adventurous way to spend a day or two exploring the other side of the Tagus.
Lisbon is on everybody’s ‘to do’ list this year, but what if you are lucky enough to have a couple of extra days up your travelling sleeves whilst you are in the area? Drag yourself out of the bustling bars of Alfama, away from the fantastic Fado and head south! Go west to Cascais is a popular option, but following the locals south is an adventurous way to spend a day or two exploring the other side of the Tagus.
Add one night?
This loop of the south is suitable for a day trip in a car, or add an overnight stay in either Troia, a ferry trip from Setubal, or the port town of Sesimbra for both have plenty of accommodation options. This trip would take 2 moderate/difficult days on bikes, a beautiful and rewarding way to enjoy the coast. Saying that, if you packed the Lycra you may be able to pedal the whole route in a long day!
The Trip
From Lisbon by car cross the Tagus over the historic ’25th of April’ Bridge. This should remind you of the famous San Francisco bridge seeing as it was built by the same company and painted the same colour red. If you are on bikes catch the ferry to Almada, and look towards the Atlantic to see the bridge in its full glory.
Now that you have crossed the Tagus, head westward to the ocean. Follow the N377-1 and you will find yourselves with a beautiful stretch of beach with national parks and small seaside towns. Stop in at Costa da Caparica for breakfast at one of the many restaurants on the dunes. You can follow the N377-2 parallel to the beach and take a walk through the Arriba Fossil National Park. On a mountain bike, at low tide the beach makes a great track all the way to the cape. A quick heads up, you may catch an eye full as this part of the coast is for nudists!
Beautiful blues of Sesimbra
Continuing along the N377 which turns inland, take the right (south) on the N778 to the fishing port town of Sesimbra. There are plenty of places for lunch along the promenade here. The beachside restaurant Portofinos is always popular. For a real seafood treat, head a kilometre around the harbour and eat at one of the seafood shacks – packed with local tourists for lunch. The town is famous for its Carapau, a grilled mackerel dish (plate of 4 for 8euro), some of the freshest fish in Portugal.
Views from the road whete James Bond’s ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ was shot
The real adventure starts as you leave the port town and head into the Arrabida National Park, a magical area with the micro-climate of the Mediterranean. Pass along the vineyards on the N379 and turn directly into the national park following the N379-1. From here there is a steep climb over the range with breath taking views of the Sado River. Expect to see golden beaches, aquamarine blue waters and schools of fish swimming close to shore. The area is a breeding zone for many birds that float high with the rising air currents up the hills and over the park. Stop at any one of the beaches here where you can re-fuel at one of the restaurants perched on the small sandstone cliffs.
Outside the Arrabida National Park is Setubal, from here you can take the N252 north back towards Lisbon.
Any thing to add to this trip? Please let everybody know in the comments.
All photos nickisalwaysonholidays
I put Lisbon on my to-do-list in 1999 and never left. Great place to live! Like the blog a lot. Keep promoting this amazing country!
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Just loving Portugal! The whole country is full of fabulous food, wine and friendly people. Can’t believe how picturesque the countryside is. Didn’t think it could get better than Lisbon
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Too bad you don’t have a pin it button because I would love to pin some of your pictures on our Portugal album on Pinterest. 😉
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Oh! Can I do this?? Love to be a part of it.
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It’s great and we have almost 14000f followers here. It’s great to get traffic and you have some super photography. Go to My sites > Sharing > Sharing buttons.
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Ok. I’ll get on it. There are a heap more on Instagram @nickisalwaysonholidays . You can use whatever photos you would like. Sharing is caring!
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Cool! Will definitely post some pictures their when you get the pinterest share button up and running. Cheers!
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Ok! Will let you know when I am up and running. Thanks a lot for the interest in the photos, and of corse for reading the posts on Portugal.
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Got the Pintrest button up and running. Thanks.
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He does have amazing pics!!! I’m also loving it Nick 👍🏼😁
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Thanks. The weather and the places help.
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Thanks. More photos found @nickisalwaysonholidays
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Aw, I missed out on Lisbon when I visited Madrid two summers back, and I still regret it. Pictures like yours make me regret it more! Well, Lisbon is definitely on my to-visit list, and this helps in sketching out an itinerary in mind for whenever it finally happens, so thank you. 🙂
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I hope you get there when you can and are sure to enjoy your stay. Thanks for reading.
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I visited Lisbon recently, and loved it so much. I wish I’d read this before my trip, seems like there’re nice places on the other side of Tagus too. Adding to my to-do list for the next visit to Lisbon. Great article!
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Thanks for reading. Yes, Portugal is such a great country to explore. A place that deserves more than one trip for sure.
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Really good city just perfect mood!
http://www.mahdiaridjphotography.com/en/portfolio/lisbon/
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