One of those delightful – and not too touristy – surprises near Lisbon, Cabo Espichel (Cape Espichel) is a great destination for an unusual day trip from the Portuguese capital.
For trekking and nature lovers, the amazing views and a trail with dinosaur footprints are some good reasons to visit this place. Whereas for those who prefer historical destinations, the Cabo Espichel Sanctuary is a must-see! And why not combine all that with a day at Sesimbra’s beaches?
How to get to Cabo Espichel?
Cabo Espichel is located in Castelo, a parish in Sesimbra, at the Setúbal peninsula. It’s bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and it’s part of the Arrábida Natural Park.
The best way to get there is by car. If you are in Lisbon city center, cross the “25 de Abril” Bridge leading to the South Margin and keep going through A2 highway direction Sesimbra. Another option is crossing through Vasco da Gama Bridge and continue through the A33 highway. It takes about one hour, depending on the starting point.
It is possible to get to Cabo Espichel by public transportation but it’s neither the easiest nor the fastest way. You must take the 207 bus (Praça de Espanha – Sesimbra), get off at Sesimbra, and then take the 201 bus (Sesimbra – Cabo Espichel). For more information check the TST website.
What to do in Cabo Espichel?
Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel Sanctuary
The first thing you see when you arrive is the Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel Sanctuary, also known as Pedra Mua Sanctuary. The place is actually an architectural ensemble built on the cliffs above the sea, where it’s said to be found an image of Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel (Our Lady of Cape Espichel) in 1410.
The Ermida da Memória (Memory Chapel) was the first element to be built, to accommodate the statue of the saint. Due to the increasing number of pilgrims coming to worship it, it was later built the Casa da Água (Water House), to supply the complex through an aqueduct, the Casa da Ópera (Opera House), the church of Nossa Senhora do Cabo and two rows with guesthouses to welcome the pilgrims.
Today part of it is in ruins or damaged but restorations works are already in the plans. It worth it to visit the church because of the fantastic painted ceiling (the entrance is free but photos are not allowed).
It’s also there where you’ll find the only cafeteria nearby. So if you need food, water, or a bathroom before start wandering around, this is the place!
Cabo Espichel Lighthouse
On the left side of the sanctuary is the Cabo Espichel Lighthouse, one of the oldest in Portugal, built in 1790.
It’s true that it doesn’t have the fame of Cabo da Roca Lighthouse, in Sintra, but they were both constructed for the same reason. A few centuries ago, Portugal didn’t have lights to guide the ships navigating close to its shores, so it was nicknamed “the black coast”. To solve this problem, Marquês de Pombal approved in 1758 the construction of a network of lighthouses at the Portuguese coast, among them, the ones at Cabo da Roca and Cabo Espichel.
It is possible to visit the lighthouse for free but only on Wednesday afternoons.
There is no official trail, but the walk through the cliffs on the left side of the lighthouse has nice views and a peaceful atmosphere, with the sound of birds, waves, and nothing more.
Pedra da Mua Natural Monument
A bit ahead on the road, on the right side of the sanctuary, there is a sign indicating the beginning of the trail to Pedra da Mua Natural Monument.
We had to skip it because it was already late afternoon, but we’ll definitely go back to follow the dinosaur footprints and check other interesting points integrating the wonderful Lagosteiros Bay.
Cabo Espichel + Beaches
Depending on what you’ll visit in Cabo Espichel, you may have some free time to spend at the beach. And Sesimbra is full of wonderful options!
I’ll suggest one very close to Cabo Espichel, Praia das Bicas. It is cozy and it has plenty of space, but it’s not pet friendly. The view from the top is also stunning, the perfect spot to end the day with an amazing sunset!
If you chose to spend the night, there’s a campsite a few steps away from the beach, the Campimeco.
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