Boat to Ribeiro do Cavalo beach and the coves of the Arrábida

Ribeiro do Cavalo is Sesimbra's most sought-after cove: a small beach west of the town, wedged between the cliffs of the sierra, with clear water inside the Luiz Saldanha marine park. By land you reach it by a steep, slippery path; the comfortable way is to go by boat from the harbour.

Vertente Natural, with a shop in the harbour itself, runs the transfer from €18 per person and leaves you up to seven hours on the beach; it also goes to Cova da Mijona, Porto da Baleeira and Portinho da Arrábida. If you would rather see the coast without getting off, its trip around the Arrábida inlets lasts two and a half hours, from €45. Bring water and food: there is nothing at the cove.