Sesimbra Castle and its walls above the sea

Sesimbra castle is, according to the town council, the last Portuguese castle over the sea that keeps its medieval layout. It dates from the 9th century, in Muslim times; Afonso Henriques conquered it in 1165, it was lost in 1191 and Sancho I recovered it in 1199 and gave the town its first charter, when the town lived inside the walls. It has been a National Monument since 1910.

You tour it at your own pace: the wall walk with the view of the bay and the town, two exhibitions on its history, an interpretation centre, the church of Santa Maria and an old cemetery. There is a café with a terrace and local products. Admission is free and it is open every day: in summer from 10:00 to 20:00 and in winter from 7:00 to 19:00. It is high up, above the town: you go up by car along the castle road or on foot, uphill, from the centre.