Section 14 - Lisbon Region

Cabo Espichel / Almada

Section 16 of your journey starts in Aldeia do Meco and takes you all the way to Lisbon. Near Meco, you’ll find the impressive Lagoa de Albufeira, a lagoon nestled in a dune system. This lagoon has two parts. The smaller one, Lagoa Pequena, is a great spot for birdwatching. It’s called the Small Lagoon Interpretive and has a fenced area with observation points and birdwatching routes. Here, you might see various bird species like the purple swamphen, Eurasian coot, common mallard, gadwall, Eurasian teal, northern shoveler, little grebe, European shag, and osprey.

As you continue your journey, you can choose to go through Fogueteiro, moving away from the coastline. Here, you’ll find the protected area of Arriba Fóssil da Costa de Caparica and several beautiful beaches. Alternatively, you can take the train route that goes over the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge, which will lead you into the heart of Lisbon.

Keep moving from Fogueteiro to Almada, a city on the southern bank of the Tagus River with a history of over 870 years. Almada has important landmarks like its castel, the Boca do Vento Panoramic Elevator, and the Cristo Rei statue. The food in Almada is also a treat, offering a variety of traditional local dishes as well as international and contemporary cuisine. You can enjoy “carvoadadas”, tasty stews, and a range of regional desserts.

When you arrive at Cacilhas, a riverside area serving as a transportation hub, it’s a good idea to explore the region’s historical and cultural heritage before taking the ferry to Lisbon. You can visit the Church of Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso, the Quinta do Almaraz Archaeological Site, and even consider joining a guided tour of the Roman Fish Salting Factory of Cacilhas.


Photos:
Município de Almada
Município de Sesimbra

Points of Interest

Heritage: 13
  • Near the hamlet of Casais de Azoia stands an octagonal water tower, with a panel of blue and white azulejos (tiles) above the doorway, depicting Our Lady of the Cape.

    An aqueduct 2 km long brings water to the area at times of pilgrimage.

  • Photo: www.guiadacidade.pt

  • Stamping its presence on the town of Sesimbra, the Castle is surrounded by the lofty peaks of the Arrábida hill range. Although there had been previous settlement on this site, it was during the Moorish period that a fort was...

  • The convento dos Capuchos (Franciscan/Capuchin convent) was built in the 16th century with structural and ornamental alterations made in the 18th century due to the damage caused by the 1755 earthquake. The convent was home to the hooded friars of...

  • Located alongside the beach of Sesimbra, the Fort of Santiago formed part of the Sado estuary´s line of defence in the 17th century. In addition, defence was ensured by the Portinho da Arrábida, the São Teodósio, the Baralha and the Cabo Espichel...

  • Photo: mapio.net

  • Church from the 16th c., modified in the 18th c. in baroque style.

  • Located within Sesimbra Castle, the church of Santa Maria (Saint Mary) was built in 1160 to commemorate Christian reconquest of the land. However, it underwent various modifications that altered its original structure. What can currently be seen is...

  • Photo: www.m-almada.pt

  • Photo: www.cm-sesimbra.pt

  • Cape Espichel stands out on even the Costa Azul for the beauty of its natural surroundings. Its original function was defence but in times of greater peace and security a sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of the Cape was built. The church is flanked by...

Nature: 6 Beach: 48 Information: 4 Bike Shops: 12 Accommodation - Campsite: 8 Accommodation - Youth Hostels: 1 Accommodation - Hotel: 1 Transport - Boat: 1

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Comments: Section 14

Section 14

Cabo Espichel / Almada: 39

  • Elevation
  • Heritage
  • Nature
  • Beach
  • Information
  • Bike Shops
  • Accommodation - Campsite
  • Accommodation - Youth Hostels
  • Accommodation - Hotel
  • Transport - Boat