Logistics · Destination Guide
Atlantic reef and wreck adventures on Lisbon's wild side
Updated Dec 13, 2025 • 21 sources
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Most travelers fly into Lisbon and continue to Sesimbra by road. Sesimbra is about 45 km from Lisbon Airport, so it works well as a short-break destination or as the coast segment of a wider Portugal trip.
Dive boats and marine-tourism trips generally depart from Sesimbra harbor, so staying in town keeps mornings simple.
Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon)
LIS • LPPT
45 km • 45 km drive
Portugal's main international hub for the Lisbon region, with wide European and intercontinental connections.
Transport: Rental car, Private transfer, Taxi or ride-hailing, Bus connections via Lisbon
Faro Airport
FAO • LPFR
280 km • 280 km drive
Useful if you are combining Sesimbra with the Algarve on a longer road trip.
Transport: Rental car, Private transfer
A rental car is the simplest way to combine Sesimbra with Arrabida beaches, Cabo Espichel, and Setubal. Within town, most places are walkable, and taxis or ride-hailing cover short hops. Public buses connect the wider Lisbon region, but beach-hopping is slower without a car.
Portugal is in the Schengen Area. Many travelers can enter for short tourism stays without a visa, but rules depend on nationality.
Always verify requirements with an official government source for your passport country before booking.
Euro (EUR)
Cards are widely accepted in Sesimbra restaurants and hotels. Carry some cash for small cafes, beach kiosks, and tips.
ATMs are easy to find in town centers. Withdraw before heading into more remote Arrabida viewpoints where services are limited.
230V • 50Hz • C, F
Most European plugs work. Bring a travel adapter if you are coming from regions using A/B or G plugs.
Communications
Portugal has strong mobile coverage near Lisbon. In Sesimbra town you will generally have solid 4G/5G, but cliffs and coves can create dead zones. If you rely on data for navigation, download offline maps for Arrabida.
Language
Portuguese is the primary language. English is common in tourism-facing businesses, especially around Lisbon and dive operations.
Insurance
Carry travel insurance that covers ocean activities, and add dedicated dive accident coverage if you are scuba diving or doing depth freediving. If you have a medical condition or are new to cold-water exposure, get clearance before the trip.
Packing list