Praia do Ribeira do Cavalo, Portugal: A Stunning Portuguese Beach
The beach at sunset
In order for a beach to make “one of my favorite beaches” list, it needs to be secluded and stunning. It is usually one of those beaches you can only get to by boat or hiking. Well this one is all of the above! A “secret” beach (not so much anymore) that still has a secluded feel as you have a medium level difficulty hike to get there. It is not long, and not difficult, but just long and difficult enough to deter those in a car who feeling like an easy-access beach.
The beach is located in Sesimbra, about an hour drive south of Lisbon with no traffic. It is a cute touristic town that has also retained its historical fishing roots. However, most coastal towns in Portugal are like this, intertwined to the sea.
Your GPS will show you where the beach is, but getting to the trail head is a little bit tricky. It is a beautiful hike to get down to the beach with some seriously spectacular views.
See below if you want details on how to get there!
This beach is an absolute dream, that will make you wonder if its all even real. I hope you enjoy paradise as much as I did!
PS. After the hike head to Lobo Do Mar or Tasca Do Isaías for amazing, fresh seafood dinner- you’ve earned it!
Have so much fun! Enjoy the beach and most importantly, leave it BETTER than you found it.
How to get there:
The most easy way is to rent a car, but if you’re like me, and don’t quite feel comfortable driving in Portugal, here is how I did it, solo. Before you leave make sure you packed yourself some water!
Make your way to Cais Do Sodre, one of the main central train stations in Lisbon. Walk across the street to the ferry station, Terminal Fluvial Cais do Sodre. Buy a ticket to Cacilhas, the destination port. A one-way ticket is under 2 €. The ferry leaves very often (every 20 minutes or so) and last ferry is around 11:30 PM (but check the website for exact times). The ferry takes 10 minutes to cross and you get a nice view of Lisbon from the water!
There is a train and bus station right outside of the Cacilhas port. There are ticket services areas to ask where it is parked, but you want the 203 with TST company. You buy the tick on the bus for under 5 € and it takes around 1.5 hrs. Arrive to Sesimbra and start walking!
Altogether it is a bit of a walk, but enjoy it! Take time to check out the ocean, and the town, stop in for a coffee and a snack and then put the location in your phone for directions. I took the route that passes behind the marina which is nice to see, and then it takes you up a steep, dirt road. There is a sign at the top that says you arrived at the beach. It can be a bit confusing as there are seemingly many trails to choose from, but take the trail closest to the main sign, and on the same side of the road as the sign. Look for a rock with an arrow on it, and that is it! Don’t fret though, all the little side trails lead to the same place and most likely you will see others there too who can point you in the right direction. Make sure you stay on the main trail and hike parallel to the sea and hike for about a 10-15 minutes before you see the spectacular view above the beach! Then you know you made it.