When you emerge from Lisbon and cross the suspension bridge that crosses the Rio Tejo, you reach the roadway to Setubal. After traveling 40 kilometers, you take the turn towards Sesimbra and reach the Arrabida National Park. At this point, you have reached the westernmost point of Europe. This is the Serra da Arrabida, where the Atlantic Coast can be viewed from rugged cliffs with unspoilt water and vegetation. Sesimbra is located forty kilometers south of Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon. This simple fishing port sits at the foot of the Arrabida hills fronting a blue bay. The hills serve to protect the locale from the fierce northerly winds. Ever since the 1960’s, Sesimbra has seen a steady increase of local tourists staying for the weekend. The town has an easy going feel to it and is a great place to kick back and relax. (more…)