Praia da Califórnia has clean and calm waters
The long stretch of sand in the center of Sesimbra is divided into two beaches by a 17th-century fort. To the west of the monument is Praia do Ouro, and to the east is Praia da Califórnia. No, it was not named after the American state and has no historical connections to the United States. No one really knows how it got its name, and it’s said that this part of town was already known as Califórnia before the colonization of America (“califórnia” in Portuguese means a deep cave).
The 17th-century fort on the western side of the beach
It’s overlooked by a large hotel (see accommodation information below), so it’s frequented by tourists and local families, attracted to the clean and calm waters. On the promenade is a number of popular seafood restaurants.
The Praia da Califórnia promenade
Beach for: Swimming, Families, Seafood lovers
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Showers: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia da Califórnia
Bus 207 of the TST company connects Lisbon to Sesimbra (there are no trains between the two towns). It departs about 10 times a day on weekdays and only 5 times on weekends from the Sete Rios terminal. It ends its journey on Avenida da Liberdade, an avenue in the center of town that leads to this beach.
By car, you can be in Sesimbra in 40 minutes, after crossing 25 de Abril Bridge and then following the A2 highway and road N378 to Sesimbra.
Hotels on Praia da Califórnia
Sesimbra Hotel and Spa
The 84 spacious rooms and 8 suites of this hotel have balconies facing Praia da Califórnia. You practically have your feet in the sand when you step outside, and the seafood restaurants on the promenade are just around the corner. After a day at the beach, you’ll want to dive into the infinity pool or relax at the spa.
SANA Sesimbra Hotel
You may overlook Praia da Califórnia from the rooftop pool and bar of this 4-star hotel located on the promenade. There are also sea views from most of the rooms, which also have balconies. The restaurant with outdoor seating offers classics of Portuguese cuisine with a twist.