Pedro DominguesRibeiro do Cavalo Beach, until recently, was a hidden treasure along the Portuguese coast, located in Sesimbra, approximately 40 kilometers from Lisbon. It used to be one of Portugal’s most pristine and authentic beaches, offering a true paradise for those adventurous enough to hike through the Arrábida Mountains to reach it.
Although the beach remains stunning and well-preserved, it is now less likely to be found completely deserted and serene. Due to its proximity to Sesimbra and the growing tourism in the area, it has become a popular stop for small tourist boats. Visitors can often be seen disembarking on the sandy shore, whether on kayaks or fast boats serving as taxis to the beach.
While I still consider Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach one of the most beautiful in Portugal, it is no longer my top choice in Sesimbra, especially during the bustling summer months. If you take a boat excursion to explore the caves and beaches in the region, you’ll discover the tranquility that even more remote beaches can offer. 😉
Note that this beach does not have any facilities on the sand. Remember to bring sufficient water and food for your visit if you plan to spend a significant part of the day there. Leave no trace behind and take your trash back to Sesimbra with you. MORE ARTICLES FROM CENTRAL PORTUGAL AND ALENTEJO: - Things to do in Espinho - Things to do in Ovar - Things to do in Aveiro - Aveiro to Costa Nova - Best beaches in Aveiro - Things to do in Mira beach - Things to do in Coimbra - Schist Villages in Portugal - Things to do in Figueira da Foz - Visit Monsanto in Portugal - Historical Village of Piódão - Historical Villages of Portugal - Things to do in Leiria - Visit Batalha Monastery and surroundings - Visit Alcobaça Monastery and surroundings - Things to do in Fátima - Visit Mira de Aire Caves - Things to do in Nazaré - Things to do in Peniche - Best beaches in Peniche - Visit Berlenga Island - Best beaches in Ericeira - Visit Ursa Beach - Best Beaches in Sintra - Best Beaches in Cascais - Best Costa da Caparica beaches - Best beaches in Setúbal - Best Beaches in Sesimbra - Best beaches in Tróia, Comporta and Melides - Best Things to do in Évora and surroundings - Best Beaches in Alentejo and Vicentine Coast - Things to do in Porto Covo and Sines - Things to do in Odemira and Vila Nova de Milfontes - Things to do in Beja
Map with Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach location
When to visit Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach?
It’s best to visit Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach during the summer to be able to swim on its cold but crystal-clear waters. To potentially encounter fewer people, it’s advisable to avoid weekends. 😉
How to visit Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach: by Boat, Kayak, or Hiking?
The most convenient way to visit Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach nowadays is by boat. It offers a less strenuous journey, especially during hot days, and ensures safety. The hiking trail is typically chosen by those unaware of the availability and reasonable prices of taxi boats or by those seeking a more adventurous experience during their Sesimbra vacation.
Here’s a tip: you can combine both options by walking to the beach and arranging a taxi boat pick-up in advance with the available nautical companies (or vice versa). Just make sure to plan ahead as mobile network coverage at the beach might be limited. Confirming the boat’s availability beforehand is essential.
1. Taxi Boat to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach
When it comes to Taxi Boat prices in Sesimbra, they vary based on your destination beach. Fortunately, Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach is one of the closest to Sesimbra, so you’re in luck. You can expect to pay less than €15 per person for a round trip. Conditions among the available companies are generally similar, with no significant differences.
To make a reservation, you can use Get Your Guide or visit the respective websites of the boat companies. It’s recommended to book in advance, as some agencies may have minimum group size requirements and need time to organize a group visit. However, during the peak summer season, this requirement usually doesn’t apply, and boats depart from Sesimbra’s port (Espadarte Dock) every 30 minutes.
Consider contacting the following boat agencies for taxi service to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach. They all have physical establishments near the Naval Club and Port of Sesimbra, where you can also inquire them in person:
2. Kayaking to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach
Some of the companies mentioned earlier can also arrange kayak tours, so I recommend contacting them if you’re interested. Personally, I had a fantastic experience with Vertente Natural in Sesimbra! 😉
Here are some kayak tours with Get Your Guide and Viator: 1 - From Sesimbra: Arrábida Natural Park Kayak and Caves Tour 2 - From Lisbon: Arrabida Park Small Group Kayak Tour 3 - Kayak tour from Sesimbra to Ribeira do Cavalo Beach
3. Visiting Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach on a Boat Tour of Sesimbra’s Coastline
If kayaking isn’t your preferred option, you can still enjoy the beauty of Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach by joining a boat tour. These tours typically last around 2 to 3 hours and offer a comfortable and scenic way to explore the coastline.
During the boat tour, you’ll have the opportunity to discover awesome caves and visit more hidden and untouched beaches stretching from Sesimbra to Espichel Cape. It’s a fantastic way to admire the coastal wonders from a different perspective. As part of the tour, there’s usually a chance to take a refreshing swim in the sea, and we chose Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach for that purpose.
Here are some boat tours with Get Your Guide and Viator: 1 - Sesimbra: Arrábida Natural Park Secret Beaches and Caves 2 - From Sesimbra: Ribeira do Cavalo Beach and Caves Boat Tour 3 - Dolphin Watching and Boat Tour in Sesimbra 4 - Coasteering Trip with Speedboat Ride
4. Hiking to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach
The hiking trail to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach is always accessible, free of charge to walk, and without any need of reservations. It starts near the Port of Sesimbra, and you can find parking places for your car in the vicinity, depending on the time of your arrival. For example, here.
The trail itself is relatively short, spanning just 1.5 km from the specified parking location above. With the round trip, you’ll cover a total of 3 km.
Please be aware that the trail becomes more challenging during the descent to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach. Take extra caution and wear appropriate footwear for this section. It’s important to descend slowly and carefully, prioritizing your safety over speed.
Accommodation tips to visit Sesimbra and Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach
If you haven’t booked your stay in Sesimbra yet, I recommend doing so now. You can follow my suggestions below or click the blue button to search for available accommodations on your travel dates. Sesimbra is a popular destination in the summer, so it’s best to book in advance!
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sesimbra Hotel & Spa | 8.6 | Sesimbra |
| Four Points by Sheraton | 8.7 | Sesimbra |
| Sana Sesimbra Hotel | 8.3 | Sesimbra |
| Casa Teresinha | 9.5 | Sesimbra |
| Vila de Sol | 9.5 | Sesimbra |
| Buganvilias in Meco | 9.4 | Meco Village |
Tips for Visiting Serra da Arrábida and Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach
- Familiarize yourself with the code of conduct for protected areas provided by the ICNF – Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests.
- Let someone know that you’re planning to visit Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach. It’s recommended to hike with a companion.
- Pack an ample supply of water and food for your day at the beach.
- Remember to bring sunscreen for sun protection.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for mountain terrain. Keep flip-flops or water shoes in your backpack for use on the beach.
- Collect your trash and ensure it is properly disposed of in Sesimbra. Let’s keep the environment clean and the beach as pristine as possible for future visitors! 😉
Don’t forget Travel Insurance
Always make sure to have travel insurance when engaging in sports activities and hiking in mountainous or coastal areas like this, where the risk of falls and accidents is higher. Opt for prevention against any potential mishaps!
More about Central Portugal and Alentejo
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