The small fishing port has become a large seaside resort and many big modern buildings surround the centre which has preserved its steep streets occasionally cut by steps, running down to the beach. All along these picturesque streets washing is dryi..

The beach is very lively at weekends and during the summer but remains the domain of the fishermen who from come there either side of the small fort of Santiago to untangle their lines and nets.

This is built at the top of a bare crest more than 200m above the sea. From the crenellated walls which surround the cemetery, the view extends over Sésimbra and its port.