Seixal

The name “Seixal” (pronounced ‘say shall’) derives from a type of smooth stone (seixo) found in rivers.

If you want an authentic and almost tourist-free experience, take the ferry across the Tagus (Tejo) river from Cais do Sodre to Seixal, on the south bank of the estuary. It’s cheap (4.60E return) and fast (20-25mins) and offers fantastic views of Lisbon’s April 24th Bridge and the Christo Rei statue in nearby Cacilhas.

 

 

When you get there, take a bus or taxi into town, or walk for about ten minutes. Turn right at the Red Cross building and go on past the roundabout into old Seixal. It’s a pretty, small town full of pastel coloured houses, orange laden trees, and a lovely square with a little maze. There are numerous places to eat the little snails (caracois) or slices of cuttlefish (chocos) washed down with a couple of glasses of beer. The cheapest and some say best, is the headquarters of the local communist party, which is friendly and open to all.

Look our for the traditional boats that used to work the river and the boat wreck alongside the walkway at the far end of town. If you’re lucky, you might even spot people in the river dredging the bottom for clams (ameijoas).

 

 

Check out the old cork factory (fabrica de courtisa) just up the road in what looks like parkland. And for the adventurous, there are great views to be had within, by the fenced off area beyond the orange orchard. Look out also for the beautiful water fountain in the little complex of white buildings to the left of the entrance.

 

 

Some of the best examples of Portuguese street art can be accessed here.

Beautiful postcard pictures of Seixal can be accessed here.