Guide to Route 3523: From Fonte da Telha Beach to Seixal Bay
With only a few departures per day, route 3523 crosses one of the most varied landscapes on the south bank, linking the beach, the Aroeira pine forests, the neighborhoods of Amora and Arrentela, and the Seixal waterfront to Paio Pires.
The route begins at Fonte da Telha, in Almada, beside the Atlantic, and continues through Aroeira, Belverde, Verdizela, and Fanqueiro before entering the municipality of Seixal. It is a journey marked by contrasts: dunes and sand at the beginning, residential developments and local shops in the middle section, and industrial heritage, museums, and views over the Tagus as it approaches central Seixal.
In the final section, the route passes through Amora, Fogueteiro, Torre da Marinha, Arrentela, and Seixal, then reaches Paio Pires and Quinta Flamância. For those who enjoy combining transportation with sightseeing, the route makes it possible to organize anything from a beach day to a cultural visit or an afternoon of shopping.
Notice: the distances given are approximate and estimated from the supplied coordinates and the proximity of each location to the route stops. According to the available data, the route has two departures in each direction on weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in the outbound direction; in the return direction, there are three departures on weekdays and two on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The fare and operator were not provided.
| Location | Category | Closest stop/section | Approximate distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fonte da Telha Beaches | Beach and leisure | FONTE TELHA (PRAIA) | Directly opposite or a few meters away |
| PGA Aroeira Lisboa | Golf and gastronomy | Aroeira, section of Avenida do Mar | 1 to 2 km |
| Cruz de Pau Municipal Market | Market and local shops | CRUZ PAU (ESTR FOROS AMORA 37) MERCADO | Directly opposite or a few meters away |
| RioSul Shopping | Shopping center and entertainment | Torre da Marinha, Avenida da República | 800 m to 1.2 km |
| Ecomuseum Naval Center | Museum and maritime heritage | ARRENTELA, Avenida da República | 300 to 700 m |
| Quinta da Fidalga | Heritage, gardens, and art | Arrentela, section between Avenida da República and the Ecomuseum | 600 m to 1 km |
| Seixal waterfront and old town | Strolls, dining, and tourism | Seixal, Praça da República and River Terminal | 100 to 600 m |
| Seixal Municipal Market | Market and fresh produce | SEIXAL AV DR ANT BABO (MERCADO MUNICIP) | Directly opposite or a few meters away |
| Seixal Urban Park | Park and viewpoint | Seixal, section next to the former Mundet site | 700 m to 1.2 km |
Fonte da Telha Beaches
The route begins practically at the seaside, at the FONTE TELHA (PRAIA) stop, making route 3523 an interesting option for reaching the fishing village without relying on a car. Fonte da Telha's beach is extensive, nearly three kilometers long, and divided into different licensed areas, with beach facilities, restaurants, and places to spend the day.
Besides swimming and wave sports, the region is worth visiting for the landscape between the ocean, the Costa da Caparica Fossil Cliff, and the dunes. The village itself maintains a strong connection to traditional fishing and offers a relaxed atmosphere, particularly popular during the warmer months, but also pleasant for walks and sunsets outside the bathing season.
- 📍 Location: Fonte da Telha, municipality of Almada.
- 🚏 Closest route stop/section and approximate distance: FONTE TELHA (PRAIA), directly opposite or a few meters away.
- 🏷️ Category: Beach, nature, and dining.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A large Atlantic beach beside a fishing village and protected natural areas.
PGA Aroeira Lisboa
In the Aroeira section, the route travels along Avenida do Mar and the residential areas near Herdade da Aroeira. Within walking distance of the route is PGA Aroeira Lisboa, a golf complex set amid a pine forest landscape and known for its two championship courses, with a total of 36 holes.
Even for those who do not play, the site may be of interest for its academy, specialty shop, and clubhouse, which combines a relaxed atmosphere, dining, and views of the course. Access should be planned carefully, as there is no stop identified directly at the complex entrance.
- 📍 Location: Herdade da Aroeira, Charneca da Caparica.
- 🚏 Closest route stop/section and approximate distance: Aroeira stops on Avenida do Mar, between AROEIRA (AV MAR 223) and AROEIRA (AV MAR 168), approximately 1 to 2 km away.
- 🏷️ Category: Golf, leisure, and dining.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Championship courses set in a pine forest landscape near the Atlantic coast.
Cruz de Pau Municipal Market
The stop named after the market is one of the most convenient on the entire route: CRUZ PAU (ESTR FOROS AMORA 37) MERCADO. The facility brings together fresh-produce vendors and serves as a daily shopping hub for residents of Amora and neighboring communities.
It is especially interesting for those who prefer discovering neighborhood shops, buying supplies for a picnic, or observing local life. The market's loading area was recently renovated, strengthening its role as a place for shopping and community interaction.
- 📍 Location: Cruz de Pau, Amora, Seixal.
- 🚏 Closest route stop/section and approximate distance: CRUZ PAU (ESTR FOROS AMORA 37) MERCADO, directly opposite or a few meters away.
- 🏷️ Category: Municipal market and local shops.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Fresh-produce area and traditional shops with direct access from the route.
RioSul Shopping
As it passes through Torre da Marinha, route 3523 approaches RioSul Shopping, one of the main commercial hubs in the municipality of Seixal. The center has around 120 stores, restaurants, services, and entertainment options, making it an alternative for shopping days, meals, or family activities.
The route stops on Avenida da República near Torre da Marinha are not directly outside the shopping center, but the remaining distance can be covered on foot. It is a practical option for combining a bus trip with shopping, cinema, dining, and services in one place.
- 📍 Location: Avenida Libertadores de Timor Lorosae, Torre da Marinha, Seixal.
- 🚏 Closest route stop/section and approximate distance: TORRE MARINHA, at the stops on Avenida da República and Avenida Resistência Antifascista, approximately 800 m to 1.2 km away.
- 🏷️ Category: Shopping center, dining, and entertainment.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: A concentration of shops, services, and leisure options in one of the region's largest commercial facilities.
Naval Center of the Seixal Municipal Ecomuseum
Between Arrentela and Seixal, the route passes through an area where the municipality's industrial and maritime memory remains strongly present. The Naval Center of the Ecomuseum occupies the site of a former traditional boatyard and features exhibitions about boatbuilding, fishing, river transport, and Seixal's historical relationship with the Tagus estuary.
The site received a new permanent exhibition after renovations completed in 2023. It is recommended for anyone who wants to understand how the river shaped the economy and identity of the region's riverside communities, with emphasis on traditional boats and life in the former shipyards.
- 📍 Location: Avenida da República, Arrentela, Seixal.
- 🚏 Closest route stop/section and approximate distance: ARRENTELA AV REPÚBLICA 17 and ARRENTELA (AV REPÚBLICA N23), approximately 300 to 700 m away.
- 🏷️ Category: Museum, heritage, and maritime history.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Housed in a former boatyard, focusing on Seixal's river-maritime culture.
Quinta da Fidalga
Quinta da Fidalga is one of the most interesting cultural stops near the route. The estate dates back to the 16th century and preserves a manor house, boxwood gardens, orchards, shell-encrusted fountains, and a tidal lake, a rare element of Portuguese hydraulic architecture.
The complex also houses the Manuel Cargaleiro Arts Workshop, dedicated to promoting contemporary art and the work of the Portuguese master. It is a place to stroll unhurriedly, admire the tiles and fountains, and take a break in a green, historic, and quiet setting, despite its proximity to the urban area.
- 📍 Location: Arrentela, Seixal, beside the waterfront.
- 🚏 Closest route stop/section and approximate distance: Arrentela stops on Avenida da República, approximately 600 m to 1 km away.
- 🏷️ Category: Historic heritage, gardens, and art.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Historic estate with a tidal lake, ornamental gardens, and a cultural facility dedicated to Manuel Cargaleiro.
Seixal Waterfront and Old Town
The section between Praça da República, Largo dos Restauradores, and the River Terminal is the tourist heart of the route. Seixal's old town preserves narrow streets, buildings with tiles and traditional balconies, and a direct relationship with Seixal Bay.
It is a suitable area for walking, sitting by the water, viewing the Lisbon shore, and seeking out cafés and restaurants. The Seixal (River Terminal) P2 stop serves as a reference point for starting the visit, while the stops near the City Hall and Praça da República leave visitors closer to the historic center.
- 📍 Location: Seixal old town and waterfront.
- 🚏 Closest route stop/section and approximate distance: SEIXAL R PAIVA COE (PÇA REP) CM SEIXAL, SEIXAL (LARGO RESTAURADORES) PSP, and Seixal (Terminal Fluvial) P2, between 100 and 600 m away.
- 🏷️ Category: Waterfront promenade, tourism, dining, and urban heritage.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Open views of Seixal Bay and an urban setting connected to the municipality's fishing and river history.
Seixal Municipal Market
Seixal Municipal Market is located in the old urban center, opposite the bay, and appears directly on the route at the SEIXAL AV DR ANT BABO (MERCADO MUNICIP) stop. Its location makes it easy to visit quickly while touring the center or to stop and buy fresh produce.
More than just a place to shop, the market offers a glimpse into local daily life, with stalls and businesses focused on everyday supplies. Its proximity to the waterfront makes it possible to combine a visit with a walk along the shore and a meal nearby.
- 📍 Location: Avenida Doutor António Babo, Seixal old town.
- 🚏 Closest route stop/section and approximate distance: SEIXAL AV DR ANT BABO (MERCADO MUNICIP), directly opposite or a few meters away.
- 🏷️ Category: Municipal market and fresh-produce shopping.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Traditional facility beside the bay and integrated into the historic center.
Seixal Urban Park
In the area of the former Mundet cork factory, Seixal Urban Park offers one of the best places to enjoy views of Seixal Bay and the Lisbon landscape on the other side of the Tagus. The park was created in a wooded and naturalized area, with paths, seating areas, viewpoints, an orchard, an olive grove, and woodland.
Reaching it from the stops in the center requires a walk, but it may be worthwhile for those who want to exchange the more urban atmosphere of the terminal and market for an outdoor stroll. The site combines leisure, industrial history, and landscape viewing, working equally well for a quiet break or a family outing.
- 📍 Location: Mundet area, Seixal old town.
- 🚏 Closest route stop/section and approximate distance: stops in central Seixal, especially near the River Terminal and market, approximately 700 m to 1.2 km away.
- 🏷️ Category: Urban park, viewpoint, and outdoor leisure.
- ⭐ Distinguishing feature: Elevated views over Seixal Bay and Lisbon amid the former Mundet industrial area.
With limited departures, route 3523 requires some planning, but it offers a rare sequence of scenery for anyone looking to explore the south bank by bus. The best strategy is to choose a section in advance—Fonte da Telha beach, shopping in Cruz de Pau and Torre da Marinha, or heritage sites beside Seixal Bay—and check the return timetable before boarding.
Sources
- Almada City Council — Beaches
- Almada City Council — Fonte da Telha
- Almada City Council — GR11–E9 Fonte da Telha Protected Landscape
- PGA Aroeira Lisboa
- Seixal City Council — Municipal markets
- Seixal City Council — Cruz de Pau Market
- APCC — RioSul Shopping
- Seixal City Council — Naval Center
- Seixal City Council — Quinta da Fidalga
- Seixal City Council — Tagus Boats Route
- Seixal City Council — Seixal Urban Park
- RioSul Shopping — map and information