Along the Portuguese coast, between the fishing village of
Sesimbra
and
Setúbal
, the Arrábida Natural Park extends over more than 10,000 hectares.
Here, nature reveals a picture playing with different shades, from the deep blue of the ocean to the white of the limestone cliffs?
at the top of which runs the maquis.
Declared a natural park in 1976, it has strangely only been popular for a few years - the popularity of its neighbor Lisbon contributing to this.
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Less than an hour from the capital, Lisbon residents and tourists stroll there, hike with a panoramic view of the ocean, try their hand at water sports (stand-up paddle, kayak...), take advantage of its terroir or explore its wild beaches.
And if, along the superb
panoramic road N379-1
which crosses the Serra, the view of the ridges plunging into the ocean evokes a film set, it is no coincidence: this is where one of the key scenes from the film
On Her Majesty's Service
, with James Bond in the foreground.
Scenic walks and hikes
The fortress of Santa Maria da Arrábida is one of the most important Portuguese fortresses dating from the 17th century.
Adobe Stock
Cypresses, pines and limestone cliffs plunge into the Atlantic on Arrábida's northern slope, while vineyards, orchards and olive groves glide down its southern slope.
If the rich fauna and flora of the coastline can be explored in detail during a visit to
the Oceanographic Museum
, located within the walls of the
fortress of Santa Maria da Arrábida
.
Beyond, many hiking trails allow walkers, beginners or seasoned, to meet the biodiversity of the Serra da Arrábida
in situ
.
Take the
Sierra do Risco
path , on which the two sides of the Sierra are revealed to the gaze at 180°.
In the foreground, the dense, wild vegetation, in the second, the cliffs which dominate the ocean, which we contemplate here in a panoramic version.
It takes 3 hours for this loop of moderate difficulty, bring long clothes to avoid scratches from branches and good shoes.
After the climb, you hike in the middle of the maquis, picnic between the sky and the ocean, from the top of the 380 m altitude of the
Serra do Risco
, the highest point of the Portuguese mainland coast.
Grand!
Walking or coastal canyoning, activities to do
Coastal canyoning (“coasteering”) is practiced on the many rocky peaks.
Vertente Natural
Walking is one of the activities practiced in the Arrábida Natural Park, and can also be supervised.
Some accredited organizations such as
Vertente Natural
allow you to discover the ecosystem of the Serra da Arrabida as well as its history and the culture of the region.
They also supervise a number of sports activities that are practiced here, such as mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, climbing or "coasteering" (
coastal canyoning, editor's note
), which combines walking, abseiling, cliff jumping and swimming. !
Strong sensations are also guaranteed during a boat trip in the
Luíz Saldanha marine park
, bordering the coasts of Arrabida.
It is now considered one of the richest nature reserves in Europe and noted for its excellent preservation of species.
The dolphins, which can be observed during a dedicated outing, bear witness to this.
Swim
Within the Arrábida Natural Park, Portinho beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Portugal.
neiezhmakov - stock.adobe.com
But if the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park encourages activity, the beach is also one of its major attractions.
Arrábida stretches, runs along the ocean, reveals beaches and coves of white sand bordered by calm waters.
Before laying out your towel there, two short stops are essential.
The first, which is accessed via the N379-1, is called
Miradouro
de
Portinho do Arrábida
and offers, for those who are not too dizzy, a spectacular view of the Serra.
Approaching the coast, then hides one of the most surprising places in Arrábida:
Lapa de Santa Margarida
.
A natural cave which can be reached on foot in 10-15 minutes, by a staircase of… 200 steep steps which descend on the side of the hill.
Inside, the cave houses a small, ageless chapel.
A tour in the coolness of its meanders and, before going back up, some spray and the view of the ocean.
After this introduction, it's time for the beaches!
If
Figuerinho
is the busiest and the most recommended with children, other less populated beaches are worth to the Serra da Arrábida its fame.
Hidden between
Galapinhos
Beach and
Do Creiro Beach
, the
wild Praia dos Coelhos
is one of Arrábida's best kept secrets.
It is reached after a 3 km walk which begins at the Galapinhos car park.
Along the way, the superb beaches of Galapinhos and
Galapos
offer themselves to the gaze and make you forget the little effort - moreover rewarded on arrival by the panorama and the tranquility of the place.
Further, after
Figuerinhos beach
, a unique monument offers spectacular views of the bay.
The 7a Battery of the Coastal Artillery Regiment (also known as 7a Bataria), a former military battery abandoned in 1998, opens onto Arrábida Bay and reveals one of the prettiest (and most secret) views.
Read alsoFive secret beaches in Portugal to enjoy holidays away from the crowds
What to visit
Arrábida Monastery was built in the 16th century.
Adobe Stock
The exploration of the Serra da Arrábida would not be complete without a visit to
the Nossa Senhora da Arrábida convent
, posted on the heights of the Serra da Arrábida.
Dominating 25 hectares of land, it was built by the Franciscans in the 16th century.
Today, it can only be visited by appointment on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
You can also sleep in one of the sixteen rooms of the convent to experience the monastic calm, lost in nature for less than 70 € per night (with breakfast).
Five small chapels are scattered in the mountain.
They welcomed priests who came to meditate and pray alone (Foriente.pt).
But the best secret of the monks of Arrábida is elsewhere.
It is located a few kilometers from Palmela, within the
quinta do Anjo
.
It is the only haven in Portugal where, within the walls of an old olive press, people still indulge in the artisanal production of Arrábida liqueur, Arrábidine.
We stop there to taste this liqueur which has almost disappeared, to understand its history and its production, which remained in the hands of a single family who filed the patent for the recipe (more information on limafortuna.com).
The medieval town of
Palmela
is also worth a visit, especially the castle.
An important historical heritage and an immense view, which stretches from Setubal to the Tagus and Sado estuary, from the Troia peninsula to the Alentejo plains.
You can choose to extend your stay there and spend the night in one of the elegant rooms of the Pousada Castelo de Palmela, which has taken up residence within the walls of the castle.
Take a detour through Setubal
Facing the traditional Setubal, the modern peninsula of Troia.
Adobe Stock
Nearby, Setubal is worth a stop.
We first discover it at the
Forte de São Filipe
(castle of S. Filipe), a fortress erected in 1590. From the chapel decorated with azulejos, from the 18th century, then reach the ramparts: the view of Setúbal, the bay of Sado and the peninsula of Troia is best viewed at a time when the sun is already almost set.
You can then end the day there with an aperitif at the adjoining bar-refreshment bar, without taking your eyes off the panorama.
In the morning, take the time to stroll between the stalls of the superb fish market (
Mercado do Levramento
), reputed to be one of the best in the world.
Along the way, hunger or gluttony may awaken: it's time for lunch!
From tasting fish, razor clams, fried cuttlefish or freshly caught octopus in a local
tasca
, before ending the meal with a few sips of Moscatel, Setúbal's emblematic liqueur.
GO
By car, take the A2 from Lisbon towards Setúbal then the N10 towards Azeitão, or as far as Portinho da Arrábida.
Without a car, more complicated!
Take the Fertagus train to Setúbal de Sete Rios or Entrecampos (allow 50 minutes).
Attention :
there is no public transport within the park, except in the summer when local buses serve the main beaches of Serra da Arrábida from Setúbal.
Many organizations offer circuits to discover the natural park, on foot, by "coasteering", by bike... and provide access to secret or remote corners of the natural park.
This is the case of "Keep it local Tours" which offers a one-day formula to discover the Serra da Arrábida (hiking, secret beach, climbing for the more adventurous, access to the best viewpoints, local lunch at Setúbal and wine tasting in one of the oldest wineries in the region).
The Vertente Natural organization offers very good more targeted formulas, according to your desires, from dolphin watching to hiking on the
WHEN TO GO
The temperate climate here makes exploration possible all year round.
In December and January, the mercury generally indicates 15°C.
For all sporting activities, choose fall or spring.
For the beaches, avoid the height of summer or arrive early, so as not to suffer from the heat or the crowd.
In addition, access is limited to cars in July and August.
Read alsoTen reasons to discover Portugal
MUSEUMS, ACTIVITIES… OUR ADDRESSES TO ORGANIZE YOUR TRIP
Vertente Natural
: vertentenatural.com.
Such.
: +351 93 727 59 94.
Keep it Local Tours
: keepitlocaltours.com.Tel.
: +351 914 918 197.
Convento da Arrábida
: Apartado 28 – 2925 Azeitão.
Such.
: +351 212 197 620. Visit by appointment on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, on foriente.pto, “Convento do Arrabida” tab, €5.
Oceanographic Museum
: Fortaleza de Santa Maria da Arrábida - Portinho da Arrábida - Parque Natural da Arrábida.
Such.
: +351 21 218 97 91. Closed until October and the reopening date has not yet been announced.
Information about icn.pt
Lima Fortuna
: visits around the production of Arrabidine, from Monday to Sunday.
Rua Venâncio da Costa Lima, 117 2950-701 Quinta do Anjo.
Such.
: +351 212 871 080. More information on limafortuna.com.
OR SLEEP
Hotel Casa Palmela.
Casa Palmela / Photo press
Hotel Casa Palmela
Choosing Setúbal as an anchor port if you want to explore Arrábida for several days is a good idea.
And Casa Palmela, a pretty five-star hotel set between the vines and the umbrella pines, an even better one!
Bright and elegant rooms, swimming pool ideal for relaxing and 360° views over the valley: a great address.
Casa Palmela, Quinta do Esteval, N10 km 33.5, 2900-725 Setubal.
Such.
: +351 265 249 650.
Read alsoHospitality: our 6 favorite pousada addresses in
Portugal
GOOD DINING
Oh Farol
On the beach of Portinho da Arrábida, we sit down here with an open horizon, opening from the beach of Creiro to the zoological reserve of Pedra da Anixa and up to the peninsula of Troia.
A few tables, facing the ocean and very good grilled fish…
O Farol, Rua do Portinho da Arrábida, 2925-378.
Such.
:+351 21 218 1177.
Casa Santiago - Rei do Choco Frito
We don't come here for the decor.
Moreover, everything is said in the name of the restaurant: you can sit down to taste the fried cuttlefish at the proclaimed king of this typical Setúbal dish.
And fans are not mistaken, the sometimes long queue on weekend evenings being proof.
A classic.
Casa Santiago - Rei do Choco Frito, Av. Luísa Todi 92, 2900-450 Setúbal.
Such.
: +351 265 221 688.