Parque Natural de Arrábida

South of Lisbon, the Parque Natural da Arrábida protects a ridge of limestone hills that falls steeply to the sea. Its slopes are covered in dense Mediterranean scrub, its cliffs hide small beaches and coves, and the water below is among the clearest in mainland Portugal.

A ridge above the sea

The park stretches from Setúbal towards Sesimbra, combining hills, coastline and a rich marine environment. The Mediterranean climate and the shelter of the ridge allow a remarkable variety of plants, and the area is also known for its birds and its marine life.

What to see and do

• Viewpoints along the ridge, with wide views over the Sado estuary and the sea.
• The beaches and coves reached by road or on foot from Portinho da Arrábida.
• Walking and cycling routes through the park.
• The Convento da Arrábida, set among the hills.

Visiting the park

The park lies between Setúbal and Sesimbra, about 40 kilometres south of Lisbon. Access to the park is free; for trails, beaches and any seasonal restrictions, check the official information before your visit.

Visitor information: icnf.pt.

Image credit: Parque Natural da Arrábida, by Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.