Located between the charming seaside towns of Setubal and Sesimbra, Arrabida Natural Park is a beautiful spot to visit for a day trip from Lisbon. You’ll have plenty of options to explore this wild coastal area, whether you go hiking, boating or just relaxing on the beach.
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to visiting Arrabida Natural Park so you can spend your days relaxing on the beaches, exploring the area and learning more about its rich history.
1. Praia do Creiro
The beach of Praia do Creiro is a beautiful spot overlooking a picturesque port, with Roman ruins in front. It is one of the most popular beaches in Arrabida and is usually packed during the summer, although it can be a little quieter at other times.
Located just below the parking lot, Praia do Creiro has a large sandy area and turquoise waters that make it perfect for those looking for a calm getaway. The surrounding area also offers quality restaurants and a small port where you can buy fresh seafood.
2. Praia dos Coelhos
This wild beach is located in a small bay of the Serra da Arrabida Mountains, and it's a difficult-to-access destination. However, if you're a nature lover, it's a great place to relax and enjoy the views.
The beach is surrounded by a forest of evergreen pines and limestone cliffs, offering breathtaking vistas over the Sado Estuary and Troia Peninsula.
Praia dos Coelhos is one of the most popular beaches in Arrabida, with many people visiting the area each summer. It's a great place to take a walk and soak up the sun.
3. Praia dos Galapos
Set in the jaw-dropping Arrabida Natural Park, Praia dos Galapos is one of the region’s most beautiful beaches. The crescent of golden sand is backed by the densely forested hills of the Serra da Arrabida and lapped by crystal-clear azure waters.
A short drive from the beach is Portinho da Arrabida, which boasts a couple of beachside restaurants and calm waters ideal for swimming or paddleboarding. It also offers a boat trip to the Berlengas archipelago, home to a thriving wildlife and plenty of islands to explore.
4. Portinho da Arrabida
The Arrabida Natural Park is one of the best spots in Portugal for outdoor lovers. From stunning beaches to craggy hiking trails and hidden wineries, there’s a whole world of wild beauty waiting to be explored.
Portinho da Arrabida is a small town in Serra da Arrabida, part of Arrabida Natural Park. Situated 13km west from Setubal and 21km east from Sesimbra, Portinho da Arrabida is an idyllic location to explore the nature of the area.
Whether you’re staying for a day or a week, you’ll find plenty of places to stay around Portinho da Arrabida to make the most of your time. Take a look at our selection of gorgeous accommodation to book your stay!
5. Oceanographic Museum
A little side excursion from Arrabida Natural Park, the Oceanographic Museum is housed in the Fortaleza de Santa Maria fort and provides an interesting look into the underwater world. It features salt water aquariums displaying common marine life along the Setubal coastline and historical preserved aquatic species.
With more than 6000 specimens, the Oceanographic Museum is an authentic experience, where science and culture meet. Discover one hundred pools ranging from 100 to 450,000 litres, presenting thousands of fish and invertebrates and more than one hundred species of hard and soft corals.
6. Sado Estuary
The Sado Estuary is a protected area that is home to various streams, creeks and marshlands. It is also famous for its wild beauty, birdwatching and dolphin watching tours.
Take a boat cruise along the Sado River to get a close look at a pod of dolphins and visit the 17th century Mourisca Tidal Mill. It is also worth seeing the stilt harbor at Carrasqueira, a picturesque set of piles buried in the mud that was once used as a fishing village.
The green hills of Arrabida Natural Park overlook the deep blue Atlantic ocean, with a network of trails that lead to secret coves and idyllic beaches. This is a perfect day trip from Lisbon for nature lovers.
