park natural da arrabida

The natural park, besides serveral strong preausres around (construction,urban areaa, stone extractions, etc), cosntitutes a good exampele of protcetion of mediterranean (maquis and garrigue) vegetaion a, withy beautiful trails, and a magificent view towards the sea, and the south coastline, 40 km kms of continuous sand, from Troia to the south. Also importante to tast the good fish, wine and cheese.

Don't forget your camera, great photos to be taken, the only minus is the lack of parking spots next to the nice points.

It is a pretty trail going along a couple of ridges. It has also a few ups and downs as you go from one ridge to the other BUT do not attempt it unless you have a GPS and some Orienteering skills. We got a one sheet map from the tourist office and with the instructions from the very kind lady in the tourist office we managed to start the beginning of the trail. However once you start there are no signs at all (OK, a few broken ones) that indicate where you are and which trail to take in any crossroad.As the trail says there are a number of windmills, some of them converted into living quarters and great views over valleys and the see (depending on the ridge)The trail in the first ridge is dirt and rocky (lots of mountain bikes in the weekends). The part in the second ridge is mostly paved road, but quiet with little trafficWe did the trail in January and the weather was very pleasant: sunny and cool. I would be a lot more cautious in the hot weather and only do the trail in the morning or later afternoonI have Orienteering skills and we managed to finish the trail and return to the village. But I had to resort to using the GPS in the smartphone as a support tool (BTW, trail is not in Google maps so you have to guess more or less where you are)

The natural park meets the sea with a dramatic coastline dotted with small fishing villages and some little fortresses. A nice big green area - with a cement factory next to it (why??!).

This is a warning for all tourists with a rental car! All rental cars are recognised by their numberplates!!! Thieves know that.We went to Arrabida National Park. The environment was fantastic. We stopped at the beach on road 379-1 near Figuerinha. While we were on the beach for a moment our rental car, a Nissan Micra was opened with a screwdriver. Our luggage, two camerabags with Canon gear, mobile phone and a lot of personal stuff was robbed.Even my shoes!According to a security officer the coast north and south of Lissabon ( Guincho surfbeach to Setubal) is the most criminal part of Portugal.I know it is stupid, but Portugal seemed to be a nice and friendly place.This is a reason not to go back to Portugal.So take care in the National Park and take everything with you.The police in Setubal was not very cooperative. Because of our missing credit and paycard we want to make a phonecall to the bank. This was impossible!!Petra Boschman

An hour from Lisbon is the Arrabida natural park.The coastal drive is exhilirating and the beaches are wonderful for swimming.Go in the week to have a more peaceful experience.You can drive down to Portinho da Arrabida where there are restaurants and small guesthouses and a diving school.Park on the road and take the steps to Galapos beach with 2 restaurants and amazing swimming and views. Really a paradise.Figuerinha beach closer to the town of Setubal is more commercial and less secluded.A really beautiful day out and only an hour from Lisbon.

Overlooking the ocean on one side and the country side on the other, this is a must see in Setubal. Not for the faint hearted to drive up and down the winding road but well worth it. Go in the afternoon so the fog has burned off.

We just took a drive through Arrabida. The views were breathtaking and there are some well signposted walks and little beaches that had that "instant relaxation" effect. Will definitely be going back.

It is a natural park, with magnificent landscapes and with a lot of external presures, this means constructiona and a cementery factory.

We went to the beach in Arrabida Park. It was a great place, very beautiful. You can go there by car, by the car park is up the hill, cars are not allowed to go down to the beach which was very nice. Parking costs 3 euros per day, and if you get there around 9 AM you can find parking in the closest parking lot to the beach. There were two restaurants there, we went to the one at the end of the beach. Food was ok, but not very good service ( very slow, and they did not bring what we ordered). The bathroom facilities are in the restaurants, but you can go there without paying or buying something, and they were clean. There are umbrellas and beach chairs to rent there, we paid 10EUR for 2 chairs and 1 umbrella. There was also WiFi on the beach from the small bar.

This is the most beautiful beach of the Lisbon area. Period. Covered by a green hill, you don't get much wind, as well. The water, as a consequence, is calm, even if a bit cold...

and the warm smell of sunny Portugal. Pine, eucalyptus (not native despite it's abundance). You might see eagles or goats or look out to sea and see dolphins or the odd whale that infrequently visits.Drive through and you won't be disappointed.

Being born and raised in Portugal (Lisbon) I often drove to Portinho da Arrabida which is so beautiful.At the end of the stay, I would drive back home by the same road and enjoy the nice views.I've been living abroad for many years, so when I now visit Portugal, I am a tourist...Last week, travelling North from Algarve, I decided to take the ferry from Troia to Setubal and from there to Arrabida.I couldn't believe my eyes. The beauty of the landscape recalled some of my best souvenirs from New Zealand.A total must.If you follow my advice and take this road, offer yourself a slot of a couple of hours as you will have to drive slowly and you will for sure stop at the numerous parkings by the side of the road to admire the sea, the mountain and the Troia peninsula in front of you.Fabulous!!!

You will be able to experience wonderfull views over Arrabida's beaches and Troia península. Breathtaking.

My trip to Portugal was unexpectedly extended for a couple of days so I joined a mountain bike tour to Park Natural da Arrabida. This is a must see for any Lisbon tourist who appreciates natural beauty. The ride was incredible. It included breathtaking mountain views, beautiful beaches, and ended with a delicious lunch right on the coast. Highly recommended!!