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Arrabida Natural Park

TIME : 2016/2/22 13:50:49
Arrabida Natural Park

Arrabida Natural Park

Golden beaches, steep cliff sides, tall pine trees, and hillsides of Mediterranean greenery characterize Arrabida National Park, a stretch of land along the Portuguese coast between the seaside towns of Setúmbal and Sesimbra. From the summit of Serra da Arrabida, the highest point of the park, to the beaches of Portinho da Arrábida, this area is full of natural beauty. Praia do Figueirinha and the Praia do Creiro are two notable beaches. Small coastal villages with centuries old monasteries and stone forts are present throughout. 
Hiking trails are a great way to explore the park; many have sweeping views of the sea and are surrounded by the area’s indigenous plants and animals. The Rota Moinho (Windmills Track) has several traditional windmills to see en route. The town of Pamela is a great place to begin many of the available hikes. On a clear day, it is possible to see all the way to Lisbon.

Practical Info

Arrabida National Parks is situated between Sesimbra and Setúmbal, running 8 kilometers along the coast. It is often visited as a day trip from Lisbon, but as public transportation is limited both to and within the park, renting a car is recommended. The park is about a 30-minute drive from Lisbon.