You already know that we love exploring new places around the city of Lisbon, and Setúbal is one of our special itineraries, namely the incredible beaches of the Serra da Arrábida, which have once again been highlighted by the most recognized international media, this time by The Times for being defined as “paradisiacal”.
Arrábida is about an hour away from the hustle and bustle of the city, hidden between the green mountains and the blue sea, interspersed with small white sandy coves, which at the height of summer (or even before) is a paradise for many vacationers.
The Arrábida Natural Park
It is a true natural sanctuary, created in 1976 and located between Setúbal and Sesimbra , and offers a very rare combination of beaches, historical heritage and almost untouched nature, although in the hottest summer months, it is “invaded” by crowds of tourists, both local and foreign, who have already realized that these beaches really are a find in the country.
Famous for their white sands and crystal-clear waters, there are a few beaches that stand out on this small and incredible coastline in Setubal: Praia do Portinho da Arrábida, Galapinhos, Figueirinha, Creiro and Coelhos are our favorites, some of them surrounded by cliffs and vegetation , almost wild and accessible only by small trails or by sea, which can guarantee an even more exclusive and peaceful experience, even in the busiest months.
A refuge that few tourists know about
Despite being well known among the Portuguese, especially the inhabitants of neighboring cities such as Lisbon and Setúbal, the truth is that few international tourists know about these beaches, as can be seen from the words of the Times journalist.
And this lack of knowledge can perhaps be explained by the restricted access to some areas, as well as the absence of large tourist developments, which makes their wild and authentic nature all the more preserved.
However, for those looking for peace and tranquillity, natural beauty and a unique summer experience, these “secret” paradise beaches can’t “hide” from the curious.