From the perfect marriage between the mountains and the sea, some of the country’s most incredible beaches were born , many with famous all over the world, others practically wild and secret: the beaches of Arrábida.
The Arrábida beaches, which are almost an hour from Lisbon, between Setúbal and Sesimbra, are one of the main tourist attractions in this region of the country, between the capital and the Alentejo.
For the most part, access to these beaches isn’t exactly easy, but that’s what makes them so special. Do you know them all? Take a look at our guide!
Anicha Beach
Praia da Anicha is a small, secluded beach located next to the bay of Portinho da Arrábida, known for its crystal-clear, calm waters, offering a protected natural environment, ideal for those who value biodiversity and seek peace and quiet.
It takes its name from the famous Pedra da Anicha (also known as Pedra da Anixa), which is a small rocky islet designated as a zoological reserve.
Its access is conditioned by the tides and the sand is limited, which guarantees a reserved and almost exclusive experience.
Ribeira do Cavalo Beach
Close to Cape Espichel, it was an almost wild beach for years, but today it is becoming more popular with bathers and the curious, who don’t mind making the difficult journey to get there (or taking a boat).
It is one of the few beaches in Arrábida with no human hands, no shops or ice cream stalls.
Lovers of nature and quieter beaches will appreciate it.
Penedos Beach
Belonging to the municipality of Sesimbra, this beach is very difficult to access, which is why it is sought out mainly by fishermen, nudists and fans of absolute peace and quiet.
It has little sand, but lots of pebbles and stones. The waters are sometimes rough.
Alpertucho Beach
Surrounded by the green of the mountains, this is a small beach with lots of rocks and pebbles and very little sand.
The waters are clear and transparent, while the temperature doesn’t usually exceed 18º.
Access is via a discreet dirt track before the Hydrographic Museum. Another secret that few know.
Portinho da Arrábida Beach
This is one of Arrábida’s picture postcards and it’s easy to see why: surrounded by the mountains, with a long stretch of sand and clear waters, it offers a beautiful setting, which is also home to half a dozen houses and a couple of restaurants.
In 2010 it was considered one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
Creiro Beach
Next to Portinho da Arrábida, this beach at the foot of the mountains has clear, cold waters, as is typical of the area.
It is close to an ancient Roman fish-salting complex and is served by a parking lot, which is rare in these parts.
Coelhos Beach
Another (almost) wild beach with difficult access, but well worth the walk.
When you arrive at Praia dos Coelhos, you’ll find a shell-shaped paradise with fine white sand and transparent waters.
Surrounding it is the Serra da Arrábida mountain range, which helps to make up the scenery even more. When the tide is low, it can be reached from nearby Praia do Creiro.
Galapinhos Beach
Despite being considered one of the best beaches in Europe by several foreign publications, it is still a “secret” for many Portuguese.
Access isn’t exactly easy, but down there it offers an incredible setting, with the green of the mountains and the strong tones of the sea taking center stage.
The scenery couldn’t be more instagrammable and the calm waters invite you to take a dip.
Galapos Beach
If you look at a photo, the more inattentive might say it’s a beach far away, perhaps in the Indian Ocean.
But no, it’s right on the edge of the Serra da Arrábida and, like its neighbors, offers crystal-clear waters and a relatively long stretch of sand (for this area).
If you go there, you’ll easily forget the steps you have to take, because the scenery is incredible and the sea invites you to take a dip.
Figueirinha Beach
This is one of the most popular beaches in Arrábida, not least because it is close to Setúbal, but also because it has the longest stretch of sand in the region.
The clear waters, fine sands and good beach facilities are other attractions of Figueirinha.
Albarquel Beach
This beach has the great advantage of being on the edge of the city of Setúbal (you can walk from the city center), at the gates of the Serra da Arrábida.
It also has a relatively long stretch of sand and is close to the pleasant Parque de Albarquel.
Map with the best beaches in Arrábida, and a list for your phone!
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