Every time we hear about Praia dos Coelhos, our senses go on alert, such is the natural beauty of this small, inaccessible beach in the heart of the Serra da Arrábida, in the municipality of Setúbal.
We know that many people have already tried, but the access to this refuge is really not easy, and you have to walk up some steep trails to get there. So if you don’t feel confident in your physical abilities, don’t even try (we don’t want you to get hurt) and go to the beach next door instead , which is considered an international benchmark.
On the other hand, if you’re really convinced to visit Praia dos Coelhos, know that it’s one of the best-kept secrets on our coast, still wild and with some environmental restrictions, perfect for adventurers looking for nature in its pure state, or almost, since the massification of tourism doesn’t always help in this area, which we regret.
Nature in its purest state
Located between the larger beaches of Galapinhos and Creiro (in between are the small sandy beaches of Anixa and Monte Branco), Praia dos Coelhos is a small cove that was, for many years, only frequented by locals or lovers of practically wild nature tourism. Its name is due to the presence of wild rabbits on the surrounding hillside, which are now almost non-existent.
As it is located in the Arrábida Natural Park, Praia dos Coelhos benefits from the status of this vast protected area in the municipality of Setúbal , which limits its urbanization, making it a rare example of “untouched” Mediterranean coastline, just over an hour from Lisbon.
Access to paradise
If you’re willing to walk along a steep dirt track (between 10 and 15 minutes from the parking lot), we guarantee it will be worth it, even though this beach is relatively small.
Once you get there, you’ll find a little paradise with fine sands and crystal-clear (and cold) waters, but be aware that there is no support infrastructure of any kind, such as bars or toilets, or even surveillance, so from here on in, you’re on your own. That’s precisely why the flow of visitors is very limited to these kinds of constraints, which helps keep Coelhos a very restricted beach.
Based on these premises, don’t forget to:
- wear comfortable shoes, preferably sneakers or hiking boots (avoid flip-flops), as the access is steep and slippery;
- bring your own water, food, towel, parasol, sunscreen and bags to take your garbage back, as there is no beach support;
- visit on less crowded days, outside the summer months, when the beach is quieter;
- bring your camera or powerbank to charge your cell phone, because this paradise is worth a thousand photos.
As road access to Serra da Arrábida is limited between Figueirinha and Galápos beaches, during the summer (from June 15 to September 15) you can take advantage of the “Arrábida Without Cars” program, which consists of taking a bus to and from the Arrábida beaches.
Must-do” tips
We’d like these to be more than just suggestions of what you “should do” when you visit this little paradise.
Since the popularity of this summer area is at an all-time high, it is necessary to follow a few rules in order to keep these “hiding places” pleasant for everyone. So:
- Whenever possible, avoid taking the car, using buses or your own non-motorized transport, such as a bicycle;
- pick up any garbage you make during your stay at the beach;
- protect the vegetation as much as possible, avoiding negative impacts on local biodiversity.
The future of Praia dos Coelhos is in your hands (we’re very serious), and now that you know it better, make an effort to comply with the few but essential rules , which are quite simple. Thank you!
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