Yes, Portugal again: we are going to the Arrábida
The Sierra de Arrábida Natural Park It is formed by a set of mountains attached to the sea that extend from Setúbal to Cabo Espichel . With a Caribbean aspect, white sand and crystal clear waters, the beaches are undoubtedly one of the biggest attractions of the place , and you will realize as soon as you set foot in these parts...
All the beaches in the area are perfect but if you are looking for a little corner for yourself, we recommend exploring the coves that form between Figuerinhas and Galapos . You can also hire a Taxi Boat to one of the islets on this coast... sandbanks in the middle of the sea that call you from the shore.
La Arrábida is about looking for your own piece of sea just for you
When the tide is at its lowest point, all the beaches bordering each headland can be conquered on foot, from Galapos to Portinho . If you are one of those who enjoys swimming in open water, at Swim Together, they help you with all the equipment and knowledge necessary to recognize the area by swimming.
And no, don't insist: the water is not cold. It is, as the locals say, fresh.
The water is not cold; it's fresh
ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ROADS IN PORTUGAL
To fully understand where are you and why did you come here , it is essential that you travel by car N379-1 . From the top of the mountains the views of the Arrabida beaches , the Sado estuary and the Troia peninsula , they are spectacular. Assume the tourist that you have inside and throw yourself a pose without complexes in one of the viewpoints.
When turning one of the curves (spoiler) appears out of nowhere, nestled in the middle of the mountains, the Convento da Nossa Senhora da Arrábida, a complex of whitewashed buildings from the 16th century . Whoever chose the place to build the convent knew what he was doing. Nowadays, there are no longer any monks to receive you, but you can visit it by booking in advance at Oriente Foundation.
Perhaps the most beautiful roads in Portugal?
TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
To the west, around Sesimbra, things get more adventurous . Access to the beaches is a bit complicated but worth it. On the other side, wild beaches cut by cliffs await you, some up to 300 meters high, as in the Cape of Arles . A good option is the ex-secret beach, Ribeira do Cavalo.
Do not be fooled by the immensity of the place, here the waters are still calm and perfect for snorkeling. Marine reserve since 1998, when you put on your mask and snorkel, noticeable . To upgrade and explore the area without breaking a sweat, hop on a fundive with the guys from Spot Freediving . Sometimes, they also organize night outings when there is a full moon, and we only have one word (or rather, onomatopoeia) to define it: AUUUUU!
ANIMAL WORLD
In Arrábida, you don't have to spend hours in a rhino costume to be able to spot wild animals. If you drive attentively, you are likely to run into some fox or that you meet one boar family swimming on the beach… exotic fauna, halfway between the glamor of Bahamian pigs and the authenticity of their cousins on the M30.
The wild side of the Arrábida
Furthermore, in the Sado Estuary resides permanently dolphin community , whom you can see swimming from the Vertigem Azul catamaran. Pioneers in observe and protect this community , the intimacy with them is such that they have a 98% success rate in their observation walks.
For ornithology geeks, in the Moinho da Maré da Mourisca you can see more than 200 types of birds, and if your companion is not passionate about the plan, perhaps you can seduce him with the tasting of local oysters that they offer.
LUXURY SLEEP
In order not to lose spiritual connection with the pachamama, stay at the hotel Palmela House. A sophisticated 18th century manor house , surrounded by vineyards and inserted in the heart of the park, where they just want you to relax. You will not want to leave their pools but you should know that they organize horseback riding through the mountains. Sorrentino could have filmed Youth here.
SETÚBAL
One of the famous sons of Setúbal is Jose Mourinho , but the city has much more to offer you than the game of soccer coach. Its historic center, from the Miradouro de São Sebastião to the Troino neighborhood , is 100% Portuguese bucolism. Like a little Lisbon but without selfie sticks, it exudes authenticity.
Eating badly is really complicated . With a paper tablecloth, the grilled fresh fish and fried cuttlefish dominate the menu of bars. The owner of O Rei do Choco Frito , in addition to being an expert in naming, makes the best choco in the area. For grilled fish, sit down at any of the restaurants on the Fonte Nova square . It doesn't fail.
Free Market
Without losing essence, but somewhat more sophisticated, the Adega dos Garrafões It is a good place to try other local dishes such as iscas or the pork à alentejo . And all, with hand-cut fries, pura vida.
The Free Market It is another must stop. outside, salmon-colored art deco facade ; inside, tiles, regional products and fresh fish . I help you choose: faralhao bread , of sourdough cooked in a wood oven; Y Azeitao cheese , semi-creamy, from Arrábida sheep and curdled with thistle flower.
A GOOD FAREWELL WINE
You can't go home without getting a local wine. The Arrábida terroir is conducive to muscatel . In the Quinta do Piloto , four-generation family winery, they teach you all about their 100% ecological traditional method. Standing in the Serra do Louro, in Palmela , you can taste their wines overlooking the Tagus River and Lisbon . And if things get messy, you can stay in their cozy guesthouse.
Quinta do Piloto