Visiting the mountains, classified as a Natural Park, means a mixture of meeting with Nature and going for a swim in the crystal blue waters of the fine sandy beaches that spread across the foothills facing the Atlantic.

Figueirinha, awarded annually with the Blue Flag for over a decade, is one of the largest and most sought after by visitors. However, there are small refuges, true enclaves among the silhouette of the mountains, such as Galapos and Galapinhos – considered in 2017 the most beautiful beach in Europe -, which can seduce those who seek the peace of more isolated places. Along the way, facing the sand of Creiro, the curious Pedra da Anicha rips through the “oceanic plain”, emerging through the water and offering refuge to different marine species, which is why it was classified as a Zoological Reserve. On land, for history lovers, there is the opportunity to visit the archaeological station of Creiro, site of the remains of a Roman industrial complex for salting fish.

On the access road to Portinho da Arrábida – one of the “7 Natural Wonders of Portugal”, is Lapa de Santa Margarida, which is reached by descending a long staircase that winds down the slope to sea level. Here, the oldest traces of the presence of Man in the mountains were found, dating back to the Lower Paleolithic.

Going up the mountain, along the panoramic road, you will find stunning landscapes. Several natural viewpoints appear as if from nowhere between the curves of Arrábida and you feel like pulling over every five minutes.

In the heart of the mountains, admire the Convento da Arrábida, which, since 1542, has harmoniously sprinkled the green hillside with white.

Back in Setúbal, on the top of the mountain, a stop at the viewpoints along the road is justified.