Just an hour away from Lisbon, nestled between limestone cliffs and lush green hills, lies one of Portugal’s most magical regions: Serra da Arrábida. Here, nature, history, and spirituality blend seamlessly. In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through this breathtaking mountain range, peaceful bays, and mysterious ruins that have captured the hearts of travelers and filmmakers alike.
Serra da Arrábida: Green Hills Overlooking the Atlantic
Arrábida Natural Park is a treasure of biodiversity – limestone peaks covered with Mediterranean scrub, rare orchids, juniper woods, and the dramatic cliffs of Serra do Risco, the highest coastal escarpments on mainland Portugal. From the peaks, you can enjoy sweeping views of the ocean and the Troia peninsula. Adventurers will find scenic hiking trails and viewpoints accessible via the winding N379 road.
This region is also rich in history. Archaeologists have found tools dating back over 300,000 years, and a 16th-century Franciscan monastery nestled in the hills still recalls the area’s spiritual legacy. Fun fact: the final scene of the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” was filmed right here.
Portinho da Arrábida: Peaceful Bay and Oceanographic Museum
Portinho is a tiny fishing village tucked into a sheltered bay, named one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal in 2010. Surrounded by forested hills, it offers calm, lake-like waters perfect for snorkeling and kayaking. Just offshore sits Pedra da Anicha, a rocky islet that teems with marine life.
Don’t miss the Oceanographic Museum, housed in a 17th-century fort once used to defend the coast. Inside, you’ll find displays of local marine flora and fauna. After your visit, enjoy fresh sardines or calamari at one of the cozy family-run restaurants.
Praia do Creiro: A Beach Paradise with Ancient Roman Footprints
Just next to Portinho lies Praia do Creiro – a wide, sandy beach with views of Anicha, flanked by greenery and rocky cliffs. It can get busy in summer, but excellent infrastructure (parking, beach bars, lifeguards) and calm waters make it a top spot for families.
Right by the beach, you’ll find the Estâo Arqueológica do Creiro, the remains of a Roman fish-processing facility that produced garum, the famous fermented fish sauce, nearly 2,000 years ago.
Lapa de Santa Margarida: A Seaside Chapel Hidden in a Cave
Tucked into a cliff halfway between Portinho and Cabo Espichel, the Lapa de Santa Margarida chapel is one of the most mystical places in the region. To reach it, you descend over 200 stone steps carved into the rock. The cave’s interior reveals a humble altar, devotional offerings, and the sound of waves echoing off the stone walls.
According to legend, a secret tunnel once connected this cave to the Arrábida monastery. Whether truth or myth, the spiritual aura is undeniable.
Our Walk: From Beach to Cave and Back
We set off on a 5 km walk, following the trail from Praia do Creiro to Lapa de Santa Margarida and back. The path winds through natural scenery, offering incredible coastal views, hidden corners, and a mix of beach, forest, and rock formations. It’s an easy-to-moderate hike, perfect for combining a beach day with a bit of adventure and history.
How to Get There and When to Go
The easiest way to reach Serra da Arrábida is by car from Lisbon (about 45 minutes). In summer, shuttle buses run from Setúbal, which is accessible by train. The best time to visit is between May and October, when the weather is ideal for hiking and swimming.
