Arrábida

Palmela castle is one of the most impressive sights in the Lisbon region. Occupied, conquered, lost and regained, it is a faithful testament to the battles waged during the first royal dynasty (1143 to 1383) to establish the territory of Portugal. Erected at a uniquely strategic point, between the Tagus and Sado rivers, it was founded by the Romans, probably in 310 BC. But the first fortifications were built by the Moors from the 8th to 9th centuries. The castle was successively added to: the primitive round towers by the Romans; the square towers by the Moors; the entrance tower by the Master of Avis; and the cannon fortifications by Pedro II. It has a great view of the Arrábida hills and Sado estuary. It also houses two churches, one lined with 17th-century tiles and a set of 16th-century graves. Come and visit for its view and unique location.

If you visit Setúbal and Arrábida, you’ll be surprised by the magnitude of the nature and the balance between hills and sea. But to get to know the nature of this region better, mainly the huge area of the Sado estuary, there’s no better way than to explore the huge wetlands separated from the sea by the Tróia peninsula: the Reserva Natural do Estuário do Sado. Here you can find countless species of birds and several dozen dolphins amid marshes, sandbanks, rice paddies and a vast area of woods and reed plantations. This conservation area is also home to several threatened species, such as the black bat and otter. Ideally, join one of the many cruises that visit the estuary from Setúbal to observe nature in its calmest state. But if you only have time to take the ferry across to Tróia, you may still catch sight of the friendly dolphins. Nature is famous for being generous here.

If you want to find the best beaches in Lisbon, head south to Arrábida, pass through Setúbal and forget the ferry to Tróia. As you drive towards the popular Albarquel and Figueirinha beaches, don’t stop. It’s the beaches in the coves formed by the serra, stretches of golden sand between the transparent blue of the sea and the lush green of the hills, that you’re after. Memorise the names: Galapinhos, Galápos, Coelhos and Creiro. Park the car and follow those leading the way. Believes us, it’s worth it. A little further on, you’ll see Portinho da Arrábida, one of the prettiest beaches in Portugal. On the Sesimbra side, Lagoa de Albufeira is perfect for wind and kite surfing. At Meco, there are nudist beaches and a cosmopolitan atmosphere; while at Sesimbra the mood is more family oriented.