Arrábida Natural Park at a glance
The Parque Natural da Arrábida covers forested hills that drop to the sea west of Setúbal. It is a natural park, not a national park, and it spreads across the municipalities of Palmela, Sesimbra and Setúbal. On 27 September 2025 the Arrábida area was also recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. That is a different title from World Heritage, and its boundary is not the same as the park's.
Most visitors come for three things: the convent on the hillside, a walk on the marked trails and the beaches at the foot of the slope. The beaches have their own page, Setúbal beaches. This page covers the park itself.
The hills and the sea
How to plan your visit.
The park reaches down to the sea. Plan stops at places where you can park legally, and do not stop on the road itself. In summer the beach roads have their own rules, explained below.
If you would rather have someone else drive and explain the park, look at the Setúbal tours. The estuary side is covered on the dolphin watching page.
Our picks: Arrábida by jeep
A jeep with a local guide is a way to cover the hill tracks without driving.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Arrábida tours and day trips from Setúbal
Jeep trips, boat trips and activities in and around the natural park, with live prices and availability.
The Convento da Arrábida
The convent belongs to the Fundação Oriente. You see it on a guided visit, not by walking in on your own. Visits usually take place on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and the available dates are in the foundation's programme. You register for a specific language and date.
The guided visit of the Convento Novo takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. In 2026 it costs €8 for adults and €5 for students and people over 65. Children up to 6 are free. A group needs at least 10 people and at most 25. For groups of more than 10 the price is €6 per person, and you agree it in advance. There is no public transport to the convent, so plan a car, a taxi or an organised trip.
Walking trails in the park
Two marked routes in the park.
PR1 STB Encostas de São Filipe
The less demanding of the two marked routes. Conditions vary, so check the current state of the path.
PR2 STB Alto do Formosinho
A much harder walk because of the climb and the ground. Allow extra time and wear proper shoes.
Before you set out
Not every path is open at every moment, and some areas have limited access. Check the current state of the route you want, carry water and take it slowly in the summer heat.
Summer car rules on the beach roads
The rules for 2026.
From 4 June to 15 September 2026, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., access is controlled on certain beach roads. The control starts at Saboaria and at the Pinheiro junction on the ER 379-1 (Rua Círio da Arrábida). It does not apply to the whole N379-1. Public transport, taxis and ride-hailing cars, authorised vehicles and some vehicles with a disability badge are exempt. An exemption does not give you a parking space.
Two road facts are worth knowing. The Estrada Florestal da Comenda (CM 1056) links Albarquel, Outão and Figueirinha. It is not the coastal link to Galapos: between the Figueirinha tunnel and Galapos there is still a closure because of the risk of rockfall. Do not plan a drive or a walk through that stretch, and check the state of the roads before you set out.
Summer buses serve the beaches, and the details are on the beaches page. To reach the area from Lisbon, see getting to Setúbal.
Keep exploring
Nearby places and practical pages.
Arrábida Natural Park: frequently asked questions
Is Arrábida a national park?
No. It is a natural park. In September 2025 the area also became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which is not the same as a World Heritage Site.
Can I visit the Convento da Arrábida without a booking?
The convent is visited on guided tours at set dates, usually on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. You register for a date and a language, so check the programme before you travel.
Can I drive to the beaches in summer?
Access is controlled on certain beach roads from 4 June to 15 September 2026, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Public transport and taxis are exempt. An exemption does not guarantee a parking space, so the summer buses are often the easier choice.
Is there a bus to the convent?
No. There is no public transport to the Convento da Arrábida, so you need a car, a taxi or a tour.
What is the difference between PR1 and PR2?
PR1 Encostas de São Filipe is the less demanding one. PR2 Alto do Formosinho is much harder because of the climb and the ground.