Setúbal beaches and how the season works
The designated bathing waters near Setúbal are Albarquel, Figueirinha, Galapinhos, Galapos and Portinho da Arrábida. For each of them the bathing season runs from 4 June to 15 September 2026. Outside those dates, a visit to the sand is still possible, but you should not count on lifeguards.
Albarquel and Figueirinha, in the municipality of Setúbal, hold the 2026 Blue Flag. It does not apply to the other Arrábida beaches, and a flag is not a promise of good swimming on a given day. The beaches of the Tróia peninsula are on the Tróia page.
Which beach for which trip
A short guide to the main ones.
| Beach | Summer 2026 bus | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Albarquel | Line 4471, a circular route | Blue Flag 2026 |
| Figueirinha | Line 4474 from the ITS/Alegro stop | Blue Flag 2026, parking rules vary |
| Portinho da Arrábida | Line 4470 via Vila Nogueira de Azeitão | Long ride from Setúbal |
| Galapinhos | Line 4477 to Galapos, no stop at the sand | Walk the last part |
| Galapos | Line 4477 | Designated bathing water |
For most visitors without a car, the summer buses are the simplest route. If you drive, plan for the Creiro car park and a short bus ride on to the sand.
Our picks: beaches and caves by boat
The Arrábida bays look different from the water, and this boat includes the natural park fee and snorkelling.
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.
Boat trips and beach days from Setúbal
Boat trips, kayaks and coastal tours that reach the Arrábida beaches, with live prices and availability.
Portinho da Arrábida and Creiro
Portinho da Arrábida is a wide sandy beach with the hills behind it, and a calm green bay where boats lie at anchor. Line 4470 runs from the Setúbal ITS stop through Vila Nogueira de Azeitão. The full trip takes about 1 hour, so it is not a quick coastal hop from Figueirinha.
The Creiro car park has 140 spaces and is paid from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The price is €5 from 7 a.m. and €3 from 1 p.m. Arrive early on hot weekends.
Galapinhos and Galapos
Galapinhos has golden sand and clear water with rocks on one side. Line 4477 runs from the Creiro car park through Creiro to Galapos, free of charge in summer 2026. It ran about every 30 minutes from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., on weekends in June and every day from 29 June to 13 September; check the timetable before you travel. There is no stop right at the sand of Galapinhos, so you walk the last stretch.
Be aware that between the Figueirinha tunnel and Galapos the coastal route is closed because of rockfall risk. You cannot walk or drive through the tunnel section to reach Galapinhos from Figueirinha.
Figueirinha and Albarquel
The beaches closest to town.
Figueirinha
Flat, clear water and pale sand. Line 4474 runs from the ITS/Alegro stop. Free transfer car parks are at Alegro, at Várzea and at the monthly market in Azeitão. Parking at the beach itself is limited and the rules vary with the season and the day, so check before you drive.
Albarquel
Served by the circular line 4471 and holding a Blue Flag in 2026.
Safety on the sand
Figueirinha has a lifeguard and first aid post in season, but not all year. Areas by the tunnel can be fenced off during rock-clearing works. Respect any tape or signs, and stay away from the base of the cliff.
Bus fares on the beach lines can differ by ticket type, so check the price at the stop or when you board. For the park itself, see Arrábida Natural Park, and for the last stretch of the drive from Lisbon, getting to Setúbal.
Setúbal beaches: frequently asked questions
Which beaches have a Blue Flag near Setúbal?
In 2026 these are Albarquel and Figueirinha. The other Arrábida beaches do not carry it.
When does the bathing season run?
From 4 June to 15 September 2026 at Albarquel, Figueirinha, Galapinhos, Galapos and Portinho da Arrábida.
Can I reach Galapinhos by bus?
Line 4477 runs to Galapos, but no stop is right at the sand of Galapinhos, so you walk the last part. The bus ran in summer 2026 and is not a year-round service.
Is parking available at Figueirinha?
The rule depends on the season and the day, and a space is not guaranteed. Use the transfer car parks and the bus, or check the current rule first.
Is swimming guaranteed to be safe with a Blue Flag?
No. A flag shows the beach met set criteria, not that conditions are good today. Look for the lifeguard flags, and avoid the foot of the cliffs.