Looking for a piece of paradise less than 1 hour from Lisbon? Welcome to Arrábida. This coastal gem, nestled between green cliffs and the bright blue Atlantic, is where wild beauty meets peaceful escape. Whether you’re into sunbathing, snorkeling, hiking or just soaking up the view, the beaches of Arrábida are something special.

Where is Arrábida Natural Park?

Arrábida Natural Park is located on the Setúbal Peninsula, just south of Lisbon. It stretches from Sesimbra to Setúbal, covering lush Mediterranean hills, dramatic limestone cliffs, and a coastline dotted with incredible beaches. It’s where the forest meets the sea and magic happens.

Is it worth visiting Setúbal?

Definitely. Setúbal isn’t just a gateway to Arrábida, it’s a lively port city full of charm. Think fresh seafood by the water, colourful farmer markets, and boats heading out to spot dolphins. And from here, the beaches and hiking trails of Arrábida are just minutes away.

Does Arrábida Natural Park have beaches?

Oh yes, and they’re some of the best in Portugal. Protected by the cliffs and forest, the beaches here feel like secret hideaways. Calm, clear waters. White sand. A sense of stillness. Whether you want a relaxed family day or a wild little adventure, there’s a beach in Arrábida waiting for you.

The Best Beaches in Arrábida

As your local beach buddy, we’ve split this into two ways: the easy, comfy ones that are perfect for families and lazy lounging, and the wilder, untouched spots for those who love a bit of barefoot adventure. Let’s dive in.

Comfortable Beaches with Services

Praia da Figueirinha

Praia da Figueirinha isn’t flashy or fancy. It’s just real, relaxed, and ridiculously beautiful. It’s the kind of place where you show up for an hour and end up staying all day. Where the water is gentle, the views are epic, and the only real decision you have to make is whether you want another coffee or maybe something cold with bubbles.

So if you’re planning a beach day in Arrábida, don’t skip this one. It’s got comfort, it’s got beauty, and it’s got that special local feel that makes you want to come back.

And hey, if you need help putting together the perfect day, just say it. Whether it’s part of an Arrábida tour, a chill stop on a Lisbon private tour, or your first taste of our favorite beaches, I’m here to help you feel right at home.

Praia do Portinho da Arrábida

Now this one, Portinho, is more of a vibe. It’s where you go to feel like you’re in a movie scene. Picture boats bobbing in the water, families soaking up the sun, and cafés serving cold drinks and fresh grilled fish right by the beach.

There’s not a massive stretch of sand, but the water is crystal-clear and perfect for swimming. You’ve got mountains behind you, ocean in front, and a peaceful, laid-back energy all around. It’s a great stop on a Guided Tour Arrábida or a relaxing day built into one of our private tours Portugal. Good food, good views, and easy living.

Praia do Creiro

If we had to pick a beach that ticks all the boxes, Praia do Creiro would be it. Super easy to reach, with actual parking (yes, in summer that’s gold), and all the good stuff right there: clean bathrooms, two solid beachside restaurants, and gear rentals. You can grab a kayak, a paddle board, or hop into one of those pedal boats that make the kids go wild.

Right in front, you’ll spot Ilha da Anicha, that little rocky island floating out there. It’s not just pretty to look at. It’s actually where stingrays come to breed, which makes it one of the coolest snorkeling spots around. The water’s super clear and calm, so even beginners can have fun spotting fish and weird sea creatures.

And if you’re up for exploring a bit, paddle around to the west side of the cliffs. You’ll find hidden caves and tiny beaches that pop up when the tide’s low. Some are perfect for a quick cliff jump. Not too high, just enough to get the heart racing.

Creiro is part of most of our Arrábida tour, and honestly, it’s a must if you want comfort with a splash of adventure.

Wild and Hidden Beaches

Praia de Galapos e Galapinhos

These two are side by side and share the same jaw-dropping coastline. Galapos is the easier one to reach, and in summer you’ll find a small café and some low-key services. Galapinhos, on the other hand, is the wild twin. No facilities. Just you, the sand, the sea, and that wow feeling as soon as you walk down the path and see the water.

Snorkeling here is amazing. There’s tons of marine life, and you might even spot a wild boar wandering nearby. Don’t worry, they’re pretty chill. The animals in Arrábida seem to live in harmony with the people. It’s actually kind of magical.

The trail to Galapinhos is short and sweet, and the reward is huge. The water is next-level clear, the sand soft and bright, and the scenery… you’ll be reaching for your camera nonstop. These beaches are a favorite on our Arrábida Natural Park tour and often show up in our custom Lisbon private tour experiences too.

Praia dos Coelhos

Now we’re getting into the good stuff. Praia dos Coelhos is a little slice of untouched paradise. No beach bars. No umbrellas. Just raw, wild nature. But fair warning: you’ve gotta earn it. You’ll park at Praia do Creiro, then walk about 15 minutes through a rocky trail. It’s not hard, but it’s not flip-flop-friendly either.

When you get there, though? Wow. It’s a small, sheltered cove with golden sand and water so clear it’s like a giant swimming pool. You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret. And in a way, you have. This beach doesn’t have any services, so come prepared with water, snacks. Never leave trash left behind.

In summer, come early. Like, early-early. It gets busy fast. But in the off-season? It’s pure bliss.

Some of our more nature-focused Arrábida tours sneak this one in for guests who want that raw, real, off-the-grid beach experience.

How to Get to the Beaches of Arrábida?

From Lisbon, it’s just under one hour by car. Simply take the A2 SUL motorway and follow the signs to Setúbal or Sesimbra, depending on the beach you’re heading to.

Public transport is limited—only a seasonal shuttle runs in summer—so if you’re not driving, the easiest option is to join our Guided Tour to Arrábida.

Where to Park near the Beaches of Arrábida?

Parking is a bit of an art form in summer, space is scarce and strictly regulated. Praia da Figueirinha and Praia do Creiro have proper car parks, but they fill up fast, especially on weekends. For the more remote beaches, you’ll either park along the road or hike in. Arriving early makes all the difference.

What is the most beautiful beach in Setúbal?

A lot of locals and visitors would say Praia de Galapinhos. It’s got it all, clear turquoise water, soft sand, green cliffs, and a peaceful vibe that makes you want to stay forever. It’s been voted one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches for a reason.

What is the best beach in Arrábida?

That really depends on what you’re after. If you’re looking for comfort and easy access, go for Praia da Figueirinha or Praia de Galápos. But if you’re craving wild beauty and quiet, Praia dos Coelhos or Galapinhos might be your perfect match.

Tips from a Local Guide

• Bring plenty of water and snacks
• Sunscreen and a hat are a must
• Start your day early to catch the best light and avoid crowds
• Keep the noise down and respect nature
• Wear solid shoes for hiking to hidden spots
• Avoid weekends if you want peace and quiet

Here’s the thing. You can totally rent a car, try to figure out the parking situation, and bounce between these beaches on your own. Or… you can let us take care of the plan, the route, the gear, and even the stories behind each cliff and cove.

Whether you’re a beach bum, an explorer, or a chilled-out wanderer, there’s a spot here waiting for you.

Let me know the kind of day you want, and I’ll help make it happen. Sand, sun, sea caves… and maybe a wild boar sighting or two.

How to Book a Tour to Visit Arrábida

If you want to explore Arrábida without the stress of driving, parking or planning, just book a tour to Arrábida. We offer small group and private options, including transport, a friendly local guide, and visits to beaches, viewpoints, markets and even local wineries. You relax, we show you the magic.

Arrábida is more than just a beach destination. It’s about feeling the sun on your skin, tasting fresh seafood by the sea, and finding those little corners of Portugal that take your breath away. Come with us and see what makes this place so unforgettable.