Arrabida Natural Park
Arrabida Natural Park is located on the north bank of the Sado River estuary, between the city of Setubal and the fishing village of Sesimbra. The park was founded in 1976, covers an area of about 108 square kilometers and is one of the 30 places in Portugal that are officially protected by the state.
Highlights
It was created to preserve landscapes and many species of birds and animals, including eagles, wildcats and badgers.
.The name Arrabid comes from the Arabic word for a place of prayer, and the wooded hillsides do encourage a quiet retreat. The south-facing slopes are covered with evergreen shrubs and trees, pines and cypresses, more typical of the Mediterranean. Grapes also grow on the hillsides, and the town of Vila Nogueira de Azeitao, is famous for its wine, especially Moscatel de Serubal.
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The park area is located on the slopes of Arrabida, and the highest point in the park is Serra do Arrabida. There are two beaches within the park, which are popular with residents of Lisbon and Setubal.
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Visitors will be able to admire plants that are characteristic of the Mediterranean climate. Among these plants can be seen rare specimens of macchia, thickets of evergreen shrubs that grow only in the Mediterranean. The presence of these plants is one of the reasons why the park area in Arrabida is considered a unique international and scientific relic. In order to preserve this type of flora, special areas have been created which are protected by the Park’s staff and can only be viewed when accompanied by them. In total, the park is home to about 213 species of vertebrates, which include reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals.
The Arrábida Natural Park is very wide open for a retreat from city life, hiking or biking tours. There are companies in the area that offer scuba diving and mountain climbing services, and for caving enthusiasts, cave rappelling. For those who want to learn more about animal and plant life, it is worth visiting the Oceanography Museum, which is located in the Nossa Senhora do Arrabida Fort, near Portinho beach. In 2004, a fire destroyed much of the park, which is now being rebuilt..
Other beach vacationers can take small boat trips or kayaking off the coast. A visit to Azeitao, a village of beautiful mansions and villas and considered the center of local wine production, is a pleasant experience.
