Setúbal.
Parque Natural da
Arrábida, Praça da República, Setúbal (Tel: 265 541
140 ).
The Parque Natural da Arrábida covers the small range of limestone mountains
which stretches east-west along the coast between Sesimbra and Setúbal. It was
established to protect the wild, beautiful landscape and rich variety of birds
and wildlife, including eagles, wildcats and badgers.
The name Arrábida is from Arabic meaning a place of prayer, and the wooded
hillsides are indeed a peaceful, secluded retreat. The sheltered, south-facing
slopes are thickly covered with aromatic and evergreen shrubs and trees such as
pine and cypress, more typical of the Mediterranean. Vineyards also thrive on
the sheltered slopes and the town of Vila Nogueira de Azeitão
is known for its wine, especially the Moscatel de Setúbal.
The Estrada de Escarpa (the N379-1) snakes across the top of
the ridge and affords astounding views. A narrow road winds down to Portinho da Arrábida , a sheltered cove with a beach of fine white sand
and crystal clear sea, popular with underwater fishermen. The sandy beaches of
Galapos and Figueirinha are a little
further east along the coast road towards Setúbal. Just east of Sesimbra, the
Serra da Arrábida drops to the sea in the sheer 380-m (1,250-ft) cliffs of
Risco, the highest in mainland Portugal.
by appt only at
3pm Wed–Sun (Tel: 213 527 002 ).
Aug.
Half-hidden among the trees of the Serra, this 16th-century building was once
a Franciscan monastery. The five round towers on the hillside were probably
used for meditation. Today, the building houses a cultural centre.
10am–4pm Tue–Fri, 3–6pm Sat
(except Aug).
public hols.
This small fort, just above Portinho da Arrábida, was built by Pedro, the
Prince Regent, in 1676 to protect local communities from attacks by Moorish
pirates. It now houses a Sea Museum and Marine Biology Centre where visitors
can see aquaria containing many local sea creatures, including sea urchins,
octopus and starfish.
2:30–4:15pm Mon–Thu, 2:30–4pm
Fri–Sun.
Dec 24–Jan 1.
The Fonseca winery produces quality table wines and is famous for its
fragrant dessert wine, Moscatel de Setúbal. Tours of the winery explain the
process of making moscatel and a visit to a series of old cellars containing
huge oak and chestnut vats. Tours last about 45 minutes and include a wine
tasting.
