Portinho da Arrábida is the crescent bay at the foot of the fishing village of the same name. Transparent water, white-sand bottom, south-east facing — perfect shelter from the north wind. One of the most photographed beaches in Portugal, and one of the hardest to park at.
Two or three small bars and restaurants (try the choco at any of them) and a sailing club. At spring high tide most of the beach disappears — worth checking tides before coming.
From Portinho itself the road climbs to the Convento da Arrábida, and a cliff-top trail runs to Galapinhos (15 min). Late afternoon light on the Santa Maria fort is the postcard shot.
- Blue Flag
- Lifeguards in season
- Summer car restrictions