Arrábida hiking trail

Alto do Formosinho (PR2 STB)

TrailWaymarked
Distance
8.3 km
Duration
3.3h
Type
Point-to-point
Difficulty
Hard
Elevation
+544 m
High point
501 m

PR2 STB — Alto do Formosinho is the Arrábida ridge's signature walk: a linear traverse that reaches the Pico do Formosinho, the highest point of the massif, marked by a geodesic pillar at 501 m. From the top, a full 360° view — Setúbal, the Sado estuary, the Tróia peninsula and, on clear days, Sesimbra and Cabo Espichel.

It's linear: up the north slope and down the south to Portinho da Arrábida. Marked with the yellow-and-red Pequenos Percursos (PR) waymarks, but with sections of exposed rock and steep descents. Not a Sunday stroll — rated 4/5 on adversity and terrain. Hiking boots, water, sun protection are not optional.

December and January leave the limestone slick; local guides don't recommend those months. Spring is the best window — wildflowers, mild temperatures, clean air. The trail ends at Portinho, where a lunch of choco frito is available before the bus or taxi back.

GPX track / map

Official source

Last reviewed: 2026-04