The Arrábida is a limestone massif that plunges straight into the Atlantic just west of Setúbal. Protected since 1976, the park covers roughly 17,000 hectares of Mediterranean forest — carob, strawberry tree, kermes oak — on the inland side, and a string of coves on the seaward side that rival anything in the Mediterranean.
In summer (15 June to 15 September), private-car access along the coastal road EN379-1 between Figueirinha and Portinho is restricted; a shuttle runs from Setúbal. Outside that window the road is open, but the car parks fill early. Galapinhos beach — voted Europe's best in 2017 — remains the area's postcard: no structures, pines almost to the waterline, transparent water.
The Convento da Arrábida, high on the ridge, is a 16th-century Franciscan monastery visitable by advance booking through Fundação Oriente. For walkers, the Formosinho and Forte do Cavalo trails are the classics. For divers and snorkellers, the Luiz Saldanha Marine Reserve is the draw.