Portugal's natural gem, nestled between the sea and the mountains, is a hiking paradise.

In a context where the search for contact with nature is becoming increasingly important, Setúbal (Portugal) is emerging as a key destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Arrábida Mountains , specifically, with their vast landscape of mountains, cliffs, and pristine beaches, are positioned as a top destination for lovers of hiking and outdoor experiences.

This mountain range, located in the Setúbal region and protected as a Natural Park since 1976, is home to an ecological and landscape diversity of extraordinary value: vertiginous cliffs, hidden beaches , dense Mediterranean forests, and panoramic views over the Atlantic. Its unique feature is its extensive network of trails of varying difficulty, which allow hikers to explore the natural wealth of the area and discover its history and cultural heritage, passing by ancient monasteries, fortifications, and other historical remains.

Discovering the Arrábida Mountains with every step

From its green hills to its coastal cliffs, each trail invites you to discover landscapes that combine the majesty of the mountains with the calm of the ocean. For beginners, the São Filipe Coastal Route offers a 3.9 km circular route from Albarquel Urban Park, skirting the São Filipe Fort and offering panoramic views of Setúbal and the Sado estuary.

At an intermediate level, Portinho da Arrábida offers a linear 2.3-km route that connects Creiro with Alpertuche Beach, passing by Lapa de Santa Margarida and the Oceanographic Museum, right on the coast. For the more experienced, Alto do Formosinho represents a greater challenge: 8.3 km through forested areas and the Arrábida Convent, culminating at the highest point of the mountain range, at 501 meters above sea level, with stunning views of the coastline and Lisbon.

Also very close to the main trails of the Arrábida Mountains is Azeitão, one of the most picturesque towns in the municipality of Setúbal, where hiking also becomes a gateway to local tradition and culture. The 17-km Aldeias de Azeitão route connects historic villages such as Picheleiros and Oleiros, passing through rural landscapes and vestiges of the past under the shadow of the mountains. Another notable option is the route that connects Azeitão with Portinho da Arrábida , ideal for those seeking views from Alto do Formosinho before descending to the sea. At the end, there's nothing better than savoring a queijo de Azeitão, a local wine, or the emblematic tortas, thus completing an experience that combines hiking and gastronomic pleasure.

The Arrábida Hiking Festival

In this context, the Arrábida Hiking Festival —whose second edition was held from May 2 to 4, 2025—represents a firm commitment by Setúbal City Council to developing an active tourism model that is respectful of the environment and linked to regional knowledge. Offering 32 guided trails , adapted to different levels of physical challenge and aimed at diverse audiences, the event combines hiking with the promotion of the region's natural and cultural heritage.

Thus, it is an invitation to discover a priceless natural heritage, intertwined with history, biodiversity, and the identity of the region. Each carefully selected route offers an opportunity to rediscover the gentle rhythm of the landscape, from inland valleys covered with native vegetation to coastal trails with breathtaking views.