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It was when we lived in our self-built Ford Transit campervan during an epic three-month road trip down the west coast of Europe that we first discovered Arrábida Natural Park.
At the time, it felt like we'd stumbled across a hidden corner of Portugal that hadn't been fully discovered yet. With its dramatic mountains, lush forests, turquoise water and some of the country's most spectacular beaches, Arrábida quickly became one of those places that stayed with us long after we'd driven away.
To this day, that summer driving down the west coast and discovering places like Arrábida reminds us of some of the best days we had living in our campervan. We even filmed a short video in Arrábida for YouTube, and although it's a short video, it captures so much of the feeling we had when we first discovered this beautiful part of Portugal.
Our Arrábida travel guide has continued to inspire thousands of people to visit the area for themselves, and now with this guide we hope to help you find the best places to stay in and around Arrábida Natural Park.
Just a short drive south of Lisbon, Arrábida makes an excellent addition to any Portugal itinerary, whether you're looking for beautiful beaches, scenic hikes, incredible food or a peaceful escape into nature.
But when it comes to finding somewhere to stay, things aren't quite as straightforward as you might expect. There isn't really one central town called Arrábida, and the natural park stretches between Setúbal and Sesimbra, with several towns and villages surrounding the mountains.
This means that choosing where to stay can have a big impact on your experience. You could stay in Sesimbra for easy access to the beaches and a traditional Portuguese seaside atmosphere, choose Setúbal as a practical base for exploring the park, or head inland to Azeitão for a quieter countryside stay surrounded by vineyards and the Arrábida hills.
There are also a handful of accommodation options within or immediately around the natural park itself, which are perfect if you want to immerse yourself in the scenery and spend a few days getting away from it all.
In this guide, we'll take you through the best areas to stay when visiting Arrábida, the best hotels and accommodation in each location, and help you decide which base is right for your visit.
If, like us, you love a good road trip and are planning to travel down the coast of Portugal, don't forget to check out our other Portugal travel guides. Discover the best hotels in each destination and find out where to stay in Cascais, Ericeira, Peniche and Sintra, as well as our guide to the best surf towns in Portugal.
How to Use This Guide
Use the Contents table below to jump to any section. Click a heading in the guide to return to the top and continue exploring.
Contents
Arrábida Natural Park covers a large area of mountains, forests and coastline south of Lisbon, stretching between Setúbal and Sesimbra. The park itself is largely protected countryside, with winding roads, hiking trails, viewpoints and some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Praia dos Galapinhos in Arrábida was awarded the title of Euopes best beach in 2017.
One thing that's important to know when planning your trip is that there are very limited places to stay within the natural park itself. You won't find a central village or large selection of hotels surrounded by the mountains, as you might in some other natural and national parks.
Instead, most people visiting Arrábida will stay in one of the towns and villages surrounding the park. This is actually a great way to explore the area, as it gives you access to a much wider choice of hotels, restaurants and other facilities, while the natural park and its beaches are only a short drive away.
There are a handful of rural properties within or immediately around the park if you want to stay closer to nature, but for most visitors, staying just outside Arrábida is going to be the easiest and most practical option.
Although Arrábida Natural Park covers a fairly large area, there are a few main places that make the best bases for exploring it. Each offers a different experience, so where you choose to stay will really depend on what you want from your trip.
Sesimbra is our top choice if you want to combine Arrábida with a traditional Portuguese beach town. You'll have the beach, waterfront, restaurants and cafés all within easy reach, while the western side of the natural park is just a short drive away. It's a particularly good option for families, couples or anyone who wants to spend as much time by the sea as exploring the park.
Setúbal is a better choice if exploring Arrábida is the main reason for your visit. It's a larger town with a much wider choice of restaurants, shops and accommodation, and its location makes it a convenient base for exploring the eastern side of the park and some of its most beautiful beaches.
If you'd prefer somewhere quieter, Azeitão offers a completely different experience. Located inland at the foot of the Arrábida hills, it's surrounded by vineyards, countryside and traditional Portuguese estates. It's a great choice if you want to slow things down, enjoy the scenery and have somewhere peaceful to return to after a day exploring.
There are also a small number of rural accommodation options within the Arrábida countryside itself. These are ideal if you want to wake up surrounded by nature and really immerse yourself in the landscape, although you'll be further away from restaurants, shops and some of the area's other facilities.
A car is highly recommended when visiting Arrábida Natural Park which covers a large area, and many of the best beaches, viewpoints and hiking trails aren't particularly convenient to reach by public transport. Staying in one of the surrounding towns makes things easier, but having your own car gives you much more freedom to explore at your own pace.
There is one important exception to keep in mind if you're visiting during the peak summer season, generally June to September. Access by private car to some of the key coastal areas around Portinho da Arrábida is heavily restricted between 07:00 and 20:00, helping to manage traffic and protect the coastline. Shuttle buses operate from designated peripheral car parks and Setúbal.
If you're mainly interested in beaches and swimming, Sesimbra is likely to be a better choice than staying inland. If you're more interested in hiking, wine and exploring the countryside, Azeitão could be a better fit. For a mixture of everything, Setúbal makes a practical base.
Book ahead during summer as Arrábida is particularly popular during July and August, and the best accommodation around Sesimbra and the surrounding coastline can book up quickly. If you're travelling during the peak summer months, we'd recommend booking well in advance.
Don't expect a huge choice of hotels inside the park. Most accommodation is found in the towns and countryside surrounding Arrábida rather than deep inside the protected area. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as it gives you much more choice when it comes to restaurants, shops and places to stay.
Check the location carefully. This is probably the most important thing to remember when booking accommodation in Arrábida. Two properties can both describe themselves as being near the natural park while being several kilometres apart. If you already know which beaches, hiking trails or attractions you want to visit, check the driving times before booking.
Consider staying somewhere with a pool. If you're visiting during the warmer months, having a pool can be a real bonus, particularly if you're staying inland. After a day exploring the beaches and mountains, there's nothing better than coming back to somewhere peaceful and taking a dip.
If you're visiting Arrábida for the first time and want a combination of beautiful beaches, great restaurants and easy access to the natural park, Sesimbra is one of the best places to stay.
The town sits on the western edge of the Arrábida region and has a much more traditional Portuguese seaside atmosphere than Setúbal. The main beach sits right in the centre, with restaurants, cafés and the waterfront all within easy walking distance, while the surrounding hills provide some fantastic views across the Atlantic.
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Sesimbra is the convenience. You don't need to get in the car every time you want to go for a swim, grab something to eat or enjoy a drink by the sea. You can spend the morning exploring Arrábida, head back to Sesimbra for lunch and then finish the day relaxing on the beach.
For us, this makes Sesimbra the best all-round option if you want to combine an Arrábida adventure with a proper Portuguese beach holiday. It's particularly well suited to couples and families, or anyone who likes having plenty of restaurants and things to do close by.
Best for | Beaches, families, couples, restaurants and a traditional Portuguese seaside atmosphere.
Sesimbra Oceanfront Hotel
Sesimbra Oceanfront Hotel is one of the best options if you want to stay right by the sea. Its location puts you within easy reach of the main beach, restaurants and waterfront, making it particularly convenient if you want a beach-focused stay.
SANA Sesimbra Hotel
SANA Sesimbra Hotel is another excellent option for a beachfront stay, located directly in the centre of Sesimbra overlooking the ocean. The hotel has a rooftop pool and is surrounded by restaurants and cafés, making it easy to enjoy the town without needing the car.
Hotel do Mar
For another established option in Sesimbra, Hotel do Mar sits on the hillside overlooking the town and coastline. The elevated position gives it some excellent sea views, while the centre of Sesimbra is still within easy reach. It's a good option if you'd prefer a hotel with more space and facilities rather than a small guesthouse.
Use our interactive map below to find your perfect stay.
Setúbal is the largest town in the area and one of the most practical bases for exploring Arrábida Natural Park. While it doesn't have quite the same seaside atmosphere as Sesimbra, it has a much wider choice of restaurants, shops, cafés and accommodation, making it a great option if you want somewhere with plenty going on.
It's also a good choice if you want to experience a more local side of Portugal. Setúbal is particularly famous for its seafood and choco frito, while the old town and waterfront are great places to explore after a day out in Arrábida.
Another advantage is its location. Setúbal sits at the eastern end of the natural park, so you can easily head towards some of Arrábida's most beautiful beaches, including Figueirinha, Galapos and Portinho da Arrábida, before continuing into the mountains.
For us, Setúbal makes the most sense if you're planning to spend most of your time exploring Arrábida rather than simply looking for a beach holiday. It's also a good option for a longer stay, particularly if you want to combine the natural park with exploring Setúbal itself.
Best for | Exploring Arrábida, restaurants, local culture and longer stays.
RM The Experience
RM The Experience is a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Setúbal, making it a great choice if you want to stay close to the town's restaurants, cafés and waterfront.
The beautifully designed rooms and relaxed atmosphere make it a good base for exploring Setúbal and spending your days discovering Arrábida Natural Park.
Rio Art Hotel
If you're looking for something a little different, Rio Art Hotel combines accommodation with an artistic twist, with artwork and design playing a big part throughout the property. It's right in the centre of Setúbal, so you're perfectly placed for wandering the old streets and heading out for dinner without needing the car.
A good choice if you want your accommodation to feel like part of the experience rather than simply somewhere to sleep.
B&B HOTEL Sado Setúbal
B&B HOTEL Sado Setúbal is a more straightforward option, ideal if you're looking for somewhere comfortable without paying for a boutique or luxury experience. Set slightly away from the centre, it also has a quieter feel and offers views across Setúbal and the surrounding area.
It's a sensible choice if you're travelling by car and plan to spend most of your days out exploring Arrábida rather than hanging around the hotel.
Our interactive map below can help you find your perfect stay.
If you're looking for somewhere a little more peaceful, we'd seriously consider Azeitão. Set among vineyards and countryside at the foot of the Arrábida mountains, it feels very different from staying in either Sesimbra or Setúbal.
Instead of being beside the sea, you'll be surrounded by rolling countryside, traditional estates and vineyards. Azeitão is also known for its wine and local produce, making it a great place to combine exploring Arrábida with vineyard visits and long, leisurely lunches.
It's particularly appealing for couples and anyone looking for a slower pace, although you'll definitely want a car. Most accommodation is spread around the countryside, and you'll need transport to reach the beaches and other attractions.
Best for | Couples, wine lovers, countryside and peaceful stays.
Turim Club Azeitão Hotel
Turim Club Azeitão Hotel sits at the foot of the Arrábida Mountains and is a great choice if you want a peaceful setting with traditional hotel facilities.
Surrounded by gardens and with an outdoor pool, it's also well placed for exploring Azeitão and the Arrábida coastline by car.
Quinta de Catralvos
For a more authentic countryside stay, Quinta de Catralvos is surrounded by the vineyards and beautiful rural landscape that make Azeitão so appealing.
It's a great option if you'd rather slow down and enjoy the countryside than stay in one of the busier towns.
Pédebicho Serra da Arrábida Country Inn and Studios
Pédebicho Serra da Arrábida Country Inn and Studios offers a peaceful rural stay surrounded by the Azeitão countryside.
With gardens and a swimming pool, it's a lovely option for couples or anyone looking for somewhere relaxing to return to after exploring Arrábida.
If you really want to immerse yourself in the landscape, there are a handful of properties that offer something different from staying in Sesimbra, Setúbal.
The big advantage is the setting. You'll wake up surrounded by the mountains, forests and countryside that make Arrábida so special, with the natural park right on your doorstep. The trade-off is that you're further from restaurants, shops and some of the conveniences you'll find in the nearby towns, so having a car is essential.
For us, this is the option to choose if the experience of staying in nature is just as important as exploring Arrábida itself.
Quinta da Arrábida
Quinta da Arrábida is one of the most interesting options if you want to stay surrounded by nature. This private 11-hectare estate sits within Arrábida Natural Park, with four restored Portuguese country houses available for guests.
Surrounded by vineyards, cork and olive trees and Mediterranean vegetation, it's a very different experience from staying in a hotel in one of the nearby towns. With hiking and beaches close by, it's a great choice for families, groups or couples looking for a peaceful rural escape.
Hotel Casa Palmela
Although closer to Setúbal, Hotel Casa Palmela is another excellent option if you're looking for a countryside stay surrounded by nature. The historic estate combines luxury accommodation with vineyards, walking trails, a pool, restaurant and wellness facilities.
If you'd rather wake up surrounded by countryside than step straight onto a beach, this is one of the properties we'd look at first.
If you're trying to decide between Sesimbra and Setúbal, we'd say it really comes down to what you want from your trip.
Stay in Sesimbra if the beach is your priority. You'll have a beautiful sandy beach, restaurants and the waterfront all within walking distance, while still being close enough to explore the western side of Arrábida.
Stay in Setúbal if exploring Arrábida is your priority. It's a larger town with a wider choice of restaurants and accommodation, while its location makes it a convenient base for exploring the eastern side of the natural park.
If you have a car and would prefer somewhere quieter, we'd also consider Azeitão. Its countryside setting is beautiful, and you're still within easy reach of Setúbal and the Arrábida mountains.
For a first visit, though, we'd choose Sesimbra for a beach holiday and Setúbal for an Arrábida-focused escape.
Where is the best place to stay in Arrábida?
For most visitors, Sesimbra, Setúbal or Azeitão are the best places to stay. Sesimbra is best for beaches, Setúbal is best for exploring the park, while Azeitão is ideal for a quieter countryside experience.
Can you stay inside Arrábida Natural Park?
Yes, there are a small number of accommodation options within the natural park and surrounding countryside. Quinta da Arrábida is one of the best options if you want to stay surrounded by the landscape itself.
Is Sesimbra a good base for Arrábida?
Absolutely. Sesimbra is a great choice if you want to combine exploring Arrábida with a traditional Portuguese beach holiday. The town has plenty of restaurants and accommodation, while the western side of the park is easily accessible by car.
Is Setúbal a good base for Arrábida?
Yes. Setúbal is one of the most practical bases for exploring Arrábida, with plenty of restaurants, shops and accommodation. Its location also makes it convenient for exploring the eastern side of the natural park.
Do you need a car when staying in Arrábida?
We'd strongly recommend having a car if you want to explore Arrábida properly. The beaches, viewpoints and hiking trails are spread across the region, and having your own transport gives you much more freedom to explore.
How many nights should you stay in Arrábida?
We'd recommend at least two nights, although three nights gives you more time to enjoy the beaches, explore the mountains and visit some of the surrounding towns and vineyards without rushing.
Is Arrábida worth staying overnight?
Definitely. While Arrábida can be visited as a day trip from Lisbon, staying overnight allows you to experience the area at a much slower pace. You'll have more time for the beaches, hiking trails, viewpoints and restaurants without trying to fit everything into one day.
What is the best area to stay in Arrábida for beaches?
Sesimbra is the best choice if you want a beach town on your doorstep. If you'd rather stay closer to the beaches within the natural park, Setúbal or Azeitão can work well, particularly if you have a car.
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Watch our experience on YouTube
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