ARRÁBIDA NATURAL PARK
38° 28' 53.3" N; 8° 59' 21.6" W
The geographical area of Cape Espichel is also part of the park and has panoramic views over the coast of Caparica to the north, and to the south over the long beach that stretches from the Troia peninsula to the city of Sines.
Climate
The Arrábida natural park has accentuated Mediterranean characteristics, translating into two extreme seasons:
hot and dry summer reaching temperatures with values close to the temperatures of tropical regions, with prolonged periods of drought that can extend for several months;
generally humid cold winter. These are interspersed with two intermediate seasons, autumn and spring.
In Arrábida, it is important to mention the microclimates, typical of the northern and southern slopes of the mountainous area. The northern slope, more exposed to the humid winds of the northwest, is more humid and cooler than the southern slope, sheltered from strong cold winds and exposed to strong insolation, which gives it more dryness in the summer period, high temperature, as well as temperate winters.
The proximity of the sea, in this case, the Atlantic Ocean, is a climatic factor of relevant importance, giving the region greater humidity and, consequently, a greater amenity in temperatures throughout the year.
The Arrábida coast is known for its calm and transparent coasts and has unusual conditions for aquatic biodiversity. The marine reserve area of the Natural Park of Arrábida comprises approximately 53 km² correspondings to the 38 km of coastline between Figueirinha beach and Cabo Espichel. It is an area with a unique natural wealth at national and European level, where there are more than 1000 species of marine animals and plants.
Points of interest and landmarks
Throughout the park there is a large number of places of interest and reference, from buildings such as the Castelo de São Filipe, in Setúbal, the Forte de Santa Maria at the port of Arrábida which is also an Oceanographic Museum, the Castelo de Palmela, the Forte de Santiago do Outão, Albarquel Fort, the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Arrábida, the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Pedra Mua, Quinta da Bacalhoa in Vila fresco de Azeitão, the Quinta das torres Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, the Palace of the Dukes of Aveiro in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão. Due to the region being inhabited since the Lower Paleolithic there are numerous historical sites such as: Caves of Quinta do Anjo, Castro de Chibanes, Alcaria do Alto da Queimada, Alcaria da Portela, Roça do Casal do Meio, Casal do Mocinho, Jazida dos Pinheirinhos, Ancão Sea, Lapa do Fumo, Lapa do Bugio, Castelo dos Mouros, Village of Terras do Risco.
Human activities.
One of the traditional activities characteristics of the Park area is the manufacture of Azeitão Cheese, which has a characteristic and much-appreciated flavor. It is produced in the municipalities of Setúbal, Sesimbra, and Palmela and is a protected designation of origin in accordance with European Union standards. The particular characteristics of Azeitão Cheese are associated with environmental factors specific to the Arrábida Natural Park massif, such as the climate and the calcareous nature of the soil.
The culture of the vine practiced since ancient times, due to the appropriate conditions of soil and climate, allows the production of a variety of highly regarded wines. The Moscatel de Setúbal variety assumes great importance throughout the region, constituting an essential variable in the demarcated region of "Terras do Sado".
The honey produced in the region, with a velvety and very characteristic flavor, is justly famous due to the floristic richness of the mountains.
Beaches
The Arrábida natural park has beaches of extraordinary beauty and environmental quality: Praia de Albarquel; Praia da Figueirinha; Praia de Galapos; Praia de Galapinhos; Praia dos Coelhos; Praia do Creiro; Praia do Portinho da Arrábida.
In 2017, Galapinhos Beach was elected the most beautiful in Europe, in a global vote in which more than 130 countries participated and chose the best landscapes from among 280 bathing areas on the European continent.
