Portugal’s Best-Kept Secret: A Day Trip to Arrabida & Setubal

Description

Lisbon is incredible—but Portugal’s best-kept secret lies just 45 minutes south.

This full-day private van tour takes you to Setúbal and Arrábida Natural Park, an unspoiled region of dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and sleepy seaside towns. If you want to escape the tourist crowds and see what locals love, this is your trip.

We start the day in Setúbal, one of Portugal’s most vibrant coastal cities. You’ll stroll through its famous fish market, explore the 16th-century Forte de São Filipe, and enjoy views over the Sado Estuary—often home to local dolphins.

From there, we’ll drive through the lush Arrábida Natural Park, stopping at scenic viewpoints, beaches, and the ancient 7ª Bateria do Outão (an abandoned cliffside fort once guarding the coast). If conditions permit, we’ll also take a short walk down to Lapa de Santa Margarida, a hidden cave chapel carved into the rock overlooking the Atlantic.

After that? Lunch on the water in Portinho da Arrábida, a tiny coastal village (meal not included), followed by a visit to Sesimbra—a fishing town crowned by a medieval hilltop castle.

Prefer wine to waves? We can swap the Sesimbra visit for a tasting at one of the region’s standout wineries, like Bacalhôa or José Maria da Fonseca.

All tours are private. Hotel pickup included within Lisbon city limits. Contact us for custom requests or to add a wine tasting experience.

Essential Tour Info:

⦿ Meeting Point: Hotel pickup and drop-off within Lisbon city limits
⦿ Group Size: Up to 8 passengers per van
⦿ Languages Offered: English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, German, Italian
⦿ Duration: Full Day (approx. 8–9 hours)

Locations Visited:

⦿ Setúbal
⦿ Arrábida Natural Park
⦿ Portinho da Arrábida
⦿ Sesimbra or optional Wine Tasting Experience

Notable Sites & Highlights:

⦿ Setúbal farmers market
⦿ Forte de São Filipe
⦿ 7ª Bateria do Outão (cliffside fort ruins)
⦿ Lapa de Santa Margarida cave chapel (weather/fitness dependent)
⦿ Portinho da Arrábida (free time + lunch stop)
⦿ Sesimbra Castle

What’s Included:

⦿ Private van and driver-guide for the full day
⦿ Hotel pickup and drop-off in Lisbon
⦿ All vehicle and fuel fees
⦿ Local historical and regional insight
⦿ Custom route with optional winery or additional stops

Not Included:

⦿ Food and drinks (lunch not included)
⦿ Monument entrance tickets
⦿ Wine tasting fees (optional add-on)