Arrabida Natural Park is a protected area, founded in 1976. The park is located south of Lisbon, covering an area of 42 square miles. It is home to one of Portugal’s most picturesque beaches; Creiro Beach.

We decided to visit it while staying in Lisbon. To visit the park, we used a hired car and drove across the 10-miles, Vasco da Gama toll bridge to it. The Vasco da Gama Bridge is the longest bridge in Europe. The journey to the park. takes just over an hour, from Lisbon, Portugal’s capital.

Here is what we did, on our visit to Arrabida Natural Park:

Miradouro Portinho da Arrabida

Miradouro Portinho da Arrabida is a viewpoint. A viewpoint where no walking is required. You can park your car right next to it, and enjoy the great views across the Atlantic Ocean.

Before visiting, check the weather. When we arrived it was clear. However, just 30 minutes later, the viewpoint was in complete cloud and the views of the coastline had become invisible.

Portinho da Arrabida (Creiro Beach)

Portinho da Arrabida (Creiro Beach) is meant to be one of Portugal’s most picturesque beaches.

To visit, you will have to take a short walk down a hill to the beach, taking you around 15 to 20 minutes to walk it. Car parking will cost you €3 for a day. It’s a cash-only car park, or should I say a sandy field. You can park on the street however, before visiting I read about cars get finned and toured away. We decided to not take the risk and pay the €3.

There are lots of little beaches all along; some sandy, some more pebbly. At the main beach, Praia do Creiro (Creiro Beach) there is a lovely restaurant called O-Zeca. We decided to stop for lunch at O-Zeca. It is a lovely restaurant, with a good food choice, friendly staff and great views of the beach.

Please note, during the summer months, you cannot drive along the road, from Figueirinha Beach to Portinho da Arrabida. There is a free shuttle bus, you can use instead.