4 of the Best Beaches in Palmela

Set in the Parque Natural Arrábida near Setúbal, the idyllic Praia de Galapinhos is one of the regions most stunning beaches. The crescent of golden-white sand, backed by the densely forested hills of the Serra da Arrabida, is lapped by crystal-clear azure waters. It is little wonder this beach was awarded 'most beautiful beach in Europe' by the European Best Destinations organization.

Whilst the beach is a little slice of paradise getting down to it is a different matter....

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Set in the Serra da Arrábida National Park, just beyond the mouth of the Rio Sado estuary, is Praia da Figueirinha. This is one of the best known and most popular beaches in the Arrábida area and is one of the closest to the town of Setubal.

Figueirinha has a stunning backdrop of the Arrábida Hills along with a fine stretch of golden sand which forms a narrow sandbank extending out into the calm, clean waters of the Sado at low tide. You can walk out along this sandbar which also...

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The Praia de Albarquel is the closest of the Arrábida beaches to the town of Setubal. A lovely stretch of golden sand with great views across the calm waters of the Sado estuary to the Troia Peninsula. This is a pretty spot with plenty of facilities including a seasonal lifeguard making it ideal for kids.

Behind the beach rise the wooded hills of the Serra da Arrabida with the Forte de São Filipe high above. There is another smaller...

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A short drive east of Setubal down tiny winding roads will bring you to one of the most stunning beaches in Portugal - Portinho da Arrabida. This former tiny fishing village is now attracting increasing numbers of foreign visitors each year, but its isolation from public transport have so far protected this sheltered cove from serious overcrowding. Crystal clear waters, reaching 17 degrees in high summer, make this an excellent spot for fishing and...

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