📷 Photo by Daniel de Paola on UnsplashSerra da Arrábida and the Setúbal peninsula
Across the Tagus from Lisbon to a windswept cape, fishing towns, the green cliffs of Arrábida and a castle above the Moscatel vineyards.
- Distance
- 89 km (55 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 14 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Portugal
- Updated
- August 7, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 89 km (55 mi) with 7 stops, from Lisbon to Palmela Castle. About 1 h 14 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Portugal · More road trips from Lisbon
Route description
Cross the 25 de Abril bridge from Lisbon and stop at Cristo Rei, the giant statue on the south bank, for the view back to the city. Then drive south through pine woods to Cabo Espichel, a wild cape with a lighthouse, an old pilgrimage church and dinosaur footprints on the cliffs.
Sesimbra, a fishing town under a Moorish castle, is known for its grilled fish. From here the N379 and then the N379-1 follow the ridge of the Serra da Arrábida, with the sea far below on one side and vineyards on the other; there are several viewpoints to stop at.
A side road drops to Portinho da Arrábida, a bay of white sand and clear water. In summer parking is very limited and access is sometimes restricted, so go early or out of season. The ridge road is narrow and not suitable for large motorhomes, which should use the inland N10 instead.
In Setúbal, try choco frito (fried cuttlefish) and take a boat trip into the Sado estuary to see its resident dolphins. End at the castle of Palmela, above the vineyards that produce Moscatel de Setúbal. The whole route fits into a weekend from Lisbon.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Lisbon
Portugal - 27 km
Cristo Rei
ViewsAlmada, PortugalA giant statue of Christ above the south bank of the Tagus, with a lift to a platform looking over Lisbon and the 25 de Abril bridge. Easy parking compared with the city.
- 337 km
Cabo Espichel
ViewsSesimbra, PortugalA windswept cape with a lighthouse, a lonely pilgrimage church and dinosaur footprints on the cliffs. Keep well back from the unfenced edges.
- 413 km
Sesimbra
Portugal - 514 km
Portinho da Arrábida
NatureSetúbal, PortugalA sheltered bay of white sand and clear water under the green slopes of the Serra da Arrábida. The access road is narrow and parking is very limited in summer, when shuttle buses sometimes run.
- 611 km
Setúbal
Portugal - 76 km
Palmela Castle
HistoryPalmela, PortugalA hilltop castle with views over the Setúbal peninsula, the Sado estuary and on clear days to Lisbon. Palmela is the heart of the Moscatel wine country.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Lisbon → Cabo Espichel · 44 km · 0 h 36 minOn the way: Cristo Rei.Overnight nearby, for example: Fauna Sesimbra (8 km); YMCA Camp Alambre (18 km).
- Day 2: Cabo Espichel → Palmela Castle · 45 km · 0 h 37 minOn the way: Sesimbra, Portinho da Arrábida, Setúbal.Overnight nearby, for example: YMCA Camp Alambre (14 km); Montijo Garden (16 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, July–August and November–December. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Portugal: Electronic tolls by number plate. Some motorways only have electronic tolls; register your plate or rent a transponder. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
- Lisbon: Low-emission zone. Older vehicles may be banned, and foreign vehicles often have to register before entering.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Serra da Arrábida and the Setúbal peninsula?
2-day road trip of about 89 km (55 mi) with 7 stops, from Lisbon to Palmela Castle. About 1 h 14 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Serra da Arrábida and the Setúbal peninsula?
We suggest 2 days: about 1 h 14 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Serra da Arrábida and the Setúbal peninsula start and end?
It starts in Lisbon and ends in Palmela Castle.
Which countries does Serra da Arrábida and the Setúbal peninsula pass through?
Portugal.
Where can you camp along Serra da Arrábida and the Setúbal peninsula?
OpenStreetMap lists 37 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Fauna Sesimbra, Lisboa Camping and Fábrica do Braço de Prata.
When is the best time for Serra da Arrábida and the Setúbal peninsula?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, July–August and November–December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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