Between Setúbal and Sesimbra is the Arrábida Natural Park, a beautiful protected area covered with pines and rich Mediterranean vegetation including many rare species.

Perched up on the hills overlooking the sea is a dazzling white 16th century Franciscan monastery, and along the slope of the hillside are five round chapels once used for solitary meditation.

Down below, the crystal-clear waters of the sheltered beach of Portinho da Arrábida are relatively warm and popular with scuba divers and underwater fishermen. The poet Robert Southey wrote about swimming in the area and stated "I have no idea of sublimity exceeding it."