The high road of the Serra da Arrábida

What it is

The ER 379-1 is the road that crosses the Arrábida mountains along the top, between Setúbal and the Azeitão area, within the Arrábida Natural Park. It runs halfway up the slope and along the ridge, among Mediterranean scrub, and at several points it looks out over the sea from a few hundred metres up: below you see the turquoise bay of Portinho, the Tróia peninsula on the other side of the Sado estuary and, in good visibility, the coast heading south.

It is not a route with organised stops or viewpoints with facilities. There are lay-bys on the verge where a few cars fit and from which you get the photo. What makes it special is the contrast: on one side, the low scrub and white limestone; on the other, the sea. The highest point of the range, Pico do Formosinho, reaches 501 m.

The route

You leave Setúbal heading west and the road begins to climb at once up the mountain slope. After the first bends the first lay-bys appear with views over the bay and Tróia. Further on you reach the Pinheiro junction, where Rua Círio da Arrábida branches off, the road that goes down to Portinho, Creiro and Galapos. It passes beside the Arrábida convent, which can be seen hanging on the hillside.

From the junction, the ER 379-1 continues west and then turns inland, towards Azeitão, where it links up with the roads to Sesimbra. From Sesimbra, the EN 379 takes you to Cabo Espichel, which is the natural end of the day.

With stops to look and a coffee in Azeitão, allow an hour; if you add Sesimbra and the cape, half a day.

Summer restrictions

From 4 June to 15 September 2026, Setúbal council restricts the passage of private cars from 7:00 to 20:00 on the descent to the beaches from the Pinheiro junction. If the Creiro car park fills up, that descent is closed completely. The ER 379-1 itself stays open: you can drive the ridge, but not go down to Portinho by car during the day. Motorbikes, bikes, taxis and buses can pass.

In addition, since the storms, the coastal stretch of Rua Círio da Arrábida between the Figueirinha tunnel and Galapos has been closed because of the risk of rockfalls, all year round. To go down to the beaches out of season, always enter via the Pinheiro junction.

By motorbike or bike

It is a narrow road with many bends, with more traffic on summer weekends. By motorbike it is a great pleasure. By road bike it climbs from Setúbal and shares the carriageway with cars: ride with lights and a vest, and avoid the busiest hours.

When to go

All year. Spring brings the hills in flower and clean air; in autumn and winter there are days of perfect clarity after rain. In mid-afternoon the sun falls over the sea and the bay shines; first thing, the light is soft and there are hardly any cars. In summer, at weekends there is more traffic from people heading for the beaches.

Who it is for

For those travelling by car or motorbike who want to see the mountains without walking. With children, it is a short trip with frequent stops; keep an eye on them at the lay-bys, which open directly onto the slope.