3. Palmela and Arrabida 4x4
Lagoa de Albufeira - A beautiful and well preserved beach just 20 km south of Lisbon. The natural lagoon is ideal for windsurfing, canoeing or just walking around. A parasol and sunglasses are recommended, especially for children.
Espichel Cape - The Cape Espichel is a predominantly located west of Sesimbra village. The location is famous for its sanctuary complex, built extremely close to the edge of the tall cliffs, including a church still in use today.
The architectonic set called the "Shrine of Our Lady of Mua Stone", is undoubtedly the most important and characteristic in the area. The cult of Our Lady of the Cape is lost in the mists of time, and its credible that prior to their worship - from the XV century -. Cape Espichel was already an important center of pilgrimage.
From 1715, the large influx of pilgrims to Cabo forced the construction of hostels, houses and shops. Here, there are four major sights; the lighthouse, the Santuário de Nossa Senhora, the small Chapel of Ermida da Memória and the dinosaur footprints dated from the Jurassic Era. The church was constructed by King Dom.Pedro II in 1701. The interior follows the simplistic baroque designs and most of the marble was mined from Arrábida.
Overlooking the cliffs on the edge of Cape Espichel is the Chapel of Remembrance, a small temple implanted precisely at the spot where tradition says that the Virgin appeared.
Cabo Espichel is ideal for tourists who enjoy raw stunning scenery and uninhabited landscape with stunning views and rugged coastal walks overlooking the Atlantic.
Arrabida Natural Park - A road trip through the starkly beautiful Serra da Arrábida is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a day out of Lisbon. The wild, craggy mountain range rises 500 meters over the bay of Setúbal, and encompasses the protected Parque Natural da Arrábida. Blanketed with verdant woodland and scrub, this stunning landscape is home to a fascinating variety of flora and fauna, and it's possible to park the car and follow a number of signed nature trails. For the most dramatic views, follow the Estrada de Escarpa (N379-1), a narrow winding coastal road that snakes past Sesimbra all the way to Cabo Espichel, a precipitous headland topped by a lighthouse.
Bacalhoa museum and winery - Take part in an unforgettable visit of Quinta da Bacalhoa, and discover its history which brings together wine, nature and art.
During the tour, take the opportunity to taste the wines and fully appreciate the pleasure which can be found in the degustation of wines. From the tasting room, admire the tranquil scene of the Japanese garden, in which some of the works of the sculptor Niizuma are exhibited, along with a Kaki tree, the 'great-granddaughter' of the only tree to survive the Nagasaki bomb.
Azeitão - Beyond the excellent wines, Palmela region has a unique cheese (Azeitão's cheese), considered by some specialists the best cheese in the world. For those who appreciate pastry the Tortas de Azeitão are irresistible temptations.
Palmela village - The town's name comes from its Roman founder, Cornelius (Palmella). Palmela, once a fortress, was conquered by the Portuguese in the 12th century. The town is located up a hill in the Arrábida mountains. The castle offers a wonderful view over the whole region, including Lisbon, and the Atlantic Coast. It was a strategic place in past centuries, and today it's still a main place to visit. Palmela is an important Portuguese wine region. The principal grapes of the region include Alfrocheiro, Arinto, Cabernet, Sauvignon, Fernão Pires, Muscat of Alexandria, Periquita, Rabo de Ovelha, Roupeiro, Tamarez and Tinta Amarela. The soil of the area is predominately limestone with good drainage potential for the cultivation of red wine varieties. Palmela first gained attention for its off dry white wines made from Muscat grapes harvested early, but has recently turned its attention to producing dry red and white table wines. Quinta da Bacalhoa, JP, Ermelinda de Freitas, Periquita are examples of well -known Palmela brands.
Cristo Rei - On May 17, 1959, the Shrine of Christ-King is inaugurated. On that day, 300.000 people wanted to be present to celebrate Christ, King and Redeemer, and the statue was then built.
