Hiking Alto do Formosinho
Overview: This challenging track leads you from Azietão over the top of Alto do Formosinho (the highest point in the Serra da Arrábida) and down to the turquoise waters of Pontinho da Arrábida on the other side.
Distance: 8.3 kms
Time: around 2.5 – 4 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Alto do Formosinho hiking track
Starting at the Azietão visitors centre, this linear track is well marked with the red and yellow PR indications. The first half is pretty easy, mostly following a well graded dirt road with some moderate inclines. But once you start heading up the hill, get ready to sweat. The track is very uneven and follows about 1.5 kilometres of continuous steep incline, reaching 500 metres above sea level. You’ll need a high level of fitness and some good climbing skills to get to the top. We had to stop several times to admire the views (read: catch our breath).
The descent over the other side is slightly better, but still requires some scrambling. While it doesn’t require the stamina of the ascent, the steep and uneven path means you still have to pay attention not to fall.
Hike highlights
While the ascent over the hill is really hard work, it is rewarding once you reach the top. The views from Alto do Formosinho (the highest point in the Serra da Arrábida) are the best you can get without flying. On a clear day you can see Lisbon, Cabo Espichel, Troia, Setúbal and beyond. You’ll also pass the Convento da Arrábida, which you can also book to visit on certain days.
What to wear and bring
Due to the uneven path and climbing section, I highly recommend hiking shoes with good grip and ankle protection. Much of the path is shady, but you’ll need a hat for some of the more exposed sections. It can get pretty windy at the top, so pack a wind jacket and wear layers. In summer, bring your swimwear for a refreshing dip at Pontinho da Arrábida once you reach the end.
How to get there
The starting point in Azietão is easily reached from Lisbon, Setúbal or Sesimbra by car or bus. The starting point is in the centre of town (view here in Google maps). Get there from Lisbon on the 754 or 755 bus from Sete Rios (about 45 minutes), Setúbal on the 755, 767 or 768 and Sesimbra on the 230. Check all the timetables here on the Sul do Tejo website. Note; to use the journey planner you need to enter Azietão by its full name – Vila Nogueira de Azeitão.
But getting back from Pontinho da Arrábida is more difficult. It’s possible to take the 751 bus from Outão back to Setúbal. But, there are only two or three buses a day and it adds about another hour and a half of walking. During the bathing season (roughly mid June – Mid September), the road between Pontinho da Arrábida and Praia da Figueirinha closes and buses run along the route instead. So you can get back to Setúbal by taking the 723 from Praia da Figueirinha or 722 from Praia do Creiro. Then from Setúbal you can take a train or bus back to Lisbon. It’s a lot of faffing to do after a strenuous hike so I highly recommend including a car in your plans.
If you do decide it’s worth making the trip using public transport, check the timetables and plan ahead as buses are infrequent and you don’t want to get stuck waiting for hours.
When to go
The official guide recommends hiking between September to June. The summer months are probably too hot for this strenuous hike, but if you get a cool day it’s doable – just bring lots of water. But absolutely do not try to do this hike during wet weather or after a lot of recent rain.
Tips for hiking PR2 Alto do Formosinho
1. Plan your transport
The PR2 is a linear route so you will need to arrange transport to get back to the starting point in Azietão. There are no direct public transport options between the start and end points and while Ubers are not impossible, they can be unreliable. We parked our car at the end point, took an Uber to the start point (€10) and hiked back. It took about 30 minutes for the Uber to arrive, one cancelled on us because it was too far away and we had trouble getting the pin code because of the patchy internet in the area. Try to pre-arrange transport with a friend or taxi company if you can.
2. Eat up
Near the starting point in Azietão, there are several nice bakeries and cafes to fuel up pre-hike or to pick up some snacks to eat along the way. If you fancy a post-hike meal, there are a couple of seafood restaurants by the beach in Pontinho da Arrábida. Otherwise, pack some snacks as you will probably need some sustenance along the way. Bring enough water to last the day as once you leave Azietão, there aren’t any shops until you reach the end point.
3. Do not go in the rain
Due to the state of the path and the steep inclines, don’t attempt this route during wet weather or after recent rain.
So, was it worth it?
Parts of this hike are extremely challenging, so you do need a high level of fitness and to feel secure climbing and walking on an uneven and slippery path. But the difficulty made it more rewarding, the views are amazing and you walk through some beautiful scenery of the Arrábida. If you’re up for it physically, this hike is definitely worth it.