This 22-kilometre Great Walk starts in Casais da Serra and its main challenge and objective is to climb to the highest point in the emblematic Serra da Arrábida, Pico do Formosinho, at 501 metres above sea level, with superb views over the Sado estuary, the Troia Peninsula, Azeitão, the north bank of the Tagus, especially Lisbon, the Tagus estuary, the Sintra and Montejunto mountains. Our route follows trails and some rural paths, with the possibility of observing the Atlantic Ocean on a walk in perfect communion with nature. We'll have a fantastic view of the Serra do Risco cliffs, the highest in continental Europe with a height of 381 metres. It's a breathtaking view of the magnificence of Mother Nature.

Serra da Arrábida

A Serra da Arrábida is made up of rugged terrain with strong levels located on the north bank of the Sado River estuary, on the Setúbal Peninsula, with the highest point at 501 metres, marked by a geodesic landmark, and peculiar climate and flora characteristics. Its climate is temperate Mediterranean and its flora is rich in Mediterranean species such as holm oak, cork oak and oak.

Poets such as Frei Agostinho da Cruz and Sebastião da Gama, with his statue in the centre of Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, lived here and made the mountains a recurring motif in their works.

Serra do Risco and Terras do Risco

Legend has it that it was in this Vale do Risco that King Afonso Henriques "risked" dividing his troops, thus creating a death trap for the Moorish troops based at Sesimbra Castle. On the other hand, the presence of the skyline of the highest cliff above the sea on the Portuguese mainland presents itself as a perfect "risk" on the horizon. What is the reason for this name? We may not have an answer on this tour of a mysterious, unexplored area with unique treasures and views, accessing balconies overlooking the sea and travelling along old paths used by smugglers, climbers and, for a long time, the training ground for Portuguese soldiers going off to war overseas.

This walk follows trails and some rural paths, always respecting the ICNF's code of conduct.

- Pico do Formosinho - Serra da Arrábida - Terras do Risco - Quinta do Calhariz - Roça do Casal do Meio - Varandas do Risco - 381 metre high Serra do Risco cliff - Natural landscapes -