Portugal — Arrábida Natural Park (near Lisbon)

Alpertuche

Praia de Alpertuche · Alpertuche Cove

38°29.9'N 08°56.5'W

Depth

38m

Bottom

sand

Alarm Radius

65m

Holding

Good

Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius

65m

65m in 3–7m. Less cliff shelter than W Arrábida bays. Trip line on mixed sand/rock bottom.

About This Anchorage

Alpertuche is one of the less-visited natural coves on the eastern end of the Arrábida Natural Park coast — a quieter alternative to the crowded Portinho and Galapinhos bays in peak season. The cliffs are lower here and the cove slightly more open, giving less Nortada shelter than the western Arrábida anchorages. The water is still crystal clear and the setting spectacular. Less park regulation pressure than the western end but all Natura 2000 rules still apply. Good option for those who want Arrábida scenery without competing for anchoring space in the main bays.

Protected From

N · NW

Exposed To

S · SE · E

Anchoring Rules

Anchoring fee
Free
Permit required
No

Restrictions: NATURA 2000 rules apply as for all Arrábida coast. Verify zone status with Setúbal Capitania. No anchoring on posidonia — sandy patches only.

Hazards

  • !Less cliff shelter than western Arrábida — Nortada more noticeable; more exposed to E
  • !Mixed sand/rock bottom — use trip line and verify anchor set
  • !Open S/SE/E — departure trigger for any deterioration

Skipper's Tips

  • Good choice when Portinho and Galapinhos are full — same park, same water clarity, far fewer boats
  • Eastern exposure allows use when occasional W swell is running (unusual but possible autumn)
  • Setúbal city is 7.5nm — viable for a day trip with an early morning departure and late return

Facilities

Water Fuel Restaurant Provisions WiFi

Nearest provisions: Setúbal city centre (7.5nm)

Best Months & Season

May, June, September, October

May–September viable. Less crowded than western Arrábida. Autumn swell risk earlier than the more sheltered western bays.

Recommended Anchor Types

RocnaMantusSpade

Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m

no anchoring. Partial Protection Zone: anchoring on sand/rock only (no Posidonia). Contact ICNF (pnarr@icnf.pt or +351 212 198 140) before visiting peak season (Jul–Aug).:In Arrábida's strict marine park, anchoring violations carry heavy fines. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your position so you know immediately if you drift over protected Posidonia zones.

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