Portugal — Arrábida Natural Park (near Lisbon)

Praia de Coelhos

Coelhos Beach · Rabbit Beach Arrábida

38°30.1'N 08°55.8'W

Depth

36m

Bottom

sand

Alarm Radius

60m

Holding

Excellent

Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius

60m

60m in 3–5m on excellent sand. Best holding of the eastern Arrábida coves. Less swell shelter than western bays — departure trigger for any S/SE forecast.

About This Anchorage

Praia de Coelhos (Rabbits Beach) is an easily accessible eastern Arrábida cove — closer to Setúbal than the main Portinho da Arrábida, with beautiful white sand and the characteristic turquoise Arrábida water. The lower cliff height means more sunshine but less wind shelter. The beach is walkable from the clifftop road and sees more hikers and day visitors than the more remote western coves. Excellent anchor holding in fine white sand. Good option as a first or last anchorage on an Arrábida circuit.

Protected From

N · NW

Exposed To

S · SE · E

Anchoring Rules

Anchoring fee
Free
Permit required
No

Restrictions: NATURA 2000: Posidonia possible — anchor on sandy centre. All Arrábida Natural Park rules apply. Beach access seasonally managed (numbers of land visitors controlled).

Hazards

  • !Open E and SE — exposed to Levante (E wind) which is rare but possible in summer; any E component requires departure
  • !More land visitors than remote western bays — beach can get crowded with hikers in July–August

Skipper's Tips

  • Best first anchorage on an eastbound Arrábida exploration from Setúbal — stop for lunch, then proceed to Galapos and Galapinhos
  • The open E aspect means this cove catches the sunrise beautifully — good for overnight in settled summer conditions if you want the dawn light

Facilities

Water Fuel Restaurant Provisions WiFi

Nearest provisions: Setúbal city centre (6.5nm)

Best Months & Season

May, June, July, August, September, October

May–October. More accessible from Setúbal than the western bays — good option for a quick afternoon trip from the marina.

Recommended Anchor Types

RocnaMantusDelta

Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m

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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