ArrĂ¡bida
history
The ArrĂ¡bida Natural Park sits on the northern slope of the Sado River estuary in Portugal. The park was founded in 1976 and covers 108 square kilometres (41.7 miles²). The highest point in the park is marked by the Serra da ArrĂ¡bida, 499 m (1637 ft) high. The park covers the ArrĂ¡bida Hills, which mediterranean-like vegetation and microclimate resemble Adriatic locations such as Dalmatia. Two of the park beaches are popular among the inhabitants of Lisbon and SetĂºbal. Those beaches are Portinho da ArrĂ¡bida and Figueirinha. The first one, on a small bay, and with a little island off the shore, is especially famous, being a regular feature on Portuguese TV commercials. In 2004, a fire destroyed a significant part of the park, which is now slowly recovering.
- [http://portal.icn.pt/ICNPortal/vPT/Areas%20Protegidas/ParquesNaturais/Arrabida/ Official Site of the (Portuguese) Institute for Nature Conservation] (Portuguese language)