The Serra do Louro is a ridge running south from Palmela, part of the eastern reaches of the Arrábida Natural Park. It is best known for its line of windmills — moinhos de vento — strung along the crest of the hill.
The first windmills stand only a short distance from the centre of Palmela, forming the entrance to the ridge, with more spread along its spine. The Serra do Louro is crossed by walking trails, the best known being the Trilho dos Moinhos, a circular route of around nine kilometres at an intermediate level, which links the windmills with wide views and archaeological sites such as the prehistoric settlement of Chibanes.
The ridge looks out over the vineyards, the Arrábida and the Sado estuary. Some of the windmills were damaged by a fire in 2022, but one has been restored and again mills flour, with bread baked there at weekends. The Serra do Louro is an easy and rewarding contrast to the historic town below.
Highlights
- Ridge of windmills in the Arrábida Natural Park
- First windmills a short walk from central Palmela
- The Trilho dos Moinhos, a circular walking route of about 9 km
- Wide views over vineyards, the Arrábida and the Sado
- A restored working windmill baking bread at weekends
History & context
The Serra do Louro forms part of the eastern Arrábida Natural Park, a ridge long marked by its windmills. The hills carry traces of much older human presence, including the prehistoric settlement of Chibanes. A fire in 2022 damaged several of the windmills; one has since been restored to working order and again produces bread at weekends. The ridge is crossed by walking trails, of which the circular Trilho dos Moinhos is the best known.
🗓️ Best time to visit
Spring and autumn for comfortable walking. Mornings are best; the restored windmill bakes bread at weekends.
⏱️ Duration
1–3.5 hours, depending on the trail
♿ Accessibility
Poor. The ridge is walked on natural, uneven trails with climbs, unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Serra do Louro?
It is a ridge of windmills running south from Palmela, part of the eastern Arrábida Natural Park, crossed by walking trails.
Can you walk the Serra do Louro?
Yes. The Trilho dos Moinhos is a circular route of about nine kilometres at an intermediate level, linking the windmills.
Are the windmills still working?
Several were damaged by a 2022 fire, but one has been restored and again mills flour, with bread baked there at weekends.