Setúbal, Portugal

Setúbal

Setúbal is a city located on the Setúbal Peninsula, at the mouth of the Sado River beside the Serra da Arrábida, approximately 50 kilometres from Lisbon. It is a city bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Sado River, combining natural beauty, a gastronomy rich in fresh fish and a rich built heritage. Among its heritage, notable monuments include the Convento das Freiras de Jesus, of Manueline style and built in the 15th century, which currently houses the city museum; the Sé de Setúbal, of Renaissance reconstruction, within which stand out valuable frescoes and tilework; the Igreja de São Julião, founded in the 13th century; and the Forte de São Filipe, of Mannerist style originating in the 16th century. With a fishing and working-class culture deeply rooted in the identity of its people, Setúbal offers an encounter with local tradition through statues and museums, including the Museu do Trabalho Michel Giacometti. Inhabited since antiquity and then known as Cetóbriga, this region was settled by Phoenicians and Romans, cultures that left various traces. It is also the birthplace of important Portuguese figures, such as the poet Bocage (honoured with a white marble monument since 1871), the lyric singer Luísa Todi (who gives her name to the Fórum Municipal and several schools in the municipality) and the Portuguese football manager José Mourinho. Setúbal is known as the city of fried cuttlefish and Moscatel wine, has been a member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club since 2002 — an association that includes San Francisco Bay and the Bay of Mindelo in Cape Verde.

What to do in Setúbal

Visitors to Setúbal can explore the City Centre Heritage Trail with its built heritage, traditional fresh fish gastronomy and the classic fried cuttlefish; discover and taste wines on the Costa Azul Wine Route; explore nature and take in the surroundings on the Serra da Arrábida Trail, go birdwatching and take boat trips for dolphin watching; explore the tradition and origins of Setúbal on the Fishing Neighbourhoods Trail; and discover the city’s bohemian life.

Top 15 attractions to visit in Setúbal

1. The city of Setúbal

The main attractions of the city of Setúbal are the fishing neighbourhoods of Fontainhas and Tróino, neighbourhoods that represent an era when the sea was the primary means of subsistence for the people of Setúbal. Women worked in the fish canning factories and men fished offshore. Today they are home to elderly residents and immigrants seeking work in the city. In these typical neighbourhoods, some of Setúbal’s best restaurants can be found, along with an artisan grill on every corner cooking sardines or preparing the famous fried cuttlefish. And the city centre area, with local shops and the Jardim do Bonfim — Setúbal’s premier garden area — the Avenida 5 de Outubro, the Avenida dos Combatentes, and Avenida Luísa Todi with its central square, restaurants, Fórum Luísa Todi and the Mercado do Livramento. The Praça Bocage, the meeting point of the people of Setúbal, a cycle path, the Museu do Trabalho Michel Giacometti, and the Largo José Afonso. On the coastal promenade along Avenida Jaime Rebelo, overlooking the Sado River, we find the Jardim Engenheiro Luís da Fonseca, the ferry embarkation point to Tróia, the Clube Naval Setubalense and the Porto de Pesca de Setúbal.

2. Parque Natural da Arrábida

Parque Natural da Arrábida: is a protected area classified as a Biogenetic Reserve of the Council of Europe, created in 1976 and covering an approximate terrestrial area of 11,000 hectares and 35 km in length. A natural lung extending from the city of Setúbal to the town of Sesimbra. The Parque Natural da Arrábida rests on a limestone massif culminating at the Pico do Formosinho, at 501 metres above sea level. Its location allows us to observe the tectonic and erosion effects in its morphological characteristics, with cliffs and slopes being particularly prominent. White limestone outcrops are predominant, alongside the ocean blue, with green as the dominant colour of the park, covered by Mediterranean plant species, including dense maquis shrub. The local fauna counts over 200 species. Of great landscape value, the Serra da Arrábida offers various viewpoints with panoramic views over the surrounding region and ocean. From the Miradouro Portinho da Arrábida and the Miradouro do Norte along the N379 road, to the Posto de Vigia da Serra da Arrábida and the summit of Pico do Formosinho at an altitude of 501 metres, the entire coastline of Tróia, Melides, Santo André and Sines can be seen. The name “Arrábida” has Arabic origins and means place of prayer. Home to a biodiversity unique in Europe, notable species include foxes, rabbits, hares, bats, eagle owls, partridges and common swifts. The beaches are one of the main offerings of the Parque Natural da Arrábida, namely Praia Albarquel, a few minutes’ walk from Avenida Luísa Todi, Praia Maria Esguelha, Praia da Rainha, Praia da Figueirinha — the most visited with a Blue Flag — Praia da Galapos, Praia da Galapinhos, Praia dos Coelhos, Praia do Creiro, Portinho da Arrábida and Praia de Alpertuche. The Convento de Santa Maria da Arrábida and the Forte Velho do Outão are the main built heritage attractions in the Serra da Arrábida.

3. Miradouro Portinho da Arrábida

Miradouro Portinho da Arrábida: is one of the viewpoints offering some of the finest combined sea and nature panoramic views in Portugal, located in the Serra da Arrábida — a place from which to contemplate the Praia do Portinho da Arrábida, set within a natural landscape where the green of the low-lying vegetation stands out. The landmark of this spot is a wooden boardwalk oriented towards the cliff, allowing visitors to approach the hillside and look down over the harbour area and Praia do Portinho da Arrábida, in a natural setting that blends blue and green, extending across the contours of the serra and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. It is an important tourist stopping point, considered by several internationally renowned publications as one of the most sought-after spots by social media influencers for their photographs.

4. Mercado do Livramento

The Mercado do Livramento is a traditional market, inaugurated in 1876 and rebuilt in the 1930s. Located on one of Setúbal’s main avenues, it is considered one of the best fish markets in the world. The stalls, where displays of products such as fish, seafood, fruit, vegetables and wines create a colourful and vibrant atmosphere, are a highlight. On the building’s walls we find tile panels with over 5,000 pieces, depicting the commercial life of Setúbal and its agricultural tradition. The market floor is equally rich, creating triangular bicolour patterns in traditional Portuguese cobblestone. The Mercado do Livramento also features four sculptures representing the main professions practised in the market. The market is open to the public year-round, Tuesday to Sunday, from 7 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon.

5. Parque Urbano de Albarquel

Parque Urbano de Albarquel: is a landscaping project with 4 hectares of gardens beside the Sado River with various facilities, located at the end of Av. José Mourinho, beyond the Jardim da Praia da Saúde. A popular spot for walking and cycling along the river, with beach access and views over the river and the Tróia Peninsula, an exhibition gallery, a restaurant and a children’s playground. In this park, all buildings are made of wood adapted to the surrounding environment. The presence of numerous trees, grassed areas and the proximity to the river and the Serra da Arrábida create in this park an environment strongly oriented towards leisure, family activities and sport. At the end of the Parque Urbano de Albarquel we find the Forte de Albarquel and the Praia de Albarquel, sheltered to the north by the vegetation of the Serra da Arrábida, and a restaurant with a terrace facing the beach and the river. Before the park we find the Praia da Saúde, a very popular beach in Setúbal, and the Forte de São Filipe, situated at the top of the Parque Urbano de Albarquel.

6. Forte de São Filipe

Forte de São Filipe: is an imposing stone fortification of 16th-century military and Mannerist architecture, located in the União das Freguesias de Setúbal, on the right bank of the mouth of the Sado River. It is also known as the Castelo or Fortaleza de São Filipe. Situated on top of a hill with a rural setting, it served throughout history as a defence of the Portuguese coast and as a prison. Its plan is irregular with angular forms, adapting to the terrain, which gives it a unique and distinctive shape. Upon entering through the main gate, we find the Capela de São Filipe inside — a small rectangular chapel with a vault and bell tower, its interior entirely clad in blue and white tiles. The Forte de São Filipe also houses a pousada, built from the former existing casemates. Beneath the structure there are labyrinthine tunnels, access to which is restricted. The Pousada de São Filipe currently operates within the fortress, with the terrace of the Cafetaria de São Filipe offering a unique view over the Bay of Setúbal, the Serra da Arrábida and the Tróia Peninsula.

7. Reserva Natural do Estuário do Sado

Reserva Natural do Estuário do Sado: created in 1980, the Reserva Natural do Estuário do Sado covers a geographical area of almost 24,000 hectares spread across the municipalities of Alcácer do Sal, Grândola, Palmela and Setúbal. The main points of interest in the estuary are the thirty bottlenose dolphins that use the estuary as a feeding and breeding area; the Moinho de Maré da Mourisca, located at the Herdade da Mourisca within the Reserva Natural do Estuário do Sado in a landscape of salt marshes and salt pans — a decommissioned tidal mill converted into a museum with access to two walking trails through the estuary and cork oak woodland. Along these trails, over 200 bird species can be observed, including large flocks of flamingos; visitors can walk and cycle, go canoeing and watch traditional shellfish harvesting boats, visit Praia do Faralhão, Praia do Sado and Praia da Gâmbia, the salt pans, the oyster beds and the Roman ruins of Tróia — an area of 450 m² excavated in 1956 where an ancient Roman fish-salting industrial complex was discovered on the left bank of the Sado River.

8. Beaches of Setúbal

The beaches of Setúbal: are summer leisure spaces located on the Portuguese coastline in the district of Setúbal, many of them within the Parque Natural da Serra da Arrábida, distinguished by their pale sands and mountain and sea landscapes. Among these beaches we find the Praia da Comenda, set at the mouth of the Sado River and bounded by the abandoned Palácio da Comenda, a building dating from the 18th century. Already within the Parque Natural da Arrábida, we find the Praia do Outão, considered one of the most beautiful at European level, bounded by the Forte de Santiago do Outão and near the Ecoparque de Outão. The Praia da Figueirinha is another beach where visitors can enjoy a green setting provided by the slopes of the Arrábida, one of the most awarded and renowned beaches in the Setúbal region; matched in fame by the Praia dos Galapinhos, which has earned the title of most beautiful beach in Europe for its natural beauty and the tranquillity and clarity of its waters. At the foot of the Serra da Arrábida, we can also find the wild Praia dos Coelhos, the strip of sand of the Praia da Anicha and the Praia de Monte Branco, the latter two being very popular with divers and located a short distance from the famous Pedra da Anicha, a zoological reserve dedicated to marine fauna and flora. The tourist-friendly family Praia do Creiro is also close to this reserve and to the Estação Arqueológica do Creiro, a remnant of Roman occupation consisting of a fish-salting industrial complex. Worth highlighting in the Setúbal region is the famous Praia do Portinho da Arrábida, classified as one of Portugal’s Seven Natural Wonders, offering a natural setting that combines the clarity of its waters and sands with the green slopes of the Serra da Arrábida. Finally, the small and unexplored Praia dos Pilotos, Praia de Alpertuche and Praia dos Penedos are also worth a mention for their natural beauty. The Praia de Galápos is the most sought-after beach in the Parque Natural da Arrábida, distinguished by its white sand and exceptionally clear water. Among its main characteristics, the green and natural setting, the rocky formations and the proximity of the Serra da Arrábida cliffs stand out, sheltering it from winds and promoting calm sea conditions. Here we find a restaurant and support facilities, as well as a lifeguard service during the bathing season.

9. Casa da Baía de Setúbal

Casa da Baía de Setúbal: is a small museum and tourist promotion centre, created in a historic building on Avenida Luísa Todi, where visitors can have light meals or enjoy a glass of wine. With a traditional blue façade with white stone-framed windows, this building features decorative details such as an entrance bench built from a boat. It is a two-storey space with an inner courtyard, an outer courtyard, an auditorium and a meeting room. The collection at the Casa da Baía de Setúbal presents the history and culture of the Setúbal region through various elements and experiences, including crafts and gastronomy. With an innovative and bold design, this venue also hosts events, temporary exhibitions and a concert programme, making it an important local point of interest.

10. Casa da Cultura de Setúbal

The Casa da Cultura de Setúbal: is a cultural space in the city of Setúbal, known for promoting various social, artistic and cultural activities. This space incorporates a music school, a documentation centre dedicated to the study and promotion of Portuguese popular music, an arts space and a local documentation centre. Here visitors can see temporary exhibitions, immerse themselves in local culture through specialist reading and attend monthly events. The Artes Café and a shop are also available, where productions from the Casa da Cultura and other artistic and cultural products can be purchased.

11. Praça de Bocage and Igreja de São Julião

The Praça de Bocage: is one of Setúbal’s main squares — a spacious area where the poet’s statue, the Câmara Municipal and the Igreja de São Julião can be found. This church, originally erected in the 13th century and rebuilt during the reign of D. Manuel I, is a notable building distinguished by its two Manueline-style portals. Having undergone numerous modifications throughout history, the Igreja de São Julião today features three naves, where an 18th-century tile panel depicting the life of São Julião can be seen. The clock on the tower of this church also deserves mention, being a 19th-century Swiss piece. The façade with its imposing Manueline side portal worked in stone, the chancel with its ceiling paintings, and the 18th-century tile dado, which narrates the story of St Julian.

12. Igreja do Antigo Mosteiro de Jesus

The Igreja do Antigo Mosteiro de Jesus (or Convento de Jesus): is a 15th-century Gothic church in Setúbal, notable for being one of the first monuments to incorporate the Manueline style. Several visual aspects of its religious architecture stand out, including the columns, arches and windows made from brecha da Arrábida — a rock found exclusively in this Portuguese region. Equally notable are the three vaulted naves with spiral ribbing in the Manueline style; the 15th and 16th-century tilework and the gilded woodcarving that ornaments the high altar. When visiting the church, visitors can also see the Chapter House with its Mannerist decorations and a former Sacristy. In the square, where a 17th-century wayside cross stands, the church façade can be admired for its great architectural richness, with the main door and the decorated chancel window as the visual highlights. This monument, classified as a European Heritage Label site, was the location where the Treaty of Tordesillas was ratified.

13. Igreja de Santa Maria da Graça

The Igreja de Santa Maria da Graça (or Sé Catedral de Setúbal): is Setúbal’s main church, dating from the 13th century and rebuilt in the 16th century, located in the heart of a medieval neighbourhood. Of Gothic-Romanesque religious architecture and classified as a Property of Public Interest, this church stands out for its imposing façade, where the bell towers and the Serlian portal can be seen. On entering, the 17th-century decorative elements are also notable, along with the columns ornamented with 19th-century frescoes, the gilded woodwork details of the chancel and the historic tilework. There is also, inside this church, a collection of liturgical works and furniture dating from the period between the 16th and 18th centuries.

14. Lapa de Santa Margarida

The Lapa de Santa Margarida: is a natural cave located at the base of the Serra da Arrábida, near the Portinho da Arrábida in the district of Setúbal, which includes an altar in honour of Santa Margarida. Access is via a narrow stairway of over two hundred steps, leading to the altar of Santa Margarida and its natural rocky setting, from which the ocean can be seen. A place of Christian character, it nonetheless displays elements related to other faiths, including pagan and esoteric imagery. The attribution of the space to Santa Margarida is connected to an ancient image of the saint that was formerly housed there and which can currently be visited at the Convento dos Capuchos.

15. Museu de Arqueologia e Etnografia do Distrito de Setúbal (MAEDS)

The Museu de Arqueologia e Etnografia do Distrito de Setúbal (MAEDS): is a public cultural space and museum nucleus founded in 1974, located on Avenida Luísa Todi, one of Setúbal’s main thoroughfares. Beyond the white and yellow façade displaying identifying banners, the MAEDS presents an interesting collection of artefacts related to the tangible and intangible heritage of the Setúbal Peninsula. The museum collection includes prehistoric, Roman and post-Roman archaeological collections as well as ethnographic collections highlighting some of the region’s main activities, including fishing, salt production, livestock farming, agriculture, crafts, folk art and shipbuilding. This museum has free entry and also includes a specialist library and offers guided tours.

Attractions and places to visit in the district of Setúbal

Sesimbra

Sesimbra: is a Portuguese town in the district of Setúbal, known for its great natural beauty and built heritage. One of the main points of interest is the Castelo de Sesimbra, a restored medieval castle situated on top of a cliff overlooking the sea, a few kilometres from Cabo Espichel, whose original fortress dated from the 9th century. Within it, we find the Igreja de Santa Maria, originally dating from the 12th century and rebuilt in the 18th century following its destruction in the Lisbon earthquake, notable for the richness of its interior clad in 19th-century tiles, with a single-canvas ceiling depicting the coronation of the Virgin. Though more recent, from the 17th century, the Fortaleza de Santiago de Sesimbra is another regional landmark, having been built for defensive purposes against maritime threats, which now serves as a cultural space hosting various events. Near the fortress, visitors can see the beauty of the urban beaches of Ouro and Califórnia, classified with blue flags, the first of which, with its sands and clear waters, is bounded to the east by the Fortaleza de Santiago, while the second, more family-oriented, is situated to the east of the Bay of Sesimbra. A few minutes from these beaches, the Marina de Sesimbra can be found — another emblematic landmark of the locality, serving as a mooring for leisure craft and born from the dedication of the Clube Naval de Sesimbra, based there. Walking a few minutes from the marina, visitors will also find the Forte de São Teodósio da Ponta do Cavalo, an 18th-century monument that served defensive purposes and incorporates the Farol do Forte do Cavalo, built in the 19th century. The Parque Municipal de Campismo Forte do Cavalo is also located near the Marina de Sesimbra and these monuments.

Beaches to the west of Sesimbra

The beaches of Sesimbra are recognised for their natural beauty and, as we head west towards Cabo Espichel, we find a coastline with numerous beaches, most of them wild and with challenging access. One of the most emblematic beaches along this route is the Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo, located near Cabo Espichel, still carrying a wild and natural character, with boat access being the easiest option. Nearby, heading westwards, we find two other beaches characterised by complex access and the natural beauty of the rocky escarpments surrounding them: the Praia da Mijona and the Praia do Inferno — the latter distinguished by the magnificent natural structures formed in the ocean rocks. Continuing westward, we cross the Praia de Vale Covo, a small cove of great natural beauty, the Praia de Cramesines with its sandy beach at the foot of a steep slope, and the Praia da Baleeira — the first beach in the Cabo Espichel area, where the ruins of the Forte de São Domingos da Baralha can be explored, a stone fortress fully integrated into the natural rocky surroundings, occupying an elevated position over the Baía da Baleeira, built in the 17th century for the protection of the coastal shoreline.

Cabo Espichel

Cabo Espichel is the westernmost point of the Sesimbra coastline, in the district of Setúbal, and stands out for the natural beauty of its oceanic landscape and for incorporating a historical-religious complex of great value, which includes the Farol do Cabo Espichel, the Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel, the Ermida da Memória and the Casa da Água. The Farol do Cabo Espichel is one of the oldest lighthouses in Portugal, having been built in the 18th century for coastal protection of the region on the orders of the Marquis of Pombal. It stands out for its tower of 32 metres, offering one of the most beautiful panoramic views over the region. The Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel is a 14th-century religious monument perfectly set within a natural landscape, built to house an image of Nossa Senhora found in the region. Beside it, we find the Ermida da Memória, a small-scale temple situated near the escarpment, notable for its contra-curved dome and white façade, inside which highly valued 19th-century tiles can be found. The Casa da Água (18th century), also at this location, historically served to supply water to pilgrims. A few minutes to the north of Cabo Espichel, we find the Monumento Natural da Pedra da Mua (or Monumento Natural dos Lagosteiros), a palaeontological site of interest set within a natural cliff where dinosaur footprint traces exist. This site borders the natural Praia dos Lagosteiros, relatively close to the fine strip of sand that makes up the Praia do Areia do Mastro. To the north of these beaches, we also find the rocky Praia do Rebenta Bois, a beach with shell-shaped sands set within a small cove with rough waters, as well as the Praia da Foz, a more sheltered beach popular with surfers during the months of greatest sea activity.

Castelo de Palmela

Castelo de Palmela: is a castle initially built by the Moors between the 10th and 12th centuries, subject to structural modifications until the 17th century. Its Romanesque, Mannerist and Gothic architectural features reflect a history of conquests and reconquests. Visually, the castle has an irregular layout incorporating military and religious elements, with highlights including the Igreja de Santiago with its valuable tilework and Manueline vault, and the Convento de Santa Maria da Arrábida, now converted into a pousada, of which the central cloister is particularly notable. The two square towers and the keep are among the prominent features of the Castelo de Palmela. Several spaces of the Museu Municipal can be visited within the castle, including the Espaço de Transmissões Militares and the Espaço Arqueológico. Situated at one of the highest points of the Serra da Arrábida, between the Tagus and Sado estuaries, this castle offers breathtaking views which, on the clearest days, extend as far as the city of Lisbon.

Visiting the attractions of Palmela

Palmela: is a Portuguese town in the district of Setúbal with an extensive built, natural and cultural heritage. In the locality, we find the Castelo de Palmela as the main attraction, the Casa Mãe da Rota dos Vinhos from which guided tours of the Setúbal Peninsula Wine Route depart, and the Moinhos Vivos de Palmela, located in the Parque Natural da Arrábida, where regional history and culture are conveyed through a natural trail featuring centuries-old mills and experiences such as workshops, interaction with donkeys and tastings of wood-fired dishes. The local viewpoints are among the attractions, allowing panoramic observation of the locality and, on clear days, views as far as Cristo Rei (Almada) or the Palácio da Pena (Sintra). Among these, the Miradouro de Palmela stands out, located in the castle, offering a panoramic view over the town and the Serra da Arrábida. Another notable viewpoint is the Miradouro de São Sebastião, characterised by its pergola, its privileged sunset view and its landscape encompassing the riverside area, the Serra da Arrábida and the Forte de São Filipe. Beyond the views, Palmela also invites visitors to engage actively through golf. Palmela Golf — an 18-hole course set within a luxury complex with a natural setting and all necessary facilities — and the Montado Hotel & Golf Resort — located on the Costa Azul and known for its 18th hole situated on an island — are examples of venues where this can be done. Finally, visitors can explore the Igreja de Santiago de Palmela and the Igreja da Misericórdia, and for more intense cultural immersion, the Teatro o Bando collective, founded in 1974 and one of the oldest cultural cooperatives in Portugal. Palmela is a popular destination owing to the high quality of the schools within the municipality’s education system, notably the Colégio Aires Real, the International School of Palmela and St Peter’s School. As regards Palmela gastronomy, special mention goes to sopa caramela, roast kid, coelho à camponesa de Palmela, striped apple, pear poached in Setúbal Moscatel and carolinos.

Almada and the Santuário Nacional de Cristo Rei

Santuário Nacional de Cristo Rei: is a religious monument dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, inaugurated on 17 May 1959. The Sanctuary is located in the municipality of Almada and provides one of the most spectacular views over the city of Lisbon. The monument is 110 metres tall, situated at a maximum altitude of 133 metres above the Tagus River. At the Santuário do Cristo Rei, visitors can see the Capela dos Confidentes, the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Paz, the Sala Beato João XXIII, the Cruz Alta, the Edifício de Acolhimento, the Via-Sacra Exterior and the Sala da Misericórdia. Ascent to the top of Cristo Rei is by lift to the upper floor, though to reach the Capela dos Confidentes do Sagrado Coração de Jesus a further 59 steps must be climbed. From the terrace, where a panoramic view over Lisbon and surroundings can be enjoyed, there is a 200 m² hand-painted tile panel.

Mata Nacional da Machada

Mata Nacional da Machada: is the main forested area in the municipality of Barreiro. It incorporates the archaeological field, the Centro de Educação Ambiental, the Sapal de Coina, the Pinhal de Vale de Zebro and the Quinta da Machada. With a strong natural setting, this site is characterised by walking trails where visitors can engage with a great diversity of fauna and flora. The main vegetation of the Mata Nacional da Machada consists of Mediterranean species such as heather and myrtle, and pine trees. Blue tits and buzzards are commonly spotted here. In addition to the natural component, the Mata Nacional da Machada has fountains and two picnic areas.

Sobreiro Assobiador de Águas de Moura

The Sobreiro Assobiador de Águas de Moura: is a centuries-old cork oak classified as a Tree of Public Interest, found in the locality of Águas de Moura, in the town of Palmela, district of Setúbal. In addition to its more than two centuries of existence, this cork oak gained recognition in the Guinness World Records as “the largest cork oak in the world” and won the European Tree of the Year competition in 2018. This cork oak stands out for its natural beauty and for the many birds that can be heard singing here, a characteristic that gave it the name “assobiador” (whistler). Regional tradition and legend recognise this tree as a “matchmaking cork oak”, noting that, in addition to marking a location where Romani weddings were held, many romances and marriages were arranged beneath its canopy.

Península de Tróia

The Península de Tróia: is a strip of pale sand extending for 17 kilometres, surrounded by the ocean, in the municipality of Grândola, district of Setúbal. This peninsula stands out for its natural beauty, being famous for its tranquil beaches, Roman remains and various leisure and recreational facilities. Here we find the Cais Palafítico da Carrasqueira, a structure of vernacular architecture that allows the mooring of fishing vessels and whose characteristics give it a high degree of uniqueness. Of equal interest in the region are the Roman Ruins of Tróia (Cetóbriga), an archaeological site of interest classified as a National Monument, known locally as the “Portuguese Pompeii”, which was, during the Roman occupation, an important industrial fish-salting centre. Nearby, we find the Tróia Golf, an internationally acclaimed resort with views over the Serra da Arrábida and a 6-hectare, 18-hole golf course, and the Casino Tróia, where hundreds of slot machines and over 15 gaming tables can be found in a refined and modern setting. The Marina de Tróia, situated at the northern tip of the peninsula, is a marina with capacity for approximately 100 vessels, surrounded by restaurant and hotel services.

Grândola: is a town located between the Alentejo plain and the Serra de Grândola. The town’s attractions are the Várzea de Grândola, the Ribeira do Borbolegão, the Roman Station of Tróia, the Igreja Matriz de Grândola, the Antigos Paços do Concelho, the Jardim Primeiro de Maio and the Memorial 25 de Abril.

Beaches of the Tróia Peninsula

The beaches of the Tróia Peninsula: located in Grândola, district of Setúbal, are one of the region’s greatest attractions and comprise a collection of bathing areas with various facilities for summer activities in the region. The most recognised beach in this region is the accessible Praia Tróia Mar, a coastal space with views over the Serra da Arrábida, located beside important tourist developments and suited to water and beach sports. The Praia Bico das Lulas also stands out in the region, for its calm sea and the fine sand dunes surrounding it, providing a natural setting. Beside it, we find the magnificent views over the mouth of the Sado River at the extensive Praia da Questa, and also the peaceful Praia de Tróia Galé, with views over the Arrábida. The Praia do Golf, flanking the Tróia Golf Championship Course, and the Praia da Costa da Galé, beside the campsite, also stand out — respectively for their dunes and fossil cliffs. Other local beaches also deserve mention, including the Praia Atlântica, known for the occasional sighting of dolphins in its clear and calm waters; the isolated Praia do Malheirão and the Praia da Malha da Costa, an oceanic area within the Reserva Natural do Estuário do Sado.

Visiting the attractions of Comporta

Comporta: is an Alentejo village in Alcácer do Sal, with vast rice fields, golden sandy beaches and views over the Sado River. One of the greatest attractions of the region is the Praia da Comporta, an accessible beach located at the southern tip of the Tróia Peninsula, where water sports can be practised and the natural beauty arising from its location within the Reserva Natural do Estuário do Sado can be enjoyed. This beach is near the Herdade da Comporta, whose history dates to 1836 and where the winery can be visited and regional wines tasted. Near the estate, we find the peaceful and semi-deserted Praia da Torre and the Lagoa Formosa, a development with views over the rice fields. Other beaches worth highlighting in Comporta include the Praia do Carvalhal, a bathing area sheltered by cliffs that promotes well-being with all essential facilities; the Praia do Pego, known for its extensive sands, calm sea and tranquillity; the “secret” Praia da Raposa, accessible only along the beach and with an almost private character; the Praia do Pinheirinho, where visitors are invited to spend time in nature; and the Praia Galé de Fontaínhas, where sandy cliffs create a unique natural setting. This last beach also stands out for its proximity to the campsite of the same name.

Visiting the heritage of Alcácer do Sal

Alcácer do Sal: is one of the oldest cities in Europe, founded in 1000 BC by the Phoenicians — a city in the district of Setúbal noted for its cultural, archaeological, architectural and religious heritage. Here, we find the Quinta Brejinho da Costa, a wine tourism space dedicated to transmitting the region’s wine heritage and committed to creating Atlantic wines. The natural interest of the region is not confined to the vines of this estate — the southern bank of Alcácer do Sal features spaces such as the Sado park and riverside walk. Beyond nature, the locality also offers contact with archaeological interest spaces, notably the Cripta Arqueológica do Castelo, on the lower floor of the Pousada D. Afonso II, where traces of various historical periods between the 5th century BC and the 17th century can be found. In terms of historical, cultural and architectural interest, the Igreja de Santiago is also a landmark in the locality — an ancient Christian temple whose first historical mention dates from the 17th century, presenting a Baroque and Mannerist aesthetic expressed in a simple façade and a rich interior. Inside, the most significant elements are the paintings, including the equestrian painting of Saint James behind the altar and the 19th-century tile panels with scenes from the lives of Saint James and the Virgin. Another example of religious architecture in Alcácer do Sal is the Santuário do Senhor dos Mártires, one of the oldest temples in Portugal, whose history dates to the Iron Age when it was a public necropolis. Construction of the current sanctuary is believed to have begun in the 13th century.

Visiting the attractions of Vila de Melides

Vila de Melides: is a coastal town in Grândola, in the district of Setúbal, combining natural spaces, cultural heritage and prehistoric remains. The Lagoa de Melides is one of the most prominent features of the region, with important habitats across its 26 hectares and, alongside the coastline and its beaches, one of the region’s greatest tourist draws. On the southern shore of the lagoon we find the Observatório de Aves da Lagoa de Melides, a short distance from the Melides campsite. For bathing, the region offers various beaches, including the Praia da Aberta Nova, a wild-looking beach bounded by dunes; the Praia de Melides, the most famous in the region, distinguished by its location between the lagoon and the ocean; and the Praia da Sesmaria, with its calm waters and extensive white sands. The natural world of Vila de Melides is also expressed in the freshwater pond known as the Fonte dos Olhos, a former wash house modified in 1960 to supply the village with water, set within a local picnic park. Finally, in the locality of Melides, at the Herdade das Casas Velhas in Vale Figueira, prehistoric remains can be found including the Necrópole de Cistas das Casas Velhas, a site classified as a Property of Public Interest, dating from the Bronze Age and constituting an ancient necropolis with 35 graves. The collection discovered during local excavations is currently on display at the Museu de Arqueologia e Etnografia de Setúbal.

Visiting the attractions of Vila Nova de Santo André

Vila Nova de Santo André: is a city historically dedicated to agriculture and fishing, located on the Alentejo coast in the district of Setúbal, with valuable natural and cultural heritage. One of its main points of interest is the Lagoa de Santo André, a body of water set within a natural landscape of pale sand dunes and diverse birdlife. The protection of this important wetland led to the creation of the Reserva Natural das Lagoas de Santo André e da Sancha, which in its entirety is an important natural space for the preservation of nature and its habitats. Within the reserve, we find the Praia da Costa de Santo André, a beach that receives both lagoon and ocean waters simultaneously, offering a natural landscape with opportunities for birdwatching and water sports. In addition to this beach, the wild Praia da Vacaria and the extensive and clear Praia das Areias Brancas also stand out in the region. Immersion in nature is possible via the trails of the Salgueiral da Galiza route, with a visit to the willow woodland and the aquatic birdwatching observatory. Horse riding and equestrian lessons promoted by the Centro Equestre de Santo André are also available. In terms of religious heritage, the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Graça is the most prominent Baroque temple in the city, distinguished by its square bell tower, the tilework covering its interior and the valued image of the saint that gives it its name.

Visiting the attractions of Santiago do Cacém

Santiago do Cacém: in Setúbal, is a city with various points of historical and natural interest. The local attractions include the Castelo de Santiago do Cacém, where the parish church dating from the 13th century, the municipal museum with an archaeological collection of pieces dating from the Palaeolithic to the medieval period, and the Ruínas de Miróbriga (or Sítio Arqueológico de Miróbriga) can be found, containing remains dating from the Late Bronze Age and the Iron Age, as well as Roman ruins. Within this complex, traces of an ancient forum, a temple dedicated to Venus and Roman baths can be found. A single-arch bridge, a rainwater drainage system and an original limestone slab pavement are also part of this archaeological site, while the Ruínas do Hipódromo Romano de Miróbriga — an ancient structure used for chariot or biga races (horse-drawn vehicles) — lie just one kilometre away and stand out as the only known Roman hippodrome in national territory. The great interest of these ruins is only surpassed by the theme park Badoca Safari Park, located in Vila Nova de Santo André and extending across 90 hectares between the coast and the plain. It is dedicated to contact with animal life and nature, allowing visitors to see hundreds of species in the wild, including giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, exotic birds and many others. Species observation and leisure and sports activities make this space an inviting venue for outdoor experiences with the family.

Sines

Sines: is a Portuguese city of great importance to the expansion of world trade, owing to the positioning of the Porto de Sines, which receives for Europe the large container ships with goods from around the world. The main tourist attractions are the city’s historic centre, the Castelo de Sines, the Centro de Artes de Sines, the Capela de Nossa Senhora das Salvas and the beaches, namely Praia Vasco da Gama, Praia de São Torpes, Praia de Morgavel, Praia de Vale-Figueiros-Vieirinha and Praia de Porto Covo. The Porto de Recreio de Sines is the only leisure port on the maritime coast between Setúbal and the Algarve. Gastronomy is also among the main reasons to visit the municipality of Sines, with specialities including seafood açorda, búzios bean stew, migas with fried fish, snail rice, limpet rice, limpet açorda, beans with seafood, cuttlefish salad, búzios salad, roe salad, almond cakes “Vasquinhos” and “Areias de Sines” cakes.

Herdade e campos de golfe da Aroeira

The Herdade da Aroeira: is a luxury development and the largest residential golf complex in the Greater Lisbon area, located 30 minutes from the capital in the locality of Charneca da Caparica, district of Setúbal. This estate is integrated within a protected pine woodland, 600 metres from the nearest beach, with a natural setting including numerous pine trees and lakes, as well as manicured gardens that invite visitors to linger. The estate’s microclimate allows golf and other leisure activities to be enjoyed throughout the year. As part of a luxury condominium, the estate includes a tropical pool, four tennis courts, areas dedicated to children’s leisure and two golf courses. The Aroeira golf courses were inaugurated in 1973 and 2000 respectively and are considered among the best golf complexes in Europe, both featuring 18 holes in a natural setting. These courses have hosted numerous competitions and have been featured in international publications on the sport.

Paisagem Protegida da Arrábida Fóssil da Costa de Caparica

The Paisagem Protegida da Arrábida Fóssil da Costa de Caparica: is a protected area with sedimentary rock cliffs arranged in strata, extending for several kilometres along the coastal strip. It is bounded on the Setúbal Peninsula by the Tagus Estuary and the Sado Estuary, having been classified as a protected landscape in 1984. The fossil cliff and the coastal plain with dozens of kilometres of beaches lead to places such as the accessible and well-equipped Praia da Costa da Caparica, the Praia Naturista da Bela Vista or Dezanove (the first Portuguese beach to incorporate naturist practice), and the wild and isolated Praia dos Medos de Albufeira, accessed along the beach from the Lagoa de Albufeira — another natural space of great interest, with a green setting and magnificent dunes, where lagoon and sea adorn the landscape. The Praia do Meco is another beach within this protected landscape, set among cliffs and freshwater springs, making it one of the most popular in the region. Heading south, we also find the Praia das Bicas, ideal for water sports enthusiasts. Sports fans will also appreciate the leisure and sports facilities in the locality of Aldeia da Verdizela and the Parque Aventura da Charneca de Caparica, where interaction with nature and adrenaline experiences become simultaneously possible.

Costa da Caparica is a Portuguese city located in the municipality of Almada and is the reference seaside resort for Lisbon residents, owing to its 30 km of white sandy beaches. It is also an international surfing destination due to its good northwest swell conditions, sheltered from the wind by Cabo da Roca, the Serra de Sintra and Cascais.

Visiting the attractions of Azeitão

Azeitão: is a parish in Setúbal where various points of cultural, sporting and traditional interest can be found. Among its monuments, the Igreja de São Simão stands out, belonging to the Order of Santiago and originally built in the 12th century, with a reconstruction dating from the 16th century. This church is distinguished by its covering of 18th-century tile panels depicting the lives of various saints, with the mural of St John the Baptist being particularly notable. Golf is among the experiences on offer in the region, with particular mention for the Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club, a diverse complex with a natural setting and views over the Serra da Arrábida, classified as one of the ten best golf courses in Portugal and having hosted European Challenge Tour competitions. In the locality, visitors can immerse themselves in wine culture at places such as the Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca Vinhos and the Adega José Maria da Fonseca, operating since 1834 with wine tourism spaces where the tasting of Azeitão wines and the rich history of seven generations invite visitors to explore Portuguese wine tradition and the production of wines and Moscatel.

Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal

Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal: is one of the largest national wine producers, founded in 1922. Responsible for introducing new production techniques, Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal operates several wineries around the country, producing wines from the Douro, Dão, Bairrada, Azeitão, Lisbon and Alentejo regions. Bacalhôa is also known for its heritage, which includes the Palácio e Quinta da Bacalhôa, a 15th-century Renaissance monument with an architectural aesthetic influenced by the Portuguese Discoveries, located in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão. Of great natural beauty, the Quinta da Bacalhôa displays rich 16th and 17th-century tilework, and in the Casa do Lago, visitors can see the earliest dated tile in Portugal. Among the facilities at the Palácio e Quinta da Bacalhôa, the Museu Bacalhôa and its tasting room with a Japanese-style garden and an exhibition space with three distinct themes — including African art, Portuguese tiles and Art Deco — can also be enjoyed.

Other places of interest in Azeitão

The Quinta das Torres Azeitão is a 16th-century estate featuring a manor house currently used for events. The square towers and the fountain in the outer courtyard, from which the façade — almost entirely covered in ivy — can be admired, are among its visual highlights, while the armaments room is the main attraction inside. The setting of this estate is green and natural, a characteristic associated with the forested mountain area of the Serra da Arrábida. Relatively nearby, the Quinta Velha da Queijeira also deserves mention as the location of the Museu do Queijo de Azeitão, a museum space where the production techniques of this regional product can be learned and tasted. Finally, the Chafariz dos Pasmados, a former Baroque fountain ornamented with decorative marble elements on which the royal coat of arms of D. Maria I is carved, is also a highlight in the region. The name of this fountain derives, according to local legend, from the astonishment its visual magnificence caused in visitors. The gastronomic hallmarks of Azeitão are Moscatel wine, cheese and the Azeitão tortas pastries.

Getting to know the Setúbal Peninsula

The Setúbal Peninsula is a region of natural, heritage, architectural and gastronomic interest, situated south of the Tagus River and Lisbon. Encompassing the nine municipalities of Alcochete, Almada, Barreiro, Moita, Montijo, Palmela, Seixal, Sesimbra and Setúbal, this peninsula incorporates various places of interest, among which we find the Parque Natural da Arrábida, the Reserva Natural do Estuário do Tejo and localities such as Setúbal, Sesimbra and Palmela, where extensive built, cultural and natural heritage exists. Beyond its landscape, shaped by places such as the Serra da Arrábida, this peninsula also stands out as a wine tourism destination, containing wine landscapes and a local culture anchored in wine production. Traditional and historic, the Rota de Vinhos da Península de Setúbal offers diverse settings that blend ocean, mountain, agricultural land and city in their landscape, focusing on Moscatel and the Castelão grape variety and allowing visitors to enjoy winery visits, wine tastings and cultural immersion in wine production processes. Within this route is the Casa Mãe da Rota de Vinhos, a space where wine courses can be taken or wine tourism cruises on the Sado River can be arranged.

Reserva Natural do Estuário do Tejo

Reserva Natural do Estuário do Tejo: is a place of great natural and biological value located north of Alcochete. It forms part of the largest national wetland, and constitutes one of the ten most important in Europe. The reserve is set within an area of over 14,000 hectares, incorporating salt pans, flood meadows and river islands. Natural, verdant and consisting of numerous aquatic spaces, this reserve is particularly known for its salt marshes and the fauna that inhabits them, notably migratory aquatic birds (including pink flamingos) and marine and migratory fish. This topic is described in more detail in the Santarém article.

Alcochete

Alcochete: is a riverside municipality located within the Reserva Natural do Estuário do Tejo, settled since the Neolithic period, which experienced a period of economic expansion during the Portuguese Discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries. It was one of the preferred resting places of the Portuguese court. The main attractions of Alcochete are the Jardim da Avenida Dom Manuel Primeiro facing the river, the Igreja Matriz de Alcochete (Igreja de São João Batista) — a 15th-century church classified as a National Monument — the Salinas do Samouco, the Moinho de Maré do Cais de Aldeia Galega, the landscape of the Sítio das Hortas with traditional boats anchored on the river, the statue in honour of the Salineiro, the Passeio do Tejo — a boardwalk over the Tagus River — the Núcleo de Arte Sacra, the Ermida de Santo António da Ussa situated on an island in a lagoon at the Herdade da Barroca d’Alva, the Igreja do Espírito Santo Matriz do Montijo built in the 17th century, where two panels depicting the “Flight into Egypt” and the “Holy Family Fishing” can be seen, and the Freeport Fashion Outlet de Alcochete, an open-air shopping centre known for its stores of well-known brands at lower prices.

Rivers and tributaries of the Setúbal region

The Sado River: is the most important river in the district of Setúbal. It rises in the Serra da Vigia, in the municipality of Ourique at approximately 230 metres of altitude, and flows into the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the city of Setúbal. It is approximately 180 km in length, with a hydrographic area of 7,692 km², an estuary of 160 km² and the following tributaries:

Rio Xarrama: rises to the northwest of Évora and flows into the right bank of the Sado River at the locality of Torrão. With an approximate length of 70 km, the Xarrama is the largest tributary of the Sado River. The main highlights are the Barragem de São Brissos and the hydrographic basin of the Trigo de Morais dam reservoir;
Ribeira das Alcáçovas: rises to the west of Évora and flows into Alcácer do Sal. The hydrographic basin of 734 km² and the Barragem de Pego de Altar are the main attractions;
Rio Arcão: rises in the municipality of Grândola and flows into the Sado River near Alcácer do Sal. It has an approximate length of 18 km and a hydrographic basin of 158 km²;
Ribeira de Campilhas: rises in the Serra do Cercal and flows into the Sado River at the locality of Alvalade in the municipality of Santiago do Cacém. The main highlight is the Barragem de Campilhas;
Ribeira da Comporta: rises in the Serra de Grândola and flows into the left bank of the Sado River at Comporta in the municipality of Alcácer do Sal;
Ribeira da Marateca: rises in the Serra de Monfurado and flows into the Sado to the north of the Mitrena Peninsula;
Ribeira de Odivelas: rises in the Serra do Mendro, has a length of 70 km, and flows into the right bank of the Sado River. The main attractions are the Barragem do Alvito and the Barragem de Odivelas;
Ribeira do Roxo: rises to the west of the city of Beja and flows into the right bank of the Sado River at Ermidas in the municipality of Santiago do Cacém. It has an approximate length of 50 km. The main point of interest is the Barragem do Roxo.

A Brief History of Setúbal

The city of Setúbal was founded in the 1st century AD by the Romans, attracted by fishing and fish salting. The first name of Setúbal was Cetóbriga; subsequently the city was abandoned until the Christian reconquest of Palmela. Setúbal was resettled in 1249 by the Order of Santiago and the Sword. It experienced a period of economic growth during the 15th century owing to the Portuguese Discoveries. During the Spanish occupation, the Fortaleza de São Filipe was built on the Serra da Arrábida. Setúbal was severely damaged during the Lisbon earthquake of 1755. In 1860, Setúbal witnessed three important events: elevation to city status, the first railway connection to Barreiro and public gas lighting. The canning industry was a major driver of Setúbal’s economy, with a peak of over 160 factories related to fish canning; the canning industry and Moscatel wine began to develop during the 19th century. During the 20th century, Setúbal witnessed major industrialisation, with prominence given to the fertiliser, cement, paper mill, naval and heavy metalworking industries. Setúbal experienced a deep crisis during the 1970s and 1980s, with an unemployment rate close to 20%. Since Portugal’s entry into the European Union in 1986, the city has been growing economically, with advances and setbacks. Currently, the sectors of greatest investment in the district of Setúbal are tourism, with particular emphasis on wine tourism and nature tourism, featuring beaches, the Serra da Arrábida, dolphin-watching boat trips and much more.

The most important festivals and events in Setúbal are:

Festas do Barrete Verde e das Salinas: held annually in August; Festas Populares de Samouco: held annually in July; Festa Medieval de Alvalade: held annually in September; Festas de Santa Maria em Ermida-Sado — with streets decorated with paper flowers — held annually in August; Santiagro – Feira Agropecuária e do Cavalo: held annually in May; Meia-Maratona Internacional de Setúbal – Costa Azul: held annually in May; Maratona Internacional de Natação da Baía de Setúbal: a race counting towards the international open water swimming calendar, held annually in June; Festróia: held annually in June; Arrábida World Music Festival: a world music festival held annually in July; Feira de Santiago: held annually between 25 July and 9 August; Festas da Arrábida e de Azeitão: held annually in July; Festas Bocaginas: held annually on 15 September — municipal holiday.

The wines of Setúbal

The Setúbal wine region produces wines of unique and internationally recognised quality, namely:

Licor Arrabidine: a liqueur produced by the friars of the Convento da Arrábida
Moscatel de Setúbal
Vinhos Piriquita. Wine tourism plays an important role in the regional economy, with the following producers worth highlighting:
Adega de Palmela
Adega Fernão Pó
Adega da Comporta
Adega Xavier Santana
ASL Tomé
Assis Lobo
Casa Agrícola Horácio Simões
Casa de Atalaia
Casa Ermelinda Freitas: a company founded in 1920. It currently produces various wine varieties, namely Castelão, Fernão Pires, Trincadeira and Touriga Nacional. Winery visits and the tasting of five wines accompanied by regional products are the main points of interest at the estate.
Malo Tojo Wines
Quinta da Bacalhôa: owned by Joe Berardo, it includes guided tours of the wineries and contemporary art collections. It is one of the best preserved and most well-known spaces in the region.
Quinta da Serralheira
Quinta de Alcube
Quinta Beijinho da Costa
Quinta do Piloto
Rio Frio
Sociedade Vinícola de Palmela
Venâncio Costa Lima

Quick Facts about Setúbal

Population: approximately 115,000 inhabitants Area: 171.9 km² Golf courses: 5 (Arrábida Resort & Golf Academy, Clube de Campo da Aroeira, Montado Hotel & Golf Resort, Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club and Tróia Golf) Shopping centres: Centro Comercial Alegro Four-star hotels: 6 (Esperança Centro Hotel, Hotel do Sado Business & Nature, Hotel Novotel Setúbal, Premium Setúbal Hotel & Spa, Montado Hotel & Golf Resort in Palmela and Hotel Rural Clube de Azeitão) Private clinics and hospitals in the district of Setúbal: 5 (Hospital São Bernardo in Setúbal, Hospital da Luz in Setúbal, Hospital de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, Casa de Saúde do Barreiro and Osteomedical – Bone Diseases in Almada) Marinas: 4 (Porto de Recreio de Sines, Doca de Recreio das Fontainhas, Marina de Tróia and Marina de Sesimbra)