Setúbal
Europe's best-kept secret
Even in times of a pandemic, Setúbal prepared the ground to bet on the exclusivity of a safe destination, just 50 km from the capital of Portugal. The bluest corner of Portugal has been highlighted in the international scene in recent years as it has been modernized and created a “safe amphitheater” in communion with the city and nature to welcome tourists.
Nature, gastronomy and wines are areas of great importance and added value for the region. Everything that the land gives is highlighted in Setúbal with a certain glamor of a Portuguese city planted between sea and mountains.
Setúbal is betting this year on a Safe destination concept and on one of the best kept secrets in Europe. If is there a place in the world that was designed just for you, that place is Setúbal. Are you going to spend your holidays where everyone else is or will you prefer a quiet and peaceful place?
Passing through the landscape from the top of Arrábida or floating with the tide in the marina of Setúbal, there is always an invitation to great moments, especially since the bay offers a multitude of experiences.
That's why this is a unique region in the world, full of charms and mysteries, which are revealed on clear and unforgettable days.
The city and the mountains; the Sado estuary and the Atlantic beaches, the historical monuments and the gastronomic delights.
Welcome to Setúbal Bay.
Come and discover an Enchanted Portugal!
Setúbal is a World of Nature
At the confluence of the Sado River and the Atlantic Ocean, wildlife flourishes in an exuberant and protected setting. Projected over the sea, the Setúbal Peninsula is generous in panoramic and breathtaking views. One of the most beautiful bays in the world offers the dance of dolphins, paradisiacal beaches and the unique flora of Serra da Arrábida. This year there are 4 new walking circuits to discover one of the most beautiful mountains in Portugal, with breathtaking views.
Setúbal is a world of charm in the city
Convento de Jesus, Casa da Baía, Casa do Turismo and Mercado do Livramento are just some of the places to visit. Between the culture, products and life of the region, this is a city with a soul to enjoy. Explore the city in a fun way, with a bike or scooter.
Setúbal is a world of flavours and aromas
Tascas and restaurants offer the best fish. It is said here that Setúbal is the land of Fish and due to this project to boost the gastronomy of Setubal, many awards are received in the area of gastronomy and wines. Oysters, fish and seafood are divine delicacies to taste on one of the more than 300 esplanades in the city.
Beaches
The beaches of Setúbal, although with their own particularities, are all part of the Arrábida Natural Park. Portinho da Arrábida (Praia do Creiro) has a cove suitable for diving and enchants with the unique fauna and flora existing in its clear waters. Praia de Galapinhos is very quiet and sheltered, with a calm sea and clear waters. Praia da Figueirinha, with the beauty of the surrounding landscape and awarded with the Blue Flag, is one of the best known in the region. In addition to these beaches, there are also other very popular beaches, such as Albarquel, with pedestrian access from the city and awarded last year as “Accessible Beach”.
Arrabida
The name comes from Arabic and means “place of prayer”. It is a small mountain range that extends over 35 km, and whose highest point is 502 meters above sea level. The Arrábida Natural Park guarantees the protection of the approximately 11 thousand hectares of area which, due to its privileged location by the sea and the biodiversity it houses, has special characteristics in terms of climate and vegetation, with a distinctly Mediterranean nature. In addition to the natural heritage, Arrábida is rich in built heritage: the São Filipe Fortress, the Arrábida Convent and the Santa Maria Fort are good examples of harmony between human work and nature.
Dining
The gastronomy of Setúbal is rich in the sea, wines of excellence and traditional sweets, resulting in a unique experience, framed by the river Sado and the Serra da Arrábida, two of its greatest references. Moscatel from Setúbal and cheese from Azeitão are original icons of the surrounding countryside. Throughout the year, and under the brand name “Setúbal, Terra de Peixe”, the municipality values and promotes its fish gastronomy through themed Weeks, where ingredients from the Sadina coast are king: oyster, cuttlefish, sardines, horse mackerel, mackerel , red mullet.
Azeitão
On one side of the mountain, the sea, on the other, the rural peace of Azeitão. For centuries, the region was one of the favorites of the Portuguese aristocracy that left a vast legacy of buildings and monuments of significant historical importance, justifying in itself a visit to Azeitão. But attractions abound on every street traveled and around every corner. The gastronomy, handicrafts and flowery houses invite you to take a walk. Come and discover a sea of charms on the other side of the mountains.
