Setúbal

Setúbal, a coastal city 50 kilometers south of Lisbon, is home to the 15th-century Monastery of Jesus and bordered by the Arrábida Natural Park with its secluded beaches and hiking trails. Across the Sado Estuary, the Tróia Peninsula stretches with its white sand beaches. In Setúbal's restaurants, try the local specialty of fried cuttlefish, and join a boat tour to spot bottlenose dolphins in the estuary.

Location and Getting There

Setúbal sits on the northern shore of the Sado Estuary, about 50 kilometers south of Lisbon. Reach the city in under an hour via the A2 motorway. For public transportation, take a train from Lisbon's Roma-Areeiro station, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, buses depart from the Oriente station in Lisbon, arriving in Setúbal in around 1 hour 15 minutes.

Monastery of Jesus

Built between 1490 and 1501, the Monastery of Jesus is considered the first example of Manueline architecture in Portugal. This style, unique to Portugal, blends late Gothic with Renaissance elements and maritime motifs. The choir features intricate ribbed vaulting, and azulejo tiles depict scenes from the life of Mary. Today, the monastery houses a museum with a collection of 15th and 16th-century paintings.

Arrábida Natural Park

Just west of Setúbal, the Arrábida Natural Park covers a stretch of coastline and the Serra da Arrábida mountain range. The park contains a rare maquis ecosystem, one of the few in Portugal. Hiking trails wind through the park, providing views of the coastline and the Sado Estuary. Several beaches, such as Portinho da Arrábida and Praia do Creiro, face south and are protected from strong Atlantic currents.

Livramento Market

The Mercado do Livramento, housed in an Art Deco building from 1930, is central to daily life in Setúbal. Early mornings buzz with activity as locals haggle over the catch of the day. The market sells fresh fish and seafood, as well as local produce, meats, and cheeses.

Local Cuisine

Setúbal's cuisine centers on seafood, with fried cuttlefish (choco frito) as a local specialty. Many waterfront restaurants serve this dish. Other popular options include grilled sardines and caldeirada, a hearty fish stew. The region produces Moscatel wine, a sweet fortified wine that pairs well with desserts.

Dolphin Watching

The Sado Estuary has a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, one of the few places in Europe where these marine mammals live in their natural habitat. Several companies run boat tours from Setúbal's marina for dolphin observation. Summer months typically have calmer waters, making dolphin sightings more likely.

Tróia Peninsula

A short ferry ride across the Sado Estuary takes you to the Tróia Peninsula. Long stretches of white sand beaches and clear waters characterize this area. At the southern tip of the peninsula, explore the Tróia Roman Ruins, the remains of a 1st-century fish-salting factory.

Best Time to Visit

Setúbal has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. The period from May to October typically has good weather for outdoor exploration. July and August are the hottest months and also the busiest, especially on the beaches. For fewer crowds, consider visiting in May, June, or September when temperatures are moderate and tourist numbers are lower.

Historical Background

People have lived in the area around Setúbal since ancient times, with evidence of Phoenician and Roman settlements. The city became an important port in the 15th century, contributing to Portugal's maritime expansion. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Setúbal developed into a major center for sardine fishing and canning. Today, while the fishing industry has declined, the city maintains its connection to the sea through its port activities and tourism.