Setúbal

Setúbal is a Portuguese port city of 100,000 inhabitants, located southwest of Lisbon.

It flourished when the prosperity of the "salt" trade reached what was once a small fishing village.

From those days, the Fábrica Romana de Salado can still be visited today.

Setúbal © luisfpizarro – stock.adobe.com

Later, that prosperity came to an end with the disaster of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, and it is during the contemporary era that the region has gained renewed significance.

What to See in Setúbal

Setúbal has a great natural appeal that makes it a very special place for visitors.

The Arrábida Natural Park is located in this region of the country and encompasses several mountain ranges, including the Serra da Arrábida, which gives the park its name. This lush mountain park ends at blue-water beaches, some of the most beautiful in the country.

Portinho da Arrábida © moedas1 – stock.adobe.com

The Beaches of Setúbal

The beaches of Setúbal are a magnet for both Portuguese and international visitors. There are more than 10 to choose from, but if you want our favorites, they are Portinho da Arrábida and Galapinhos Beach (Praia de Galapinhos). If you have time, the very best thing you could do would be to head down to one of these beaches and enjoy a wonderful beach day in this truly special place. Even if you're short on time, there are kayak tours with transport included from Lisbon.

For a memorable sunset, make your way to Cabo Espichel and watch the sun sink below the horizon, with the sea and cliffs all around you.

Galapinhos Beach, Setúbal © photostudio_pt – stock.adobe.com

From Setúbal, you can take the ferry to the popular beaches of the Troia Peninsula, located in the neighboring municipality of Grândola. These are white-sand beaches with calm waters, perfect for families. The ferry ride takes 21 minutes and tickets are purchased at a machine located at the port. You can also get there by car.

You can find out more about beaches in our post on Lisbon Beaches.

Setúbal seen from the Troia Peninsula © moedas1 – stock.adobe.com

For those looking for more than just beaches, there are pieces of local history well worth exploring: the Forte de São Felipe de Setúbal, the city walls (one of medieval origin and another from the 16th century), and some beautiful churches, such as the Igreja Santa Maria da Graça which deserves special attention.

Eating in Setúbal

As in other regions of Portugal, Setúbal has its own particular gastronomic charm. Two of its signature dishes are Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato (clams with garlic, cilantro, and lemon) and cataplanas.

Seafood cataplana © HLPhoto – stock.adobe.com

For those with a sweet tooth, the region is famous for its Tortas de Azeitão. A sponge cake-style dessert rolled up with a moist filling made from egg yolks and sugar.

Wines – Setúbal Blue Coast Route

Last but not least, Setúbal produces some of our favorite wines, especially in the Palmela region. They are cultivated at several wineries in the area, which you can visit on your own or on a guided tour from Lisbon. In addition to red, white, and rosé, the famous Moscatel de Setúbal is also produced here.

How to Get to Setúbal?

Getting to Setúbal from Lisbon is very easy. Just head to the Sete Rios train station (metro station "Jardim Zoológico") or to Roma-Areeiro. From either station, take the train toward Setúbal. The journey takes just under 1 hour. Trains run every hour in summer. Route operated by Fertagus.

A single ticket costs around €5.