Experience
Portugal

BUCKET LIST TRAVEL : SETUBAL

Savouring fried fish and a sandy paradise

South of Lisbon, Setubal is a renowned fishing port in Portugal. Its fish market is an institution! The sea is a treasure trove here. The succession of unspoiled beaches remains pristine along the coast of the Arrábida Natural Park to the city's edge.

A CATAMARAN TRIP ON THE ATLANTIC

Go past the tip of the Tróia Peninsula, which faces Setubal, and an immense expanse opens up before you, without a glimpse of land on the horizon before the Azores. Even if you’re not heading there, you can set sail on the Atlantic like an adventurer. Why? To see the marine life, especially the dolphins.

These marine mammals have been on earth for more than 50 million years (much longer than humans). Many companies offer trips to sea departing from Setubal and providing the ideal conditions for seeing these majestic cetaceans living in the Sado Estuary. The shape of this boat lets you get close to the water, providing a better view of the dolphins cutting through, a unique opportunity to see these prominent local residents in the wild.

The dolphins measure up to 4 metres in length and weigh between 70 and 300 kg. Learn more about their eating habits, how they reproduce and their relationship with humans. The cherry on the cake is that you’ll also enjoy the spectacular scenery of the coastline of the Arrábida Natural Park.

Must-sees in Setubal

THE ARRÁBIDA NATURAL PARK

This 10,000-hectare natural park offers picture-perfect scenery with its vast mountains overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, just 40 km from Lisbon. Enjoy wild hikes through the landscape and take time to relax on idyllic beaches.

FIGUEIRINHA BEACH

Located 7 km west of Setubal, Figueirinha beach is one of the most famous in Portugal. At 600 metres long, it’s the perfect place to relax with its wide sandbank, calm waters (quite rare in this country known for its surfing beaches) and rocky mountains in the background.

GALAPINHOS BEACH

Galapinhos beach is praised for its beauty, standing next to its Greek and Italian rivals. Located in Arrábida Park, it offers idyllic natural scenery between the deep blue of the ocean and the intense green of the vegetation that lines the beach. You can even dive here!

SADO ESTUARY NATURAL RESERVE

Spanning 23,000 hectares between the towns of Alcacer do Sal, Comporta and Setubal, the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve is a sanctuary for many animals. Residents include 250 species of birds, including flamingos, herons and cormorants. You can also catch a glimpse of dolphins here if you go on a boat trip.

THE TRÓIA PENINSULA

Accessible by ferry from Setubal, the Tróia Peninsula is attached to the Grândola municipality. It’s one of Portugal’s most stylish seaside areas, with its marina and golf course. Its sandy heathland can be explored by foot or bike thanks to the trails that cross the peninsula.