Setubal was known around the world, by the extent of its trade in salt, orange bark and cereals. In determining a geographical position in the Costa Azul with more than 13 km of fine sandy beaches and calm waters, offers very pleasant places to practice various sports.
Its port, road, and railway infrastructures, its cultural and natural heritage, that loom in two protected landscape areas, including the Serra da Arrábida, built in the protected area and Arrábida Natural Park, considered one of the most beautiful places in Portugal.

Setúbal travel guide and map showing the tourist attractions, hotels and places of interest around Setúbal in Portugal. Virtual tours with 360° panoramas from Setúbal, maps and local information.

Setúbal is a coastal town in Portugal, found about 40km south of Lisbon on the north banks of the Sado River estuary. It is the capital of the Setúbal District and was founded during Roman times, although evidence of human occupation in the region dates back to Neolithic times. The village developed into an important Roman fishing and trading port exporting salted fish and pottery. After the Romans left, Setúbal continued to grow in importance and influence, becoming home to several members of royalty in the 15th century.

The town was badly affected by the 1755 earthquake and subsequent fires and by the end of the 20th century the fishing industry had closed. Instead, Setúbal has become a popular travel and holiday destination. It has a rich history and is full of important historical buildings, churches and museums. Nearby are several beautiful beaches nearby, mostly found within the Arrábida Natural Park. A local dolphin colony can often be spotted playing in the Sado River.

The region produces good wines, with Moscatel from Setubal winning national and international awards, and grows both oranges and Riscadinha apples. Local gastronomy is rich with a particular focus on seafood. Azeitão, a sheep's milk cheese is an important ingredient of Azeitão pies, a local cuisine.

Setúbal - Sights and Tourist Attractions

Some of the most popular tourist attractions and places of interest in and around Setúbal for visitors include:

• Beaches - popular local beaches include Albarquel, Figueirinha, Galapos, Galapinhos, Coelhos, Monte Branco, Creiro, Portinho da Arrábida, Alpertuche and Praia da Saúde.
• Forte de São Filipe de Setúbal (Fort St. Philip Setubal) - 16th century fort on a prominent hill built to protect the entrance to the river.
• Forte de Santiago do Outão - defensive sea tower first built in the 14th century and then modernised in the 16th and 17th centuries.
• Forte de Albarquel - found on Albarquel beach, this 17th century, trapezoidal fort was built to enhance the power of Fort St. Philip de Setúbal
• Igreja de Santa Maria da Graça (Church of Our Lady of Grace) - founded in the 13th century and later rebuilt in high Renaissance style.
• Igreja do antigo Mosteiro de Jesus (Church of the old Monastery of Jesus) - 15th century church designed by Diogo Boitaca and decorated with tiles.
• Convento de Nossa Senhora da Arrábida (Convent of Our Lady of Arrábida) - 16th century Franciscan monastery in the hills of Arrábida Park, now used as a cultural space.
• Roman Salt Factory - discovered in 1979 underneath the regional tourist offices of Costa Azul, these 14 salt pits from the 5th century were used to preserve fish.
• Casa de Bocage - birthplace of the famous Portuguese poet Manuel Maria Barbosa du Bocage in 1765 and now containing a library about his work and temporary exhibitions.
• Setúbal Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography - dedicated to archaeology from the Palaeolithic to Roman periods and local and regional ethnography.
• Sado Estuary Natural Reserve - covering much of the Sado estuary the reserve contains Tróia dunes and lagoons and is an important bird breeding ground.
• Quinta da Bacalhoa gardens - beautiful formal gardens first laid out in the 16th century.
• Michel Giacometti Work Museum - founded in 1987 by Michel Giacometti in an old canning factory, the museum shows industrial machinery from the fish industry and an 1920's grocery store.

Setúbal and Costa Azul Regional Tourist Office (Região de Turismo de Setúbal)
Travessa Frei Gaspar 10,
Apartado 73, 2901
Setúbal
Phone: 265 534 222 / 265 539 120
E-mail: costa.azul@mail.telepac.pt
Web: costa-azul.rts.pt

Road: Setúbal lies just south of the A2 / E1 about 50km southeast of central Lisbon and 40km from Almada. It is about 100km west of Evora.
Train: Setúbal Station, Praça do Quebedo‎ Station.
Flight: Lisbon Airport