Setubal is a beautiful place and there is so much to see and do! Here are some of the best places to visit during your stay in this lovely coastal city.
The Mercado do Livramento is the perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere, with its stalls full of tempting fruit and vegetables and fresh fish. Its interior is also a delight with azulejo tiles and funny statues.
1. Casa da Baia
With a large pool, four floors of stylish accommodation and just under 1km from the Arrabida Natural Park and Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, Casa da Baia is a stunning villa set in the centre of Setubal. It’s a great place to stay to explore the area and is also ideal for visiting nearby beaches, shops, and restaurants.
This hotel has modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV channels. Relaxing massage treatments are available at the spa.
The restaurant serves a variety of regional specialties and international dishes. The bar is open all day and features renowned Portuguese wines and local spirits.
The staff at the 24-hour reception are helpful with tips on sightseeing, excursions, and more. The hotel is also just a 10-minute walk from both metro stations, so getting around is easy.
2. Museum of Archeology and Ethnography of the District of Setubal
The Museum of Archeology and Ethnography of the District of Setubal is an institution whose main aim is to promote, preserve, study and disseminate information on the rich historico-cultural legacy of the region. It has a collection of archaeological sites ranging from the prehistoric age up to Roman times.
It also has a large library and is a center for archaeological research. It also holds various temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
The museum was established in 1975 by young students from the student civic service. It was founded under the supervision of Michel Giacometti.
3. Sado Estuary
When rainwater runs over land toward the sea, it can pool in areas that are separated from the ocean by land, creating an estuary. These areas are teeming with life and can be a great place for wildlife watching, especially for birders!
The Sado River estuary is a popular destination with locals and tourists. Its unique black sand beaches offer stunning scenery and are a must-visit for anyone looking for a beautiful beach getaway.
There are several things to do in the area including a visit to the Museu do Trabalho Michel Giacometti, an old canning factory that tells the story of Setubal’s history. It also showcases marine artifacts and shipbuilding items.
4. Praia da Comporta
A remote, untamed stretch of golden beach lined with grass-topped dunes and framed by emerald sea; an antidote to the crowded Algarve, Comporta is still an under-the-radar gem. Here, barefoot strolls along the sand are a must; leisurely lunches on the beach melt into a night that sees hip seaside clubs play chilled out tunes, catamarans sail out to sea and pods of bottlenose dolphins play in the waves.
This sleepy yet bustling little community consists of just a few small streets. The eponymous Comporta Village acts as a hub for locals and holidaymakers, while picture-perfect blue and white buildings house the post office, bank and newsagent.
5. Troia Penisula
One hour from Lisbon by car or ferry, the peninsula of Troia is home to the longest beaches in Europe and a landscape that combines luxury nature, a crystalline sea, and a few local restaurants. This protected area also offers several wetlands, where you can enjoy a variety of activities, including bird watching or observing the dolphins that frequent the Sado estuary. The villas for rent in Comporta are imbued with modernity and feature personalised services, making them the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
During your stay, don’t forget to check out the mom-and-pop shops in the village, such as Briffa, Lavanda, Manumaya and Cote Sud, where you can find swimwear, colorful crafts and beachy fashions that complement the sun-on-the-sand vibe of Comporta.
