ESPANHA

PORTUGAL

Setúbal has an agreeable room temperature through the entire year.

The climate varies from Maritime to Mediterranean kind of weather.
Temperatures
• Maximum monthly average (August): 29º
• Minimum monthly average (January): 5º
Humidity
• Maximum monthly average (December): 89%
• Minimum monthly average (January): 55%
Precipitation
• Maximum monthly average (January): 120 mm
• Minimum monthly average (August): 4 mm
All in one world
What if one district could gather all that a visitors wish for?
Is it asking for too much? Not in Setúbal.
Heading for the future, Setúbal seduces because of its very
own diversity and quality of life.
The mountain, the river, the sea and the exquisite beaches
live side to side with a rich cultural and gastronomic herit-
age, providing a unique menu to visitors.
Established as a city in 1860, and district capital since 1926,
Setúbal is a cosmopolitan centre, located only a few 40
kms from Lisbon, the Portuguese capital.
Embraced by the blue river Sado and the green mountain
range of Arrábida, Setúbal has a rich historic background,
with plenty of traditional architecture, ancient churches,
museums, and buildings that take you back in time.
Let yourself be surprised by one of the most beautiful bays
in the world! Where the white sand beaches clash with the
colours from the Atlantic Ocean, the Arrábida Mountain
and the clear skies.
Feel the scent of lavender, rosemary and murta and take
a dive in the calm and transparent beaches of Arrábida.
Take a hike by the river, watch the dolphins and visit the
Sado estuary, where large flocks of flamingoes share the
habitat.
Setúbal offers, also, a great variety of flavours and it is com-
monly recognised as a region where one can taste the
best grilled fish in Portugal.
Grilled Sardines and the fish stew are likewise deeply ap-
preciated by locals and visitors. The famous fried cuttlefish,
as well as the monkfish rice and the eels stew can surprise
any given guest.
To enrich your meal, there’s nothing like a good wine from
the Sado district, and as an appetiser, we recommend the
celebrated Moscatel of Setúbal. The pastry is not to be for-
gotten. It’s imperative to savour the pies from Azeitão, the
“S” biscuits and the orange sweets.
The famous cheese of Azeitão stands as a reference and
constitutes always a good choice to start or finish a meal.
Welcome to a world apart. Welcome to Setúbal. The blue
corner of Portugal.
Beaches for all tastes
Although with its own characteristics, the beaches you will find in Setúbal
surroundings share a characteristic that makes them unique: they are all
framed by the Arrabida Natural Park.
Portinho da Arrábida is one of the prettiest beaches in Portugal, with an inlet
that mirrors the green of the mountain, which lies on the sand. Conducive to
diving, this beach captivates by its clear, warm waters, as well as its unique
flora and fauna.
The calm sea and the beauty of its surrounding
countryside turns Figueirinha into one of the best
known beaches in the region. It is quite crowded
during summertime, but the easy swell creates
excellent conditions for swimming and the ex-
tension of the beach offers the opportunity for
long rides. The beach Figueirinha, awarded with
the Blue Flag, also boasts excellent conditions for
the observation of marine species.
This species can be found also on the beach of
Galápos. Very quiet and secluded, it is known for
its calm and clear waters. This site is ideal for div-
ing and underwater hunting.
Of equal beauty, but smaller, the beach of Maria
Esguelha is located just outside the city, towards
Arrábida.
A city facing the sea
The fishermen and their boats, the river and the
sea, they are all inseparable from the Setúbal’s
identity.
Hundreds of colorful boats anchored all over the
riverside contrast with the bronze shade from the
fishermen’s skin.
People who live from the sea, face their chal-
lenges with a peculiar wisdom and humor, and
are able to paint extraordinary pictures only with
their words.
Trade with tradition
The downtown area is the place to find much of
the traditional trade.
Shops for all tastes, where some of the most rec-
ognized brands mingle with older ones, so you
can shop for rare and unconventional products.
Not only trade live downtown. The culture lurks
around the corner and some buildings are living
witnesses of a city that grew modern, but did not
forget its historic core.
Virtually every street converges to the Bocage
Square, one of the main meeting places of the
people of Setúbal and those visiting the city.
The terraces of the Plaza - dedicated to Manuel
Maria Barbosa du Bocage, one of the greatest
figures of Portuguese poetry – calls for a pause.
While enjoying a refreshing drink, notice the street
artists who animate the prime area of ​​the City.
The statue of the poet, overlooking the sea, is the
icon of the City busiest square. Hardly anyone re-
sist taking a picture with the monument honour-
ing Elmano Sadino - as popularly known.
Right in front of the statue, there is the Grand
Plaza, dedicated to Luisa Todi, born in Setúbal in
1753 and recognized as one of the best ever Por-
tuguese mezzo-soprano opera singers.
The building of city hall is also located in the
Bocage Square.
Natural Arrábida
Due to its privileged location by the sea and its impressive
biodiversity, Arrábida Mountain is considered to be one of
the most beautiful portuguese mountain ranges. With its
peculiar Mediterranean characteristics in terms of climate
and vegetation, Arrábida is a perfect candidate for World
Heritage Site.
The Mountain’s name comes from the Arab and means
‘’place of worship’’. Here, you can find mild temperatures
and a many unique species.
Since 1976, Arrábida’s Natural Park assures the protection of
around 11 thousand hectares of land, much of it facing the sea
and from which you can enjoy the most breath taking views.
A sublime landscape from a 500 meter high mountain that
forces itself over the ocean’s clean waters.
When you cut through the mountains undulating roads,
which invite you to slow down your rhythm, you find the
most idyllic places, from striking beaches to charming valleys.
One can also point out areas such as the ones where the
vegetation preserves its most original features, like Mata do
Solitário, Mata do Vidal and Mata Coberta, which are classi-
fied as integral reservations.
Wildcats, black-footed ferrets, weasels, foxes, hares, rabbits,
and Bonelli eagles are some of the more than two hundred
known species.
But it’s not just the land that’s a protected area. The under-
water richness of Arrábidas region is such that this is the
only Marine Park in Continental Portugal
Into the mountain
To better understand some of the Arrábida’s main beau-
ties and mysteries, there are several routes to choose from.
One suggestion is to start the trip in the sierra foothills.
The beaches of fine sand will dominate the landscape
for a few miles. The long sandy Figueirinha is popular
among the vacationers, although more hidden beaches
such as Galapos and Galapinhos may show you a rare
kind of beauty.
Going up the mountain, marvel at the Mediterranean veg-
etation of the protected Natural Park and make a detour
to the Portinho da Arrábida, with a stop in Lapa de Santa
Margarida, with access through a sweeping staircase
along the slope. In this cave, there are traces of human
presence dating back to the Lower Palaeolithic
In the outside of the cave, enjoy the view to the peculiar
Anicha Stone, a small rocky island, zoological reserve of
the Arrábida Natural Park, due to its marine fauna.
Back on the road, towards the top of the mountain, visit
the natural viewpoints along the way and become en-
chanted with the sights.
Emotions will be strengthened a little further ahead with
a visit to Convent Arrábida - advanced booking required
at the Foundation East - built in the sixteenth century to
house the Franciscan Monks.
Closer to the top of the mountain, you’ll find two special
viewpoints, the Antena and the Santa. This one with the
particularity of providing a view to new sceneries, such
as the broad valley bordered by the mountains of S. Fran-
cisco, Louro and S. Luís.
The ocean on one side, pastoral settings on the other. Un-
forgettable panoramas that evoke different emotions to
those who take the time for a ride into the mountain.
Flavours of earth and sea
The beaches and the mountains encourage laziness. But in the evening,
when you return, a walk through Setúbal seashore will open your appetite.
The scents blend. Fried cuttlefish, grilled fresh fish, the sea scent from
Setúbal’s fish stew or oysters are only some of the several gastronomic deli-
cacies that are presented.
Besides the sites in the seashore, you can also find many alternative spaces
to eat in the main avenue of the city, with the name of the lyric singer Luísa
Todi. All of them offering the best you can get from river and sea, fresh fish
and seafood, fried cuttlefish, cataplana, stews or fish noodles.
Near the city’s main boulevard there are many options. In the eastside you
have restaurants in the fishermen district Fontainhas; in the westside, the
fishermen district Troino offers some of the best gastronomic alternatives
in the city.
The district of Fonte Nova should also be mentioned, because of its several
café terraces, which invite to a meal or only to a snack at the end of the day.
To sweeten the end of the meal you have many options. The Azeitão pies
are at the top of the list. The sweets made with orange are also a temptation.
The meal is not complete without a good Sado wine. Red, white, rosé or
sparkling, the region offers a great number of high quality selections.
And in the beginning or at the end of your meal, a Moscatel de Setúbal is
always welcome.
A Council of festivities
All through the year Setúbal hosts fairs and festivals of profane or religious nature, involving
significant part of the community and attracting thousands of visitors to the city council.
Held for over four centuries, the Sant’Iago Fair takes place between the last week of July and
the first week of August. It’s the highlight of the festivities calendar.
This event has been able to renew itself over time, and it’s the stage to promoting main eco-
nomic, social and cultural activities of the region, as well as unique musical performances.
On a more religious side, there is the Nossa Senhora do Rosário de Tróia Fest, where the
adorned boats between Setúbal and Tróia are a magnificent event to witness.
Happening in the second half of August, the festivities begin with a Mass in honor of the
deceased seamen, followed by the crossing of the river Sado on decorated boats. Already in
Tróia, the night is filled with a candle light procession on the beach. Aside from the religious
ceremonies, one can mingle at night, attending the many dances and festivities. After three
days, the festival ends with the return of the boats to Setubal.
The fairs also make a presence all throughout the year.
The Handicraft Fair usually takes place on the last weekend of each month and aims to
contribute for the development of local and regional crafts as an economical cultural and
social activity.
In the centre of the Luísa Todi avenue, on the first, third and fifth Saturday of each month, it’s
possible to find items at good price in Setúbals Antique Fair.
On the second Sunday of each month, one can also find relics in the Republic Square in Vila
Nogueira de Azeitão.
One of the most beautiful bays
in the World
Wonderfully framed by the Sado estuary, the hills of Ar-
rábida and the peninsula of Troia, Setúbal Bay rivals with
the most beautiful bays in the world.
Due to the projection of the city of Setúbal internation-
ally, heritage values, as well as environmental and cultural
factors, the bay entered, in 2002, to the club of the most
beautiful in the world.
In accordance to UNESCO requirements, the bay is an im-
portant habitat for the conservation of the Bottle-nose
Dolphin.
The human face of Arrábida
Besides its unique natural legacy, Arrábida is rich in built
patrimony. The Fortress of S. Filipe, the Fort of Santa Maria
and Arrábida Convent are good examples of harmonious
coexistence between secular work of man and nature.
Located on the southern slopes of the sierra, the Arrábida
Convent, founded in 1542 by Franciscan Monks, has an
architecture that, due to their characteristics and modest
volumes, seems more a work of nature than of man. The
convent was occupied by the monks until 1834 and is now
used for cultural purposes by the Orient Foundation.
Another must see, is the fortress of S. Filipe. Transformed
into an inn in the twentieth century, right from the six-
teenth century fortification, it offers a superb panorama.
The views to the city, the bay of Setúbal, the peninsula of
Troy, the river Sado and the ocean are also astonishing.
Located in Portinho da Arrábida, overlooking the sea, the
fort of Santa Maria, erected in 1670 by order of King Pedro
II, to protect the coastal zone, is also worth a visit. Today it
houses the Oceanographic Museum and a marine biology
centre, property of the Arrábida Natural Park.
The Thousand
Discoveries Estuary
A journey through Setúbal should include the
Sado’s Estuary Natural Reserve, one of Portugal’s
largest wetlands. It’s a protected area, with about
23 thousand hectares, rich both for its natural and
build heritage as for the traditions of its people.
In addition to several palafitte ports, Carrasqueira
typical thatched huts and the vestiges of Ro-
mans’, Muslims’ and Phoenicians’ civilizations,
the estuary emergs as one of the best places to
observe the resident community of bottle-nosed
dolphin and countless species of birds.
Setubal has the privilege of being one of the few
places in the world, and only in Portugal, which
has a permanent colony of dolphins.
The bottle-nosed dolphin is an ex-libris of Sado
and for being extremely active, often follow the
boats bow.
The observation of dolphins is made by compa-
nies licensed to do so throughout the year. How-
ever, it is an activity that is conducted preferably
in spring and summer due to weather.
Sado’s Estuary is also an important wintering area
for several species and a nesting area for others.
In an area where marshes and salines predomi-
nate, it’s possible, in one day, to observe over 50
species and, at certain times of the year, that num-
ber could grow up above 200 hundred species.
Among the many species of birds, flamingoes
stand out. Since the end of the 80’s they are a
constant presence in the main wetlands of the
country, as is the case of Sado’s Estuary.
The hiking and mountain biking, canoeing, sail-
ing and windsurfing are favored in the range of
outdoor activities recommended for that area.
Nature and Culture hand in hand
Setúbal’s built heritage blends in harmony with the natu-
ral resources of the city.
The pleasant green spaces in the urban area refresh the
historical and cultural treasures from Setúbal.
The city offers plenty monuments and interesting see sites
to be visited, like the Convento de Jesus Church. National
heritage and the main monument in Setúbal, it is one of
the first examples of the Manueline architecture. It stands
out because it was the first attempt in Portugal to build
a hall church, with beautiful barley-sugar columns. The
main chapel is overlaid with frame tiles and in 1520-1530
it became a painted retable – considered one of the most
remarkable renaissance art set in Portugal – exhibited in
the 15th Century Art Gallery (Setúbal Museum), located
close to the church.
A few yards away you reach the lung of the city, the Bonfim
Garden, inviting to leisure moments and walks through
the renewed green park. It’s around four hectares of green
spaces right in the middle of the city, with over 300 trees
from 40 different species. In this green environment you’ll
find the tallest tree of the council, with 32,5 meters.
Near Bonfim Garden is the Bocage Square. In this Setúbal’s
main square there is another historic building, the São Ju-
lião Church. Built in the 13th century and rebuilt during
the 16th and 17th centuries, due to several earthquakes,
still preserves two gateways from the Manueline rebuild-
ing period. Besides the main chapel, a ashlar tile stands
out, with the story of São Julião.
Walk through the narrow downtown streets until you get to
the Santa Maria Square to visit Setúbal Cathedral. Built in the
13th century in a Romanesque-Gothic style, it was rebuilt in
the 16th century. Two towers flank the glamorous façade,
with a serlian entrance gate. Inside, admire the Tuscan or-
der columns, with frescos, ceiling, side altars, golden carved
wood in the main chapel and tiles from the 18th century.

Near the cathedral is the Corpo Santo House, a baroque ref-

erence in Setúbal, with a 13th century wall in the eastside. It
was here that the Corpo Santo’s fellowship set up, an impor-
tant navigators, ship-owners and fishermen fellowship. Visit
the antechamber, the chapel and the dispatch room, where
tiles, carving, ceilings and pavements harmoniously match.
Not far from Corpo Santo House, with a walk through de Quebedo Garden, there is another
worth seeing site: the Bocage House, nowadays a museum. It has a permanently exhibition
of the life and work of Bocage, one of the main Portuguese poets, born in Setúbal on the
15th September 1765. In the same building is the Américo Ribeiro archive, with a photo-
graphic asset of Setúbal in the 20th century.
If you leave Bocage House and walk up the street you’ll see on the left side the S. Sebastião
Church. Than go right and have a break in the panoramic terrace S. Sebastião.
Visit than the Michel Giacometti Work Museum, right nearby, because it’s worth seeing.
This museum was an old canning factory and it’s devoted to the Corsican ethnographer
Michel Giacometti. It shows tree permanently exhibitions and also other thematic exhibi-
tions about work. In one of them you can observe agricultural tools and rural work, and
in another all the activities of a canning factory. You can also see a full reconstruction of a
genuine old grocery, a symbol of the traditional trade.
The historic and cultural worth seeing sites are not only in Setúbal. In Azeitão, visit the Se-
bastião da Gama Museum, a native pedagogue and poet, author of “Serra-Mãe”, a work that
glorifies the beauties of Arrábida.
But, before leaving the city towards Azeitão, go through the Algodeia Green Park – near
Bonfim Garden – with excellent green areas to rest before going on visiting the region.
Villages with a sweet taste of history
Azeitão is the designation commonly used for a set of villages, of which Vila Nogueira
and Vila Fresca are the touristic main points.
For centuries, Azeitão was one of the Portuguese aristocracy’s favourite regions. Nowadays,
the region is still proud of its buildings and monuments of significant historical importance.
Shaded by Serra da Arrábida, Azeitão was inhabited for thousands of years, although it was
mainly since the 15th century that it gained influence, with the arrival of noble families.
Azeitão offers a peaceful, bucolic like scenery, an historic environment in each of its
buildings, the sympathy of its residents and great gastronomic experiences.
The best way to visit the region is by foot; otherwise it’s possible that you’ll miss some of
the villages worth seeing sites.
The neat streets and the bloomy households
are Vila Fresca de Azeitão trademarks. Here, you
should visit the handicraft ateliers, the fountain
and Bacalhôa Palace.
Heading towards Vila Nogueira you’ll find equally
delightful sites, such as Quinta das Torres, Duques
de Aveiro Palace, Church of S. Lourenço, Pasma-
dos Fountain or the wine company José Maria da
Fonseca House and Museum.
The República Square, known as Rossio, with its
tribute statue of the village native poet and ped-
agogue Sebastião da Gama, it’s a pleasant leisure
place, shadowed by high sycamores.
The tiles, a strong trademark of Azeitão, are all
over the village: you can see them covering the
houses or buy them in the stores.
Another symbol of this region is the well-known
sheep’s cheese. With an average weight of 330
grams, this cheese is very appreciated due to its
special taste, consequence of the Arrábida flora
or because of the particular varieties of thistle
used as coagulant.
The journey can’t be finished without a well de-
served snack break in one of the pastries, where
among other delicacies you can enjoy the deli-
cious Azeitão pies.
 NotEs

Design: DICI, Câmara Municipal de Setúbal | Abr.’11