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