Lisbon

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Arrábida

The Arrábida region, 30 minutes from Lisbon, is a surprise to all those who visit. After crossing the Tagus and before reaching the River Sado, the hills, sea and land come together in these three magical and enchanting places where history is written in the stones and the quality of life can be felt in the air.

If you head south out of Lisbon, you don’t have to go far to find three small gems worth discovering with time and leisure. Sesimbra, one of the most popular holiday regions for the Portuguese, has all the hustle and liveliness of a holiday resort. With snack bars and classy restaurants for partying, Sesimbra also offers a lively family environment besides beach and nightlife. Distant from the urban excitement, the imposing Cape Espichel and the legend of Azóia envelop it in a mystical and contemplative atmosphere that is ideal for enjoying the sunset.

And as you approach, you start to see the outline of Palmela and its castle forming, with the form of the hills of the Serra de Arrábida hills in the background. Palmela has plenty of food options which help you to gather your forces to climb up to the castle and visit the old main square, from which smoke signals would be sent to communicate with the castles of São Jorge and Alcácer do Sal. In Setúbal today, the only smoke you see is from the BBQs, grilling fish for the hungry customers who have been on the beach or gone for a walk. Don’t miss the great culinary speciality of the area: fried cuttlefish. It’s ideal as you try to catch a glimpse of the bottlenose dolphins in the River Sado.

In this area, which is perfect for nature tourism thanks to the Sado estuary nature park, you can also combine your passion for golf. Arrábida provides a unique verdant backdrop, with its beaches hidden in the middle of the vegetation, its walking trails and the beautiful town of Azeitão where you can visit the wineries and the famous muscatel producers and try the incomparable tortas which are the delight of the region.

  • Beaches of Arrábida and Sesimbra

    If you want to find the best beaches in Lisbon, head south to Arrábida, pass through Setúbal and forget the ferry to Tróia. As you drive towards the popular Albarquel and Figueirinha beaches, don’t stop. It’s the beaches in the coves formed by the serra, stretches of golden sand between the transparent blue of the sea and the lush green of the hills, that you’re after. Memorise the names: Galapinhos, Galápos, Coelhos and Creiro. Park the car and follow those leading the way. Believes us, it’s worth it. A little further on, you’ll see Portinho da Arrábida, one of the prettiest beaches in Portugal. On the Sesimbra side, Lagoa de Albufeira is perfect for wind and kite surfing. At Meco, there are nudist beaches and a cosmopolitan atmosphere; while at Sesimbra the mood is more family oriented.

  • Sado Estuary Nature Reserve

    If you visit Setúbal and Arrábida, you’ll be surprised by the magnitude of the nature and the balance between hills and sea. But to get to know the nature of this region better, mainly the huge area of the Sado estuary, there’s no better way than to explore the huge wetlands separated from the sea by the Tróia peninsula: the Reserva Natural do Estuário do Sado. Here you can find countless species of birds and several dozen dolphins amid marshes, sandbanks, rice paddies and a vast area of woods and reed plantations. This conservation area is also home to several threatened species, such as the black bat and otter. Ideally, join one of the many cruises that visit the estuary from Setúbal to observe nature in its calmest state. But if you only have time to take the ferry across to Tróia, you may still catch sight of the friendly dolphins. Nature is famous for being generous here.

  • Castelo de Palmela

    Palmela castle is one of the most impressive sights in the Lisbon region. Occupied, conquered, lost and regained, it is a faithful testament to the battles waged during the first royal dynasty (1143 to 1383) to establish the territory of Portugal. Erected at a uniquely strategic point, between the Tagus and Sado rivers, it was founded by the Romans, probably in 310 BC. But the first fortifications were built by the Moors from the 8th to 9th centuries. The castle was successively added to: the primitive round towers by the Romans; the square towers by the Moors; the entrance tower by the Master of Avis; and the cannon fortifications by Pedro II. It has a great view of the Arrábida hills and Sado estuary. It also houses two churches, one lined with 17th-century tiles and a set of 16th-century graves. Come and visit for its view and unique location.

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TripAdvisor Traveler RatingBased on 874 reviews

Hotel do Mar is located 40 km from Lisbon International Airport, facing the Sesimbra beach, which provides a fabulous view of the ocean.

TripAdvisor Traveler RatingBased on 9 reviews

This Baroque building dates back to the 18th Century.

TripAdvisor Traveler RatingBased on 131 reviews

It is a first-class 4-star hotel in the Portuguese city of Setúbal, located by the Jardim do Bonfim and the main road and rail access points. The Hotel is noted for its sophisticated décor and intimate atmosphere.

TripAdvisor Traveler RatingBased on 388 reviews

Near the Castle of Palmela, surrounded by vineyards developed in a harmonious whole of Cork Trees, where streams and lakes makes the magical beauty of this Golf course.

TripAdvisor Traveler RatingBased on 77 reviews

This fascinating tidal mill lies inside the Sado estuary nature reserve.

TripAdvisor Traveler RatingBased on 40 reviews

Come With Me Discover Portugal and Spain! Portugal Expert is dedicated to organize Private Tours in Portugal and Spain, tailored to your needs.

TripAdvisor Traveler RatingBased on 646 reviews

Pousada de Palmela is a historic luxury hotel located on top of an imposing hill within the walls of Palmela castle, perfect starting point to discover the Arrábida Natural Park.

Located 30 minutes drive from Lisbon city and framed by the Arrábida Natural Park, Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club is a beautifully crafted design by Rocky Roquemore.

TripAdvisor Traveler RatingBased on 76 reviews

The new accommodation experience in Setúbal combines comfort, design fashion and personalised service. Discover it at RM Guest House The Experience, the starting point to discover Setúbal.

TripAdvisor Traveler RatingBased on 92 reviews

Experiences to live with family and friends among cellars and vineyards that have been keeping stories for generations. Find us in Palmela, at Casa Mãe da Rota dos Vinhos.

TripAdvisor Traveler RatingBased on 43 reviews

Dolphin watching in the Setúbal bay, one of the most beautiful bay in the World. The Tróia peninsula, the coast of Arrábida and its beaches, the Fortress of Outão and the Palace of Commenda, are some of the most common passing places.

We are an experienced tourist animation company in the region of Setúbal with boat trips (*dolphins), events, jeep-safari, teambuilding and sightseeing.

TripAdvisor Traveler RatingBased on 36 reviews

Discover countless species of birds and several dozen dolphins amid marshes, sandbanks, rice paddies and a vast area of woods and reed plantations.

Come with us on an adventure and discover our natural parks and historical places.

SAL Sistemas de Ar Livre is a Tourist Entertainment Company and Tour Operator specialized in Walking Tours, River and Coastal Cruises, Environmental Education, Training, Motivation, Outdoor Entertainment and Event Organization.

TripAdvisor Traveler RatingBased on 1038 reviews

Located on the beachfront, the SANA Sesimbra Hotel is so close to the sea that it won't take you more than 30 seconds to reach the waves of the Califórnia Beach.

This triple-nave Gothic-style church contains the tomb of Jorge, the last Master of the Order of Santiago.

TripAdvisor Traveler RatingBased on 382 reviews

Located in the centre of Sesimbra Bay, Santiago Fort was part of the line of defences protecting the entrances to the Douro, Tejo and Sado rivers.