Setúbal is the perfect place to explore Portugal’s coast. We recommend taking a boat tour through the Arrábida Natural Park, where the cliffs and clear waters are breathtaking. The snorkeling here is fantastic, and paddleboarding along the coast offers stunning views. Setúbal’s beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit.
Best things to do in Setúbal
Visit the Livramento Market, one of the best fish markets in the world, or explore the 16th-century São Filipe Castle for panoramic views of the city and coastline. Relax on the stunning beaches of the Arrábida Natural Park, or take a boat tour to the nearby Troia Peninsula. Setúbal is also famous for dolphin-watching tours in the Sado Estuary, a unique experience for nature lovers.
Getting around in Setúbal
Setúbal is easy to explore by foot in the city center, but renting a car is ideal for visiting nearby beaches and natural parks, such as the Serra da Arrábida. Public transportation connects Setúbal to Lisbon and nearby towns.
The best Watersports & boat tours in Setúbal
Setúbal is known for its dolphin-watching tours in the Sado Estuary, where you can spot bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Boat tours along the Arrábida coast offer breathtaking views of the cliffs and hidden beaches. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling are popular in the clear waters of the Arrábida Natural Park.
For families, Praia da Figueirinha is perfect, with calm waters and beautiful views of the Arrábida Natural Park. If you prefer a more secluded spot, Praia de Galápos offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. For those looking to explore the waters, Praia de Albarquel is great for kayaking and paddleboarding, offering a mix of adventure and relaxation. The beaches of Tróia probably have the whitest sand you’ll fin in Portugal, and of you’re lucky, you might spot some dolphins.
Where and what to eat in Setúbal
Setúbal is famous for its fresh seafood, particularly its choco frito (fried cuttlefish). Visit Restaurante O Nau for traditional Portuguese dishes and seafood, or try Casa Santiago for a local favorite, choco frito. For a more upscale experience, head to Museu do Choco, which offers creative dishes made with local ingredients. Pair your meal with a glass of the region’s famous Moscatel de Setúbal wine.
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In betwee…
Setúbal offers a mix of urban life and natural beauty, with a variety of accommodations to match. For those wanting to explore the town’s historic center, boutique hotels and guesthouses nestled in the narrow streets give you easy access to local markets and seafood restaurants. Nature lovers might prefer staying in the Arrábida Natural Park, where rural lodges and eco-friendly stays offer a peaceful retreat with spectacular views of the coast and mountains. For beachgoers, nearby Troia Peninsula has beachfront resorts and holiday apartments right by the stunning white sand beaches.
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