Setúbal

Photograph taken from Arrabida, with the view of the mouth of the Sado river, with the city of Setúbal on the left side, and the Tróia peninsula on the right side

Setúbal city

Setúbal is a city located on the Setúbal Peninsula, at the mouth of the river Sado near the Serra da Arrábida, approximately 50 kilometers from Lisbon. It is a city bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Sado River, combining natural beauty, a gastronomy rich in fresh fish and a rich built heritage.

Of its heritage, monuments such as the Convent of the Nuns of Jesus, of Manueline style and built in the 15th century, which currently houses the city museum, stand out; the Sé de Setúbal, of Renaissance reconstruction and within which the valuable frescoes and tiles stand out; the São Julião Church, founded in the 13th century; and the Fort of S. Filipe, in a mannerist style, originally from the 16th century.

With a fishing and worker culture rooted in the culture of the people, Setúbal offers the encounter with the manifestations of local tradition, through statues and museums, including the Michel Giacometti Labor Museum. Inhabited since antiquity and then known as Cetóbriga, this region was populated by Phoenicians and Romans, cultures that left different traces. It is also the birthplace of important Portuguese personalities, such as the poet Bocage (with a white marble monument in his honor since 1871), the lyric singer Luísa Todi (who names the Municipal Forum and some schools in the municipality) and the Portuguese coach José Mourinho.

Setúbal is known for the city of fried cuttlefish, muscat wine, it has been part of the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World since 2002, an association that includes the bay of São Francisco, and the bay of Mindelo in Cape Verde.

Quick Facts about Setúbal

• Population: approximately 115 thousand inhabitants
• Area: 171.9 km2
• Golf courses:
  1. Arrábida Resort & Golf Academy,
  2. Clube de Campo da Aroeeira,
  3. Montado Hotel & Golf Resort,
  4. Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club and
  5. Tróia Golf
• Commercial spaces: Centro Comercial Alegro
• Four star hotels:
  • Esperança Centro Hotel,
  • Hotel do Sado Business & Nature,
  • Novotel Setúbal Hotel,
  • Premium Setubal Hotel & Spa,
  • Montado Hotel & Golf Resort in Palmela
  • Hotel Rural Clube de Azeitão
• Private Clinics and Hospitals in the Setúbal District
  • Hospital São Bernardo in Setúbal,
  • Hospital da Luz in Setúbal,
  • Hospital Nossa Senhora do Rosário,
  • Casa de Saúde do Barreiro
  • Osteomedical- Bone Diseases in Almada
• Marinas:
  • Port of Recreio de Sines,
  • Dock of Recreio das Fontainhas,
  • Marina of Tróia,
  • Marina of Sesimbra
  • the Port of Recreio de Sines

What to do in Setúbal

Those who visit Setúbal can go through the Baixa da Cidade Route with the built heritage, the traditional cuisine of fresh fish and taste the traditional fried cuttlefish; discover and taste wines on the Costa Azul Wine Route, explore nature and observe the surroundings through the Serra da Arrábida Route, the Bird Watching and the boat trips to Observation Dolphins; explore the tradition and origin of Setúbal with Roteiro dos Bairros Piscatórios; discover the bohemian life of the city.

Attractions to visit in Setúbal (Top 10)

1. The city of Setúbal

The main attractions of the city of Setúbal are the fishing districts of Fontainhas and Tróino, districts that represent a time when the sea was the main means of subsistence for the people of Setubal. Women worked in fish canning factories and men in deep sea fishing. They are currently inhabited by the elderly and immigrants looking for work in the city. In these typical neighborhoods, we can find some of the best restaurants in Setúbal and an artisanal grill on every corner, roasting sardines or preparing the famous fried cuttlefish. And the downtown area, with local shops and the Jardim do Bonfim, the area of ​​excellent gardens in Setúbal, Avenida 5 de Outubro, Avenida dos Combatentes, and Avenida Luísa Todi with the central square, restaurants, Forum Luisa Todi and Mercado do Livramento. The Praça Bocage, the meeting point of the people of Setubal, a bicycle path, the Michel Giacometti Labor Museum, and the Largo José Afonso. On the coastal promenade next to Avenida Jaime Rebelo we find overlooking the Sado River, the Jardim Engenheiro Luis da Fonseca the ferry pier for Troia, the Clube Naval Setubalense, and the Port of Setúbal fishing.

2. Arrábida Natural Park

Arrábida Natural Park: it is a protected area classified as a Biogenetic Reserve of the Council of Europe, created in 1976 and integrates an approximate area of ​​11 thousand hectares and 35 km in length. A natural lung that extends from the city of Setúbal to the village of Sesimbra. The Arrábida Natural Park is based on a limestone massif that culminates in Píncaro, a great cliff by the ocean. Due to its location, we can observe the tectonic effects and erosion in its morphological characteristics, especially the cliffs and slopes of the region. The rocky outcrops of white limestone are predominant, along with ocean blue, and green as the park’s dominant color, covered by Mediterranean plant species, including those by dense maquis bushes. The local fauna has more than 200 species. Of great landscape value, the Serra da Arrábida offers several points and viewpoints with panoramic views over the surrounding region and the ocean. From the Viewpoint Portinho da Arrábida and the Viewpoint do Norte located along the N379 road, to the Watchtower of Serra da Arrábida and the top of Pico do Formosinho located at the top of the Serra da Arrábida at an altitude of 501 meters, we can see the entire coast of Troia, Melides, Santo André and Sines. The name “Arrábida” comes from Arabic and means place of prayer. With a unique biodiversity in Europe, we highlight the existence of foxes, rabbits, hares, bats, owls, partridges or swifts. The beaches are one of the main offerings of the Arrábida Natural Park, namely the Albarquel beach, just a few minutes walking from Avenida Luísa Todi, Maria Esguelha beach, Rainha beach, Figueirnha beach, is the most sought after with Blue Flag , Galapos beach, Galapinhos beach, Coelhos beach, Creiro beach, Portinho da Arrábida and Alpertuche beach. The Convent of Santa Maria da Arrábida and the Forte Velho do Outão constitute the main attractions of human heritage built in the Serra da Arrábida.

3. Portinho da Arrábida viewpoint

Portinho da Arrábida viewpoint: it is one of the viewpoints with one of the best combined panoramic views of the sea and nature in Portugal, located in the Serra da Arrábida, a place for contemplating Portinho da Arrábida beach, with a view natural surroundings, where the green of the undergrowth stands out. The ex-libris in this place is a wooden walkway oriented towards the cliff, which allows us to approach the slope and observe the port area and the beach of Portinho da Arrábida, in a natural setting that mixes blue and green, extending through the cutouts the mountains and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. It is an important tourist stop, a place considered by some internationally renowned publications as one of the most sought after by social media influencers for their photographs.

4. Livramento Market

The Mercado do Livramento is a traditional market, opened in 1876, rebuilt in the 1930s. Located on one of the main avenues in Setúbal, it is considered one of the best fish markets in the world. The benches, where the exhibition of products such as fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables and wines stand out, create a colorful and vibrant environment. On the building’s walls we find tile panels with more than 5,000 pieces, which depict the commercial life of Setúbal and its agricultural tradition. The market floor is equally rich, creating triangular and bicolour patterns in Portuguese cobblestone. In the Livramento Market there are also four sculptures, which represent the main professions in the market.

The market is open to the public throughout the year, from Tuesday to Sunday, from 7 am to 2 pm.

5. Albarquel Urban Park

Parque Urbano de Albarquel: is a landscape project with 4 hectares of gardens next to the Sado river with several infrastructures, located at the end of Av. José Mourinho, after the Praia da Saúde garden. A popular place for hiking and cycling along the river, access to the beaches, overlooking the river and the Troia Peninsula, an exhibition gallery, a restaurant and a children’s playground. In this park, all buildings are made of wood adapted to the surrounding environment. The presence of countless trees, grassy spaces and the proximity to the river and the Serra da Arrábida create in this park an environment with a strong ludic, familiar and sporting tendency. At the end of Parque Urbano de Albarquel we find the Forte de Albarquel and the Albarquel beach protected to the north by the Serra da Arrábida vegetation, and a restaurant with a terrace facing the beach and the river. Before the park we find the Praia da Saúde, a popular beach in Setúbal and the Forte de São Filipe, located at the top of the Parque Urbano de Albarquel.

6. Fort of São Filipe

Fort of São Filipe: it is an imposing fortification built in stone of military and mannerist architecture from the 14th century, located in the União das Freguesias de Setúbal, on the right bank of the mouth of the River Sado. It is also known as Castelo or Fortaleza de São Filipe. Located on the top of a hill, with a rural environment, it has served throughout history as protection of the Portuguese coast, and as a prison. Its plan is irregular with angular shapes, adapting to the terrain, which give it a unique and particular shape. Upon entering the door of arms, we find the Chapel of São Filipe inside, a small rectangular chapel with a vault, bell tower, with the interior entirely covered in blue and white tiles. In the Fort of São Filipe we also find an inn, built from the existing casemates. Under the structure, there are labyrinthine tunnels, whose access is limited. Currently the Pousada de São Filipe operates here in the fortress, with the terrace of the cafeteria of São Filipe that provides us with a unique view over the bay of Setúbal, the Serra da Arrábida and the peninsula of Troia.

7. Sado Estuary Nature Reserve

Sado Estuary Nature Reserve: created in 1980, the Sado estuary nature reserve occupies a geographical area of ​​almost 24 thousand hectares spread over the municipalities of Alcácer do Sal, Grândola, Palmela and Setúbal. The main points of interest of the estuary are the thirty dolphins bottlenose dolphins that use an estuary as a feeding and breeding area, the Moé de Maré da Mourisca located in Herdade da Mourisca in the heart of the Estuary Nature Reserve do Sado in a landscape of salt marshes and salt flats, is a disabled tidal mill converted into a museum, leaving for two walking routes through the estuary and the montado area. In these routes we can observe more than 200 species of birds, with large hundreds of flamingos; hiking and mountain biking, canoeing and seeing traditional mollusk catching boats, visiting Faralhão beach, Sado beach and Gambia beach, salt flats, oyster ponds and the Roman ruins of Troia , an area of ​​450m2 excavated in 1956 where they discovered on the left bank of the river Sado an old Roman industrial complex of fish salting **.

8. Setúbal beaches

The beaches of Setúbal: are spaces of summer appeal located on the Portuguese coast, in the district of Setúbal, many of which are integrated in the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park, standing out for its clear sands and the landscapes of mountains and sea. Among these beaches we find

• Praia da Comenda, integrated in the mouth of the river Sado and bounded by the abandoned
• Palácio da Comenda, building dating from the 18th century. Already integrated in the Natural Park of Arrábida, we find
• Praia do Outão, considered one of the most beautiful at European level and which is delimited by the
• Fort of Santiago do Outão, still being close to the Ecoparque de Outão.
• Praia da Figueirinha is another beach where we can enjoy a green environment, granted by the slopes of Arrábida, one of the most awarded and renowned beaches in the Setúbal region; being accompanied, in fame, by
• Praia dos Galapinhos, which already deserved the title of the most beautiful beach in Europe for its natural beauty and for the tranquility and transparency of its waters. At the foot of the Serra da Arrábida we can still find the wild
• Praia dos Coelhos, the sandy tongue of
• Praia da Anicha and
• Praia de Monte Branco, the latter being highly sought after by divers and are just a few meters from the famous
• Pedra da Anicha, a zoological reserve dedicated to marine fauna and flora. The tourist and family hotel
• Praia do Creiro is also close to this reserve and the Archaeological Station of Creiro, reminiscent of the Roman occupation and which consists of an industrial complex for the production of fish salting. Noteworthy, in the region of Setúbal we still have the famous
• Praia do Portinho da Arrábida, classified as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal and offering a natural setting that mixes the clear touch of the waters and sands with the green slopes of the Serra da Arrábida. Finally, it is worth mentioning, for their natural beauty, the small and unexplored
• Praia dos Pilotos,
• Praia de Alpertuche and
• Praia dos Penedos.

Praia de Galápos is the most popular beach in the Arrábida National Park, which stands out for its white sand and extremely clear water. Among its main characteristics of Galápos beach, the green and natural surroundings, the rock formations and the proximity of the cliffs of Serra da Arrábida stand out, which protect it from the winds and promote the tranquility of the sea water. Here we find a restaurant and support infrastructures, as well as a surveillance service during the bathing season.

9. Setúbal Bay House

Casa da Baía de Setúbal: it is a small museum and tourist promotion center, created in a historic building on Avenida Luísa Todi, where we can have small meals or drink a glass of wine. With a traditional blue façade of white windows cut out of natural stone, this building houses decorative details, such as the entrance bank built from a small boat. It is a space with two floors, with an interior patio, an exterior patio, an auditorium and a meeting room. At the core of the Casa da Baía de Setúbal there is an estate that presents the history and culture of the Setúbal region, through different elements and experiences, including handicrafts and gastronomy. With an innovative and bold design, this place is also the stage for events, has temporary exhibitions and a concert agenda, which makes it an important point of local interest.

10. House of Culture of Setúbal

The Casa da Cultura de Setúbal: is a cultural space in the city of Setúbal, known for promoting various social, artistic and cultural activities. This space includes a music school, a documentation center dedicated to the study and promotion of Portuguese popular music, an arts space and a local documentation center. Here we can visit the temporary exhibitions, immerse ourselves in the local culture through specialized reading and attend monthly events. We can also find the Artes Café cafeteria space and a shop, where it is possible to purchase productions from Casa da Cultura and other artistic and cultural products.

11. Praça de Bocage the Church of São Julião

The Praça de Bocage: is one of the main squares in Setúbal, being a large space, where we can find the statue of the poet, the City Hall and the Church of São Julião. This church, originally erected in the 13th century and rebuilt during the reign of King Manuel I, is a remarkable building, in which the two Manueline-style portals stand out. Having undergone numerous changes throughout history, the church of São Julião today has three naves, on which we can observe a panel of 17th century tiles that depicts the life of São Julião. The clock on the tower of this church is also worth mentioning, as it is a Swiss specimen from the 19th century. The façade with an imposing Manueline-style side portico worked in stone, and the chancel with the ceiling paintings, and the 18th century tile ashlar, which tells the story of S. Julião.

12. Church of the Old Monastery of Jesus

The Church of the Old Monastery of Jesus (or Convento de Jesus): it is a 15th century Gothic style church from Setubal, which stands out for being one of the first monuments to integrate the Manueline style. From its religious architecture, several visual aspects stand out, including the columns, arches and windows made in the Arrábida breach, a rock that only exists in this Portuguese region. Of equal prominence are the three domed nave, with spiral ribs, in Manueline style; the 15th and 16th century tiles and the gilt carving that adorns the main altar. When visiting the church, we can also see the Chapter House, with its Mannerist decorations and an old Sacristy. In the square, where a 17th century cross stands, it is possible to observe the facade of the church, of great architectural richness, whose visual highlights are the main door and the decorated big window of the chancel. This monument classified as European Heritage Mark was the place of ratification of the Treaty of Tordesillas.

13. Church of Santa Maria da Graça

The Church of Santa Maria da Graça (or Sé Catedral de Setúbal): is the main church in Setubal, dating from the 13th century and rebuilt in the 16th century, located in the heart of a medieval neighborhood. With Gothic-Roman religious architecture and classified as a Building of Public Interest, this church stands out for its imposing facade, where we can see the bell towers and the Serliano portal. When we enter, the 17th century decorative elements, the columns ornamented with 19th century frescoes, the gilded details of the chancel and the old tiles also stand out. There is also, inside this church, a collection of works and liturgical furniture that refers to the period between the 16th and 18th centuries.

14. Lapa de Santa Margarida

Lapa de Santa Margarida: is a natural cave located at the base of Serra da Arrábida, near Portinho da Arrábida and in the district of Setúbal, which includes an altar in honor of Santa Margarida. Access is via a narrow staircase with more than two hundred steps, leading to the altar of Santa Margarida and its natural and rocky setting, from where we can see the ocean. A Christian place, it still exhibits elements related to other faiths, including pagan and esoteric images. The allocation of the space to Santa Margarida is related to an old image of the saint who was there and that, we can currently visit at the Convento dos Capuchos.

15. Setúbal District Museum of Archeology and Ethnography (MAEDS)

The Museum of Archeology and Ethnography of the Setúbal District (MAEDS): is a public cultural space and a museum center founded in 1974, located on Avenida Luísa Todi, one of the main arteries of Setúbal. After the white and yellow façade, where it displays identification banners, MAEDS presents us with an interesting collection of artefacts related to the material and immaterial heritage of the Setúbal Peninsula. Among the museum’s collections are prehistoric, Roman and post-Roman archeology collections and ethnography collections, which highlight some of the main activities in the region, including fishing, saliculture, livestock, agriculture, handicrafts, art popular and shipbuilding. This museum has free entry and also includes a specialized library and offers guided tours.

Attractions and places to visit in the Setúbal district

• Almada and the National Sanctuary of Cristo Rei
• Sesimbra
• Castle of Palmela
• Peninsula of Troia
• Comporta
• Alcácer do Sal
• Sines
• Santiago do Cacém
• Alcochete

National Forest of Machada

Mata Nacional da Machada: it is the main forest area in the municipality of Barreiro. It integrates the archeological field, the Environmental Education Center, the Sapal de Coina, the Pinhal de Vale de Zebro and the Quinta da Machada. With a strong nature environment, this place is marked by the presence of walking trails, where we can get involved with a great diversity of fauna and flora. The main vegetation of the Mata Nacional da Machada are Mediterranean species, such as heather and myrtle, and pine trees. Here it is common to see birds of the blue tit species and the round-winged eagle. In addition to the natural component, in the National Forest of Machada we find fountains and two picnic parks.

Aroeira Estate and golf courses

Herdade da Aroeira: is a luxury development and the largest residential golf complex in the Greater Lisbon area, being located 30 minutes from the capital, in the locality of Charneca da Caparica, Setúbal district. This estate is integrated in a protected pine forest in the region, 600 meters from the nearest beach, and has a natural environment that includes numerous pine trees and lakes, and there are also manicured gardens that invite you to stay. The estate’s microclimate allows us to enjoy golf and other recreational activities throughout the year. Part of a luxury condominium, the estate includes a tropical pool, four tennis courts, spaces dedicated to children’s leisure and two golf courses. The Aroeira golf courses were opened in 1973 and 2000 respectively and are considered among the best European golf complexes, both of which have 18 holes and a natural environment. These fields have been the scene of numerous competitions and have been highlighted in international publications on the sport.

Protected Landscape of the Arrábida Fossil of Costa de Caparica

The Protected Landscape of the Arrábida Fossil of Costa de Caparica: it is a protected area, with cliffs of sedimentary rock arranged in strata, and which extends for several kilometers along the coastal strip. It is limited in the Península de Setúbal by the Tagus Estuary and the Sado Estuary, having been classified as a protected landscape in 1984. The fossil cliff and the coastal plain with dozens of kilometers of beaches take us to places like the accessible and equipped Costa da Caparica Beach, the Bela Vista naturist beach or Dezanove (first Portuguese beach to integrate naturist practice), or even the wild and isolated Praia dos Medos de Albufeira , which is accessed by the beach from the Lagoa de Albufeira , another natural space of great interest, with green surroundings and magnificent dunes, where lagoon and sea adorn the landscape. Praia do Meco is another of the beaches integrated in this protected landscape, integrating itself around cliffs and springs, which make it one of the most popular in the region. Moving further south, we find Praia das Bicas , ideal for water sports enthusiasts. Sports fans will also appreciate, in this protected area, the recreational and sporting structures of the village of Verdizela and the Parque Aventura da Charneca de Caparica **, where interaction with nature and radical emotions simultaneously make it possible.

• Costa da Caparica is a Portuguese city located in the municipality of Almada, it is the reference bathing area for the people of Lisbon due to its 30 km of white sand beaches. It is also an international surf destination due to the good conditions of northwest swell protected from the wind by Cabo da Roca, Sintra and Cascais mountains.

Visit the attractions of Azeitão

Azeitão: it is a parish in Setubal where we can find several points of cultural, sporting and traditional interest. Among its monuments, we highlight the Igreja de São Simão, belonging to the Order of Santiago and originally built in the 12th century, with reconstruction dating from the 16th century. This church is evidenced by the paneling with 18th century tile panels, where the life of several saints is represented, highlighting the mural of S. João Baptista. Golf is part of the experiences offered in the region, with emphasis on the Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club, a diversified complex with natural surroundings and views over the Serra da Arrábida, classified as one of the ten best golf courses nationals and that has already hosted the European Challenge Tour competitions. In the locality, we can immerse ourselves in wine culture in places like the Casa Museu José Maria Da Fonseca Vinhos and the Adega José Maria da Fonseca, open since 1830 with spaces dedicated to wine tourism and where wine tasting from Azeitão and the rich history of seven generations invite us to learn more about the Portuguese wine tradition and the creation of wines and muscatel.

Bacalhôa Wines of Portugal

Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal: is one of the largest national wine producers, founded in 1922. Responsible for the introduction of new production techniques, Bacalhôa Vinhos de POrtugal presents several wineries in the country, producing wines from Douro, Dão, Bairrada, Azeitão, Lisbon and Alentejo. Bacalhôa is also known for its heritage, which includes the Palace and Quinta da Bacalhôa, a Renaissance monument from the 14th century, with architectural aesthetics influenced by Portuguese discoveries and located in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão. Of great natural beauty, Quinta da Bacalhôa allows us to see rich 16th and 17th century tiles, and at Casa do Lago we find the first tile dated in Portugal. Among the infrastructures that we can take advantage of at the Palácio and Quinta da Bacalhôa are also the Bacalhôa Museum and its tasting room with a garden of Japanese aesthetics and an exhibition room with three distinct themes, including African art, Portuguese tiles and Art Deco.

Other places of interest in Azeitão

Quinta das Torres Azeitão is a 16th century farmhouse where we find a stately home that currently serves for events. The quadrangular turrets and the fountain located in the outer courtyard, from where we can contemplate the façade, almost entirely covered with ivy, are some of its visual highlights, and the weapons room is the main attraction in the interior. The surroundings of this farm are green and natural, a characteristic that is associated with the mountainous forest area of ​​Serra da Arrábida. Relatively close to this, the Quinta Velha da Queijeira also deserves mention, being the place where we find the Museu do Queijo de Azeitão, a museum space where we can learn about the production techniques of this regional product and taste it . Finally, the Chafariz dos Pasmados, an ancient Baroque fountain, ornamented with decorative elements in marble, where the royal shield of D. Maria I is sculpted is also a highlight in the region. The name of this fountain derives, according to local legends, from the astonishment that its visual magnificence caused in visitors. Azeitão’s gastronomic ex-libris are muscat wine, cheese and Azeitão’s pastry sweets.

Rivers and tributaries of the Setúbal region

The river Sado: is the most important river in the district of Setúbal. It is born in the Serra da Vigia, in the municipality of Ourique at approximately 230 meters of altitude, and empties into the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the city of Setúbal. It is approximately 180 km long, has a hydrographic area of ​​7692 km2, an estuary of 160 km2 and the following tributaries:

• Rio Xarrama: it rises in the northwest of Évora and flows into the right bank of the river Sado in the town of Torrão. The approximate length of 70 km makes Xarrama the largest tributary of the Sado River. The main highlights are the São Brissos dam and the hydrographic basin of the Trigo de Morais dam reservoir;
• Ribeira das Alcáçovas: it is born west of Évora and flows into Alcácer do Sal. The 734 km2 hydrographic basin and the Pego de Altar dam are the main attractions;
• Rio Arcão: born in the municipality of Grândola and flows into the river Sado, near Alcácer do Sal. It has an approximate length of 18 km and a hydrographic basin of 158 km2;
• Ribeira de Campilhas: born in the Serra do Cercal and flows into the River Sado in the town of Alvalade in the municipality of Santiago do Cacém. The main highlight is the Campilhas dam;
• Ribeira da Comporta: rises in the Grândola mountains and empties on the left bank of the Sado river, in the Comporta of the municipality of Alcácer do Sal;
• Ribeira da Marateca: born in the Monfurado mountain range and empties into the Sado to the north of the Mitrena peninsula;
• Ribeira de Odivelas: born in the Serra do Mendro, has a length of 70 km, and flows into the right bank of the river Sado. The main attractions are the Alvito dam and the Odivelas dam;
• Ribeira do Roxo: born west of the city of Beja and empties on the right bank of the river Sado, in Ermidas in the municipality of Santiago do Cacém. It has an approximate length of 50 km. The main point of interest is the Roxo dam.

Brief History of Setúbal

The city of Setúbal was founded in the 1st century AD by the Romans, attracted by fishing and salting fish. The first denomination of Setúbal was Cetóbriga, an abandoned place until the Christian reconquest of Palmela. Setúbal was repopulated in 1249 by the Order of Santiago and Espada. It lived a period of economic growth during the 15th century due to the Portuguese Discoveries.

During the Spanish occupation, the São Filipe Fortress was built in the Serra da Arrábida. Setúbal was badly damaged during the Lisbon earthquake of 1755.

In 1860, Setúbal witnessed three important events,

1. the elevation to the category of city,
2. the first rail connection, with connection to Barreiro and
3. public gas lighting.

The canning industry was a major stimulator of Setubal’s economy, with a peak of more than 160 factories related to canning fish, the canning industry and Moscatel wine began to develop during the 19th century.

During the 20th century, Setúbal witnessed a great industrialization, with emphasis on the fertilizer, cement, paper factories, the naval and heavy metalworking industries. Setúbal experienced a deep crisis during the 1970s and 1980s, with an unemployment rate close to 20%.

Since Portugal’s entry into the European Union in 1986, the city has been growing economically, with advances and setbacks. Currently, the sectors of greatest investment in the Setúbal district are tourism, with emphasis on wine tourism and nature tourism, with beaches, Serra da Arrábida, boat trips for dolphin watching, and many more.

The most important festivals and events in Setúbal are:

• Festivals of Barrete Verde and Salinas: held annually in August;
• Popular Festivals of Samouco: held annually in July;
• Medieval Festival of Alvalade which takes place annually in September,
• Santa Maria festivities in Ermida-Sado – with the decoration of the streets with paper flowers – which takes place annually in August;
• Santiagro – Agricultural and Horse Fair – held annually in May
• Setúbal – Costa Azul International Half Marathon: held annually in May
• Setúbal Bay International Swimming Marathon: event that counts for the international open water swimming calendar. It takes place annually in June
• Festróia: held annually in June
• Arrábida World Music Festival: world music festival that takes place annually in July
• Feira de Santiago: held annually between 25 July and 9 August
• Arrábida and Azeitão Festivals: held annually in July
• Festas Bocaginas: held annually on September 15 – municipal holiday

Wines from Setúbal

The wine region of Setúbal has unique and world-renowned wines, namely:

• Liqueur Arrabidine: liqueur produced by the friars of the Convento da Arrábida
• Moscatel de Setúbal
• Piriquita Wines
  Wine tourism plays an important role in the region’s economy, with emphasis on the following units:
• Palmela Wine Cellar
• Adega Fernão Pó
• Adega da Comporta
• Xavier Santana Winery
• ASL Tomé
• Assis Lobo
• Horácio Simões Agricultural House
• Atalaia House
• Casa Ermelinda Freitas: company created in 1920. Currently produces several wine varieties, namely Castelão, Fernão Pires, Trincadeira and Touriga Nacional. Visits to wineries and tasting of five wines accompanied by products from the region are the main points of interest in the estate
• Malo Tojo Wines
• Quinta da Bacalhôa: owned by Joe Berardo, includes guided tours of wineries and contemporary art collections. It is one of the best preserved and best known spaces in the region.
• Quinta da Serralheira
• Quinta de Alcube
• Quinta Beijinho da Costa
• Quinta do Piloto
• Rio Frio
• Palmela Wine Society
• Venâncio Costa Lima