Destinations
Portugal : Setubal
Even though Setúbal initially comes across as a very busy industrial port, it is an equally lively magnet for tourists. The town enjoys a breathtaking location near the mouth of a scenic estuary and on one of the banks of River Sado. This makes it a perfect holiday retreat for those who want to enjoy the sun and relax.
The fact that Setúbal is surrounded by the territory of a protected natural reserve only adds to the charm of this unique place. The town is full of interesting entertainment opportunities, including a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, or sailing.
Setubal : attractions
Setúbal has numerous stunning tourist highlights in store for holidaymakers. Start your journey from Praça do Bocage located in the centre. This mosaic plaza will offer you an insight into the town’s architecture. Nearby, you’ll find the town hall and a number of interesting fountains.
Castelo de São Filipe is among the top-rated tourist attractions in Setúbal. It dates back to the second half of the 16th century and was used as a defensive bastion to protect the town against English attacks. In the second half of the 20th century, the landmark was transformed into an upmarket inn. Inside, you’ll find a charming chapel and the castle walls will allow you to admire a nice panorama of the surrounding area.
The town’s architectural gem is surely Igreja de Jesus. It is the earliest example of the interesting Manueline architectural style in Portugal. Its facade is embellished with gargoyles and towering turrets. The church was built in 1490.
If you are a fan of art, it’s worth heading to Casa da Cultura, where you’ll find an array of interesting exhibitions devoted to the topic. For another shot of culture and history, pay a visit in the Museu de Arqueologia e Etnografia which houses a number of well-preserved artefacts from the region. The museum will bring you closer to the topic of Setúbal’s past.
Holidaymakers who wish to escape the urban heart of Setúbal should consider paying a visit in Reserva Natural do Estuário do Sado which protects the Sado Estuary. It is home to a plethora of interesting animal species and offers a wide variety of walking trails. In the reserve, you’ll also find a bird observatory.
Setubal in a vehicle
The laid-back atmosphere of Setúbalcan be experienced to its fullest with a rental vehicle. A plethora of car hire spots, which can be found both in major Portuguese cities and at international airports, will surprise even the most demanding motorists. The only thing that you need to do is choose your dream rental car and hop in it to start your journey.
In order to easily reach Setúbal, it’s best to follow A2, A33, A12, or A6 roads depending on the direction you’re coming from. It’s vital to keep in mind that many roads around Portugal are toll roads so you should be prepared to familiarise yourself with the toll system beforehand. The town can boast a very favourable location – only 48 km from the capital and 55 km from Lisbon Airport.
The town centre is characterised by a number of narrow streets which aren’t suitable for parking. However, you’ll find a plethora of parking options near the marina and seafront. The available on-street parking spots are all metered so remember to read the instructions provided on the nearby machine in order to avoid breaking any traffic rules. What’s more, there are a number of municipal parking lots in Setúbal where you can safely leave your vehicle.