Free walking tours in Setúbal and what to see

Must-sees

Setúbal is a port city at the mouth of the Sado river, between the estuary and the Arrábida hills. Its main monument is the Church of Jesus, one of the first examples of the Manueline style, with columns twisted like ropes. The old town, with Bocage square and pedestrian streets, can be covered in a morning.

Above the city, the São Filipe fort offers views of the estuary and the Tróia peninsula. The Livramento market, with its fish and azulejo panels, is one of the liveliest in the country. And a few kilometres away the Arrábida begins, with clear-water beaches such as Portinho da Arrábida, Galapinhos and Figueirinha, at the foot of the hills.

Free tours and guided visits

The Setúbal free walking tour covers the historic centre and tells the story of the city's ties to fishing and the canning industry. It is a short, relaxed visit, without Lisbon's crowds.

The most popular paid activity is dolphin watching in the Sado estuary, home to a resident population. There are also sunset boat trips around the bay, coasteering and 4x4 routes through the Arrábida and Cabo Espichel.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the centre, the market and the fort. Two or three days make better use of it: one for the Arrábida and its beaches, another for the dolphins or to take the ferry to Tróia, and time to try fried cuttlefish in the port restaurants. In summer, car access to the beaches in the hills is restricted and there are shuttle buses.

Where to stay

The historic centre and Avenida Luísa Todi, by the port, are the most practical: restaurants, the ferry to Tróia and walks on foot. Towards the São Filipe fort and the road to the Arrábida there are hotels with estuary views. To combine beach and nature, the quintas and country houses in the hills and in Azeitão are quiet, but need a car.