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25 Beautiful and best things to do in Setúbal Portugal
If you are looking for beautiful coastal towns near Lisbon, I highly recommend visiting Setúbal! You reach the city in an hour by car, and there is a train connection from the capital. There are many sights in Setúbal, but the surrounding area is also fantastic.
In this travel guide, I will highlight all the things to do in Setúbal, Portugal and then look at the many options nearby. The Setúbal Peninsula is one of my favourite places near the Atlantic Ocean, and staying a few nights is the best to get the most out of your trip. Let’s dive in!
Map of Setúbal Portugal, including the highlights
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Things to do in Setúbal
I visited Setúbal several times because I love the nature nearby, and the city centre is so easy to reach from Lisbon. I will happily share the places I visited, and I compiled a fun list of 25 things to do in Setúbal, Portugal. This way, you can pick and choose what sparks your interest and enjoy a day trip to the Setubal region yourself!
1. Praça de Bocage
Let’s start in the heart of Setúbal. Praça de Bocage is the main plaza in the city. You will find several lovely cafes, restaurants, and some of the first sights here. If you want to stay a night, there are many hotels in this area too. From Praça de Bocage, you can start exploring the rest of the city!
Where most Portuguese cities have a patron saint, Setúbal has Bocage. But who was Bocage? Manuel Maria Barbosa l’Hedois du Bocage was a Portuguese Neoclassical poet in the 18th century and was born in Setúbal. He wrote under the pen name Elmano Sadino and was mainly known for his erotic poetry. In the middle of the square, you’ll find his statue.
2. Câmara Municipal de Setúbal
One of the most beautiful buildings on the square is the city hall of the Municipality of Setúbal. The colourful building is a real eye-catcher, and you can see the coat of arms in the cobblestones in front of the building.
The city hall has been here for centuries, and even the earthquake in 1755 didn’t fully destroy it. However, a fire in 1910 left nothing but the facade, and it became the modern town hall we see today. The renovations were finished in 1939.
3. Igreja de São Julião
The other stunning building on the square is Igreja de São Julião. St. Julian’s Church is the main church in the city, built in the 18th century. The original Church of São Julião was built in the 13th century and used as a private chapel in the 15th century.
The medieval church received a makeover by King Manuel I between 1513 and 1520 with Manueline motives. The earthquake in 1755 destroyed the original church and was rebuilt in the baroque style in the 18th century. When looking closely, you can still see some of the Manueline details, too!
4. Casa do Turismo Setúbal
You will see a blue building from Bocage Square with a black cat on the roof. Hard to miss this one! The Tourism House is the perfect place to learn more about the wines and gastronomy in Setúbal. They have a seating area, too, where you can enjoy a glass of local wine.
Right behind Casa do Turismo, you can visit Casa da Cultura, which hosts many events. However, most, if not all, are in Portuguese.
5. Igreja do Convento de Jesus
The Church of the Convent of Jesus was built between 1490 and 1510. Igreja do Convento de Jesus is near the main square, one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. It is an important building in Portuguese history, as it is the first Manueline-styled building ever built!
Here, you can see the beginnings of the Manueline style (also known as Portuguese late Gothic), which became a significant architectural style in Portugal. You can enter Igreja de Jesus from the side entrance and admire the beautiful façade, nave, and many azulejo tiles.
Igreja de Jesus is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. It is open from 3 PM to 7 PM on Sundays, and the Church of the former Monastery of Jesus is closed on Mondays. The museum next door has the same opening time, apart from Sunday. Museu de Setúbal is then open from 2 PM to 6 PM.
6. Casa da Baía
The tourism office Casa da Baía is on Avenida Luísa Todi. This is the place to go if you want more information about the city and the peninsula. You can learn more about local events, tours, gastronomic tourism, and cultural sights.
7. Mercado do Livramento
One of the liveliest places in Setúbal Portugal is the Livramento Market! When you visit Setúbal, you should not miss this place! Livramento Market is the best place to buy fresh produce such as cheese, charcuterie, flowers, fish, meat, fruits and vegetables.
The indoor market was even once considered one of the best fish markets in the world! Other regional products include honey, herbs, olive oils, and wines. Mercado do Livramento is free to visit and is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 7:30 AM to 2 PM.
8. Shopping in Setúbal
Besides the colourful market, you can find many more local shops in Setúbal. The old town is a maze of tiny streets, and exploring each one at a time is fun. You can find most shops on Rua Dr Paula Borba, Rua Álvaro Castelões, Largo da Misericórdia, and Rua Antão Girão.
You won’t find the main high street stores here, so it’s fun to see if you can find some local treasures! Discover clothes, Portugal souvenirs or unique pieces made by local artists. If you are looking for high street stores and large supermarkets in Setúbal, Portugal, you can visit the Alegro Mall on the edge of town.
9. Miradouro de São Sebastiao
You can visit Miradouro de São Sebastiao on the city’s eastern side for an amazing view over Setúbal. The viewpoint is similar to Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Lisbon, thanks to its pergola and azulejo tiles. The biggest difference is that there are not many people here! It is a prime location to take some pictures, as you overlook the port in the city and can see the Troia Peninsula across the river!
Next to the viewpoint, you can also visit the Michel Giacometti Museum. The Museum of Labour is located in an old “Perienes” canning factory. The Michel Giacometti Work Museum has permanent exhibitions, including an ethnographic collection.
10. Forte de São Filipe
The most spectacular views over Setúbal are at the fort of São Filipe. Forte de São Filipe is located in the western part of the city centre, and it’s easiest to reach by taxi if you don’t have a car. A bus stops nearby, too, but it is a short climb up to the entrance.
Saint Philip’s Fort was built as a defensive bastion in the 16th century on the orders of the Spanish monarch Filipe II. The fortification protected Setúbal and the mouth of the river.
Forte de São Filipe is built as a six-pointed star with high walls. You can enter the fort for free, and before reaching the top, you will see a small chapel.
You will enjoy the best views of the Troia Peninsula and the city from the roof. There is also a terrace and indoor cafe where you can buy drinks and snacks. Highly recommended!
12. Dolphin watching Setúbal
It’s time to meet the locals! The Sado is home to a very special breed of dolphins. Setúbal Bay is home to a group of bottlenose dolphins that are regularly sighted. You can meet them, too, when joining a boat tour from the harbour. The local dolphins live in the Sado Estuary, which is unique to Portugal and Europe (it is one of three!).
Marine biologists study and monitor about three dozen dolphins. Because they are wild animals, seeing the Sado dolphins is not 100% guaranteed. But the boat tour on the river Sado and along the Costa da Serra da Arrábida is well worth it!
13. The neighbourhood of Troino
To see the most typical neighbourhood in Setúbal, you should visit Troino. You might even hear “charroco” on the streets, the local language! It originated from the fishing areas of Setúbal and was influenced by immigrants. Have a stroll around and enjoy the atmosphere.
14. Mercearia Confiança de Troino
One of the highlights in Troino is the Mercearia Confiança de Troino. This grocery store opened its doors in 1926, and when you enter, you walk straight back in time! You’ll see commercial utensils and machines, and you can buy local products or enjoy a coffee.
15. Eating in Setúbal
Setúbal has some very delicious food and local wines on the menu! One of the most famous dishes is the choco frito or deep-fried cuttlefish. Many restaurants serve it, but some of my favourite spots to eat choco frito are Casa Santiago—O Rei Do Choco Frito (the king of choco frito) and Adega Leo do Petisco.
Being so near the sea, you can expect many other fish dishes on the menu besides fried cuttlefish, such as sea bass, sardines, and monkfish. Portugal also has fantastic pork dishes. Some restaurants have vegetarian options, and we enjoyed the vegetarian options at Botânica Tapas & Petiscos and tapas at Sem Horas.
If you like wine, you should try a Moscatel. You can even try a typical one called Moscatel Roxo or Purple Moscatel. It is a sweet wine made 100% from Moscatel grapes, but don’t worry, it is not purple. The fermentation time is short, but the wine is placed in stainless steel vats and later aged in whiskey barrels for up to 10 years!
Things to do in and near the Setúbal region
These are the highlights in the centre of Setúbal, but there is a lot more to see! You can explore some of the most beautiful beaches and nature reserves from town. If you are staying a night or making a day trip by car from Lisbon, be sure to add some of the following places to your itinerary, too!
16. Arrábida Natural Park
On the western side of Setúbal, you will discover the mountains of Serra da Arrábida. Parque Natural da Arrábida is a fantastic spot for hiking and adventures! You can join a kayaking tour to visit the caves along the coastline. Or come snorkelling and discover the beautiful underwater world. Adventurers can book a Coasteering experience or go scuba diving.
You can visit Portinho da Arrábida for lunch if you prefer things slower. O Farol, Galeão, and D’uportinho offer great food and stunning views! Portinho da Arrábida is also where you can visit a hidden shrine in a cave! Add Lapa de Santa Margarida to your GPS to locate this unique spot! Or discover the Maritime Museum inside Forte de Santa Maria da Arrábida.
When you have a car, drive the stunning N-379-1 road crossing the national park. The views are spectacular, and you can even stop at the Convento Velho da Arrábida. Please note that the old convent is only open by appointment.
17. Sesimbra
West of Setúbal is Sesimbra, another beautiful coastal city perfect for a day at the beach. From the beach, you can see the old fortress Forte de Santiago de Sesimbra and the lighthouse. There are also some fantastic restaurants in Sesimbra.
One of the highlights is located just outside the centre. Castelo de Sesimbra offers incredible views over the Atlantic Ocean, and the medieval castle is free to visit. In summer, Sesimbra Castle is open from 7 AM until 7 PM daily.
18. Cabo Espichel
Further west, you can check out the rugged coast of Cabo Espichel. At the cape, you can find a lighthouse and a monastery! Santuario de Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel is no longer used, but you can see the church inside.
Cabo Espichel is a beautiful spot for a coastal hike. If you look carefully, you can even find dinosaur footprints! There are two spots: Monumento Natural da Pedra da Mua and Monumento Natural dos Lagosteiros.
19. Beaches near Setúbal
Setúbal is also the perfect destination for a beach holiday in Portugal, and some of the most incredible beaches are a stone’s throw away! The nearest beach is Praia da Saúde, and you can walk here from town. A little further away, and next to Forte de Albarquel, you can find Praia de Albarquel and Praia da Comenda.
Some beaches have excellent facilities
The most loved beaches are reachable by car, bus, or taxi. These are Praia da Figueirinha, Praia de Galápos, Praia dos Coelhos, and Praia do Creiro. These beaches are known for their natural beauty, and the azure blue waters are crystal clear—the perfect sport for sun seekers!
20. Palmela Castle
For a stunning sunset over the region, you can visit Palmela Castle. The castle was built high on a hill overlooking the whole area! The castle is free to visit, and you can climb the tower from an even higher vantage point. Can’t get enough of these panoramic views? Book a room at the beautiful 4-star Pousada Castelo Palmela for a night!
21. Wine tasting in Azeitão
Do you love wine? Then I recommend a trip to Azeitão! It’s THE town where you can enjoy a Moscatel wine tasting, and there are several wineries to visit. Examples are Casa-Museu José Maria Da Fonseca and Quinta da Bacalhôa. You can try some of the best wines from the region!
22. Sado River Estuary
Nature lovers will also love the estuary around the river. One of the best spots to start for tourists is the Mourisca Tide Mill. You can visit a small museum and book boat tours through the Sado River Estuary to see the many birds up close. Especially in winter, there are many species to find! You can see flamingos at Reserva Natural do Estuário do Sado throughout the year.
23. Tróia
The Tróia Peninsula is like paradise on earth and is super easy to reach by ferry or catamaran. The peninsula’s northern part has stunning hotels, long beaches, and golf courses. The beach is actually a whopping 18 kilometres long! There are also beautiful cycling trails along the coast, and the area is also perfect for windsurfing and sailing.
The dolphins often swim where the Sado meets the Atlantic Ocean, so keep your eyes open! At the Sado Estuary side, you can also find Roman ruins. These archaeological remains date back to the 1st Century. If you love a relaxing holiday in nature, the Tróia Peninsula is a top tip!
24. Comporta
South of the peninsula, you can find Comporta, another natural paradise. One of the best things to do in Comporta is horse riding on the beach. Even better when the sun goes down! You can also cycle through the rice paddies and discover more flamingos. Or try to ride the waves on a surfboard.
25. Alcácer do Sal
Alcácer do Sal is a picturesque town on the shores of the Sado River. It’s one of the oldest cities in Europe, and its history dates back to 1000 B.C. Visit the archaeological museum Cripta Arqueológica do Castelo and enjoy the views from Torre do Relógio.
How to get to Setúbal from Lisbon?
Setúbal is located 50 kilometres south of Lisbon, and it is easy to reach by car and public transportation. The nearest airport to Setúbal is Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon.
By car
From Lisbon, it takes less than an hour to reach Setúbal. You can cross the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge or the Vasco da Gama Bridge. Both routes take 40 to 50 minutes without traffic. Please be aware there are toll roads in between the two cities.
We always book with DiscoverCars, which allows you to easily compare prices and book with trustworthy companies. Click below to check the prices for your Portugal trip!
With public transportation
Train
The easiest way to get to Setúbal by public transport is by train. Fertagus trains stop at several stations in Lisbon. Sete Rios has the most accessible connection for us, but it also stops at Campolide before crossing the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge.
You can also take a ferry from Terreiro do Paço to Barreiro, followed by a train from Barreiro to Setúbal. The journey takes 1,5 to 2 hours, and one or the other route can be faster depending on the time. From the train station in Setúbal, it’s only a short walk to the city centre.
By bus
Rede Expressos operates a bus service between Lisbon and Setúbal, and the journey takes around 45 minutes to 1,5 hours. The bus departs from the Sete Rios bus station and arrives in Setúbal near the train station.
By boat
The Tróia Peninsula is located on the south bank of the Sado. When travelling from the Algarve, you can take the ferry to Setúbal to save time and to enjoy the coastal drive through Alentejo. If you drive around the Sado Estuary, it will take some time. So, the easiest way to get there is by taking the ferry from the Troia Peninsula.
There is a pedestrian catamaran, but you can bring your car or bike to the ferry service! The ferry terminal is at Avenida Jaime Rebelo, and the boats are operated by Atlantic Ferries. The ferry takes 25 minutes to reach Troia, and the catamaran takes 15 minutes. You can check times, prices, and the exact routes on the Atlantic Ferries website.
With a guided tour
If you want to avoid driving, the best way to enjoy the Setubal region is by joining a group excursion or booking a private tour! These tours are fantastic, and you’ll visit many of the places mentioned in this blog post!
You most likely see a mix of places like Cabo Espichel, Sesimbra, Arrábida Nature Park, and Setúbal. Not many tours stop in Setúbal, so book in time! Some guided tours also stop in Azeitão for a wine tasting!
Hotels in Setúbal
With so many things to do in Setúbal, it is no surprise that staying overnight is well worth it! In a day you can see most of the sights in the centre, but visitors who want to see the nearby natural beauty should stay longer. You can use the map below to find hotels in the region, but I have also highlighted some beautiful hotels in the city.
📍 Best affordable stay: Hotel Cristal Setúbal is just a short walk from the old harbour. The hotel has a fitness centre, and you can park your car there for free. A delicious breakfast is also included.
📍 Mid-range option: Rio Art Hotel is ideally located in the heart of town with all the major sights within walking distance. The fun interior instantly makes you feel at home, and a tasty breakfast is included.
📍 Luxury hotel option in Setúbal: Hotel Casa Palmela is perfect for a luxury stay in the region’s rural landscape. The 5-star hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and stunning garden. Breakfast is included, and you can rent bikes at the hotel.
📍 Quirky stay in nature: For those looking for a unique place to stay, Rêves Étoilés is perfect! The luxury pods are air-conditioned, and there is an outdoor fireplace. You are surrounded by nature, and it’s a great relaxing spot. The private bathroom has a hot tub and there is a shared saltwater pool. Sounds like heaven, right?
Not sure where to go in Portugal?
Take the free Portugal travel quiz and find the destination that best matches your travel style. You’ll get your result plus practical tips to help you start planning your trip.
FAQ
Is Setúbal worth visiting for tourists?
Setúbal, Portugal, is an amazing day trip from Lisbon, and the town is well worth a visit. It’s not super touristy and perfect if you want to mingle with the locals. There are some stunning sights, you can enjoy amazing food, and there are some beautiful beaches nearby.
Is Setúbal a walkable city?
Setúbal is a very flat city and easy to navigate by foot. When walking distances are too long, you can take a local bus or order an Uber or Bolt taxi. Most sights are near each other and you can easily discover the city by walking.
What country is Setúbal in?
Setúbal is located in Portugal, about one hour south of Lisbon’s capital.
How many days in Setúbal, Portugal?
You can see most sights in just 1 day, but staying overnight offers many more options. This way, you can discover the rest of this region in Portugal, which is known for its wines and beautiful landscapes.
Why is Setúbal famous?
Setúbal is primarily famous for some of its food. Trying the fried cuttlefish and the Moscatel wine is a must! But it is also renowned for the many nature spots around. Discover the Arrábida mountains or the Sado Estuary, for example. Another reason is that poet Manuel Maria Barbosa l’Hedois du Bocage was born here.
Is Setúbal expensive to live in?
Because it is so close to Lisbon, Setúbal is a very attractive place to live. However, in recent years, the prices of rental homes and bought property have risen in Lisbon and Setúbal. So, although it is still cheaper, prices have certainly risen, and properties might no longer be affordable for locals.
Is Setúbal safe?
Portugal is a very safe country, and there is no major crime in Setúbal. You should always be careful, but there won’t be any reason to be concerned overall.
Final thoughts
Locals and tourists love visiting Setúbal, Portugal! The centre has many sights, you can enjoy some of the best food in the region, and there are many places to visit nearby. It is a lovely spot for a day trip from Lisbon, but when you stay overnight, you can see many places described in this post. We love visiting Setúbal from time to time, especially in summer when the beaches are like paradise on earth.
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