The best city hikes and walks around National Park Arrábida

Setúbal is one of Portugal's most diverse regions, offering a unique mix of mountains, river, and ocean just a short drive from Lisbon. Breathtaking Nature (Arrábida & Sado): Ideally located where the Sado River meets the Atlantic, guarded by the Arrábida Mountains. Home to some of Europe's most beautiful beaches (like Galapinhos and Portinho da Arrábida) with calm, crystal-clear waters. One of the few places in Europe with a resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the estuary. World-Class Gastronomy: Famous for Choco Frito (Fried Cuttlefish), the city's signature dish. Renowned for excellent fresh fish grilled over charcoal. Home to the Livramento Market, considered one of the best fish markets in the world, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and tile panels. Heritage & Views: St. Philip’s Fort (Forte de São Filipe): Offers the best panoramic view over the city, the bay, and the Tróia Peninsula. A charming historic center and the Manueline-style Convent of Jesus. Gateway to Tróia: From the harbor, you can take a quick ferry across the river to the Tróia Peninsula, known for its endless white sandy beaches and Roman ruins. Visiting the Setúbal region (often referred to by visitors simply as "Porto de Setúbal" due to its strong port and riverside identity) is well worth it. It is possibly one of the regions in Portugal that offers the greatest diversity of experiences in a single day. Here are the main reasons why it is an unmissable destination, going far beyond the industrial port area: 1. A Unique Encounter of Nature (Mountains and Sea) Setúbal is situated in a privileged geographical point, where the Sado River meets the Atlantic Ocean, guarded by the Arrábida mountain range. Setúbal Bay: Considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world (it's part of the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World). Arrábida Mountain Range: The mountain range literally "falls" into the sea. The beaches here (such as Galapinhos, Portinho da Arrábida, or Figueirinha) have crystal-clear, calm waters reminiscent of the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, protected by lush green vegetation. 4. Proximity to Tróia From the Port of Setúbal, you can take the ferry or catamaran and, in about 15 to 20 minutes, cross to the Tróia Peninsula. There you will find extensive white sand beaches and warmer waters, as well as interesting Roman ruins.

Dolphins can be seen on a boat trip in the Tróia or Setúbal area.👍🇵🇹

An excellent beach, although lacking in infrastructure and difficult to access, it's a super pleasant place, ideal for relaxing and recharging. Nearby, I also visited Mijona Beach and Hell Beach, which offer more challenging access but always boast immense natural beauty. I recommend it for those who don't have mobility issues and appreciate nature. 👍🥾🦯

As it is a wild beach and difficult to access, there is no support equipment of any kind or lifeguards. Don't forget to bring water and food, and on the way back make sure to take all your rubbish with you (there are bins near the car park, at the start of the trail)! If you prefer to stay in the shade, you will need to bring a parasol. Also note that the name of the beach is Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo and not Praia da Ribeira do Cavalo, as it is often called.

As it is a wild beach and difficult to access, there is no support equipment of any kind or lifeguards. Don't forget to bring water and food, and when you return, make sure you take all your rubbish with you (there are bins near the car park, at the start of the trail)! If you prefer to stay in the shade, you will need to bring a parasol. Also note that the name of the beach is Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo and not Praia da Ribeira do Cavalo, as it is often called.

It's near the port in Setubal. It's pretty big. There is everything you need for eating / cooking: Fish, meat, cheese, etc. There are small dining places all around. Also fine art: Azulejos and figures. Very nice to look at and dine.

The fishermen's dock, as the people of Setúbal call it, still retains its old-time charm. Here you can still watch the fishing boats arrive and depart, with seagulls in their wake. This entire area is undergoing landscaping and urban changes as part of the Polis Programme. Roads, walls and green spaces have been built, and there should be little left to complete the work. The Setúbal XXI project includes a major restructuring project for the dock area, as well as its coastline, with the aim of returning the area to the city and its people. In addition to the promenade along the entire coastline, a small garden was created next to the fishermen's dock, where you can find the “Monument in Homage to the Fishermen of Setúbal”. It was time for Setúbal to pay tribute to the sea and its fishermen, as it owes a lot to them.

Foodies with adore Setúbal's indoor Mercado do Livramento. It's an incredible place to head to sample those typical Portuguese flavours from bacalhau (salt-dried cod) to pasteis de nata (custard tarts). The array of fresh produce on sale here is simply mesmerising, with around 300 independent vendors all housed under the one roof. The fact that the market remains an integral part of Setúbal life and culture makes the market all the more impressive to behold. Wander this vast warehouse-like space to soak up the atmosphere, or make your way among the stalls to pick and choose the very best ingredients for a picnic like no other. Seasonal fruits are always piled high, as are olives and other locally-grown foodstuffs. But the star of the show here for 140 years has been the market's fish, which arrive here fresh from the fishermen's boats each day. It's best to get here early to grab the best produce and enjoy the liveliest atmosphere.