Setubal Half-Day Tours

Setubal stands out for the combination of sights and nuances related to nature, history, and gastronomy. It is surrounded by the river Sado and Serra da Arrábida, with breathtaking views, and close to some of the most pristine coasts of Portugal. Setubal has also a great maritime tradition and a boisterous fishing tradition that you can taste at the Mercado do Livramento, one of the most popular fish markets in Portugal. There is unique local food that is specialized following the city’s proximity to the sea. The choco frito can be recommended. It is also home to the Arrabida Natural Park, which offers a beautiful landscape of green hills and beautiful views of the sea on specific trails.

Most travelers have not discovered this region of Portugal. However, the place is replete with natural beauty, history, and culture. It is famous for being surrounded by the Sado River on the south and Serra da Arrábida on the east which offers magnificent views and opportunities to witness some of the most beautiful seaboards in the region. It is a city noted for its maritime tradition, fish, especially cuttlefish, fried in the so-called choco frito, and the possibility of observing dolphins in the wild. Praia da Rocha has cultural attractions that show much about the city’s past like the Convento de Jesus and the Forte de São Filipe. 

For a change and after a tiring Lisbon or Algarve tour, Setubal is somewhat a place of tranquility. It does get the tourists, most especially if they visit during summer, but it is not as big as other nearby attractions. The implication of this is that you can have an enthralling experience going around the city and or even the surrounding region without feeling like you are in the middle of a war front battling through crowds of tourists. It is rare to find an urban experience that can be easily achieved in this city as you can find many local food markets, local restaurants, and beautiful, but not overcrowded beaches. 

Nevertheless, it is possible to move around the city on foot, so Setúbal is rather suitable for car-free exploration. The city center is congested and many of the more popular tourist spots such as historical sites and restaurants as well as stores are within easy walking distance. Other attractions in the vicinity of the residing areas include the beaches and the Arrabida Natural Park where one can engage in watersports or hiking among other activities, Although taxis and buses dominate the public transport system, they might not be cheap. 

The prices in Setubal are relatively lower than those in other large Portuguese cities such as Lisbon or Porto. Most of the attractions in Setúbal include accommodation, places to eat and places to hang out are fairly cheap when compared to other European destinations, particularly if you’re interested in the local flavor as opposed to tourist traps. It is still possible to visit traditional restaurants and have tasty dishes for a reasonable price, while many of the attractions in the city, including the old town, Forte de São Filipe, or markets are free or at least cheap.