Best Places to Visit in Setubal | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat
Setubal Travel Guide
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Welcome to Setubal, Portugal! Located just 30 kilometers south of Lisbon, Setubal is a charming coastal city that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its stunning beaches, delicious seafood, and vibrant local markets, Setubal is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists. Whether you're interested in exploring the historic city center, embarking on a boat trip to the nearby Arrabida Natural Park, or indulging in the region's famous Moscatel wine, Setubal has something to offer for every type of traveler. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the wonders of Setubal, Portugal!
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Best Places To Visit in Setubal
1. Lisbon, Portugal : The capital city of Portugal is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the country. With its stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, and rich history, Lisbon has something for everyone. Be sure to visit the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery, and the Alfama neighborhood for a taste of the city's unique culture.
2. Porto, Portugal : Known for its famous port wine, Porto is a charming city located in the north of Portugal. The city is home to many historic landmarks, including the Dom Luis I Bridge and the Sao Francisco Church. Visitors can also take a stroll along the Ribeira district, which is filled with colorful buildings and lively cafes.
3. Funchal, Portugal : Located on the island of Madeira, Funchal is a picturesque town that is known for its beautiful gardens and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can take a cable car ride to the top of the town for panoramic views, or explore the historic Old Town, which is filled with narrow streets and colorful buildings.
4. Coimbra, Portugal : Home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, Coimbra is a charming city that is filled with history and culture. Visitors can explore the university's stunning library, which is home to over 300,000 books, or take a stroll through the city's historic center, which is filled with medieval architecture and charming cafes.
5. Sintra, Portugal : Located just outside of Lisbon, Sintra is a magical town that is filled with fairytale castles and stunning gardens. Visitors can explore the famous Pena Palace, which is perched on a hilltop and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
6. Aveiro, Portugal : Known as the "Venice of Portugal," Aveiro is a charming town that is famous for its colorful boats and canals. Visitors can take a boat ride through the town's canals, or explore the historic center, which is filled with colorful buildings and lively cafes.
7. Evora, Portugal : Located in the Alentejo region of Portugal, Evora is a historic town that is filled with ancient ruins and stunning architecture. Visitors can explore the town's Roman temple, medieval castle, and Gothic cathedral, or take a stroll through the charming streets of the historic center.
8. Setubal, Portugal : Located just south of Lisbon, Setubal is a charming town that is known for its beautiful beaches and fresh seafood. Visitors can take a boat ride to the nearby Sado Estuary, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins and flamingos.
9. Braga, Portugal : Known as the "Rome of Portugal," Braga is a historic city that is filled with stunning churches and religious landmarks. Visitors can explore the famous Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, which is perched on a hilltop and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
10. Guimaraes, Portugal : Known as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimaraes is a historic town that is filled with medieval architecture and charming streets. Visitors can explore the town's castle, which dates back to the 10th century, or take a stroll through the historic center, which is filled with colorful buildings and lively cafes.
Hotels Map Of Setubal
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Tours And Activities In Setubal
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Food & Drinks To Try In Setubal
1. Bacalhau a Setubalense: This is a traditional dish from Setubal that consists of salted codfish cooked with potatoes, onions, and olive oil. It is a must-try dish that showcases the region's love for seafood.
2. Choco Frito: Another popular seafood dish in Setubal is Choco Frito, which is deep-fried cuttlefish. It is typically served with a squeeze of lemon juice and pairs well with a cold beer.
3. Moscatel de Setubal: Setubal is famous for its sweet fortified wine called Moscatel de Setubal. Made from the Muscat of Alexandria grape variety, this wine has a rich and fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with desserts or can be enjoyed on its own.
4. Sardinhas Assadas: Grilled sardines are a staple in Portuguese cuisine, and Setubal is no exception. During the summer months, you can find numerous street vendors grilling fresh sardines on charcoal grills. They are typically served with a side of roasted peppers and a slice of crusty bread.
5. Queijo de Azeitao: Azeitao is a small town near Setubal known for its delicious sheep's milk cheese. Queijo de Azeitao is a soft and creamy cheese with a slightly tangy flavor. It is often enjoyed with a glass of red wine or a drizzle of honey.
6. Tortas de Azeitao: These are traditional pastries from Azeitao, a town close to Setubal. Tortas de Azeitao are thin sponge cakes rolled with a sweet egg custard filling. They are a popular dessert in the region and can be found in local bakeries.
7. Ginjinha: Ginjinha is a traditional Portuguese liqueur made from sour cherries. It is often served in small chocolate cups and enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif. You can find Ginjinha bars in Setubal where you can try this sweet and flavorful drink.
8. Arroz de Tamboril: This is a rice dish made with monkfish, tomatoes, onions, and rice. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that showcases the region's love for seafood and rice-based dishes.
9. Pasteis de Nata: Although not specific to Setubal, Pasteis de Nata are a must-try Portuguese pastry. These custard tarts with a crispy flaky crust are a national favorite and can be found in bakeries throughout the country, including Setubal.
10. Caipirinha: While not a traditional Portuguese drink, Caipirinha is a popular cocktail that you can find in bars and restaurants in Setubal. Made with cachaca (a Brazilian spirit), lime, sugar, and ice, this refreshing drink is perfect for a night out in the city.
Best Time To Visit Setubal
The best time to visit Setubal, Portugal is during the spring and fall seasons. During these times, the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The summer months of June to August can be quite hot, with temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F) or higher. Winter in Setubal is mild, but it can be rainy and windy. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures around 10°C (50°F). Tourist crowds are generally smaller during the spring and fall, making it a great time to explore the city's beautiful beaches, historic sites, and delicious seafood.
Flight Calendar For Setubal
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Transportation To Setubal
There are several transportation options to get to Setubal, Portugal:
1. By Air: The nearest airport to Setubal is Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), which is approximately 50 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, hire a private transfer, or use public transportation to reach Setubal.
2. By Train: Setubal has a train station with connections to Lisbon and other major cities in Portugal. You can take a train from Lisbon to Setubal, which takes around 1 hour.
3. By Bus: There are regular bus services from Lisbon to Setubal, operated by companies such as TST and Rodoviaria do Tejo. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
4. By Car: Setubal is easily accessible by car via the A2 motorway from Lisbon. The journey takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
5. By Ferry: Setubal is located on the coast, and there are ferry services available from Troia, a nearby peninsula. The ferry ride takes around 15 minutes.
Once you arrive in Setubal, you can use local buses, taxis, or walk to explore the city and its surroundings.