Set in one of the most beautiful regions of Portugal, Setúbal offers fabulous landscapes.
The town was born from the river Sado and grew with the Sado.
Although we know that during the Roman occupation there was already a port with significant traffic, its true economic importance was recognised after its conquest from the Moors.
In the 13th century, salt and the harbour ensured its growth and it is said that the three professions that marked the city’s history were indeed fisherman, salt worker and mule driver, truly reflecting the dominant trades in Setúbal.
In 1860, when Setúbal became a city, the decree stated “not only for to its population and geographical position and the amount of buildings within its walls, but also for the movement and extent of its trade due to the sea port”.
With the development of the port and of trade with other countries, Setúbal became renowned for particular products. In the 19th century the sardines of Setúbal were already renowned in other countries and José Maria da Fonseca launched the famous Moscatel of Setúbal.
Little by little, until the present time, industry has been joined by tourism which has become increasingly important. Today, Setúbal is a starting point for countless tourists seeking nature in its pure state.
At the same time, the old fishing town continues to invest in fisheries and its fish and seafood are renowned for their freshness and quality.
In the historic centre, the narrow streets reveal a magnificent monumental heritage – churches, chapels and mansions –, where Gothic and baroque appear in perfect harmony.
From the Fort of São Filipe, with a view as far as the eye can see, we can gaze at both the Arrábida Hills and the mouth of the Sado, green and blue in perfect equilibrium.
The bay is one of the most beautiful in the world and the Tróia peninsula separates it from the Atlantic Ocean.
These surroundings are special only just for their beauty but also for the importance and diversity of their natural features, with both the Arrábida Natural Park and the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve.
Its flora and fauna are evidence of the purity of the local environment.
In the estuary there is a resident school of bottlenose dolphins, unique on our coast. They live in groups and can be found in the estuary and the nearby coast. In the Reserve we can also find herons, white storks, flamingos and many other species.
The flora in the Arrábida Natural Park is highly diverse as a result of the microclimates created by its rugged relief.