Setúbal
A working port and fishing city south of the Tagus — the gateway to the Arrábida and the best moscatel.
An underrated gateway, not a destination itself. Pass through for the Arrábida and the wine.
Why go
The fish market, the ferries to Tróia, moscatel de Setúbal, and immediate access to the Arrábida park and its beaches. Cheaper and more local than the Lisbon coast.
Why you might skip it
Industrial edges; not a beauty-spot town.
What to do
The fish market, moscatel tasting (José Maria da Fonseca), the Arrábida beaches, a Tróia ferry.
What to eat
Choco frito (cuttlefish) is the local dish; moscatel; fresh fish.
Where to stay
Arrábida coast (Portinho) rather than the city.
Getting there & around
Train from Lisbon or car.
What's here
Arrábida Natural Park
Arrábida Natural Park is a breathtaking coastal range where dramatic limestone cliffs meet the turquoise Atlantic waters just south of Lisbon. It remains one of Portugal's most significant ecological sanctuaries, housing unique Mediterranean-style scrubland and rare endemic flora.
Where it sits
