To explore downtown Setúbal is to walk through the History of Portugal. With a past that goes back to the Phoenician and Roman periods, the city, which is home to one of the five NephroCare dialysis centres in the region (the others are located in Almada, Montijo, Barreiro and Seixal), has classified monuments such as the Convent of Jesus and must-see museums such as the Casa do Corpo Santo. For an immersion in the local culture, it is worth visiting unique spaces such as the Michel Giacometti Labor Museum or the Confiança de Troino grocery store which, founded in 1926, was restored and reopened in 2015, functioning as the perfect showcase of the city and its inhabitants.

You can find and taste some regional products all over the city. Moscatel wine and the Azeitão cheese are two of the most appreciated local specialties. Characterized by an intense fishing activity, it is therefore not strange that Setúbal’s gastronomy is based on fish. But there is one more dish you must discover in the Land of Fish: the famous choco frito (strips of deep-fried cuttlefish), preferably served with french fries.

After exploring the Avenida Luísa Todi, with its many restaurants, we can check the beautiful mountain range of Arrábida that extends for 35 kilometers and is the natural habitat of hares, foxes and bats. A luxuriant green mantle contrasts with the crystal blue waters. It is here, in the middle of the Arrábida natural park, in a natural landscape postcard, we discover the most beautiful beach in Europe by the Europe's Best Destination website (2017). Welcome to Galapinhos! But we can't forget to mention Portinho da Arrábida, considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal, as well Praia da Figueirinha (where it's easier to park your car) or even Praia dos Coelhos and Praia de Albarquel (closer to the city).

Activities to suit everyone's taste

The mountains offer magical trails to explore on two wheels or on long walks. Herdade da Mourisca, in the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve, is a true paradise for nature and animal lovers, being one of the most recommended places for bird watching. If the idea is to gather the whole family in a consensual program, the Sado Estuary is perfect for spotting dolphins: It’s extremely rare to catch sight of a large pod of bottlenose dolphins (or Roaz-Corvineiro) in European waters, but in the Sado estuary, a family of three dozen are a regular attraction.