The Setúbal Peninsula, also informally known as the Other Band, was a Portuguese statistical sub-region, part of the current Lisbon Metropolitan Area (then designated the Lisbon Region), covering the northern part of the District of Setúbal. It was bordered to the north by the Tagus Estuary and, through it, to Greater Lisbon and Lezíria do Tejo, to the east by Central Alentejo, to the south by Litoral Alentejo and to the southwest by the Atlantic Ocean. It has an area of 1 421 km² and its population was, according to the 2011 census, 779 373 inhabitants.
1 Alcochete
2 Almada
3 Barreiro
4 Montijo
5 Palmela
6
Seixal
7 Sesimbra
The sub-region has areas of high natural and conservation interest, thus providing its inhabitants with high levels of quality of life. To the north, the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve, to the south, the Arrábida Natural Park and to the west, the Protected Landscape of Arrábida Fóssil da Costa de Caparica.
The Setúbal Peninsula occupies the northwestern part of the Setúbal
District, a coastal region within the broader Lisboa e Vale do Tejo and
Alentejo regions. It includes nine municipalities, notably Setúbal,
Sesimbra, Palmela, and Almada, and is defined by its varied topography,
which ranges from sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs to rolling hills and
estuarine wetlands. The peninsula’s proximity to Lisbon (30–45 minutes
by car) makes it an accessible yet distinct destination.
Natural
Features:
Arrábida Natural Park: A highlight of the peninsula, this
108 km² protected area stretches along the Serra da Arrábida, a mountain
range peaking at 501 meters (1,644 feet). Its limestone cliffs, hidden
coves, and Mediterranean vegetation (including rare maquis shrubs)
create a biodiversity hotspot. The park’s coastline features pristine
beaches like Portinho da Arrábida, Galapinhos (voted Europe’s best beach
in 2017), and Figueirinha, known for turquoise waters.
Sado Estuary
Natural Reserve: Covering 23,160 hectares, this wetland ecosystem is one
of Portugal’s most important, supporting over 250 bird species,
including flamingos, herons, and white storks. The estuary is home to a
resident population of bottlenose dolphins, a rare feature in Europe,
and supports traditional salt pans and oyster farms.
Costa da
Caparica: A 15-km stretch of sandy beaches along Almada’s Atlantic
coast, popular for surfing, sunbathing, and beachside nightlife. The
Fossil Cliff Protected Area reveals 15-million-year-old geological
formations.
Tróia Peninsula: A narrow, sandy spit accessible by ferry
from Setúbal, Tróia offers white beaches, luxury resorts, and Roman
ruins. Its dunes and pine forests are part of the Sado Estuary’s
ecosystem.
Cabo Espichel: A dramatic headland with sheer cliffs, a
18th-century lighthouse, and the Nossa Senhora do Cabo sanctuary,
offering panoramic ocean views and fossilized dinosaur footprints.
Climate: The Setúbal Peninsula enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild,
wet winters (8–15°C/46–59°F) and hot, dry summers (25–35°C/77–95°F). The
Arrábida’s microclimate is cooler and more humid, supporting unique
flora, while the coast is breezy, ideal for water sports.
Ecosystems:
The region’s mix of marine, estuarine, and terrestrial habitats supports
diverse wildlife. The Sado Estuary hosts dolphins, fish, and
crustaceans, while Arrábida’s forests shelter wild boar, foxes, and rare
orchids. The peninsula’s vineyards, olive groves, and rice fields
reflect its agricultural heritage, similar to Alto Alentejo’s montado.
The Setúbal Peninsula’s strategic coastal location has shaped its
history, from prehistoric settlements to its role in Portugal’s maritime
and industrial past.
Prehistoric Era: The region has Neolithic
and Chalcolithic sites, including dolmens and menhirs in Palmela. The
Cabo Espichel area preserves dinosaur footprints from the Jurassic
period, a testament to its ancient geology.
Roman Period: The
peninsula was a key Roman hub, with Cetóbriga (near Tróia) serving as a
fish-salting and garum (fish sauce) production center. Archaeological
sites in Setúbal and Alcácer do Sal reveal villas, baths, and ports. The
Sado River facilitated trade with the Mediterranean.
Moorish and
Medieval Periods: The Moors occupied the region from the 8th century,
leaving agricultural techniques and fortifications, such as the Castelo
de Sesimbra. The Christian Reconquest in the 12th–13th centuries, led by
King Afonso Henriques, saw the construction of castles in Palmela and
Setúbal, often managed by the Order of Santiago. Palmela’s castle, a
National Monument, was a key defensive stronghold.
Age of
Exploration: Setúbal’s port thrived during the 15th–16th centuries,
supporting Portugal’s maritime empire. The city was a shipbuilding and
salt-exporting hub, while Sesimbra’s fishing industry grew. The Convent
of Jesus in Setúbal, a Manueline masterpiece, reflects this prosperity.
Modern Era: The 19th century brought industrial growth, with Setúbal’s
canning industry and Almada’s shipyards. The peninsula played a role in
the 1974 Carnation Revolution, with its proximity to Lisbon’s political
center. Today, tourism, wine production, and sustainable fishing drive
the economy, bolstered by Arrábida’s protected status since 1976.
The Setúbal Peninsula’s culture blends coastal, rural, and urban
influences, shaped by its maritime heritage, agricultural roots, and
proximity to Lisbon.
People and Lifestyle: Residents of the
Setúbal Peninsula, often called Sadinos in Setúbal city, are known for
their warmth, pride in local traditions, and relaxed coastal vibe.
Fishing communities in Sesimbra contrast with the cosmopolitan energy of
Almada and the rural charm of Palmela, creating a diverse social fabric.
Music and Dance: The region features rancho folclórico groups performing
traditional dances with accordions and tambourines, especially during
festivals. Fado, while less prominent than in Lisbon or Coimbra, is
heard in Setúbal’s taverns, often with maritime themes. Local choirs in
Sesimbra sing hymns tied to fishing traditions.
Gastronomy: The
peninsula’s cuisine is seafood-centric, complemented by its vineyards
and orchards:
Seafood: Choco frito (fried cuttlefish), a Setúbal
specialty; sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines); caldeirada (fish stew);
and ostra do Sado (Sado oysters). Sesimbra’s fresh fish markets offer
robalo (sea bass) and dourada (sea bream).
Cheeses: Queijo de
Azeitão, a PDO-protected, creamy sheep’s milk cheese from the Arrábida
foothills, is a regional icon, often paired with local honey.
Wines:
The Setúbal Peninsula DOC produces world-class wines, including:
Moscatel de Setúbal, a sweet, fortified wine with apricot and caramel
notes, aged for years.
Robust reds and crisp whites from Palmela,
made with Castelão and Fernão Pires grapes.
Notable wineries like
José Maria da Fonseca and Bacalhôa offer tastings and tours.
Sweets:
Tortas de Azeitão (sponge cake rolls with egg cream), esses de Palmela
(S-shaped biscuits), and farturas (fried dough) at festivals.
Other
Products: Olive oil, figs, and oranges from the Arrábida region; salt
from the Sado’s salinas.
Crafts: Setúbal is known for azulejo
tilework, seen in churches and public buildings. Sesimbra’s fishing nets
and Palmela’s leatherwork are traditional crafts. The region’s
winemaking and oyster farming are cultural practices passed down
generations.
Festivals:
Festa de Nossa Senhora do Cabo (Cabo
Espichel, September): A pilgrimage with candlelit processions and
maritime blessings.
Festas Populares de Setúbal (June): Celebrates
São Pedro with sardine feasts, music, and fireworks.
Festa da Vindima
(Palmela, September): A wine harvest festival with grape-treading,
tastings, and parades.
Feira de Sant’Iago (Setúbal, July–August): A
historic fair with crafts, food, and concerts.
Language: Standard
Portuguese is spoken, with a coastal dialect featuring maritime slang.
English is common in tourist areas like Tróia and Costa da Caparica,
less so in rural Azeitão.
The Setúbal Peninsula offers a wealth of attractions, from natural
wonders to historical landmarks and cultural experiences. Below are the
highlights, organized by type:
Historical and Cultural Sites
Setúbal:
The region’s largest city, Setúbal is a bustling port with a
historic core. Key sites include:
Convento de Jesus: A 15th-century
Manueline church with twisted columns and Gothic arches, one of
Portugal’s earliest Manueline monuments.
Forte de São Filipe: A
16th-century star-shaped fortress overlooking the Sado Estuary, now a
pousada with panoramic views.
Mercado do Livramento: A vibrant market
voted one of Europe’s best, offering fresh fish, cheese, and Moscatel.
Museu de Arqueologia e Etnografia: Showcases Roman artifacts from Tróia
and local fishing traditions.
The city’s waterfront, with seafood
restaurants and dolphin-watching tours, is a lively hub.
Palmela:
A hilltop town dominated by the Castelo de Palmela, a 12th-century
fortress turned pousada, offering views over the peninsula and Lisbon.
The Igreja de Santiago within the castle features azulejos.
The Casa
Mãe da Rota de Vinhos organizes wine tastings and vineyard tours,
highlighting Palmela’s wine heritage.
Sesimbra:
A fishing
village turned resort town, Sesimbra boasts the Castelo de Sesimbra, a
Moorish fortress with sweeping coastal views. The Santuário de Nossa
Senhora do Cabo at Cabo Espichel, 15 km away, is a Baroque pilgrimage
site.
The Museu Marítimo details Sesimbra’s fishing history, while
the harbor is lined with colorful boats.
Almada:
Home to the
Cristo Rei statue, a 110-meter-tall Christ figure inspired by Rio’s
Christ the Redeemer, offering views of Lisbon’s 25 de Abril Bridge. The
Museu Naval explores maritime history, and the Elevador da Boca do Vento
connects the city to the Tagus waterfront.
Tróia:
The Roman
Ruins of Cetóbriga, a 1st–4th-century fish-processing complex, are a
highlight. The Tróia Design Hotel and golf course add modern luxury to
this beach destination.
Azeitão:
A quaint village known for
Queijo de Azeitão and wine estates. The Palácio da Bacalhôa, a
15th-century Renaissance villa with azulejo gardens, houses art and wine
collections. The José Maria da Fonseca Winery offers Moscatel tastings
and museum tours.
Natural Attractions
Arrábida Natural Park:
A paradise for hikers, swimmers, and nature lovers, with trails like the
Rota do Fio and Trilho da Comenda. Beaches like Galapinhos and Portinho
da Arrábida are accessible by car or boat. The Convento da Arrábida, a
16th-century Franciscan monastery nestled in the hills, offers guided
tours.
Activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, and coasteering
along the cliffs.
Sado Estuary Natural Reserve:
Dolphin-watching boat tours from Setúbal or Tróia are a highlight, with
90% sighting success. Kayaking, birdwatching, and visits to salt pans or
oyster farms offer eco-friendly experiences.
The Moinho de Maré da
Mourisca, a restored tidal mill, provides insight into traditional rice
milling.
Costa da Caparica:
A string of beaches catering to
surfers (Praia do CDS), families (Praia da Morena), and nightlife
seekers (Praia 19). The Transpraia mini-train connects the beaches in
summer.
Cabo Espichel:
A wild, windswept cape with cliffs, a
lighthouse, and fossilized dinosaur tracks. The area is ideal for hiking
and photography, especially at sunset.
Wine Tasting: Tour wineries like José Maria da Fonseca, Bacalhôa, or
Quinta de Alcube in Azeitão or Palmela, sampling Moscatel and Castelão
wines.
Seafood Feasts: Dine at Sesimbra’s Maré Viva or Setúbal’s Casa
do Mar for choco frito and Sado oysters.
Dolphin Watching: Book tours
with Vertigem Azul in Setúbal for a 2–3-hour estuary cruise.
Azulejo
Workshops: Learn tile-painting in Setúbal’s cultural centers, reflecting
the region’s ceramic heritage.
Getting There:
By Car: The Setúbal Peninsula is 30–50 km from
Lisbon, accessible via the A2 (to Setúbal) or A8 (to Costa da Caparica).
The 25 de Abril Bridge or Vasco da Gama Bridge connects Almada to
Lisbon.
By Train: Fertagus trains run from Lisbon (Roma-Areeiro) to
Setúbal (40 minutes) and Fogueteiro (near Costa da Caparica). Regional
trains serve Palmela and Azeitão.
By Bus: TST (Transportes Sul do
Tejo) operates frequent buses from Lisbon’s Sete Rios or Oriente to
Setúbal, Sesimbra, and Costa da Caparica (30–60 minutes).
By Ferry:
Atlântico Sul ferries connect Setúbal to Tróia (20 minutes, hourly),
with car and passenger options.
Best Time to Visit: Spring
(April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather, fewer
crowds, and vibrant festivals. Summer (July–August) is ideal for beaches
but busy, while winter is quiet with occasional rain.
Accommodation:
Setúbal: Hotels like Hotel do Sado or budget
guesthouses in the old town.
Sesimbra: Beachfront resorts like Sana
Sesimbra or rural stays near Arrábida.
Tróia: Luxury options like
Tróia Design Hotel or Aqualuz Suite Hotel.
Costa da Caparica: Surf
hostels or family-friendly hotels like Tryp Caparica Mar.
Azeitão:
Charming quintas like Quinta de Alcube with wine-tasting packages.
Dining:
Try choco frito at O Farol in Setúbal or tortas de
Azeitão at Pastelaria Cego in Azeitão. Sesimbra’s Ribamar serves fresh
seafood with ocean views.
Pair meals with Moscatel de Setúbal at
winery restaurants or local tascas.
Activities:
Hiking: Trails
in Arrábida, such as the Trilho das Virtudes, or coastal paths at Cabo
Espichel.
Water Sports: Surfing at Costa da Caparica, kayaking in the
Sado Estuary, or diving in Arrábida’s marine reserve.
Cultural Tours:
Day trips covering Setúbal, Palmela, and Azeitão, often including wine
and cheese tastings.
Dolphin Watching: Morning or sunset tours for
optimal sightings.
Travel Tips:
Public transport is reliable
for Setúbal and Costa da Caparica, but a car is ideal for Arrábida and
Tróia.
English is widely spoken in tourist areas, less so in rural
villages.
Book Arrábida beach parking in advance during summer due to
limited access.
Check festival schedules (e.g., Festa da Vindima) for
cultural immersion.