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Castles and viewpoints south of Lisbon

Santuário da Nossa Senhora do Cabo
Place: Cabo Espichel
Photo: Rui Rebelo
Photo: Rui Rebelo

Don't miss
  • taste the fried cuttlefish, one of Setúbal’s specialities
  • take a bottle of Moscatel from Setúbal
  • enjoy the views from the Arrábida Hills and from Cabo espichel
  • go for a dive in Sesimbra
  • take a boat trip to see the dolphins

Very close to Lisbon, the Setúbal Peninsula offers places of incomparable beauty, ideal for family outings, but also for the romantic hearts of lovers.

Cross the 25 de Abril Bridge towards Sesimbra, and then take the road to Cabo Espichel. On reaching the headland, you’ll be impressed by the isolated Shrine of Nossa Senhora do Cabo (Our Lady of the Cape). It’s a place that will induce you to contemplate the sea and the long Fossil Cliff of Costa da Caparica that you see to the right, on the west coast.

Go on to Sesimbra castle. Before heading down to the beach, enjoy the view over the bay from this south-facing viewpoint, with the colourful fishing boats on the horizon.

Whether or not it’s a good day for bathing, it's worth taking a walk along the beaches, strolling through Portinho da Arrábida, Galapos and Figueirinha, in the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park.

Close by, Vila Nogueira de Azeitão is known for its wine production. You simply must taste the Moscatel in one of the famous wine cellars, accompanied by a typical buttery cheese.

In Palmela, a new viewpoint awaits you in the castle, now transformed into a Pousada, from which you’ll enjoy a splendid evening watching the sunset.

Finally, you arrive in Setúbal. From the Castle, nowadays the Pousada de São Filipe, you have a great view over the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve. Being near the sea, the city blossomed during the Discoveries, a time of great wealth that is reflected in the São Julião Church and the Convent of Jesus/Setúbal Museum, which you will find by strolling through the oldest part of the city. You must also visit the Michel Giacometti Labour Museum and the Albarquel Urban Park, a leisure area facing the river. From here you can see the estuary and, on the other bank, the complex of Troia.

The day will also be a perfect opportunity for you to enjoy the culinary specialties of the Setúbal region, like fried cuttlefish, grilled fish and seafood, and to taste the Moscatel; and thus end your trip in the best possible way.


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