Things to do in

Setubal

Spend a full day exploring the Setubal region of Portugal on a tour that takes you through the countryside to see castles and taste wine. Begin your trip by crossing the Tagus River on your way to the impressive Cabo Espiche on the westernmost point of the Sesimbra coastline. Then, it is time to go to the fishing town of Sesimbra and visit a Moorish castle. This seaport town also boasts plenty of beaches and restaurants serving fresh seafood. Nearby is Arrábida Natural Park, located on the shore of the Sado River estuary. Visit the famous beaches of Portinho da Arrábida and Figueirinha, before heading to Setubal for a fish lunch! After lunch you will make your way to the astonishing Arrabida Mountain. This is a protected (Arrabida Natural Park) area. Here you will visit a a small local family owned cellar in the middle of the peaceful Arrabida Mountain to learn more about how this precious nectar is made. You will see the vineyards, see how the process is completed and of course, taste the results. All this is done in the company of a local, in an informal and funny way.

Depart from Setubal or Tróia onboard a 22-meter long catamaran and go in search of the community of dolphins that inhabit the Sado estuary. Be accompanied by a knowledgeable crew who will use their expertise to locate these playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Learn more about this unique dolphin community, the only one of its kind in Portugal, with your expert guides. Sail through the estuary and admire the beautiful landscapes of the coastline of the Arrábida Natural Park. Keep an eye out for the playful dolphins which have inhabited this part of the coast for generations. Watch the dolphins frolic and play as they swim through the calm waters. Hear more about their feeding habits, breeding and their relationship to humans on an informative and relaxing boat trip.

Experience the flavors and natural beauty of Portugal on this lovely full-day tour. Heading towards Portugal's Extremadura region, you will travel out of Lisbon over the longest bridge in Europe, the Vasco da Gama Bridge. In Palmela, you will find a Moorish castle offering fantastic photo opportunities. Visit a family estate where you can try homemade wine. Then continue through the mountains of the Arrábida National Park - up to 500 meters or 1,640 feet above sea level- and marvel at the spectacular views of one of Portugal's most beautiful landscapes. The park is also home to many plant and animal species found exclusively in this region. Much of the park is subject to strong protective measures and certain locations can only be accessed with special permission. Time for a short break. Take a relaxed stroll on the beach of Portinho Arrábida and enjoy the cool sea breeze and crisp air. Then, head to the charming fishing village of Sesimbra to have lunch at one of the village's friendly local restaurants with delicious dishes featuring the day's fresh catch. In the summer, cool off with a swim in the Atlantic, or simply go for another walk along the village's inviting beaches. Don't miss your chance to visit the village's beautifully restored church dating back to 1725, or take a walk to explore the Sesimbra Castle. Of course, the perfect follow-up to a delicious meal is great wine. Take part in a guided tour of the José Maria da Fonseca winery, one of the oldest in Portugal. It is still family-owned. Discover the region's outstanding wines at a wine tasting that includes 2 local varieties. As a perfect finale, take in the view over Lisbon from the platform of the Christ the King statue before crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge and heading back to Lisbon.

Coasteering is a multi-activity that uses various sports modalities such as trekking, climbing, swimming, abseiling, caving and many jumps into the water. The coasteering circuit is located in one of the most extraordinary places, on the border between the Arrábida Mountain Nature Park and the Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, with its crystalline green waters. Venture into one of the most beautiful places in Portugal and enjoy a fun day full of activities.

This full-day tour begins as you head south from Lisbon to Setúbal, a picturesque region best known for its fishing port. In Setúbal, board a fully restored salt galleon, or a modern catamaran (depending on weather and sea conditions), for a relaxing and enjoyable cruise in the Sado Estuary, where you’ll learn about the resident bottlenose dolphins and hopefully be able to observe wild dolphins in their natural environment. The duration of the cruise takes about 2 to 3 hours. See the natural reserve of Arrábida, take in the stunning views, and learn about the area’s history and gastronomy. See the Arrábida Convent and discover some important historical sites before returning to the old city center of Setúbal. Before returning to Lisbon, stop at a few sights in the Arrabida Mountain range, from where you can marvel at the natural reserve and get a land view of all the region.

This boat tour goes along the coastline in search of dolphins that is possible to find again on the Marine Reserve of Arrábida. The tour will take you to the most known sighting, with a 95% success rate in dolphin sightings. The boats used are powerful semi-inflatable boats with seats and all the comfort and safety for a 3-hour journey. It's always a good experience, that combines the dolphins with a wonderful boat tour on a cost line of calm and pristine waters, that is protected from the north winds by the Arrábida mountain.

Discover the stunning beauty of the Arrábida Natural Park on the Sado River estuary on a full-day sightseeing tour from Lisbon. Following a pick-up from your hotel or apartment, transfer by air-conditioned minivan across the 25th of April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril), which spans the Tagus River and sets you on course for the coastal town of Cascais. Relax on the 30-minute journey to Arrábida Natural Park, and then marvel at the abundance of trees and beautiful flora. The 108-acre park is one of 30 nationally protected regions and is home to the famous Convento de Nossa Senhora da Arrábida, a former monastery built in the 16th century. Continue through the park, catching glimpses of the golden sand beaches surrounding the Albufeira Lagoon (Lagoa de Albufeira). Go to Cabo Espichel and hop out to explore the Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel, a pilgrim site since the early 18th century. Stroll to the nearby cliffs for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to the Setubal Peninsula to explore the quiet fishing town of Sesimbra. Head to the Moorish Castle high above the town, before a break for lunch (own expense), either in Sesimbra or in the nearby bay of Portinho da Arrábida. Your guide will be happy to provide recommendations. If you selected the optional 3-hour dolphin cruise, rendezvous with your guide and transfer to a luxury catamaran. Cruise the serene waters listening to live onboard narration and keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins. Alternatively, bask in the sun at one of Arrábida’s hidden beaches, or taste traditional food and wine at a local cellar. Transfer back to Lisbon for the end of the tour services, enjoying the splendid views along the way.

These walking tours are a great way to explore the Arrábida Natural Park. Your guide will be a local who knows this region extremely well. They will help you discover it’s hidden secrets, while providing information about the local biodiversity, geology, history, culture and much more. The half-day hiking tour in Arrábida has between 6 to 8 kilometers and a maximum ascents/descents of approximately 130 meters. With a medium difficulty level, they are entirely made in the Arrábida Natural Park which is a mountain that rises above one of the most beautiful Portuguese coastlines and one of the most beautiful natural protected areas of the Lisbon region. The objective of this tour is to provide you with an activity where you can feel the mountain and the sea, in perfect harmony.

Start the tour admiring the Tagus River Bay while crossing the Vasco da Gama bridge, one of the longest in Europe (117.185 meters long). At Palmela, climb to the medieval castle to enjoy the breathtaking view and then, down to the village historic centre, taste the Setúbal Moscatel, which is the emblematic wine of the Setúbal Peninsula Wine Region and one of the Portuguese wine treasures. Relax for lunch in the fishing town of Setúbal or at Sesimbra beach, where the local gastronomy, especially the fresh fish, is superb. After lunch, go to the highest point of the Arrábida Natural Park to enjoy the magnificent scenery and paradisiac views over the green mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Then go to Azeitão where you will visit one of the oldest wineries in the region (Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca) and enjoy another wine tasting. In this noble village, the local sweets and cheese are also a must. Finally, stop at the Cristo Rei (inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s Christo Redentor) to enjoy the view over the city of Lisbon, before returning to Lisbon, crossing the 25 de Abril suspension bridge.

Take in a unique experience designed for those who want adventure and nature activities. The region of the Arrábida Natural Park and the Marine Park Luiz Saldanha offers the ideal conditions for Kayaking: good weather, clear and transparent waters, and a vast sea coast to explore.  Enjoy 2 hours of kayaking along the coast where you can admire one of the most scenic views of Portugal. Enjoy the quiet and narrow beaches between rocks and secret caves along the Serra da Arrábida.  Stop at Pedra da Anicha, a small island of clear and transparent waters. Take your time to snorkel and explore the great biological diversity, cracks, and underwater cavities that provide an excellent diving experience.