Setúbal, Nature&Culture, among castles, mountains and beaches The most complete tourist program

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Palmela

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Embark on an all-in-one tour in Setúbal and discover stunning landscapes, historic sites, and authentic cuisine. Explore the Livramento Market, Fortaleza de São Filipe, Arrábida Natural Park, Palmela Castle, Sesimbra village, and end at the iconic Cristo Rei monument.

Duration: 8 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Castelo de Palmela - Palmela Castle is situated at one of the highest points in Serra da Arrábida. Its challenging access made it perfect for its role in territorial defense. During the Christian Reconquista led by D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, Palmela was part of the defense line south of the Tagus River. The king granted the territories of Palmela, Almada, and Alcácer to the Order of Sant’Iago da Espada for defense and settlement. In 1205, D. Sancho I confirmed this donation and established the Chapter of the Order in the castle. In the 15th century, D. João I ordered restoration works, particularly on the keep, and the construction of the convent, which became the Order’s seat from 1443 onwards. The castle also saw modifications in the 17th century under D. Pedro II. The friars remained in the Santiago convent until the dissolution of the religious orders in 1834.
Mercado do Livramento - Built to replace an earlier market demolished in 1876, it opened in 1930. The interior was completely remodeled between 2010 and 2011. The tile panels inside, created by Portuguese engraver and painter Pedro Pinto in 1929, depict the city’s various economic activities. At the north entrance, there are two additional panels by Rosa Rodrigues, featuring images of the city from 1944. In June 2014, USA Today recognized Mercado do Livramento as one of the best fish markets in the world.
SetubalSouv - A local souvenir shop offering handmade items by local artisans. The shop is housed in a fish-shaped building made of cork and wood.
Church of the former Monastery of Jesus - The Convent and Church of Jesus are significant landmarks in Portuguese architectural history, marking the beginning of the Manueline style. Construction began in 1490 and apparently concluded in 1496, led by Diogo Boitaca, who also worked on the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and the Batalha Monastery. The Church of Jesus is considered the first attempt at a hall church in Portugal, designed as a uniformly lit space. The Convent of Jesus featured innovative solutions for its time, such as round arches, vaults based on lowered arches, and ribbed networks.
Forte de Sao Filipe - A must-visit tourist spot, São Filipe Fort was once a crucial defensive and control bastion for the city. Ordered by the Spanish monarch Philip II to fortify the coastline protecting Setúbal and the mouth of the Sado River, it was designed by Captain Fratino in 1583. The fort has an irregular polygonal plan, shaped like a six-pointed star with six bastions, and is situated on a steep slope over the sea, protected on the north side by a second walled line. São Filipe Fort played a tactical role in reinforcing the defense line of the Portuguese coast against pirates from northern Europe and Africa. From the fort’s walls, visitors can enjoy one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the bay.
Serra da Arrabida - The crystal-clear blue sea waters meeting the green of nature make Serra da Arrábida a special corner of Portugal. With paradisiacal beaches, stunning landscapes, viewpoints, mysterious caves, and castles to visit, Serra da Arrábida offers a wide range of activities. Part of the Arrábida Natural Park, it is located near Setúbal (about 10 km), 45 km from Lisbon, and approximately 17 km from Sesimbra. The park features steep terrain from various mountains: Serra do Louro, Serra do Risco, Serra de São Luís, Serra dos Gaiteiros, Serra de São Francisco, and Serra da Arrábida. Its highest point is 501 meters, offering views of part of the Portuguese Vincentian coast. Covering around 10,800 hectares, Arrábida spans the municipalities of Palmela, Sesimbra, and Setúbal.
Portinho da Arrabida - Located in the district of Setúbal, its main attraction is the Portinho da Arrábida beach. This small sandy area is next to the village of Portinho da Arrábida, at the foot of the mountain between other beaches (Creiro and Alpertuche) in the region. The waters are calm, clear, cold, and perfect for diving. The beach is rocky and has some facilities, including restaurants. In 2010, it was recognized as one of the “7 natural wonders of Portugal” in the beaches category.
Castelo de Sesimbra - Sesimbra Castle is the last Portuguese castle by the sea to maintain its medieval design. Classified as a National Monument on June 16, 1910, it offers several points of interest. Its walls provide a unique view over the town and the sea. Inside, there are two permanent exhibitions about its history, a heritage interpretation center, a church, and a disused cemetery. A museum circuit allows visitors to independently explore the property’s various points of interest. Visitors can walk along the walls and enjoy a privileged view of Sesimbra and the region. The café with a terrace offers local products. The castle stands out in the landscape for its grandeur.
Fortaleza de Santiago - The Fortaleza de Santiago has been part of the Sesimbra community for 365 years. Built to defend against sea threats, it lost its defensive importance over time. After meticulous restoration work, the Santiago Fortress opened to the public in July 2014. Visitors can now understand the original functions of each space, from the magazine area to the Governor’s house and dormitories, gaining insight into how these fortifications operated. In 2016, the Fortaleza de Santiago became home to the Sesimbra Maritime Museum, which showcases the history of the sea, fishing, and the fishing community from ancient times to the present.
Cabo Espichel - The Cabo Espichel Sanctuary, part of the Arrábida Natural Park and also known as the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Pedra Mua, is located west of Sesimbra, marking the southwestern tip of the Setúbal peninsula. According to legend, an apparition of Our Lady occurred here. Nothing remains of the original sanctuary mentioned by the Visitations of the Order of Santiago. Based on the cult of Nossa Senhora do Cabo and the 14th-century Ermida da Memória, D. Pedro II and D. José ordered the construction of a sanctuary in the 18th century, which continued to be worshiped until the early 20th century before falling into decline. The sanctuary includes the church built between 1701-1707, two wings of inns built between 1745-1760, a water house dating from 1770 supplied by an aqueduct, and an opera house from the late 1800s.
Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei - The idea to build a monument to Christ the King began in 1940 when Portuguese bishops vowed to construct a Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus over Lisbon if Portugal was spared from the war. Portugal remained neutral during World War II, which led to a national fundraising campaign to make the construction a reality. In 1959, the Monument to Christ the King was inaugurated, standing 113 meters tall over Almada and Lisbon, offering a 360º panoramic view over both banks of the Tagus River and surrounding areas. Within the four pillars of the Monument to Christ the King, symbolizing the four cardinal points, is the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace. The image of Our Lady is a replica of the one offered to the Church of Saint Eugene in Rome during the Holy Year of 1950.

What's Included

On-board WiFi
In-vehicle air conditioning

What's Not Included

Lunch

Additional Information

The most complete tourist program

Get ready for stunning landscapes, incredible beaches, historic sites, and delicious cuisine, ending at the Iconic Cristo Rei.

Setúbal, one of the most beautiful bays in the world, with the Livramento Market, famous for its variety of fruits, fresh fish and local products.
The Fortaleza de São Filipe, an ancient fort that offers stunning views of the ocean and the city, and the Arrábida Natural Park, famous for its paradisiacal beaches.

Palmela, a picturesque village with a stunning medieval castle.
an ancient fortress that offers incredible views of the region.

Sesimbra, a charming village, with the Fortaleza de Santiago, the majestic Castle of Sesimbra and the wonderful sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel.

Cristo Rei, an impressive monument that offers stunning views over the city of Lisbon.

This tour is a unique opportunity to explore the rich history, culture and stunning landscapes of this region.

Location

Castelo de Palmela

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

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(7 Ratings)

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1 star

Elisabethrm705uq

Jun 25, 2024

Amazing - What an amazing Tour. Best program I had in Portugal, Hugo turn out to be a wonderful host for us, during that day, shown unbelievable knowledge local history. Tried amazing food and wine. We definitely will come back for more.