The Alentejo
Often touted as one of Portugal's top seaside restaurants, upscale Sal indeed sits on privileged Praia do Pegô real estate with an outstanding direct line of sight across the sands to the sea. Local wines pair memorably with famed dishes such as the rich squid ink risotto (served with sides of cilantro, aioli and bacon) or grilled catches of the day.
Next door, cocktails (€8 to €10) are served in a more casual beach bar.
Cais Palafítico da Carrasqueira
8.36 MILES
Built in the 1950s and 1960s, this ramshackle, zigzagging, interlocking pier on wooden stilts is one of Europe's last surviving of its kind. At sunset, it…
17.29 MILES
Setúbal’s man-made wonder is this sand-coloured stunner, the first known example of Manueline architecture, adorned with gargoyles and twirling turrets…
17.2 MILES
This newish art space has a packed cultural calendar. Wander through changing exhibitions on the main floor, or stop in for an evening concert of jazz…
Reserva Natural do Estuário do Sado
15.77 MILES
This natural reserve protects the Sado Estuary, a biologically rich area of wetlands extending east and south of Setúbal. With more than 250 avian species…
21 MILES
For sweeping views over dale and coast, roam the snaking ramparts of the Moorish castle, rising 200m above Sesimbra. It was taken by Dom Afonso Henriques…
16.83 MILES
This former tide mill built in 1601, which also houses a gallery and cafe, is a worthwhile nature-tourism interpretive centre amid prime birdwatching…
17.09 MILES
Worth the 500m schlep uphill to the west, the castle was built by Filipe I in 1590 to fend off an English attack on the invincible Armada. Converted into…
17.19 MILES
Local honey is delicious, especially that produced in the gardens of the whitewashed, red-roofed Convento da Arrábida, a 16th-century former monastery…
1. Cais Palafítico da Carrasqueira
8.36 MILES
Built in the 1950s and 1960s, this ramshackle, zigzagging, interlocking pier on wooden stilts is one of Europe's last surviving of its kind. At sunset, it…
2. Reserva Natural do Estuário do Sado
15.77 MILES
This natural reserve protects the Sado Estuary, a biologically rich area of wetlands extending east and south of Setúbal. With more than 250 avian species…
3. Moinho de Maré da Mouriscas
16.83 MILES
This former tide mill built in 1601, which also houses a gallery and cafe, is a worthwhile nature-tourism interpretive centre amid prime birdwatching…
4. Museu do Trabalho Michel Giacometti
16.96 MILES
How does the sardine get in the tin and 1001 other fishy mysteries are solved at this quirky, rarely visited museum, set in a former sardine-canning…
5. Museu de Arqueologia e Etnografia
16.99 MILES
This small, rambling museum showcases prehistoric, proto-historic and Roman collections as well as traditional artefacts of fishing, gathering and salt…
17.09 MILES
Worth the 500m schlep uphill to the west, the castle was built by Filipe I in 1590 to fend off an English attack on the invincible Armada. Converted into…
17.15 MILES
All streets in the pedestrianised old town seem to lead to this mosaic-cobbled square, presided over by the arcaded bright-purple town hall. It’s a sunny…
17.19 MILES
Local honey is delicious, especially that produced in the gardens of the whitewashed, red-roofed Convento da Arrábida, a 16th-century former monastery…