The best MTB trails around Alcácer Do Sal (Santa Maria Do Castelo)

Setúbal is one of Portugal's most diverse regions, offering a unique mix of mountains, river, and ocean just a short drive from Lisbon. Breathtaking Nature (Arrábida & Sado): Ideally located where the Sado River meets the Atlantic, guarded by the Arrábida Mountains. Home to some of Europe's most beautiful beaches (like Galapinhos and Portinho da Arrábida) with calm, crystal-clear waters. One of the few places in Europe with a resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the estuary. World-Class Gastronomy: Famous for Choco Frito (Fried Cuttlefish), the city's signature dish. Renowned for excellent fresh fish grilled over charcoal. Home to the Livramento Market, considered one of the best fish markets in the world, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and tile panels. Heritage & Views: St. Philip’s Fort (Forte de São Filipe): Offers the best panoramic view over the city, the bay, and the Tróia Peninsula. A charming historic center and the Manueline-style Convent of Jesus. Gateway to Tróia: From the harbor, you can take a quick ferry across the river to the Tróia Peninsula, known for its endless white sandy beaches and Roman ruins. Visiting the Setúbal region (often referred to by visitors simply as "Porto de Setúbal" due to its strong port and riverside identity) is well worth it. It is possibly one of the regions in Portugal that offers the greatest diversity of experiences in a single day. Here are the main reasons why it is an unmissable destination, going far beyond the industrial port area: 1. A Unique Encounter of Nature (Mountains and Sea) Setúbal is situated in a privileged geographical point, where the Sado River meets the Atlantic Ocean, guarded by the Arrábida mountain range. Setúbal Bay: Considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world (it's part of the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World). Arrábida Mountain Range: The mountain range literally "falls" into the sea. The beaches here (such as Galapinhos, Portinho da Arrábida, or Figueirinha) have crystal-clear, calm waters reminiscent of the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, protected by lush green vegetation. 4. Proximity to Tróia From the Port of Setúbal, you can take the ferry or catamaran and, in about 15 to 20 minutes, cross to the Tróia Peninsula. There you will find extensive white sand beaches and warmer waters, as well as interesting Roman ruins.

Not far from the parking lot and restaurants.

Cabo Espichel. A cape 45 km from Lisbon and the counterpart to Cabo do Roca.

The Pego do Altar Dam is located a few kilometres from Alcácer do Sal and was built in 1949 to supply the agricultural area of the Sado River valley and to produce electricity. Today it is very popular with foreigners in their motorhomes and with sports fishing enthusiasts. It is a magical place due to its landscapes, its capacity for leisure activities and its importance in irrigating the fields, where the main irrigated crop is rice. Not far from the Pego do Altar Dam, the village of Santa Susana has a curious feature: some buildings with modernist architecture from the 1940s, which are due to a benefactor of the region, Henrique Louro Fernandes, whose monogram (HF) can be found on some of them. A small church, with two 16th-century panels inside, somewhat deteriorated but magnificent, completes the interesting visit to this place. Recently, the drought that hit this area “uncovered” an old 200-year-old bridge that was submerged by the waters of the dam.

A historic mill on the way to Espichel

The fishermen's dock, as the people of Setúbal call it, still retains its old-time charm. Here you can still watch the fishing boats arrive and depart, with seagulls in their wake. This entire area is undergoing landscaping and urban changes as part of the Polis Programme. Roads, walls and green spaces have been built, and there should be little left to complete the work. The Setúbal XXI project includes a major restructuring project for the dock area, as well as its coastline, with the aim of returning the area to the city and its people. In addition to the promenade along the entire coastline, a small garden was created next to the fishermen's dock, where you can find the “Monument in Homage to the Fishermen of Setúbal”. It was time for Setúbal to pay tribute to the sea and its fishermen, as it owes a lot to them.

A small, very hidden campsite in a quiet location

A wonderful country with many beautiful places like this where you can linger for a while.