Setubal

Day 1: Sado Estuary wetlands and dolphins

Ease into Setúbal with the rhythm of the tides on the Sado, timing birdwatching for exposed mudflats and close views. Later, head out into the bay to meet the resident bottlenose dolphins with a licensed operator.

• Morning: Moinho de Maré da Mourisca for birding; arrive 1–2 hours before low tide for flamingos, spoonbills and vast wader flocks in winter, or passage migrants in spring/autumn. Walk the dykes quietly, use the hides, and bring binoculars or a spotting scope.
• Midday: Seafood lunch in Setúbal (try the market area) and a relaxed stroll on the riverfront; check sea conditions, layer up (it’s breezier on the water) and confirm your boat check-in (usually 15 minutes prior).
• Afternoon: Dolphin-watching cruise from Setúbal or Tróia with an ICNF-certified operator who follows approach codes; success rates are high year-round, but seas are typically calmer in summer and early autumn. Sunscreen and a windproof layer are useful even on warm days.
• Evening: Golden-hour walk in Parque Urbano de Albarquel with views to Tróia, or hop the catamaran to Tróia for a sunset shoreline stroll. In winter, watch storks heading to roost and listen for curlews over the estuary.

Day 2: Arrábida cliffs, coves and the marine park

Today is limestone and turquoise: sweeping clifftops, maquis scrub and clear coves inside the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park. Start early to dodge crowds, heat and summer traffic restrictions.

• Morning: Drive the Estrada de Escarpa (N379-1) viewpoints or hike to Serra do Risco for vast Atlantic views; start at dawn, wear sturdy footwear and carry at least 1.5 litres of water per person. In spring, look for orchids and wildflowers; after rain, limestone can be slick near cliff edges.
• Midday: Swim or snorkel at Portinho da Arrábida or Galapinhos; in summer, use the Arrábida Sem Carros park-and-ride buses (private cars are restricted by day). Bring a mask, respect marine park rules (no collecting or spearfishing), and pack out all rubbish.
• Afternoon: Kayak or paddleboard along the coves and grottoes for a different view of the cliffs; guided outings help with safety, currents and access to sensitive areas. If winds pick up, hug the coast and turn back early.
• Evening: Sunset viewpoint near the Convento da Arrábida or dinner in Azeitão with local cheese and moscatel. In peak fire-risk periods (often summer heatwaves), check ICNF notices, as some trails close temporarily.

Day 3: Quiet north slopes, Azeitão flavours and backwater marshes

Explore Arrábida’s tranquil interior and the estuary’s wide skies. This is a slower day of vineyard lanes, old footpaths and tidal backwaters—perfect for photographers and birders.

• Morning: Walk from Vila Nogueira de Azeitão to the Convento da Arrábida on the historic path through cork oaks and maquis; spring blooms are superb, while winter trails can be muddy. Carry a map/GPS and check for any post-fire or high-risk closures.
• Midday: Winery visit and tasting in Azeitão paired with Azeitão cheese; a light picnic under cork oaks keeps the pace unhurried. Respect private property and stick to marked tracks.
• Afternoon: Drive to the Cais Palafítico da Carrasqueira for tidal photography and waders on the mudflats, or explore the north-shore rice fields for marsh harriers, godwits and ibis. Time visits around low tide for feeding birds; bring insect repellent and a hat.
• Evening: Return to Mourisca for flamingos in rosy dusk light, or take the ferry to Tróia for a twilight beach walk and stargazing away from city glare. Book tours and shuttles in advance in high season, and always leave no trace.

By Air

• Lisbon (LIS) – nearest major airport (c. 50 km). By car/taxi: 45–60 minutes via A2/A12. By public transport: Metro from the airport to Roma-Areeiro or Entrecampos, then Fertagus train to Setúbal (around 70–90 minutes total, depending on connections).
• Faro (FAO) – c. 180 km. By car: around 2 hours via A2. Public transport: Rede Expressos coach (c. 3.5–4 hours) or train to Lisbon then Fertagus to Setúbal.
• Porto (OPO) – c. 360 km. By car: 3.5–4 hours via A1/A2. Public transport: train Porto Campanhã–Lisbon, then Fertagus to Setúbal (typically 4–5 hours total).

By Train

• Fertagus suburban trains connect Lisbon (Roma-Areeiro, Entrecampos, Sete Rios, Campolide) to Setúbal. Frequency: every 20–30 minutes; journey time: about 50–60 minutes. Terminus: Setúbal station (Praça do Brasil).
• CP Sado Line from Barreiro to Setúbal. From central Lisbon take the Transtejo ferry (Terreiro do Paço–Barreiro, ~20 minutes), then the CP suburban train to Setúbal (~50–55 minutes).

By Bus

• Suburban/regional services (Carris Metropolitana) link Lisbon and the south bank to Setúbal via the A2; typical journey 50–70 minutes depending on traffic.
• Intercity operators (Rede Expressos, FlixBus) connect Setúbal with Lisbon, Évora, Beja, Sines, Algarve (Faro), and Porto (often via Lisbon). Setúbal Bus Terminal: Av. 5 de Outubro (central).

By Car

• From Lisbon: A2 via the 25 de Abril Bridge or A12 via the Vasco da Gama Bridge; 45–60 minutes (tolls apply).
• From Algarve (Faro): A2 north; around 2–2.5 hours.
• From Évora/Alentejo: A6/N10 (via Vendas Novas/Pegões); roughly 1–1.5 hours.
• From Porto: A1 then A2; about 3.5–4 hours.
• Note: Summer access/parking to Arrábida beaches is restricted; check local arrangements and consider park-and-ride buses.

By Ferry

• Regular Atlantic Ferries services link Tróia and Setúbal: passenger catamaran (~15 minutes) and car ferry (~25 minutes), typically every 30–60 minutes. Useful when travelling via Tróia/Comporta/Carvalhal. Setúbal terminals are on the city waterfront.