Setúbal, an important industrial city and one of the largest ports in the country, is an excellent starting point for exploring the natural beauty of the Tagus and Sado estuaries that welcome a rich diversity of fauna and flora. A region that covers the magnificent landscapes of the Serra da Arrábida and the surrounding vineyards, picturesque fishing harbors and paradisiacal beaches of crystalline waters. Inhabited since ancient times by various peoples, it was the romans who started one of the most traditional activities in the region - salt collection and food preservation in salting tanks, with traces still preserved in the Troia Peninsula. The development of Setúbal has always been linked to maritime activities, favored by the location of the city at the mouth of the river Sado, being already in the 14th century one of the main ports of the country. The town became an important economic center thanks to the pottery and fishing industries, and it became also a popular aristocratic vacation resort during the 15th century. Around the city of Setúbal you'll find areas of preserved nature, namely the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve, where you can observe dolphins in freedom, and the Arrábida Natural Park, with its unique characteristics, and species that can only be found in areas near the Mediterranean. Due to the city cultural involvement with the estuary of the river Sado and the proximity of the ports of Setúbal and Sesimbra to the Atlantic Ocean, the gastronomy of the region of Setúbal make great use of fish dishes and products that develop favorably in the climate of the region. Agricultural products also deserve special attention, some of them already referenced in official documents of the end of the 14th century, especially grapes and wines. Even today, the wines produced in the surrounding region have great worldwide fame, namely table wines and the well-known Moscatel de Setúbal.

For nature lovers here you will find breathtaking landscapes in a perfect scenery of natural parks rich in fauna and flora, and a remarkable coastline with successive beaches of transparent waters and fine sand where you can practice all non-polluting water sports, fishing and scuba diving. In addition to this unique natural heritage, also you'll find exuberant examples of built heritage proof of an ancient harmonious cohabitation between human work and nature.