Where to Stay in Setubal, Sesimbra and Arrabida

The Setúbal peninsula, just south of Lisbon, has some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches, a dolphin-filled estuary and the green Arrábida hills. It’s easy to visit as a day trip, but staying lets you enjoy the beaches at their quietest. Here’s where to stay in Setúbal, Sesimbra and Arrábida.

Quick answer: stay in Setúbal for seafood restaurants, dolphin trips and the ferry to Tróia and Comporta. Choose Sesimbra for a seaside town with its own beach. For nature, stay in the Arrábida hills or Azeitão wine country. See places to stay in Setúbal and in Sesimbra.

The best areas

Setúbal

A real working city on the Sado estuary, famous for fried cuttlefish (choco frito) and fresh fish. It’s the departure point for dolphin-watching trips and the ferry to Tróia. Stay near the waterfront or the old town. See dolphin-watching trips.

Sesimbra

A fishing town with a sandy town beach, a hilltop castle and seafood restaurants along the bay. It has a lively summer atmosphere. For hotels, see the Sesimbra guide.

Arrábida and Azeitão

Country houses and quintas among the hills and vineyards, close to the famous beaches of Portinho da Arrábida and Galapinhos. Azeitão is known for its Moscatel wine and cheese. You’ll need a car.

Tróia

A resort peninsula across the estuary by ferry, with long beaches and a marina. It’s the gateway to Comporta.

Things to do

• The Arrábida beaches: turquoise water and white sand. In summer, access roads may be restricted; check the shuttle buses.
• Dolphin watching on the Sado.
• Wine and cheese tastings in Azeitão. See Setúbal wine tours.
• Kayaking along the Sesimbra coast. See kayak tours.

See Setúbal and Arrábida, or see Arrábida tours.

Getting there

Setúbal is under an hour from Lisbon by train or car. Sesimbra is reached by bus or car.

More: the best beaches near Lisbon and where to stay in Lisbon.

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