The city of Setúbal, surrounded by the blue of the Sado River and the green of the Arrábida, is rich in landscape, natural and cultural heritage.
The beginning of this journey is guided by the color of the boats anchored along the riverfront. To visit in downtown there is the Bocage Square, the Santa Maria da Graça Cathedral, the Jesus Convent and the Livramento Market. Away from the city center and a good starting point to know the Natural Reserve of Sado Estuary is the Mourisca Tide Mill, an area of saltmarsh and saline, and where bird watching is possible. In this Natural Reserve lives a colony of dolphins, locally know as roazes-corvineiros (Tursiops truncatus).
Following the route the first stop will be in the Albarquel Urban Park, in the foothills of the mountain, with a great view over the estuary and Tróia. Then begins the Arrábida Mountain classified as Natural Park which has an enormous natural, scenic and cultural value. Along the Arrábida road there are several beaches, convents, forts and valleys.
The São Filipe Fort is the first and from its walls you can see a panoramic view of the city, the bay and Tróia. Then you will find the Santiago de Outão Fort which was transformed into a hospital.
Among the beaches and existing small enclaves highlights to Figueirinha; to Galapagos and Galapinhos; to Creiro where you can see the Anicha known for being a refuge to many marine species and where lies the archaeological site of Creiro; and to Portinho da Arrábida where you can visit the Fortress of Santa Maria da Arrábida, where operates the Oceanographic Museum.
On the path to Portinho is located the Lapa de Santa Margarida, a cave with stalactites and stalagmites and the remains of a religious altar, beyond the view of the mountain and the sea.
On the road at the top of the mountain are the Arrábida Convent and viewpoints such as Santa and Antenas where you can enjoy the sights.
In the city surrounding area is the village of Palmela. At the top you can see the Castle where you can watch the landscape over the S. Luís, Louro and Arrábida Mountains and the Sado River. A large part of the history of this village is linked to its importance as a wine region.
Also in the outskirts of Setúbal is Azeitão, a historic village with great tradition in wines, where are large areas of vineyards and wine production facilities in which it is produced the Moscatel de Setúbal. In Azeitão you can also enjoy the pies (“tortas de Azeitão”) and the typical cheeses.
Returning the route the path leads to Sesimbra. Sesimbra is a village located in a valley in the foothills of the Arrábida Mountain and its Natural Reserve and the sea. The coastline provides to its visitors a variety of landscapes from beaches to high and rugged cliffs. In the village it is recommended to visit the Castle and the Fortress of Santiago located between the beaches of California and the Ouro and the Pedreira do Avelino, where can be seen dinosaur footprints. In the western part of Sesimbra you can visit the Ribeiro do Cavalo beach which owes its name to the existing rock formation.
Continuing the journey you arrive at Cabo Espichel where the landscape is dominated by cliffs and the ocean. Here is located the Santuary of Cabo Espichel and the lighthouse. You can also visit the footprints of dinosaurs in Pedra da Mua and Lagosteiros.
Going north there is a diversity of beaches, like Bicas known site for surfing; Rio da Prata and Meco, naturist beaches; Moinho de Baixo next to Aldeia do Meco and Lagoa de Albufeira.
The route goes to Coina, away from the coastline where is located the Fossil Cliff of Costa da Caparica, a protected area, and several beaches, or you take the train that crosses the 25 de Abril Bridge and arrive in Lisbon.
The path goes from Coina to Almada, located on the south bank of the Tejo River. To visit in Alamada highlights include the Castle, the Boca do Vento panoramic lift and the Cristo Rei.
Getting to Cacilhas a riverside area which serves as public transport interface and before boarding the cacilheiro to Lisbon it is recommended to visit the historical and cultural heritage: Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso Church, archaeological site of Quinta do Almaraz and Roman Salt Factory of Cacilhas.
Comments: Section 8