• Castelo de Palmela - Palmela Castle is situated at one of the highest points in the Serra da Arrábida, making it an ideal location for territorial defense due to its challenging accessibility. During the Christian Reconquista led by D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, Palmela was part of the defense line south of the Tagus River. At that time, the king granted the territories of Palmela, Almada, and Alcácer to the Order of Sant’Iago da Espada for defense and settlement. In 1205, D. Sancho I confirmed this donation and established the Chapter of the Order in the castle. In the 15th century, D. João I ordered restoration works, particularly on the keep, and commissioned the construction of the convent, which became the Order’s headquarters from 1443 onwards. The castle also underwent modifications in the 17th century under the orders of D. Pedro II. The friars remained in the Santiago convent until the dissolution of religious orders in 1834.
• Mercado do Livramento - Built to replace a previous market demolished in 1876, it opened in 1930. The interior was completely renovated between 2010 and 2011. The tile panels inside, designed by Portuguese engraver and painter Pedro Pinto in 1929, depict the city’s various economic activities. At the north entrance, there are two additional panels by Rosa Rodrigues, featuring images of the city from 1944. In June 2014, USA Today recognized Mercado do Livramento as one of the world’s best fish markets.
• SetubalSouv - A local souvenir shop offering handmade items crafted by local artisans. The shop is housed in a fish-shaped building made of cork and wood.
• Church of the former Monastery of Jesus - The Convent and Church of Jesus are significant landmarks in Portuguese architectural history, marking the beginning of the Manueline style. The construction, which began in 1490 and apparently concluded in 1496, was led by Diogo Boitaca, who also worked on monuments such as the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and the Batalha Monastery. The Church of Jesus is considered the first attempt at a church-hall in Portugal, designed as a uniformly lit space. At the Convent of Jesus, innovative solutions for the time were used, such as round arches, vaults based on lowered arches, and rib networks.
• Forte de Sao Filipe - A must-visit tourist attraction, the São Filipe Fort was once a crucial defensive and control bastion for the city. It was commissioned by the Spanish monarch Philip II to fortify the coastline protecting Setúbal and the mouth of the Sado River. Designed by Captain Fratino in 1583, it features an irregular polygonal plan in the shape of a six-pointed star with six bastions, situated on a steep slope over the sea, and protected on the north side by a second walled line. Often referred to as a fort or fortress, Forte de São Filipe played a tactical role in reinforcing the defense line of the Portuguese coast against pirates from northern Europe and Africa. From the fort’s walls, visitors can enjoy one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the bay.
• Serra da Arrabida - The crystal-clear blue of the sea waters combined with the lush green of nature makes Serra da Arrábida a special corner of Portugal. With paradisiacal beaches, stunning landscapes, viewpoints, mysterious caves, and castles to explore, Serra da Arrábida offers a wide range of activities. It is part of the Arrábida Natural Park, located near the city of Setúbal (about 10 km away), 45 km from Lisbon, and approximately 17 km from Sesimbra. The Arrábida Natural Park consists of steep terrain from various mountains: Serra do Louro, Serra do Risco, Serra de São Luís, Serra dos Gaiteiros, Serra de São Francisco, and Serra da Arrábida. Its highest point is 501 meters above sea level, offering views of part of the Portuguese Vincentian coast. Covering around 10,800 hectares, Arrábida spans the municipalities of Palmela, Sesimbra, and Setúbal.
• Portinho da Arrabida - Located in the district of Setúbal, its beach (Portinho da Arrábida beach) is the main tourist attraction of this small town. It is a small sandy area next to the village of Portinho da Arrábida, situated at the foot of the mountain between other beaches (Creiro and Alpertuche) in the region. As in the entire area, the waters are calm, clear, cold, and perfect for diving enthusiasts. The beach is rocky and offers some facilities, including restaurants. In 2010, it was recognized as “one of the 7 natural wonders of Portugal” in the beaches category.
• Castelo de Sesimbra - Sesimbra Castle is the last of the Portuguese castles by the sea to maintain its medieval design. It was classified as a National Monument on June 16, 1910, and offers several points of interest. Its walls provide a unique view over the town and the sea. Inside, there are two permanent exhibitions about its history, a heritage interpretation center, a church, and a disused cemetery. It also features a museum circuit that allows visitors to independently explore the property’s various points of interest. Visitors can walk along the walls and enjoy a privileged view of the town of Sesimbra and the region. The café with a terrace offers some local products and stands out in the landscape for its grandeur.
• Fortaleza de Santiago - The Fortaleza de Santiago has been part of the Sesimbra community for 365 years. It was built during a time when threats came from the sea, necessitating the defense of maritime borders. However, over time, it lost its defensive prominence. After meticulous restoration work that preserved the original structure as much as possible, the Santiago Fortress reopened to the public in July 2014, fully restored. Visitors can now understand the original functions of each space, from the magazine area to the Governor’s house and dormitories, gaining insight into how these fortifications operated. In 2016, the Fortaleza de Santiago received its largest project: the Sesimbra Maritime Museum, which showcases the history of the sea, fishing, and the fishing community from ancient times to the present.
• Cabo Espichel - The Cabo Espichel Sanctuary, part of the Arrábida Natural Park and also known as the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Pedra Mua, is located in Cabo Espichel, west of Sesimbra, marking the southwestern tip of the Setúbal peninsula. From here, visitors can glimpse the dramatic and breathtaking Lagosteiros Bay. According to legend, an apparition of Our Lady occurred here. Nothing remains of the original sanctuary mentioned by the Visitations of the Order of Santiago. Based on the cult of Nossa Senhora do Cabo and the 14th-century Ermida da Memória, in the 18th century, D. Pedro II and D. José ordered the construction of a sanctuary that continued to be revered until the transition to the 20th century, before falling into decline. The sanctuary includes the church built between 1701-1707 in a floor-to-ceiling style, two wings of inns built between 1745-1760, the water house dating from 1770 supplied by an aqueduct, and the opera house from the late 1800s.
• Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei - The idea to build a monument to Christ the King began in 1940 when Portuguese bishops vowed to construct a Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus over Lisbon if Portugal was spared from the War. Portugal maintained neutrality during World War II, not participating directly in war actions, which was crucial in launching a national fundraising campaign to make the construction a reality. In 1959, the Monument to Christ the King was inaugurated, standing 113 meters tall over the cities of Almada and Lisbon, offering a 360º panoramic view over both banks of the Tagus River and surrounding areas. Within the four pillars of the Monument to Christ the King, symbolizing the four cardinal points, is the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace. The image of Our Lady is a replica of the one offered to the Church of Saint Eugene in Rome during the Holy Year of 1950.

• Private transportation
• On-board WiFi
• An amazing driver
• 8 hours of everlasting memories
• Guided tour of the monuments
• Full Insurance Coverage
• All Fees and Taxes
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Lunch

Uncover one of Portugal’s hidden gems on this tour to the Peninsula of Setúbal, located just minutes from Lisbon yet untouched by mass tourism. Discover the breathtaking Arrábida Natural Park, featuring lush green hills, scenic viewpoints, and the pristine waters of Portinho da Arrábida, one of Europe’s most stunning beaches. Explore Palmela Castle, which offers views of vineyards and the ocean, and experience the genuine charm of Setúbal, including the renowned Livramento Market, celebrated for its fresh produce and local flavors. Visit the fishing village of Sesimbra and conclude the tour at Cristo Rei, where you can enjoy an unforgettable view of Lisbon and the Tejo River.

This is a relaxing and immersive experience led by an experienced guide, with comfortable transportation that includes Wi-Fi and water. The tour is available as a shared experience (minimum of 3 people, with a meeting point in Lisbon or Setúbal) or as a private tour (minimum of 2 people, with pick-up and drop-off included).

• To facilitate communication, use WhatsApp through the contact provided to arrange the tour and set the meeting point.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.