Azeitao Sesimbra Arrabida Palmela Setubal tour

Part of the wine region of the Peninsula of Setubal, this old Moorish village of Palmela is a beautiful attraction mainly because of its whitewashed houses and cobbled streets. It’s splendor is also dominated by the strategic medieval castle situated on its highest hill. It was conquered by first king of Portugal in 1147 and given to the Military Order of Saint James. We will visit the castle from where we are able to see in the distance the cities of Setubal and Lisbon.

The village of Azeitao is superbly known in Portugal for various reasons, namely: cheese, wine and “tortas de Azeitão”, a delicate and delicious pastry. It is here that we will visit (optional) one of the oldest wine cellars in Portugal,Jose Maria da Fonseca or Quinta da Bacalhoa , where we can taste the celebrated Periquita wine and “Moscatel” a worldwide known fortified wine. Time also to taste the famous cheese of Azeitao, for many the best cheese in Portugal. And of course, you can also try the local pastries and sweets, including “tortas de Azeitao”.

This old fishing village is pleasantly located between the mountain and the Atlantic shore. Here we’ll explore the narrow streets that sheltered the homes of the people that made fishing their way of life. Today, Sesimbra which is almost totally geared towards commerce and tourism, still houses an important fishing fleet in its new and modern harbor.

If you wish to stop for lunch, your guide can recommend restaurants in Sesimbra for your meal.

The Arrabida mountain is part of the protected region of Arrabida’s Natural Park. From the viewpoints located 500 meters (1500 ft) above sea level, we will observe the amazing landscapes whose natural beauty will remain in our memory forever! It is also from here, that we can see the largest extension of beaches in Portugal. With an astonishing 45 kilometers (28 miles) in length, Troia is recognized as the third longest beach in the world!

Setubal developed immensely during the Roman Era due to the production of salt and the technique of salting fish. It was here that one of the most appreciated condiments of Ancient Greece and Rome was produced, “the Garum”. Free time to walk in the central shopping streets of Setubal. We will return to Lisbon via “25 of April” suspension bridge, over the Tagus river.