Boasting a privileged geographical location on the Costa Azul, the Quinta is 5 minutes from Palmela, 8 minutes from Setúbal, 15 minutes from Azeitão, 20 minutes from Portinho da Arrábida and 40 minutes from the centre of Lisbon. To put it another way, it lies between the mountains and the sea, between the heart of the countryside and some of the most interesting cities in the country, between country walks and a myriad of cultural activities.
Palmela
The municipal seat, steeped in history and heritage; from the Castle and museum standing above the town – from where the view is superb -to other points of interest like the churches and chapels spread out around the town, the picturesque bandstand of the Humanitarian Philharmonic Society, the local government buildings, the pillory (classified as a national monument), the Espírito Santo Hospital or the D. Maria I fountain, considered for many years as the gateway and bookplate of the town, the Joaquim José Carvalho park, the São João cine-theatre, or even the Wine and Vine Museum in the cellars of Herdade de Algeruz, dedicated to the vivid vine-growing memories and heritage of the Palmela region. Read more
Arrábida Natural Park
The Arrábida Natural Park spreads out over an area of 10,800 hectares, on a low-altitude limestone massif that runs SW-NE along the coast. It includes the mountain ranges of Risco, Arrábida, São Luís, Gaiteiros, São Francisco and Louro, separated by broad valleys. Its limestone composition and age-old formation make the mountain a unique example of primitive Mediterranean vegetation. Yet the superb landscape is not due to its natural features alone, but also because of the vast and wealthy military, religious and civil architectural heritage to be visited, owing to the spread of humans into these areas. This protected area is not only charged with the environmental protection of the natural values that led to the creation of the park, but also with safekeeping the cultural values of the surrounding areas of human influence. Read more
Setúbal
Nestling between the mountain and the river, the city of Setúbal is a major port and trading area. In its well-cared-for historical centre, traditional high street shops flank the pedestrian streets that steer us towards the famous Avenida Luísa Todi and its huge refreshing park. Built on the Sado river, the city offers visitors the best and freshest fish and shellfish, as fishing is one of the city’s main activities. History, gastronomy, landscapes and hospitality are the hallmarks of one of the most beautiful bays on the planet. Read more
Azeitão
Lying at the foot of the Serra da Arrábida, in an area blessed by nature, the Azeitão region was the location of choice for the nobility through the centuries, where they established country houses and stately homes of great beauty. One example of these marvellous houses is Quinta Fresca, today the Quinta da Bacalhoa palace, founded in the XV century by King João I, and one of the main points of interest in the region. The scenery and the affluence of its estates, religious architecture and fertile lands make it a very beautiful location. The area is well known for its regional products, including cheeses, the very popular pastry Tortas de Azeitão, and table wines, such as those made from the Piriquita grape variety and the sweet Moscatel of Setúbal. Read more
Troia
The Troia Peninsula is a stretch of golden sand approximately 17 km long and 1.5 km wide, bathed by blue seas. Its beaches are famous for their tranquillity and pristine condition.
Occupied by humans since ancient times, it was called Acála Island during the Roman period, and the Roman ruins of Tróia that attest to this historic period – from the 1st century BC – are still visible today. Since that time, Tróia has become an industrial area for salting, fish canning and fishing-related activities in general.
Today, it is one of the most attractive tourist destinations. Its proximity to the Arrábida Natural Park, the Botanical Reserve of the Troia Peninsula Dunes or the fantastic Sado river estuary makes for scenes of great beauty, affording the best setting for a wide variety of tourism and leisure activities. Starting with the famous ferryboat crossing that links Setúbal to Troia, there is much to discover, from calm beautiful beaches to small fishing villages, such as Carrasqueira, which has held on to the old-style houses and fishing traditions that we should know and preserve. Read more
Portinho da Arrábida Beach
Bordering a small village of the same name in the parish of São Lourenço (Azeitão), Portinho da Arrábida is one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal, one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. A paradise of fine white sand and clear waters that provides a stark contrast with the severity of the Serra da Arrábida; a true paradise, a bay to “take your breath away”. About 100m from the beach, you will find the well-known zoological reserve of the Arrábida Pedra da Anixa Natural Park; if you like diving and spear-fishing, this is the place for you. Read more
Cabo Espichel
An important headland near Sesimbra which forms the south-western tip of the Setúbal Peninsula. This rugged place, holding few trees and battered by the sea wind, is poor in terms of nesting birds, but takes on particular significance during the migration season. It is an excellent spot for watching sea birds.
Its architectural features include the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Pedra Mua, the Church of Nossa Senhora do Cabo (who has been worshipped since the XV century), the Ermida da Memória Chapel, the Casa dos Círios [pilgrims’ hostel], the Cruzeiro [wayside cross], the Casa da Água [waterhouse], aqueduct and lighthouse Read more
