Published on Oct, 2023
We had an amazing private day trip to explore the Setubal peninsula with our driver, Paulo, who was very courteous and knowledgeable. The Cristo Rei monument had fabulous views over Lisbon and the river. Castelo Palmelas had great views and even knights practicing their sword skills the Sunday morning we went. Paulo recommended and made a lunch reservation for us at a seafood restaurant by Setubal harbor that was truly incredible - we picked the fish from the ice case display and then they grilled it for us. The grilled cuttlefish and dorado were fresh, simply grilled and fantastic. The famous Moscatel de Setubal at the end of the meal was divine. Hearing how much we enjoyed pastries, he brought us to a cafe in Azeitao where we could try that village’s namesake torte (a sponge cake filled with soft egg yolk custard creme) and cinnamon cookies. Our 4yr old was a big fan. Then a wine tour at Baccalhoa Vineyard, which was ironically more of an art museum tour, but interesting nonetheless. The brief drive through the Arrabiada National Park offered lovely views outside of Setubal, and a quick stop at Sesimbra Castle before heading back to Lisbon. Having had lovely wines at lunch, we would next time elect to spend time at Sesimbra’s beach rather than the wine tour. It was a comfortable way to see this area for the first time in a snapshot, enough to know we want to come back and spend at least a couple of days.