South Lisbon Coast

 About the South Lisbon Coast

 This is the northern part of the Costa Azul (Blue Coast) and it is no surprise that, because of its proximity to Lisbon, it includes commuter "dormitory" areas, such as Almada and Barreiro - however, travelling just a little further into the region the quiet roads lead to small fishing ports, lovely beaches, sheltered bays and unspoilt nature reserves.

The Natural Park of Arrábida, linking Setúbal and Sesimbra, was created to preserve the local scenery. The landscape here is a unique blend of Mediterranean and Atlantic vegetation. The northern side has an abundance of vineyards, orchards, pine woods and olive groves, whilst the southern side slopes down over limestone cliffs to the ocean.

 Natural Historians will delight in the variety of wildlife that makes the Costa Azul their habitat. The Dolphin has been adopted as the symbol of the region, and enthusiasts mustn’t miss the boat trips to see (and perhaps even snorkel with) the bottle-nosed dolphins in the Sado Estuary, where the river meets the ocean creating channels, creeks and mudflats.  Otters, together with more than one hundred species of birds, including the white stork, marsh harrier, flamingo and heron, feed on the molluscs, crustaceans and fish. The Serra da Arrábida form a spectacular 500-metre granite ridge and this wild mountain landscape is home to wildcats, polecats, buzzards and eagles.

 This region's markets sell a huge variety of fish and seafood: bass; cockle; red mullet; clam; oyster; and swordfish. Regional specialities include goat and sheep cheeses;  "zimbros" (gin cakes) from Sesimbra, wines from Setúbal - especially Carcavelos and the famous "muscatel" wine from Setúbal. 

 Regional handicrafts include:

• Wicker baskets and other wicker objects
• Copper
• Embroideries and lace
• Pottery and ceramics
• Jewellery  

Leisure activities include:

• Golf
• Sailing
• Surfing
• Wind Surfing
• Kite Surfing
• Water skiing
• Diving
• Hang gliding
• Museums
• Castles 
• Wineries & Vineyards 
• Hiking
• Horse riding
• Biking
• Dolphin watching

Towns and Villages on the Southern Lisbon Coast

 PALMELA

Palmela is particularly known for its wine - notably Periquita and the Festa das Vindimas (Vintage Festival) is held every year at the beginning of September.

The town is overlooked by an enormous hilltop castle where there are outstanding views of the Serra da Arrábida, the Sado and Tagus estuaries and the surrounding plains. Fortified walls enclose a 14th century monastery - now a luxurious Pousada (hotel), the 12th century Church of Saint Mary, the 15th century Church of Saint James (15th century) and a museum.

The town itself is charming - there is a beautiful 18th century fountain, 17th century Town Hall, the medieval church of Saint Peter and the Miserichord Church. 

The local cuisine features: monk fish soup; rabbit stew with beans, fresh fish and seafood, pork dishes, cheeses; and a rich and varied range of sweets and cakes - including pears boiled in muscatel.

 Facilities include:

• Restaurants
• Cafés
• Bars
• Shops
• Banks
• Post Office
• Festa das Vindimas (Vintage Festival) held every year at the beginning of September

Approximate Driving Times from Portuguese Airports:

• Lisbon - 30 minutes
• Faro - 2 hours 15 minutes
• Porto - 3 hours 20 minutes

SESIMBRA

Still a fishing village at heart, it has enlarged into a small town with narrow and often steep streets - this is "the" holiday resort of choice for many Lisbonites who also visit to simply enjoy one of the many restaurants that serve freshly-caught seafood and fish - so the town is always buzzing, even in winter.

The small harbour is often full of colourful fishing boats and, high above the town, the Moorish castle gives beautiful views.

Sesimbra also lies on the edge of the Serra da Arrábida natural park, with its variety of wildlife and beautiful wooded landscape in sheltered slopes that overlook the sea.   Nearby is Cabo Espichel - a promontory where the high cliffs drop abruptly into the sea.  This gives extraordinary views across the ocean.

 Approximate Driving Time from Portuguese Airports:

• Lisbon – 45 minutes
• Faro – 2 hours 45 minutes 
• Porto – 3 hours 40 minutes
  

 SETÚBAL

This thriving port makes a great base for exploring this area. It nestles at the foothills of the Serra da Arrábida and on the north bank of the wide Sado estuary - which is a natural reserve full of birds and home to dolphins.  Small car ferries shuttle back and forth to the Tróia peninsula - with white sandy beaches, surrounded by dunes and pine woods. 

Setúbal is overlooked by the 16th century cathedral of Santa Maria da Graça and has pleasant public gardens. It is Portugal’s third largest port with a fishing fleet as well as numerous pleasure craft in its marina.  The town is also renowned for its muscatel wine, sardines, red mullet, clam and oysters - and there are excellent restaurants serving the freshly-caught seafood and fish. 

 Facilities include:

• Extensive shopping (a great place to pick up leather)
• A choice of Supermarkets
• A daily covered market
• Good selection of Restaurants
• Banks
• Post Office
• Railway station with an excellent service to Lisbon (a 50-minute journey)

Leisure

• Santiago Fair - held in July and August
• Boat trips to see the Dolphins in the estuary
• Golf – several courses within a 40-minute drive
• Sailing

 Approximate Driving Time from Portuguese Airports

• Lisbon – 35 minutes
• Faro – 2 hours 15 minutes 
• Porto – 3 hours 20 minutes 
  

 Golf on the South Lisbon Coast

 AROEIRA I & II

Situated within a beautiful protected area, just 21 kms from the centre of Lisbon and 600 metres from a lovely stretch of sandy beach, Aroeira is the largest golf resort in the greater Lisbon area. This is a perfect environment for the whole family to relax - it is a fully-enclosed 345 hectare property set within mature pine forests.  the resort includes 2 18-hole championship golf course, a welcoming clubhouse with restaurant, snack-bar and bar, 4 tennis courts.

Aroeira I has been in play since 1973 and this 18-hole championship golf course was designed by the architect Frank Pennink. Referred to by golf specialists as one of the best courses in Europe, Aroeira has been host to the Portugal Open, various Ladies Opens and the qualifying school for the Ladies European tour.

Aroeira II was designed by the architect Donal Steel, with 18 long holes that contour 6 large lakes. Opened in 2000, the course is characterised by its 5 tees per hold, making it suitable for all levels of play. It was built to European Tour recommended standards in order to host major golf events.

 MONTADO

 MONTADO

Near the castle at Palmela and set in the heart of Sétubal wine country.  The course winds through an old cork grove where small streams and natural lakes add to the beauty of this course.

Recently redesigned by Jorge Santana da Silva, a new par 3 with an island green and new lake were also built. The 18th hole is a par 3 with the green situated on an island.

The course is designed so that all golfers can enjoy a round.

 QUINTA DO PERÚ

 QUINTA DO PERÚ

About half an hour south of Lisbon and benefiting from a Mediterranean micro- climate, Quinta do Perú is a dazzling surprise. 

Winding across 335 acres of natural woods, and with the Arrábida mountain as a backdrop this is one of Portugal’s most beautiful Championship Courses and, whichever way you look, the view is different. 

Situated just a few miles north of Setúbal, the renowned American golf course architect Rocky Roquemore designed this 72-par course. It offers top-class facilities with a variety of playing environments that make it ideally suited for all types of players. 

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