All our hotels in Setubal

In ancient times, the Romans settled here, making it a hub of the fishing industry in their empire. As early as the 14th century, Setúbal was already one of Portugal's leading ports. But beyond the city's heritage, the rugged, forested terrain of Arrábida National Park and the golden sands of its secluded beaches will beguile you.
You simply can't get bored in Setubal – the list of possible activities in and around the city is endless. From boat tours and dolphin-watching to the capital Lisbon just up the road, you'll be spoilt for choice when deciding how to best enjoy Setúbal and its surroundings.
So visit this lovely and hidden corner of Europe to unwind. Accor offers two of the best places to stay for your holidays in Setúbal: a pair of delightful hotels to meet your needs perfectly, whether you're looking for a sumptuous sanctuary near the city centre or an affordable spot away from the bustle.

Once you're settled at your Setúbal hotel, the first port of call should be the Casa da Baia in the west of the city. This building is a jewel of 18th-century architecture that stands out for its beautiful, dark blue-and-white façade. More practically, it's a mine of suggestions as it houses a handy tourist information centre where you can pick up brochures, maps and details of local tours. And it's much more than this – you can relax with a drink or petiscos-style tapas snack in the café's sun-drenched courtyard, or browse its little shop selling local produce like Queijo de Azeitão cheese and Arrábida honey. Works by up-and-coming local artists are also exhibited here – and make sure to drop by its superb discovery centre, which sheds light on the area's abundant marine life.
For another unmissable architectural gem, head to the Mosteiro de Jesus, just a short stroll from the Casa da Baia. This remarkable religious edifice, a former convent built in 1490, is one of the earliest examples of the Manueline style, a Portuguese variation of Late Gothic architecture. Admire fine art in the building's small museum, the Museu de Jesus, home to works by Flemish and Portuguese painters of the 15th and 16th centuries, then head up to a Setúbal landmark that's hard to miss – the Forte de São Filipe,perched in a commanding hilltop position. This impressive stronghold, built in 1582 under Spanish occupation, will give you one of the best panoramic views of the city and its sweeping bay – the perfect spot for watching a breathtaking Setúbal sunset during a romantic stay. The fort's beautiful chapel is also worth popping into for its magnificent interior lined entirely with azulejos – a decorative Portuguese form of blue-and-white glazed tiling.
Yet Setúbal is more than its architecture; it offers idyllic sands, azure sea and tree-clad hills around it; your stay wouldn't be complete without exploring the city's outstanding natural surroundings. So take a ferryboat from Setúbal's Doca do Comércio harbour: the regular departures will whisk you to the wonderful Tróia Peninsula across the water in just 25 minutes. This sandy spit is the site of fascinating Roman ruins from between the 1st and 6th centuries AD, which include former thermal baths, tombs and fishery facilities. Tróia is also known for its deserted beaches edged with serene pine forests – secluded spots for escaping Setúbal's urban buzz to relish some soothing moments in isolation, surrounded by nature.
Boat trips from Setúbal will also bring you closer to the area's most famous inhabitants: the pod of bottlenose dolphins that swim in the Sado estuary and can be seen leaping playfully in the waves – we recommend an enchanting dolphin-watching tour guided by an expert marine biologist. If you'd prefer an underwater view to admire the sea life, dive into the inviting sea and enjoy some snorkelling in Setúbal. Another way to make the most of Setúbal's crystal-clear sea is to take a kayak tour and paddle leisurely around the rocky cliffs of Arrábida National Park, exploring its hidden coves.
Inland, you can head to the steep hills in the national park to admire the craggy terrain of untamed scrubland and dense forests. Up there you'll also enjoy breathtaking views of the sea from the rugged cliffs, and you might catch sight of wild boar rustling around in the undergrowth. Adventurous souls can enjoy caving and abseiling in the park, but you'll be spellbound by simply roaming and contemplating the spectacular landscape around Setúbal.
If you'd simply like to laze around on fine sands all day, you couldn't have picked a better destination for choosing between world-class beaches. West of the Setúbal municipality, the picturesque Costa Azul coastline stretches along enticing waters, dotted with stunning crescents of golden sand nestled at the foot of densely forested hills. Among these, the gorgeous Praia dos Galapinhos is especially worth the trip – it's little wonder why this blissful spot was once voted Europe's most beautiful beach. For waves and surfing, head a little further west, around the coast and up to Costa da Caparica in Setúbal, Portugal.
If you're hoping for a captivating city break in addition to marvelling at the region's natural beauty, your best option would be to head to Setúbal's train station. From there, regular trains will take you north to the Portuguese capital of Lisbon in under an hour for a day of discovering the secrets of one of the world's oldest cities.

Food-lovers looking for new flavours won't be disappointed in Setúbal. Given the city's coastal location, fresh seafood unsurprisingly dominates the menus. It's even the birthplace of a well-known Portuguese dish: Choco frito – crispy fried cuttlefish, usually boiled with garlic and bay leaves and marinated in lemon juice and wine. This tasty local speciality can be savoured in Setúbal's many restaurants. Red mullet is common in the waters around the city and serving it grilled with parsley and lemon juice – salmonete braseado – is a favourite local dish. The best restaurants in Setúbal can be found beside the fishing port towards the west of the city, along the seafront.
Similarly, Setúbal's best bars are mostly located near the fishing port, where you can enjoy the nightlife with a local tipple in hand. Wine connoisseurs will be pleased to know that the Setúbal peninsula is home to many vineyards open for tours and tasting sessions. The region is best known for its fortified Muscat wines, so make sure to sit back in a Setúbal bar down by the fishing port to sip on a nice, sweet glass of Moscatel de Setúbal.
But to enjoy the most extensive range of regional fresh produce all under one roof, head to Setúbal's huge covered Mercado do Livramento to relish the region's authentic flavours, from salt-dried cod to locally grown figs. Soak up the atmosphere of this bustling hub, let the colourful displays of tempting fruit and vegetables mesmerise you, and take time to browse the stalls selling the city's most famous speciality: fresh fish.

When considering your hotel booking in Setúbal, look no further than Accor's excellent Setúbal accommodation. Whether you're planning a flying visit, a weekend or a longer stay in Setúbal, one of our two charming hotels will match your needs perfectly. Take your pick from our pair of delightful properties: a splendid 4-star haven in central Setúbal, just a few hundred metres from the train station, or our economy bed-and-breakfast hotel in Setúbal, away from the hubbub yet well connected by bus.