SOUTH TEJO ROUTE: 12 DESTINATIONS TO VISIT NEAR LISBON

ALMADA

Crossing 25 de Abril Bridge, one goes from Lisbon to the south shore council that offers the best panoramic view of the Portuguese capital. It’s therefore a must to cross the river and visit these sites, some of them practically falling in the water – such as the famous Ginjal Docks’ esplanades, a lift with a bar on top, a really inspirational contemporary art house and even a castle! A heterogeneous city with a very dynamic cultural and artistic movement, also offers a vibrant night life adored by old school adepts. The beaches? Extensive, surfer friendly and offering sunsets to make you hold your breath.

SEIXAL

Right next door, discover one of the municipalities with the highest sustained growth over the last few years. With a strong connection to the river, its charm keeps growing around the bay that surrounds it, be it through new tours in old traditional vessels, restoring walks along the fishermen working locations, or unique gastronomic experiences just a few steps away from the calm waters of the bay. A real touristic pearl that has managed to keep a coveted serenity.

SESIMBRA

Heading south, this piece of land blessed by nature is the perfect spot for those that enjoy hills, paradisiac beaches and the best in terms of gastronomic experiences connected to the sea. Rich in natural values – with the Espichel Cape providing the most famous geological site in the region – this fishing town surprises outsiders with its imposing fortress and a new urban art wave, dedicated to promoting its people’s charming traditions. To really celebrate in style, join the Carnival parade.

PALMELA

Split between the Arrábida Natural Parque and the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve, Palmela is a glorious space for the lovers of wine tourism experiences and traditional confectionaries. Accept the invitation extended by the best producers in the region to visit their cellars, where you will naturally also find a mouthwatering Azeitão cheese. The castle, the walking trails through its surrounding hills and the extensive golf fields are experiences that you ought to try.

SETÚBAL
Keep going to the district’s capital, definitely not to be missed, if just for the Arrábida Hills, encircling its magnificent alcoves around bays of peaceful waters and white sandy beaches. Don’t loose track of the main course, though: fried calamari at the more traditional restaurants, oysters in others, many activities related to the environment – particularly famous is dolphin watching – and a new wave of urban art that is worth exploring.

TROIA

Take a ferry across the Sado and enjoy the beautiful bay of Setúbal on your way to Tróia. Famous as a luxurious resort – with a world-renowned golf course and an excellent marina – is sought particularly for those looking for a more discreet vacation or some quite family time. As an alternative to beach time, go on the walking trails and bicycle paths along the dunes and coastal bays; and visit the Roman Ruins, a Portuguese national monument, nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage Site classification.

COMPORTA

If you appreciate good living, you cannot – and won’t want to – skip this hot spot in Setúbal’s district. This protected natural reserve is considered by many as a true paradise, and not only for the beaches with sea and sand dunes with no end in sight. Everything here is of good taste, from the sublime lodging to the excellent food, passing by the hippie-chic shopping or activities such as yoga and horse-back riding on the sand. The New York Times considered it as the “anti-algarve, an hour away from Lisbon”.

GRÂNDOLA

Continuing southwards one finds Grândola. Loose yourself in the third longest stretch of sand beaches in the entire world – all of them with a high environmental quality – or deepen your knowledge about one of the most relevant periods for the Portuguese, that of the 1974 ‘Carnation Revolution’. Take pleasure in the town’s very rich gastronomic traditions.

ALCÁCER DO SAL

On your way back to Lisbon, stop by the second largest municipality in Portugal and continue the discovery of a large variety of historic heritage; good examples are the impressive Palafitic Pier in Carrasqueira – sole example in Europe – and a museum excavated in the castle’s underground. Have a seat on a terrace on the north shore of the Sado and let your sight sprawl over the reflected image of the town on the river waters.

CORUCHE

Take a side trip to visit this site, located among fields of cork trees, rural terrains and the river. Famous for the balloon rides operated from here, it’s striking for the aroma of wild flowers and the sounds of the wetland birds that fill the air. Among the best-known local features is the Cork Tree and Cork Products Observation Center and its reputed culinary tradition. Its location calls for participation in nature-related activities, such as mountain biking, horseback riding and fishing.

ALCOCHETE

The next stop should be Alcochete, where it’s almost a habit to determine your visit itinerary while seating by the river shore. On this spot, the proximity to the Tejo Estuary Natural Reserve is an allure for the nature-curious visitors; once there, it’s possible to observe the unique alignment of the salt pans (presently inhabited by a population of elegant flamingos) and the typical rural panorama of the Lezíria flood plain. But the major hosts are undoubtedly the restaurants, offering the best there is in Portuguese traditional food.

MONTIJO

Before crossing the Tejo back to Lisbon, visit Montijo, a place of differences, with a deep connection to both the river and the land. Its proximity to the Tejo Estuary allows for the observation of a diversified selection of local fauna and flora. And with agriculture as its calling card, do not forget to try the local cuisine, rich in game dishes, or the wine selection from the Pegões Cooperative of Wine Producers (Adega Cooperativa de Pegões).