Lisbon Estoril Coast Tourism Guide - Sul do Tejo

Sul Do Tejo, South of Lisbon Guide

There's much afoot south of Lisbon around both the Setubal Peninsula and pushing into the Alentejo coast and inland to historic Evora.

The Setubal Peninsula which includes bases such as Setubal, Sesimbra and Troia to the South and Costa da Caparica, Montijo and Alcochete to the north is popular with the Portuguese, particularly Lisboans who tend to flock here at weekends.

Not surprising as around Setubal sits the stunning Reserva do Estuario do Sado and Parque Natural da Arrabida. The beaches down here are pretty indeed, with opportunity for dolphin watching, boat trips galore and walking around the natural parks.

Into the Alentejo central Portugal region proper, on the coast sits Sines on the headland, with a bustling marina. Below Sines down to Vila Nova de Milfontes beaches are wild, stunning and remote with an emphasis on the laidback life. For a quiet, stunning Portugal coastal base this stretch of the Alentejo coast is perfect. Inland, historic Evora has UNESCO status, and enough museums, Roman remains, Moorish quarters and historic churches to keep you busy for a week!

Cristo Rei/Christ King Monument, Cacilhas

The Cristo Rei (Christ King) statue of Christ on the southern banks of the Tejo was built in 1959, and actually funded by Portuguese women as an ode for being spared involvement in World War II. You can travel to the top of this mini Rio de Janeiro Christ via a lift (tel. 212 751 000) - see Cristo Rei Monument weblink right for details.

It's one of the best miradours/viewpoints from which to look across to the Tagus and Lisbon. Well worth it for the views!

If you're staying in Lisbon, take a Cacilheiros ferry from Cais do Sodre (weblink right), or the bus between Cacilhas/Almada to the Monument. Timetable details for both are on the Cristo Rei weblink right. The Cristo Rei monument sits at the Gateway to the 25th April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril), the main route suspension bridge into Lisbon city centre (opened 1966). Interestingly this Lisbon suspension bridge started life called the Ponte Salazar after the then Portuguese dictator. They swiftly changed its name though after the 1974 Portuguese Revolution - the 25th April was the date the military coup started. Further north across the Tejo sits the huge Vasco da Gama Bridge, Europe's longest, which opened in 1998. (see Lisbon Bridge Guide right for details).

Setubal & the Costa Azul Peninsula Coast

Situated to the south of the peninsula is the hub Setubal, actually Portugal's third largest port after Lisbon and Porto, although it certainly isn't industrial here. Renowned for both its fishing and fish restaurants and its many historic buildings and museums, Setubal makes a superb Portugal holiday base or indeed a day trip. The adjacent stunning Arrabida Natural Park and Marine Park adds considerable rural character to the Setubal area.

The pretty rural town of Alcochete sits at the heart of the south bank Tejo estuary and has good bus services into central Lisbon, as well as being served well by local golf courses. Montijo, like Alcochete its neighbour, make a superb quieter Lisbon base, within easy reach of central Lisbon across the Vasco da Gama Bridge.

The Costa de Caparica is the Costa Azul's main hub, with its 8km stretch of sandy beach. Costa Da Caparica is easily reached from Lisbon centre via ferries (from Cais do Sodre) and buses. Not surprising then that this north west coastal stretch of the Setubal Peninsula gets crowded with Lisboans crossing the river. Surfing and windsurfing are both on the menu here, as is general beach activities.

Sesimbra on the southern coast of the Peninsula is another mecca weekend retreat for Lisboans heading for the beaches, scuba diving and trips out to Cabo Espichel down here. Sesimbra too is renowned for its fish restaurants which line the beaches - fishing still thrives in this onetime small fishing village. Pushing inland on the Setubal Peninsula towards ancient Portugese village Vila Fresca de Azeitao and Palmela, you're pushing into some stunning rural luxury retreats. The 'Cool Village' of Azeitao (commonly known as just Azeitao) contains some historic old villas and palaces, with gardens and more waiting to be explored.

The Troia Peninsula, Alentejo Coast & Altentejo Interior

South of Setubal, across the Sado Estuary sits Troia (officially the northern tip of the Alentejo area of Portugal, perched on the edge of the Troia Peninsula). The dunes of the peninsula give the beaches here around Troia a real edge. Car Ferries run regularly from Setubal to Troia (takes around 20 minutes) - watch out for the dolphins in the estuary!

Sines on the Alentejo coast was the birthplace of Vasco da Gama (the house where he's thought to have been born has been reconstructed and is now a museum). In recent years Sines has gone from quiet fishing village to boomtown port and tourist hub to the Alentejo Costa Azul Coast.

The central Portugal Alentejo area still remains fairly unknown within British holiday circles, but the area is beginning to open up, both property wise and tourism wise. Key historic centres to the North of the Alentejo include Evora. Some of the oldest of Portugal's architecture is here (largely due to the fact that Evora remained fairly untouched by the Lisbon Earthquake). Evora's most famous historic remains are the Roman Temple (Templo Romano) dating from the 2nd/early 3rd century.

Moving into the Baixa Alentejo area, locations which stick out include Beja, which like Evora, was adopted as a centre by both Romans and Moors. Both Beja and Evora are crammed with historic churches, castelos and museums. Push out into the Alentejo heartland of the Odivelas municipality and find yourself in river and dam territory! Watersports are becoming increasingly popular on the Alentejo's Dams and Reservoirs.