Azeitão & Arrábida

The fertile lands, south of the capital, and stunning natural beauty of the area attracted numerous aristocratic families, who built their grand manor houses and country residences here. Among the notable examples are Quinta das Torres, transformed into a charming country hotel, and the Renaissance palace of the Dukes of Aveiro, known as Palace Távora. Built by Jorge de Lencastre between 1520 and 1523, the palace now suffers from neglect, reflecting a sad state of disrepair. Explore the historical allure of these aristocratic estates and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Vila Nogueira de Azeitão.

Fonte de Pasmados

Found on the main street in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão opposite the São Lourenço church the Fonte de Pasmados fountain is one of the villages landmarks. Baroque in style the fountain was built between 1764 and 1777 by Agostinho de Faria. The local legend states that those who drink from here will be tied to Azeitão forever.

Pelourinho

Following the rise in status of Vila Nogueira de Azeitão to a village this Pelourinho or Pillory was transferred from its original position just over a mile away in Vila Fresca de Azeitão by order of Queen Dona Maria I. Constructed in the 17th century the Pelourinho has a tall column which is crowned with an armillary sphere and globe. On the northern facet it's inscribed "FIDELÍSSIMA REGINA D. MARIA imperante/SENATUS erexit anno 1789".

This modest construction stands on ancient foundations that date way back to the 14th century. Little remains of the original Gothic building and what replaced it is comparatively stark. The 16th-century outer walls are basic and lack any flourish. There is a single bell tower. Inside, one discovers 18th-century panels depicting scenes from the old testament and allusions to the village's patron religious figures such as São Lourenço (St. Lawrence) and Senhora da Arrábida. The main focus inside the interior is the altar, adorned with gold leaf carvings from the 17th century and a canvas painting of the last supper. | 38° 31' 01.5" N | 09° 01' 03.7" W

At the heart of Vila Nogueira de Azeitão stands an exquisite nineteenth-century manor house, steeped in history and heritage. Once the cherished abode of the Soares Franco family, proprietors of José Maria Fonseca, Portugal's oldest wine brand, this majestic estate has been meticulously preserved since its restoration in 1923 by the esteemed Swiss architect Ernesto Korrodi. Transitioning from a family residence to a living museum in 1974, the manor house now stands as a testament to the family's enduring winemaking legacy.

Adorned with an imposing façade and picturesque gardens, the manor house exudes timeless beauty, welcoming visitors into a journey through the annals of winemaking history. Embark on a guided tour that begins with an illuminating exploration of the company's rich heritage, spanning eight generations of tradition and values, seamlessly melding the past with the present.

Stroll through the manicured gardens to discover the cellars, where iconic wines like Periquita are meticulously aged. Renowned for its Muscatel de Sétubal wines, José Maria Fonseca's fortified sweet nectar, crafted from the Muscat grape and aged in oak barrels, awaits exploration. Delve into the depths of the winery's oldest cellars, where time-honoured vintages, aged over a century, lay hidden amidst cobwebs and shadows.

As the tour draws to a close, savour the opportunity to indulge in a tasting experience at the wine shop, sampling three hand-selected wines from the estate's extensive range. Elevate your tasting journey with regional gourmet delights, perfectly complementing the exquisite flavours of José Maria Fonseca's distinguished wines.

April to October 10h00 – 12h00/14h00pm - 17h30 | November to March 10h00 – 12h00/14h30pm - 16h30
Rua José Augusto Coelho 11/13, Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, Portugal. | 38° 31' 05.2" N | 09° 00' 55.5" W
+351 212 198 940 | enoturismo@jmfonseca.pt | Website | Facebook

Located two kilometres east of Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, along the scenic road to Setúbal, lies the captivating 15th-century Palácio da Bacalhoa, accompanied by its enchanting gardens. Esteemed as one of Portugal's most picturesque country estates, this grand residence was commissioned by King Manuel I as a summer retreat for his mother, boasting architectural marvels attributed to the renowned Tuscan sculptor and architect, Sansovino.

Distinguished by its Moorish-inspired melon domed towers and elegant Italianate loggias, the Palácio da Bacalhoa has undergone restoration efforts throughout the centuries, including a notable renovation in 1937 by the American Orlena Scoville. Within its hallowed halls, antique treasures associated with Catherine of Braganza, Queen of England during the 17th century, add to the allure of its storied past.

Step into the meticulously manicured gardens, a true Renaissance masterpiece, adorned with the country's oldest azulejo tile panel, narrating the tale of Susannah and the Elders. Amidst well-ordered French parterres, newly established vineyards sprawl, while fragrant rose bushes bloom year-round. Discover the serenity of an asymmetrical garden pool, reflecting the genteel Renaissance geometry of a lustrous 16th-century pavilion adorned with exquisite tile-work.

Embark on a comprehensive 60-minute tour of the palace and grounds, culminating in a delightful wine-tasting session featuring the esteemed Bacalhôa wines. For those seeking further exploration, tours can be seamlessly combined with visits to the museum and winery in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, offering a comprehensive immersion into the region's rich cultural and oenological heritage. Note: All visits start at the Bacalhôa Winery in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão.

Monday - Saturday: 10h00 – 19h00, Sunday: CLOSED | Guided Tours 10h30, 11h30, 14h30, 15h30, 16h30
Bacalhôa Palace/Quinta: €4.00, Bacalhôa Museum & Palace/Quinta (inc. wine tasting): €6.00

10 Estrada Nacional, 2925-483, São Simão, Azeitão, Portugal. | 38° 31' 09.8" N | 09° 00' 49.7" W
+351 212 198 060 | bacalhoa@jpvinhos.com | Website

To the south of Azeitão, where the Arrábida Natural park meets the sea, one can find a series of beaches, most of which have Blue Flag status. Often marketed as Portugal's Dream Coast or Costa Azul this dramatic and beautiful coastline offers white sands, warm clear waters and stunning views. Take the coastal road off the N10-4 marked Praias and pass the cement works. There are buses from central Setúbal to most of these beaches:-

Praia Figueirinha, Outão

With the Arrábida Hills as the backdrop Figueirinha Beach extends over a great expanse of sand, at low tide a sandbank is exposed. Due to it's easy access, it's proximity to Setúbal (only five miles west), calm waters, size and amenities this Blue Flag beach can be quite popular, especially with those who have young families. 723

Praia de Galápos

Approached via a staircase the sheltered cove of the Galápos beach has crystal clear waters which are favoured by divers and bathers alike. With a calm swell, it's ideal for children and popular with windsurfers. Good ample parking and has a restaurant with facilities, who hire marquees as well as serve good coffee. There's a lifeguard at hand. The architectural record of the area indicates the richness of marine life here that have been harvested since Neolithic times.

Separated from Praia de Galápos by a few rocks is Praia Dos Galapinhos and offers the visitor a more tranquil and secluded spot to bathe. A little further along still is Praia dos Coelhos (Arrábida) . Coelho's beach is a small cove surrounded by forest at the foot of the Arrábida Natural Park. It consists of soft white sand, with clear and calm waters. The beach is small and quiet. It has a bar that can be accessed via Galapos beach or by boat. can be accessed via Galapos beach or by boat.

Portinho da Arrábida

Fourteen miles East of Sesimbra, in the direction of the Convento da Arrábida and down a meandering road is the tranquil little beach of Praia Portinho da Arrabida which is on the turn off after the road leading to the village of the same name. The water here is warm and crystal clear. It is a great spot both for divers and bathers. There's a 17th-century fort close to the village. It is now an oceanographic museum (Museo Oceanografico). It houses live and preserved local marine animals. There's a small restaurant on the beach and more further along the coast in Portinho da Arrabida village.

Established in 1971, the Arrábida Nature Park spans 108 square kilometres (42 sq. miles) between Setúbal and Sesimbra, extending north to Palmela and terminating at the Sado estuary. This diverse landscape encompasses valleys surrounded by limestone mountain ridges, dramatic coastlines, and the majestic Arrábida mountain, with its peak, Alto do Formosinho (499m), overseeing much of the park.

Home to vast Mediterranean scrubland and diverse microhabitats, the park boasts a rich biodiversity. Perched on the slopes overlooking the sea is a picturesque 16th-century Franciscan monastery, accompanied by five circular chapels once used for solitary meditation.

Along the park's coastline lies the renowned Costa Azul, featuring crystal-clear waters and warm beaches beloved by divers and bathers alike. Notably, this coastal stretch served as a backdrop for the iconic scene in the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (1969).

The Convento da Arrábida was built in the 16th century and consists of three segments; the Old Monastery located on the uppermost part of the hill, the New Monastery laying about halfway down and set within the 25-hectare gardens is the Bom Jesus Shrine. In addition, there are outbuildings, such as the living quarters of the Duke of Aveiro and guest houses for pilgrims. The oldest part of the monastery stands on the summit of the Arrábida hills consists of four chapels, a series of shrines with themes on the Passion of Christ and cells hewn out of the living rock.

The first Duke of Aveiro Dom João de Lencastre (1501-1571) granted some of his lands to a Castilian Franciscan monk, Friar Martinho de Santa Maria. He founded the monastery in 1542. The setting was already a place of pilgrimage. There already existed the Memória Shrine and four resident monks. The site was expanded by the Duke of Aveiros son, Dom Jorge de Lencastre and included works such as the perimeter wall. Further building work was carried out later by his cousin Dom Álvaro. Later his son D. António de Lencastre ordered the Bom Jesus Shrine to be built in 1650. Following the suppression of the religious orders in 1834, the site fell into a state of abandonment. It was sold to the Palmela family in 1863. Restoration started in the 1940s and in 1990 the whole 25-hectare site was sold to the Fundação Oriente.

Adult: €5.00, Concessionary: €3.00
Wednesday to Sunday. Reservation is required. Closed in August
Convento da Arrábida, Apartado 28,– 2925, Azeitão, Portugal. | 38° 31' 09.8" N | 09° 00' 49.7" W
+351 212 197 620 | arrabida@foriente.pt | Website | Facebook