Excavations between 1992 and 2005 have unearthed artefacts from the entire length of the Islamic period in Portugal's history. Its advantage point on the highest peak of the Serra da Arrábida made the castle an essential prize during the struggle between the opposing Christian and Moorish armies. During the Christian reconquest in the 12th century, led by Portugal's first King Afonso Henriques, Palmela became part of a line of defences built south of the Tejo (Tagus) river. Soon after the lands of Palmela, Almada and Alcácer were handed over to the Order of Santiago and later the castle became their headquarters. Work began in the early 15th century on a monastery to house the monastic order yet during the 1940's it was converted into a Pousada (stately hotel) after extensive restoration. The defences have evolved over the years to keep up with the advances of war technology however the site remains an impressive piece of military architecture that gifts any visitor to spectacular views over the plains below. The castle walls also contain a number of handicraft shops selling azulejos, cheese and the fine Palmela wine. Here too is a café and a museum.

Tuesday – Friday 10h00 – 12h30/14h00 – 17h30, Saturday & Sunday: 10h00 - 13h00/15h00 – 17h30
2950- Palmela, Setubal, Portugal. | 38º 31" 33.1' N | 08º 53" 43.1' W
+351 212 332 122

Five miles north of Palmela in the town of Pinhal Novo is the quirky museum that celebrates the craft of mechanical music boxes. With over 600 pieces, mainly from the late 1800s to 1930 and all in full working order, spread over five galleries. The exhibit is the result of the lifetime obsession of Luis Cangueiro. The different looks, feel and sounds are showcased through various instruments, from the oldest wooden or metal cylinder music boxes to the latest and most popular gramophones.

Adjoining the Igreja de Jesus and 17th Century Arrábida marble cloister of the Convento de Jesus can be found in an art museum, the Museu de Jesus , with pictures by 15th and 16th century Portuguese, Flemish and Catalan artists. The rest of the collection consists of local archaeological finds, historical coins, old documents and books. Another part of the museum is dedicated to Manuel Maria Barbosa du Bocage, the famous 18th-century poet from Setúbal. | Tusesday - Sunday 14h30 – 18h00, Monday: CLOSED
Adult: €5.00, OAP: €4.00, Child: €3.50, Family: €14.00

Contact Details:
Rua dos Alegrias | Quinta do Rei, Pinhal Novo 2955-281, Portugal. | 38º 37" 19.1' N | 08º 51" 39.1' W
+351 212 381 083 | 960 080 044 | museudamusicamecanica@gmail.com |  Website

Whilst visiting the area it's obligatory to sample the wines. Viniculture was introduced to this region way back to about 2000BC by the Tartessians and then later traded with the Phoenicians and ancient Greeks. The demarcated region covers Montijo, together with part of the municipalities of both Palmela and Setúbal. The red wine is full-bodied, deep in colour, with a full spicy flavour. The white wine is fruity with aromatic flavours. DOC Palmela reds have to contain at least 67 per cent of the Castelão grape variety, which ripens very well in this regions climate and sandy soils. Other grapes used are Aragonez, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Trincadeira that lead to fresh, fruity wines with moderate alcohol and ripe tannins. They evolve with age to a complex, cedary, cigar-box character rather reminiscent of fine, mature Cabernet.

Alongside the plentiful red Palmela, white Palmela is in shorter supply, but can be appealingly dry and fragrant. Blends include scented Fernão Pires and Moscatel de Setúbal grapes. There are a number of vineyards where you're able to visit and enjoy sampling the local produce.

Located in the beautiful foothills alongside Palmela, the racetrack is distinguished by excellent facilities, some of the best in Europe in fact if not the most scenic. The course runs for an impressive 1,270 metres with a constant width of 10 metres. The International Karting Palmela is located within the Herdade de Algeruz, which retains its farming practices on the same 200-acre estate. Over 200 carts are available for rent and race events can be organised by appointment. The on-site restaurant has a capacity for 300 guests and serves local cuisine from regional products, much of which is sourced within the farm.

Contact Details:
Herdade de Algeruz, Palmela, Setúbal, 2950-051 Palmela, Portugal.
38° 34′ 43.9″ N | 09° 49′ 44.4″ W
+351 265 538 500 / +351 539 400
geral@kip.pt |  Website

Founded in 1971 and covering 42 square miles (108 square kilometres) between Setúbal and Sesimbra, Palmela to the north and terminating at the Tejo estuary. Arrábida has a varied landscape from valleys surrounded by limestone mountain ridges, dramatic coastlines and the Arrábida mountain, Alto do Formosinho (499m) which stands guard over most of the park. This Nature Park contains vast amounts of Mediterranean shrubland biome and a large number of microhabitats. Perched on the slopes overlooking the sea is a whitewashed 16th-century Franciscan monastery and alongside are five circular chapels which once were used for solitary meditation.

Where the park meets the sea one finds the crystal-clear waters of the beaches of the Costa Azul which, warm waters are popular with divers and bathers alike. It was along this stretch of coastline where Tracy Bond (played by Diana Rigg) was shot dead by Irma Bunt (Ilse Steppat) in a drive-by shooting at the end of the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service, 1969. See More [ ► ]

To the west of Setúbal, 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 that 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, and 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 and consists of soft white sand, with clear and calm waters. Small and quiet it has a bar which 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.