The Setubal Retreat

Description

Great retreat--the best of both worlds: In the historic heart of Setubal; easy access to stunning beaches and nature reserves. This sunny and spacious apartment has been newly renovated. It is steps to a beautiful historic indoor market, shopping, restaurants and bars, as well as the city beaches, harbor and ferries servicing Troia. The beaches of the Serra da Arrabida are also accessible by public transport; Lisbon is served by a direct commuter train. The apartment offers a fully equipped kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a formal dining room and a separate living room. Three bedrooms are relatively large -- one has a king-size bed, one has a double bed, and one has two individual beds -- and the fourth bedroom is relatively small. The fourth bedroom was originally the maid's quarter. This bedroom leads into a small bathroom with sink, toilet and a nice shower, and can also be used as a dressing room. The second bathroom is larger. It has has a sink, toilet and bathtub with a shower. The living room, which features a television set, seating area and sofa bed, can be used as an additional private bedroom. All bedrooms, as well as the living room and the dining room, have blinds; the bedrooms and the living room also have their own doors. The formal dining room is open to the entrance area. We come here for longer and shorter getaways year around. Setubal is a great place to settle in and rest and explore some of the best parts of the country, including nature reserves and beaches, Alentejo and Evora, Sesimbra and Meco, and of course Lisbon. The locals lovingly refer to Setubal as the mermaid of the Sado region. And while it is a mermaid come of age, with a history that is omnipresent, that precisely is its irresistible charm. It has a historic centre, as well as a harbor area, and the two make for an interesting interplay. Traditional stands side by side with industrial. While especially the city's centre, harbor and water front are being renovated and gentrified, the old industrial charm is not yet entirely lost. The city once was home to a vibrant salt production, fishing and shipping, but it is now relying more and more on tourism. The city has everything that makes for a great getaway. Tourists are attracted by the beauty and authenticity of the city and the way of life, as well as the proximity of the city to come of the country's most beautiful nature reserves: notably the Serra da Arrabida, the Troia Peninsular and the Sado river delta. The Troia peninsular is famous for its long stretch of unspoiled beach, and the Serra da Arrabida is renowned for its small picturesque bays nested between the mountains. The Galapinhos beach was just voted one of Europe's prettiest. Furthermore, the Serra da Arrabida attracts people for biking and mountain biking, hiking and rock climbing, as well as paragliding and yachting throughout the year. The beaches of the Serra da Arrabida can be accessed by bicycle, car or public transport (buses and water taxis), and Troia is accessible by ferry. By the way, taking your bicycle on the ferry to Troia is free and its a great way to explore this peninsular. The Sado river delta is best explored by car, boat or bicycle, if you are up for a longer but easy rider. Setubal has a beautiful old town with narrow streets and pedestrian walk ways, has one of the world's best indoor markets according to USA Today, and is known for its many excellent and inexpensive restaurants that serve authentic local fare. Setubal is famous for fish and seafood, as well as the hearty food from the Alentejo country side, and the region produces fantastic wines, including of course the Moscatel. The historic city centre with its narrow streets, the harbor area and the city beaches, as well as the theater, museum and cultural attractions are all within walking distance from the apartment.