Setúbal Town, A City Shaped by Sea and Tradition

Long before it became known for its fishing port, Setúbal was shaped by Roman industry, particularly the production of garum, a prized fish sauce, which was exported across the empire. Centuries later, its identity remained closely tied to the sea, with fishing families, shipyards, and local markets forming the heartbeat of daily life. 

What many visitors miss is the quiet rhythm of the old neighborhoods, the small cafés where fishermen still gather at dawn, and the strong sense of pride locals have in their traditions, from seafood stews to the unique dialect shaped by generations living alongside the Atlantic. Above all, Setúbal is generous and deeply connected to the land and water that sustain it.