Inhabited since ancient times by the Phoenicians and the Romans, who settled on the south bank of the River Sado (in Troia - opposite the current city) and named the village Cetóbriga, which later came to Setubal.

It was the Romans who started one of the most traditional activities in the region - the collection of salt and the preservation of food in salting tanks whose remains are preserved in the Troia Peninsula.

The development of Setúbal has always been linked to maritime activities provided by its location at the mouth of the River Sado, already in the century. XIV one of the main ports in the country.

Agricultural products also deserve special mention, some of which are already referenced in official documents from the end of the century. XIV namely grapes, wines, oranges and fish. Even today, the wines produced in the surrounding region are famous, namely table wines and the muscatel known as Setúbal. They can be tasted in the cellars located near Azeitão, where excellent cheeses and delicious pies are also produced.

In the city where figures of Portuguese culture were born, namely Bocage (poet of the 19th century, known for his ironic tone and the social criticism he inserted in everything he wrote) and Luísa Todi (important opera singer) deserve special mention the Convento de Jesus in Gothic-Manueline style that houses the Museum of the City and the Fort of São Filipe. Currently converted into a Pousada, it is a great viewpoint over the city, the Sado River, Troia and the Serra da Arrábida.

Around Setúbal there are areas of preserved nature, namely the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, where you can watch dolphins in freedom, and the Arrábida Natural Park, with unique characteristics, with species that can only be found in nearby areas of the Mediterranean.

Also noteworthy are the excellent beaches, namely Figueirinha, Galapos and Portinho da Arrábida (a beautiful sheltered bay) and, on the opposite bank of the River Sado, which is easily reached by ferry, the Troia peninsula with about 18 kms of beaches.