Setúbal is located just 25 minutes southeast of Lisbon. It is the third largest port in Portugal, and is well known for being the center of the country’s sardine industry. Visitors are drawn to the area to visit the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve and watch bottle-nosed dolphins in the wild. Beach lovers come to enjoy the sandy white beaches on the Tróia Peninsula, which can be reached by ferry.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the River Sado and the Tróia Peninsula is the 17th C. fortress-castle that today operates as the Pousada de São Filipe. The fort was built by King Philip II of Spain (Philip I of Portugal), and includes a beautiful Baroque Chapel lined with azulejos (tiles) relating to the life of St. Filipe.

The fort’s 16 guest rooms include Standard rooms (without a view), some of which are duplexes, and Superior rooms with city views. The spacious Don Filipe Suite has a living room, separate bedroom with twin beds, and a terrace with city views.

NOTE – Since January 2015 the Pousada de Setúbal has been closed and will remain so until further notice. For alternative hotel options in Lisbon and its surrounding area, click here.

For more information and reservations, click here.

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