Setúbal's Guide: Travel to Sines

Sines is a county of the Setúbal region located 150 km south of Lisbon at the very centre of South-western Portuguese coast. Bordering the sea and the countryside, Porto Covo is a picturesque village with some of the most beautiful and preserved Portuguese beaches, protected by the natural park of Sudoeste Alentejano & Costa Vicentina.

The town's history dates back to Roman times when it was called Sinus. Over the years t established good tradition relations with some of the Mediterranean nations and thrived.
Sines is the birthplace of explorer Vasco da Gama (1469-1524), discoverer of the sea route to India in 1497/98. The house where he was born has been recostructed as a museum.

What do do in Sines?

• Historic centre: Sines’ historic centre goes along the cliff, from the Castle to the Fortress of Revelim, and remains charming, in spite of all the changes in the land. Besides the magnificent views to the Atlantic, in all its length, we must highlight, among the points of interest, the shopping streets, around the ancient medieval axis (Rua Cândido dos Reis and Rua Teófilo Braga), the Largo dos Penedos (with the ancient watch-tower, where fishermen watched the sea) and Rua Vasco da Gama, where the manor house that caused his expulsion from Sines was supposed to be.
• Fishing Harbour: The history of Sines was, until 35 years ago, the history of a fishing village. Nowadays, in spite of not having the importance of times past, fishing continues to employ hundreds of men and to give the bay of Sines a charm and colouring unique in Alentejo. Before or after your meal, in summer or in winter, a visit to the fishing harbour and to the marginal avenue of Beach Vasco da Gama may be an incursion to the emotional centre of the city.
• Porto Covo: Porto Covo is one of the most beautiful villages of the country, and, for certain, one of the most beautiful coasts, also a jewel of popular architecture. Visit the Ilha do Pessegueiro, the channel of Pessegueiro Island was used as a harbour of refuge by the Carthaginians and the Romans in the difficult climb of the coast of Alentejo.
• Beaches: In Sines you have many different types of beaches to chose from.

1. Family beaches: The Beaches of Morgavel, Vale Figueiros, Grande of Porto Covo, Ilha do Pessegueiro and S. Torpes, which, in the last few years, were rewarded with the Blue Flag of Europe, are excellent due to their natural characteristics, and due to the possibility of receiving the whole population, from the children to the elders.
2. Naturist beaches : Praia do Salto (Beach of Salto). Located between Cerro da Águia and Cerca Nova, with a private and peaceful environment, it is part, since 2002, of the restricted group of naturist beaches officially recognised in Portugal.
3. Historic beaches: Praia Vasco da Gama (Vasco da Gama Beach): Integrated in the urban tissue of the city of Sines and testimony of the main events of its history - from the pirates attacks to the embarkation of D. Miguel to Brazil -, it is part of the face of Sines and of the heart of its people. Adjoining the Fishing Harbour, it remains charming and deserves to be visited, both in the summer and in the winter. Its marginal avenue is much used for walks and jogging.

• World Music Festival: The Festival Músicas do Mundo (FMM), organised by the City Council of Sines, since 1999, is the most important event of the cultural year in Sines and the biggest of the kind in the country. Held, every year, in the last week of July, in the historic scenery of the Castle, FMM gathers the most important names of the world circuit in world music, jazz and blues.
• Art Centre: An architecturally innovative space (the Aires Mateus architects’ project was awarded the AICA/MC 2005 prize), are held exhibits, concerts, theatre plays, book presentations, and so on. Guided visits available.
• Archaeological museum and Sala's Treasure: It can be visited within the walls of Misericórdia Chapel, a building immediately next to the Mother Church and the Castle. It’s an historical church, rebuilt in 1585 by D. Felipe I and reconverted to cultural functions in the 1990’s. The museum includes pieces from the Palaeolithic to the Baroque period.

Join us on Facebook and see fantastic photos of Sines.

Golf in Troia. Most dificult in Europe

The region of Setubal is the perfect place in Portugal for some Golf holidays. We have 7 excellent golf courses.  Know a bit more about one in Troia:

Troia Golf Course
Considered to be Portugal’s most difficult golf course, Troia is a major challenge to any golfer. It is one of the links designed by the famous Robert Trent Jones and opened in 1982. Its principal obstacle is sand which borders the whole course, where pine trees and wild plants are also found in abundance. Naturally Jones has utilised his trademark bold bunkering, raised greens and some doglegs, which sweep between pine trees. 




The 368-metre par four 3^rd is one of the finest sea holes in Portugal and there are numerous other outstanding holes on this lovely course.
Wedged between the Atlantic Ocean, the Sado Estuary and the Serra da Arrabida the setting of this Golf course is a truly magical inspiration for any golfer that appreciates the surroundings while playing Golf.

Curiosity: When the Portuguese Open came to Troia in 1983, Sam Torrance was the only player to better par for the championship, which is a testament to Troia’s challenge. In 2010 Troia will host the Troia International Golf Cup in August.




DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO FIND THE COURSE:
Drive south on the A2 (IC3) to Setubal. When in Setubal follow the direction signs to the Troia Ferry. After crossing on the Ferry drive south on the EN 253 in the direction of Comporta. You will see on this road directional signs for the course.
COURSE FACILITIES:
Driving Range · Putting Green(2) · Pro Shop · Short Game Practice Area · Restaurant & Bar


REVIEWS:

“I played the course in June 2009 as part of our annual Golf trip and we all thoroughly enjoyed the day. This course is one of the best I have played in Portugal so far. We will certainly be back!”
Scott Londsdale, UK
We invite you spend some of your vacations and holidays time visiting Arrábida Hills. We invite you to visit Setubal and to visit  Portugal.

If need to book, more information, please contact us. www.portugaldreamcoast.com

Setúbal, 13th Festival of Theatre

Will start tomorrow the 13th edition Festival of Theatre and will end on the next 28 August. Several shows will be happen at Setúbal in different points of the city. organized by Teatro Estudio Fontenova this ten days event is another key point of the activities in the city of Setúbal, Portugal.

Several theatre companies from Portugal and United Kingdom will be present during this amazing event. Additional informations concerning to the Festival of Theatre at Setúbal through hotline 265233299 or 967330188.

Monestary of Jesus

Located in Setúbal the Monestary of Jesus is one of the greatest treasures of the Setúbal region with Manueline style. It is classified as a National Monument. The Convent of Jesus building was founded in 1490 by the nursemaid of king D. Manuel the 1st: Justa Rodrigues Pereira.

The amazing Gothic Church presents a sumptuous interior and was the very first attempt of an hall church in Portugal . Three naves with vaults with the same height, allows an uniform illumination of the interior. The Church is famous for its lovely twisted columns built in one typical rock of this charming Arrábida region named “brecha”.

Monestary of Jesus, um álbum no Flickr or more information of the City of Setúbal here.

O que faz falta?

Sant´Iago Fair has today a tribute to Zeca Afonso with several national musicians that made de project Zeca Sempre ( Zeca Always ) . Today, 10 pm at Manteigadas in Setúbal you listen this amazing project performing live.

Setúbal Region fantastic weekend!

This weekend will be amazing at Portugal Dream Coast. Tomorrow in Setúbal will start the Sant´Iago Fair , a biggest event that mixes exhibitions, gastronomy, kids events, several activities, culture, traditions and live music. Amazing bands like Hands on Approach, Tony Carreira, Clâ, Homens da Luta will be present.

If you like the Beach of Melides, you have ano Grandola Air Festival 2011, the 5th edition with Model Airplanes, Paramotors, paragliding, kitesurf, windsurf, stunt kites among many other activities that can be made on the beach.

Music? You want only Music? Go to south of Setúbal Region and stop at Sines, this weekend starts the FMM World Music Festival with more than 60 worldwide artists that will perform on the Castle of Sines and near Sines Beach.

What are you waiting for? Visit Setúbal , visit Portugal Dream Coast , an amazing place for your summer vacations.

Schedules :

* Music Schedules of Sant´Iago Fair . Click here .

* FMM Sines World Music Festival : Click here

Pandora´s Box at Auditório Municipal Charlot ( Festroia)

Directed by Yesim Ustaoglu and writen by Selma Kaygusuz and Yasemin Ustaoglu , Pandora Box´s has amazing tuskish actors like Tsilla Chelton, Derya Alabora, Ovul Avkiran. At this edition of Festroia - International Film Festival of Setubal the organization and the Turkish Embassy made an partnership and the result is the homage to turkish cinema.

Pandora´s Box will start at 9pm on Auditório Municipal Charlot in Setúbal . (Movie Trailer) .

After Pandora´s Box, 12pm it will start Retrospective from Jos Stelling with "No Trains No Planes", Nedtherlands, 105 minutes.

Another biggest event made by Eventmaker

Eventmaker, a portuguese company into institucional meetings, conventions, congress, seminars, products releases, Motivational and Team Building activities had recently an amazing event with the organization of “Os Dias do Desenvolvimento 2011” for IPAD – Instituto Português de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento.

During two days (5th and 6th May) the company that usually make organize events on Peninsula of Setúbal for their customers had a gigant organization and the work made couldn´t be better. Besides the events made in the past in the region (special in Palmela, Setúbal and Tróia), they are making events all over the place in Portugal , depending the specifications of their customers and goals.

You have to organize an event? You should get in touch with Eventmaker.

Electric Skateboards, funny and green relax at BiGPlanet

For participants or just for the curious, for those who like to walk through city and even on the field you should try a skateboard with an electric motor.

These electric skateboards work with a remote control assisted by an integrated braking system. With a word design and electric propulsion, take 3-4 hours to charge the battery (depending of the model). The are are four different products, that have a different range and speed, which can vary from 13 km to 25 km autonomy and from 15 km/h at 30 kms/h in terms of speed.

Love Skate ? You will love and Electric Skateboard. This products, contributes for a green environment and you can see them on BiGPlanet on the capital of Portugal Dream Coast , Setúbal.

BiGPlanet has also electric motos, electric cars and bycicles. They were recently at Mobi-E , with an amazing participation and actions where people could participate in Setúbal.

BIGPlanet is Green! Make your test-drive

BIGPlanet located on Av. Luisa Todi in Setubal at Portugal Dream Coast will give the opportunity to make a test for those who visit them on MOBI.E International Program Rodshow. During 8th and 9th April, you can make a test-drive to eboards, bicycles and scooters without fuel, electricity only. BIGPlanet is growing for his innovative products and representations. Setubal have already several points of MOBI.E where you can charge the batteries. Try this amazing sensations, contribute to a green planet , be at the BIGPlanet .

Light a Candle on Planet Hour at Hotel do Sado

Hotel do Sado is organizing an amazing event where you can light some candles on the next 26 March at 9.30. The origin? The amazing green idea is called Earth Hour and the goal is join people, companies and countries to power off the light during one hour to save the planet reducing the impact of climate changes.

In Setubal, on Portugal Dream Coast, Hotel do Sado thought that was a great idea to join forces with WWF and organize a magnificent dinner with candlelights, producing and envolving it in romance besides energy savings.

Be present, call now the hotline (+351) 265542800 or send an email to geral@hoteldosado.com. Come and light a candle for the Planet!

Setubal Downtown

Setubal is the capital of Portugal Dream Coast, here is a small video of the downtown, talking about social, local, history. Setubal is amazing!



Thanks to Setubal City Hall contribution.

Father´s Day, come to Hotel do Sado

Tradition says that the Father´s Day is spent with family. The children are happy and demonstrate the affection to their father´s. Hotel do Sado developed a event special to you and your family for the next Father´s Day on 19th March. A meal with a fabulous Cataplana of Fish, Meat and Green salad . The desert? An amazing Heart Chocolate with red fruits.

Besides this moment you can see amazing landscapes, between the green of Arrabida Hills and the blue of the Sado. The weather will be wonderful (according the forecast ) to be a on the terrace with your family.

Gardens of Setubal

Setubal has amazing gardens and parks around the city. Gardens and Parks like : Jardim do Bonfim, Parque Verde da Bela Vista, Parque Urbano de Albarquel, Parque da Algodeia, Parque de Vanicelos, Jardim General Luís Domingos, Parque da Lanchoa, Jardim Camilo Castelo Branco just to mentioned a few are wonderful for Tourism and Habitants to stay a while and have relaxing moments. Take a look on the video

YOU will love Paintball in Setubal Region

Yes! We have Paintball in Setubal Region with different areas and scenarios, depending of your taste you can choose three points to play around Setubal.

Sesimbra, Setubal and Arrabida Natural Park are points that the lovers of this sport specially select according their tastes to play Paintball. Private group or a business group you can play around the nature on a 70.000 m2 field with woords, copses and forest, specially if you are thinking on a large scale game event till 200 people.

Masks, balls and gas bottles are provided and of course briefings concerning to security, game area, among other information. For the pleasure of game, animation between the members of the group, if you like this kind of games, love nature and you are searching a different weekend brake or organize something for YOUR summer vacations, can be an excellent option. Setubal, ir amazing!

Setubal Half Marathon on May 2011

Great News for sports enthusiastics! On 8th May 2011, Setubal will host the 22nd edition of Half Marathon, once again with some of the top international runners on this distance. Has usual the race is taking part of the International Association of Athletics Federation internacional calendar. See more details of Setubal Half Marathon

Glamour & Organization of Events

Eventmaker is a fantastic company focused on organization of events, brand management and plus other services of value for business. Made fantastic events on Portugal Dream Coast for some of the biggest companies (national and multinational environment).

Eventmaker join glamour on decoration of stores, events with the local activities has hotels, resorts, biggest rooms for the organization of national and international meetings, seminars, congress for customers.

The region of Setubal had in the past worked with this company that understand customers has partners to work with.

Port of Setubal with nature and all around. Made by APSS

Portugal Dream Coast is delighted to present a video about Setúbal and Port of Setúbal, made by APSS (Administração dos Portos Setúbal e Sesimbra, SA) and sponsored by some local enterprises.

We thanks APSS for the video and to authorize us to share with YOU. We also thanks all the entities referred on and expect YOU enjoy the beauty. url >>

3rd Edition of Photography Workshop on Hotel do Sado

Hotel do Sado will organize on 19/20th February 2011 the 3rd Photography Workshop with the photographers Jorge Vilela and Nuno Baptista . After the success of the the 2nd edition, also in February decided to make during the month the 3rd edition., photographers will discuss over the two days, topics such as: managing camera, light (natural or artificial), , shooting outside and on the nightfall, portraits one model and of course photoshop introduction with some software and photos exercises. Check more details .

Dolphin paintings contest in Setúbal

The City Hall of Setúbal organizes a painting competition. The theme? Will be twenty statues of dolphins in three different positions of the flagship movement of these animals: leaving, flying and entering into the water.

The statues will be manufactured by City Hall and each individual or grupal competitors will have to paint . The organization will provide also materials and space for paintings. Get more details here .