A view over the sea and mountains in Portinho da Arrábida, Setúbal, Portugal

Hints and tips for living in Caparica & Setúbal

Turquoise waters and exquisite seafood an hour from Lisbon

CAPARICA | AROEIRA | AZEITÃO | PALMELA | SETÚBAL

A viewpoint of a castle by the sea in Setúbal, Portugal
A street with typical portuguese houses in Azeitão, Portugal
A colorful street in Setúbal's downtown, Portugal
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Quick facts - Caparica & Setúbal

Population: 20,000 (Caparica), 53,000 (Sesimbra), 124,000 (Setúbal)

Distance by car to central Lisbon (Cais do Sodre): 25 mins from Caparica, 45 mins from Setúbal, 50 mins from Sesimbra

Distance by car to airport (Lisbon): 20 mins from Caparica, 35 mins from Setubal, 40 mins from Sesimbra

Highlights: Fresh seafood, the stunning Parque Natural da Arrábida, affordable, slower-paced life compared to Lisbon

Weather: Similar to Lisbon. Warm, dry, and mostly clear summers. Mild and partly cloudy winters.

Need a car? Yes

Fun fact: In 2017, Praia dos Galapinhos in the Parque Natural da Arrábida was recognized as the most beautiful beach in Europe

 

A locals view on Caparica & Setúbal

Joao P. - Lisbon / Setubal / Cascais resident for 27 years

A relocation consultant in Setúbal, Portugal

What’s your favourite thing about living in the Setúbal area?

Undoubtedly the beautiful coastline in the Parque Natural da Arrábida where I spend my free time doing sports and exploring. It is such a rich and diverse area that even though I’ve lived here most of my life, I still find new paradises frequently.

What should a new expat know if they are thinking about moving to the Setúbal area?

Pay attention to where you base yourself if you need to commute to Lisbon every day. Most people advertise that Setúbal is only a 30 min drive to Lisbon, however, this can be a 2h commute in rush hour due to traffic jams before and after the 25th of April bridge.

Favourite thing about the Setúbal area that most tourists don’t know?

The cost of living is much lower than in Lisbon, especially properties in Setúbal and restaurants in Caparica and its surroundings. For example, a building in Setúbal can be at least half of the price of a similar building in Lisbon, and in Cacilhas (a 10 min boat trip from Lisbon) it is possible to eat grilled fish for less than 8 euros.

What do you wish you’d known when you arrived in the Setúbal area?

The seasonality factor. Access to the beaches in Setúbal, Sesimbra, and Caparica can be difficult in the high season. If you go to the beach frequently or plan to live near the beach, expect a big change in the population of your town during the summer.

Least favourite thing about living in the Setúbal area?

Commuting in Caparica and from Caparica to other places using public transport can be difficult since it can get quite busy, and the bus is the main option. Having a car is almost mandatory if you want to live in Caparica or its surroundings.

Best recommendation you could give a new expat in the Setúbal area?

As a local that commutes several days a week from Setúbal to Lisbon, my golden advice is: if you don’t plan to have a car, your life will be much easier if you base yourself near a public transport hub. You don’t want to miss your frequent visits to Lisbon, our vibrant capital! 

Our Caparica & Setúbal recommendations

Move here if you like: Nature, beaches, gastronomy, and an affordable and slower-paced lifestyle

Don’t move here if you like: To live in a place where you are not affected by the seasonality factor

Secret highlights: Secret caves in Arrábida Natural Park. Ribeira do Cavalo beach in Sesimbra. Roman ruins in Setúbal historic center

Best restaurants: Cheap “petiscos” by the beach Dr. Bernard. Affordable quality Japanese & Asian food at Tanaka. Cheap Portuguese traditional food at A Transmontana. The best Choco Frito (fried cuttlefish) at Casa Santiago. All you can eat fish at Bombordo. Great European cuisine at A Faiena. Very good Francesinha at Taberna Londrina Setúbal

A great builder: Manu and Rúben at Mr Contrucao Manutencao

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OUR BESPOKE PRIVATE TOURS IN CAPARICA & SETUBAL

Caparica & Setúbal Essential Scouting Tour

Make an informed decision on whether moving to Caparica or Setúbal is right for you

Flexible dates

6-7h

€330

price per tour

MEET YOUR CAPARICA & SETUBAL PROPERTY BUYER’S AGENT

A relocation consultant in Setúbal, Portugal

Hi! I’m Joao

JOAO P. - LISBON / SETUBAL / CASCAIS RESIDENT FOR 28 YEARS

Bom dia! Born and raised in Setúbal, I lived in several cities and experienced life as an expat. As a Property Buyer’s Agent and Certified Mortgage Broker in central Portugal, I help foreigners to scount and buy property across Setúbal and its surroundings. I’m here to welcome you and help you settle seamlessly into my beautiful country!

What our Clients are Saying

  • "We have had the pleasure of working with João during our recent property search, and we couldn't be more happy with this choice! João is not just motivated but goes the extra mile to ensure every detail is taken care of. What also stood out was his constant availability. It was our first property purchase and we always had a comforting feeling as João guided us through the whole process. Thanks for everything so far!"

    Niklas & Leticia, GER

  • "Thank you Joao for all your help in obtaining the mortgage. Without you, this whole deal would not have been possible. I have other friends and family interested in buying a home along the coast and I would highly recommend you and your team at any time. It really has been a great experience working with you! Thanks so much for all your help!"

    Gail, USA

  • "My partner and I began our search in Portugal this summer looking for a potential 2nd home. We were introduced to Joao through an associate. As it was our first trip to the Lisbon area we were somewhat overwhelmed with where to begin even with our prior research. We were fortunate to establish a relationship with Joao and found him invaluable. We highly recommend him. Joao is an educated, multilingual professional with experience in several residential real estate."

    Kevin and Todd, USA

  • My hubby and I met João and Matt and arranged a scouting trip that took us to us to some areas in the Algarve. No, don’t get it twisted, it was an all day affair with a little tourist stops thrown it. We had the best of days with Matt.The tour was very informative, fun and felt totally secure in his care. He answered all our questions and more and couldn’t have been happier. We’d like to move tomorrow if we could. Both João and Matt are so friendly it was a pleasure meeting very nice people. I understand our time does not end here, and they will be helping in the future with any issues aiding a smooth transition with our move into Portugal.

    Nadia, UK

  • "Thanks for making this exploratory adventure so wonderful. Your mission and vision are evident. In fact, upon arriving in Porto, we looked at each other and, without advanced prompting, said simultaneously: "We need João and Matt." 🙂. For your kindness starting with the introductory online meeting and extending past the in-person goodbyes, thank you. Extending well wishes to each of you, personally and professionally."

    Claudette & Michael, USA

  • "I recently went on a tour in Lisbon with Portugalxpert, and João made it truly special. He was very professional and told many interesting stories about the places we visited. I was particularly impressed by João's knowledge of local bureaucracy and the Portuguese real estate market and how it differs from the USA. He shared many helpful tips and facts that anyone thinking of moving here would find very useful."

    Michael, USA

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