Peninsula de Tróia
Tróia is a long, sandy peninsula across the Sado River estuary. It's accessible by ferry from Setúbal. The pine-studded strip of land is the site of one of Portugal's largest tourist enterprises: the Tróia Tourist Complex, 7570-789 Carvallal, Grândola (tel. 26/549-90-00), with high-rise apartment-hotels and a par-72, 6,374m (20,907 ft.), 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones. Other sporting facilities include seawater swimming pools, watersports facilities, playgrounds for children, and about a dozen tennis courts. You can rent bicycles to tour the island or go horseback riding. Additionally, the beaches are some of the best south of Lisbon, and the waters are unpolluted.
You can rent an apartment on the island if you'd like a seaside holiday. Further information is available from Sonae Turismo SGPS, S.A., Rua do Viriato 13, 1060 Lisboa (tel. 21/011-91-00; www.sonaeturismo.com).
Cetóbriga, on the peninsula, contains ruins of a thriving Roman port. Excavations began in the mid-19th century. The city, dating from the 3rd and 4th centuries, was destroyed by the ocean, but traces of villas, bathing pools, a fresco-decorated temple, and a place for salt preservation of fish have been unearthed. Cetóbriga's ruins are about 2.5km (1 1/2 miles) from the site of the present tourist development of Tróia but are worth seeing only if you have time. Otherwise, the simple foundations of long-gone buildings are too minor to merit a special visit.
To reach Tróia from Setúbal, buy a ticket from Transado, Doca do Comércio (tel. 26/549-40-35), off Avenida Luisa Todi at the eastern sector of the waterfront. At least 36 ferries run throughout the day. The trip takes 15 minutes and costs 1.05€ for adults and children. Taking a car costs 7€ each way. For information, call tel. 26/523-51-01.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
