Setubal (Portugal)

Setubal (port locode PTSET) is a port city and a municipality in Portugal's Lisbon region (metropolitan area) with population around 90,000. Setubal is ~50 km (31 mi) southeast of Lisbon. The cruise port is on the Sado River estuary.

The Port Authority company is Administracao dos Portos de Setubal e Sesimbra SA. The Port houses the Lisnave Shipyard, which receives cruise vessels for routine maintenance and refit projects.

As a cruise port, Setubal was inaugurated/received its first cruise vessel (SeaDream I) in 2024.

The new cruise terminal is scheduled for completion and inauguration in 2027. Premier companies, including The destination is set to welcome smaller cruise ships between 2027 and 2028, with vessels from Ponant Expeditions and SeaDream Yacht Club, were scheduled for transit calls.

Setubal's industries include pulp, paper, cement, chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, phytopharmaceuticals), and the Port's cargo shipping, shipbuilding, and ship repair services. By annual cargo throughput, the Port is currently ranked Portugal's 4th busiest (over 7% of the country's total), following Sines, Lisbon, and Leixoes-Porto.

In the early 20th century, Setubal's economy was largely based on the fishing industry, particularly the processing and exporting of sardines. The city's current economy depends heavily on tourism, supported by its location on the Atlantic coast and the proximity to the Arrabida Natural Park (1976-established) and the Sado River's dolphin colony. Opposite the city, across the river, is the Troia peninsula, housing several premium hotels and resorts. Setubal's beaches include Albarquel, Figueirinha, Galapos, Galapinhos, Creiro, and Portinho da Arrabida.