Living in Azeitão: an old wine-growing area close to Setúbal

Azeitão, a charming village located in the heart of the Setúbal peninsula, about 40 kilometers from Lisbon, is a true hidden treasure that combines history, nature and gastronomy in a unique way. This location is nestled between the majestic Serra da Arrábida and the Sado River estuary. Discover what it’s like to live in Azeitão.


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What are the historical origins of Azeitão?

Dominated by the Arrábida mountain range, Azeitão has natural conditions that have made it an attractive place for thousands of years. The Roman occupation was of great importance, which developed fundamentally in two areas: in the Sado estuary (Arrábida, Setúbal, Tróia) with an industrial activity linked to the salting and preservation of fish, and in Azeitão, with agricultural activities.

From the 15th century onwards, Azeitão gained prestige, when the nobility discovered the mild climate, beauty and tranquility of these lands, abundant in hunting and fishing, and here they built mansions and emblazoned farms, true leisure centres where they spent long periods.
 

Where is Azeitão?

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This location is strategically positioned between the majestic Serra da Arrábida and the Sado River estuary, offering a privileged location that combines natural beauty with easy access to the main cities in the region.

To get to Azeitão, you have several transport options at your disposal. By car, the most convenient way is via the A2 or you can use public transport, such as the Fertagus train that goes from Lisbon to Setúbal and Carris Metropolitana buses.

What is it like to live in Azeitão?

Living in Azeitão is an experience that combines the best of Portuguese rural life with the comforts of modern life. With a population of approximately 18 thousand inhabitants, Azeitão offers a peaceful and welcoming environment, ideal for those looking to escape the fast pace of large urban centers.

Azeitão is characterized by being a serene and peaceful place, where the pace of life is slower. Despite its proximity to large cities, the town maintains a small community atmosphere for those looking to live in Setúbal. The parish is well equipped in terms of essential services such as schools, health centers, supermarkets and leisure areas.

 

What to do in Azeitão?

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For those who love nature, an excellent option is to explore the hiking trails of Serra da Arrábida, where you can walk along paths surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and enjoy stunning views of the ocean and the region. After an invigorating walk, a visit to the beaches of Arrábida, such as Portinho da Arrábida or Praia da Figueirinha, is a must.

In addition to its natural beauty, Azeitão is famous for its local products. A visit to the wine cellars is essential for anyone wanting to discover the region´s wines, with particular emphasis on the wineries of José Maria da Fonseca and Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal. You can´t miss trying the famous Azeitão Cheese in one of the local cheese shops.

Advantages and disadvantages of living in Azeitão

Living in Azeitão has its particularities, offering a unique experience that combines rural tranquility with proximity to urban centers. Before considering a move to this charming village, it is important to weigh up the pros and cons:

Advantages:
Quality of life: Azeitão offers a peaceful and calm quality of life, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, but with easy access to everything you need.
Proximity to Lisbon: located about 30 minutes from Lisbon, Azeitão allows residents to enjoy the peace of the countryside and proximity to the capital.
Excellent gastronomic and wine offering: Azeitão is famous for its wines (such as those from José Maria da Fonseca and Bacalhôa) and for the traditional Azeitão cheese.
Infrastructure and services: Azeitão has good infrastructure, with schools, health centers and a growing range of commerce and services. The region also has access to good roads and transport, which facilitates mobility within the area and to other nearby cities.
Safety and well-being: Azeitão is a place known for its safety and family atmosphere.

Disadvantages:
Limited local job offer: the local job offer is more limited when compared to Lisbon.
Increased tourism: although tourism is a source of economy for the region, the increase in the number of visitors, especially during the summer months, can lead to increased movement   
 

Azeitão: houses for sale and rent

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The real estate market in Azeitão has been gaining more and more prominence, attracting both local residents and people looking for a peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle of the capital.

The value per square meter for selling a house in Azeitão can vary significantly depending on the specific location and characteristics of the property, but on average, prices, for October 2024, are around 2,744/m2. This value reflects not only the quality of the properties but also the proximity to essential services such as supermarkets, schools and medical centers, as well as an excellent public transport network that includes metro, buses and trains. In terms of rent, the price per square meter for rent in Azeitão is around 10.9 euros.