About an hour from Lisbon, in Setúbal, we can take the ferry boat that crosses the River Sado and reach the tourist complex of Troia. On this shore, we find one of the most extensive sands in Portugal, with 18 km long, which will be on our own. Whether summer or winter, the microclimate with mild temperatures allows us to spend a few days full of activities.
On the golden sand to lose sight of, with the sea of clear water on one side and pine forest on the other, we can have fun with the whole family and if time permits, we can even take the opportunity to devote ourselves to water sports. The area is very conducive to windsurfing and sailing, as you can see from the occupation of the Marina de Troia.
Another idea is to take a golf vacation. The Troia course, designed by the famous American architect Bobby Jones is great to have the experience of a good golf challenge, truly integrated into the landscape. It is on the list of the best golf courses in Europe and is part of some international competitions.
At this meeting point of the River Sado with the sea, it is very common to see dolphins and take a boat trip with time to observe them is always a good suggestion. Or to do bird watching, with the Natural Park of Serra da Arrábida and the Natural Reserve of estuary do Sado reasons of interest are not lacking. Not far away is Carrasqueira, a very traditional fishing port built on stilts.
In Troia, there have been signs of human occupation for many centuries. The Roman Ruins are one of the most important archaeological remains, dating from the 17th century.
Following the road that crosses this sand language you reach other beaches, such as Comporta, Carvalhal or Pego, where it is very easy to find a good restaurant to have fresh fish lunch or taste the snacks of the local gastronomy. But just walk a few miles to vary scenery. After galé beach, the dunes are interrupted to make way, the Melides lagoon, with a five million-year-old sandstone cliff, and the Santo André and Sancha Lagoons Nature Reserve.
Fields
It is considered one of the most difficult and fascinating golf challenges in Portugal.
It is a magnificent "links" located in a region of great natural beauty, over the estuary of the River Sado, with stunning views of the Serra da Arrábida. Robert Trent Jones Snr. used the natural element, sand, as the biggest obstacle, considering hole 3 as one of the best 4 pairs he drew. White sand is present in the bunkers that protect the greens, and in most of the rough areas. Difficulties arise naturally, even for the best professionals. Sam Torrance, at the 1983 Portuguese Open, won with just two strokes under par.
It is the best course in Portugal in the categories of challenge and variety, occupying the fourth place in the biennial list of the Magazine Golf Europeu, and the 20th in the table of the best courses in Europe prepared by Golf World.