Azeitão

Azeitão isn't a single, bustling center, but a loose collection of charming villages nestled on the gentle slopes of the Arrábida Mountain, a green stretch of parkland that rolls towards the sea.

The character of this place is not found in height or noise, but in its quiet, established wealth. Since the 15th century, the nobility settled here for the mild climate, leaving behind elegant country estates known as quintas. These homes, like the famous Bacalhôa, are marked by stone walls, intricate tiling (azulejo), and grounds that whisper the story of aristocratic summer retreats.

Azeitão is best known for what it produces, making it a destination of flavor. The air carries the distinct aromas of vineyards-it is the birthplace of the renowned Moscatel wine. Likewise, the local tradition is tasted in every bite of Queijo de Azeitão, a small, semisoft cheese with a famously creamy, buttery texture. Here, the essence of the land is preserved and celebrated on the plate and in the glass.