Setúbal

A vast estuary reserve sheltering one of Europe's few resident populations of bottlenose dolphins. Boat trips let you watch them; some operators allow dogs on board, so confirm when booking.

A limestone massif cloaked in Mediterranean scrub rising above turquoise coves. Plenty of hiking trails open to leashed dogs, with sweeping views down to the Atlantic.

White-sand, turquoise-water beaches (Galapinhos, Portinho) among Portugal's finest. Dogs are banned on guarded beaches from June to September; wilder access is sometimes tolerated off-season.

A 16th-century fortress built by Philip II above the town, now a pousada. The outer ramparts and esplanade are open to leashed dogs, with a superb view over the estuary and Tróia.

A covered market famous for its azulejo tile panels and some of the country's most renowned fish stalls. Dogs are not allowed inside; admire the tiled facades from the street.

A long sand spit facing Setúbal, reached by a twenty-minute ferry (dogs allowed). Miles of open beach and the Roman ruins of Tróia, ideal for long walks off-season.