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Writer's pictureEliane Ramin

Portugal: Charming Village of Moita, Traditions, Heritage and Beauties by the Tejo River

Updated: Jul 30, 2023

Village of Moita, located in the District of Setúbal, Portugal. Explore its rich cultural history, its bullfighting traditions, its beautiful riverside landscapes and its unique attractions. Discover the charms of this picturesque village, which promises to enchant your soul with its authenticity and beauty.


Hello vintage(s)! Today, we are going to take a tour of the charming village of Moita, located in the District of Setúbal, Portugal.


Are you ready to discover this place that promises to enchant everyone?


Moita, Portugal
Parish of Moita - Setúbal

Location and Access


Moita is a small and charming Portuguese village, inserted in the Metropolitan Area of Lisbon and belonging to the Council of Setúbal. The municipality of Moita is located on the left side of the Tejo Estuary, and the village has an extensive riverside strip. In addition, Moita is easily accessible from Lisbon, being much sought after by new residents, mainly immigrants who are looking for a pleasant place with good connections to the capital. The neighboring cities of Montijo and Barreiro offer boats that cross the Tejo River to the center of Lisbon, and the accessibility of the Vasco da Gama Bridge brought more centrality to the municipality, generating better opportunities for regional development. Moita has a good public library, basic school, secondary school and professional school, all within easy reach.



Municipal Park of Moita


green area
Moita Park

Moita has a small but very pleasant central park, with a playground, a lagoon and several birds, providing moments of leisure and entertainment for the population, especially on weekends. Built in the 70s, the Moita Municipal Park offers 4000 m2 of green area, with lakes, trees and lawns, providing freshness and shade to visitors. The park also houses an old Mill, creating a very charming environment.







Historical and Cultural Heritage


The village of Moita dates back to the 14th century, when a group of woodcutters, charcoal burners and salt workers settled on this bank of the Tejo River. Until the 19th century, riverside activities, such as salt extraction, transporting products and people to Lisbon and shipbuilding, were the main economic base of the population. Walking through the streets of Moita, visitors will be transported to the past through its traditional architecture, stone sidewalks and houses with colorful facades.


church
Church of Our Lady of Good Voyage

The Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem is one of the main points of interest, dating from the 16th century, with its charming façade and interior rich in historical details.



Taurean Traditions


Among the traditions of Moita, there is Bullfighting and the running of the bulls, which take place in one of the main streets of the village, mainly during the feast of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem.



Nightlife


The nightlife is concentrated in the center of the village, with several bars and cafes where the population gathers on weekends for chat and music. There is access to several supermarkets and even a Burger King, although it lacks a larger shopping centre, cinema or theatre. Moita is a small and very pleasant place on this side of the Tejo River, the village has a certain charm for those who like small places, but with easy access to Lisbon.



Boat Boa Viagem


The boat trip is a highlight in the village, with colorful and traditional boats that represent the local culture, such as the boat "O Boa Viagem". The boat "O Boa Viagem" is a secular vessel, purchased and restored by the City Council of Moita, with the aim of enhancing and preserving the historical heritage of the region. Currently, it has cultural and didactic functions, offering river trips along the Tejo estuary and its banks. It should be noted that the boat trips are conditioned to the tides, which also change the local landscape in a forceful way, between an estuary at high tide and at low tide, where boats cannot navigate.


boat
Boa Viagem Boat

Feast of Our Lady of Good Voyage


Although not considered a conventional tourist destination, the feast of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem is a special moment to visit Moita. Festivities in honor of the patron saint take place over 10 days in the first half of September, with lots of entertainment and tradition. Religious celebrations are marked by processions and the blessing of typical Tejo vessels, providing a unique experience for participants.



Anyway,


Vila de Moita is a charming destination located in the District of Setúbal, Portugal. With its picturesque riverside and rich cultural history, it offers visitors a unique and authentic experience. Its historical heritage, such as the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem, and its bullfighting traditions, such as the running of the bulls, reflect the rooted identity of the population. In addition, Moita Municipal Park provides moments of leisure and tranquility in the midst of nature.


The proximity to Lisbon and easy access via boats and the Vasco da Gama Bridge make Moita an attractive place for new residents and visitors, who can enjoy the nightlife in the center of the village. The feast of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem is a special occasion to discover the festive and religious spirit of the village, with its lively celebrations and processions.


Boat trips along the Tejo estuary, especially aboard the historic "O Boa Viagem", provide a unique view of the local landscape and connect visitors to the riverside traditions of the past. Moita, with its welcoming atmosphere and cultural richness, is certainly a place that enchants and leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.


moita wharf
Sunset at Moita Pier

Opinion: Pros and Cons of Living in Moita:

Pros:

  • Small village with good local commerce infrastructure - supermarkets

  • Housing at more affordable prices

  • Lower cost of living

  • Easy transportation to Lisbon, with various transportation options

  • Free basic, secondary, and vocational education

  • Safe village, with few major incidents


Cons:

  • Absence of large shopping centers

  • No cinema or theater in the village

  • Toll fees when commuting by car to Lisbon through the bridges

  • Limited delivery service hours (few options available after midnight)



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