Tróia Peninsula

The Romans had this place well figured. You can still see evidence of their activities surrounding the largest fish-processing operation in the Empire and one of the most important salt production centres in the world.

From the 1st to the 6th century, salted and pickled fish along with the most famous product of the area, fish sauce were processed and distributed throughout the Roman Empire in conical containers known as ‘amphorae’.

The Romans used amphora, clay containers with pointed bottoms, ideal for storage and delivery by land or sea.

ROMAN SPA TOWN

It wasn’t all fish and for the Romans. Here on the Tróia Penisula, you can see evidence of ancient thermal baths complete with an apodyterium (changing room), a frigidarium (cold room), a tepidarium (warm room with underfloor heating), a caldarium (sauna with plunge pool), swimming pools and an exercise room.

The Tróia Peninsula also offers one of Portugal’s most natural beaches with crystal-clear waters. Not a bad posting for the legionnaires.

Tróia Transformed

Tróia has seen some development in modern times but it seems it’s about to come into its own. With a perfect location just south of Lisbon, there is development taking place with Pestana Tróia Eco Resort & Residences. The Hyatt chain is making inroads ito Portugal with a new in Lisbon Hyatt Regency Lisbon, and another opening on Tróia.

And now the Americans are set to invade. The Tróia Peninsula has been rediscovered.

It’s still in a state of flux on our visit with a ton of cranes.

It makes sense. If you’re coming out of Lisbon, the motorway is the wrong way. I highly recommend coming down to Setúbal for lunch. There’s no difference in timing, but who wants to drive on a motorway when there's all this to be seen? And there are a ton of great little eateries in the port town. Jump on the little ferry. It's far more interesting.

I played Tróia a few years back and fell in love with the place. Then rumours that it had fallen out. I went there this week and the rumours were right.

But fear not! This gorgeous little link is in good hands and is bound for glory. The area is developing again, too! It’s like they didn’t get it right the first time, but Hyatt is on board, as is Details.