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{{redirect|Grandola|the Italian municipality|Grandola ed Uniti|the song about this town|Grândola, Vila Morena}}
{{Infobox Portuguese subdivision
| type            = municipality
|seat=[[Grândola Municipal Chamber]]| official_name   = Grândola
| image_flag      = Pt-gdl1.png
| flag_border     = no
| image_shield    = GDL.png
| image_skyline   =Câmara Municipal Grândola Portugal.jpg 
| image_caption   =[[Paços do Concelho de Grândola|Grândola City Hall]] 
| coordinates     = {{coord|38.17|N|8.56|W|type:adm1st_region:PT_dim:100000|display=inline,title|format=dms}}
| image_map       = LocalGrandola.svg
| region             = [[Alentejo]]
| CIM                = [[Alentejo Litoral]]
| district           = [[Setúbal District|Setúbal]]
| leader_party       = [[Unitary Democratic Coalition|CDU]]
| leader_name        =Antonio Figueira Mendes

| area_total_km2     = 825.94
| population_total   = 13,822
| population_as_of   = 2021
| parishes           = [[#Parishes|4]]
| holiday = October 22
| website            = http://www.cm-grandola.pt
}}
'''Grândola''' ({{IPA|pt-PT|ˈɡɾɐ̃dulɐ|pron|Pt-pt Grândola FF.ogg}}, {{IPA|pt-PT|ˈɡɾɐ̃dʷɫɐ|local|generic=yes}}) is a town (''vila'') and [[Municipalities of Portugal|municipality]] in [[Setúbal District]] in Portugal. The population in 2021 was 13,822,<ref name="ine">{{Cite web |last=INE |date=2021 |title=Censos |url=https://tabulador.ine.pt/indicador/?id=0011609 |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=Instituto Nacional de Estatística}}</ref> in an area of {{Convert|825.94|km2|mi2}}.<ref name=dgt>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dgterritorio.pt/cartografia_e_geodesia/cartografia/carta_administrativa_oficial_de_portugal_caop_/caop__download_/carta_administrativa_oficial_de_portugal___versao_2017__em_vigor_/ |title=Áreas das freguesias, concelhos, distritos e país |access-date=2018-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105172426/http://www.dgterritorio.pt/cartografia_e_geodesia/cartografia/carta_administrativa_oficial_de_portugal_caop_/caop__download_/carta_administrativa_oficial_de_portugal___versao_2017__em_vigor_/ |archive-date=2018-11-05 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Besides the town of Grândola, it includes areas such as [[Tróia Peninsula|Tróia]] (part of Carvalhal parish), a peninsula between the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and the [[Sado River]], and the popular summer resort of [[Melides]]. The municipality also features the Serra de Grândola mountain range and its coastline is partly within the [[Comporta]] region.

Grândola is known for inspiring the song "[[Grândola, Vila Morena]]" by [[José Afonso]], which became an iconic symbol during the [[Carnation Revolution]].<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /> The song was used as the second, secret radio broadcast signal on the 25th of April 1974, confirming that the military coup was underway. Its airing just after midnight following "[[E depois do adeus]]" on [[Rádio Renascença]], marked the start of the revolution.

The municipal holiday is October 22, the anniversary of Grândola's first [[foral]] ([[charter]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Outubro é mês de comemorações do concelho em Grândola |trans-title=October is the month of celebrations for the municipality in Grândola. |url=https://www.cm-grandola.pt/noticia-73/outubro-e-mes-de-comemoracoes-do-concelho-em-grandola |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=Câmara Municipal de Grândola |language=pt-PT}}</ref> The current mayor of Grândola is António Figueira Mendes from the [[Unitary Democratic Coalition]] (CDU)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Presidente |trans-title=President |url=https://www.cm-grandola.pt/autarquia/camara-municipal/executivo-municipal/presidente |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=Câmara Municipal de Grândola |language=pt-PT}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Early History and Medieval Period ===
[[File:Roman ruins of Tróia.jpg|alt=The picture depicts fish-processing tanks in stone from the Roman period. Walls of buildings can also be seen in the background.|left|thumb|Roman ruins of Tróia]]
[[Archaeology|Archaeological]] studies indicate human presence in the region of Grândola since at least the [[Mesolithic]] period, with sites representing nearly all subsequent historical eras. During antiquity, the [[Roman Empire|Roman]] period was likely the time when Grândola's territory reached its highest levels of population, economic activity, and social development.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=História |trans-title=History |url=https://www.cm-grandola.pt/historia |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=Câmara Municipal de Grândola |language=pt-PT}}</ref> Archeological sites in the municipality from the this period include the [[Roman Dam of Pego da Moura]] and the [[Roman ruins of Tróia]].

Following the establishment of Portugal, the territory became part of the domain of [[Alcácer do Sal]] and was largely under the control of the Military [[Order of Santiago]]. Around 1380, during the reign of King [[John I of Portugal|John I]], the [[Commandery]] of Grândola was established. This event, along with policies implemented by the crown and the Order of Santiago, contributed to the area's development. Land was distributed, chapels and mills were constructed, and the settlement of Gramdolla was recognized as a village. By the late Middle Ages, the village had a population of approximately 150, while the wider Commandery housed around 900 inhabitants across 220 households.<ref name=":0" />

=== Early Modern Period ===
In 1544, King [[John III of Portugal|John III]] granted Grândola the status of a vila (town) and established it as a municipality, independent of Alcácer do Sal. This municipality was divided into three parishes: Grândola, Bayrros (Azinheira dos Barros), and [[Santa Margarida da Serra]]. At that time, the territory of the municipality was smaller than it is today.<ref name=":0" />

Significant civic and religious infrastructure was developed after the town's elevation, including the construction of a town hall, a jail, a [[pillory]], a hospital, a [[Santa Casa da Misericórdia]], and several chapels and churches. A common [[granary]] was established in 1579 to provide low-interest seed loans to poor farmers, operating until around 1880.<ref name=":0" />

By 1600, the municipality’s population was about 1,550, with 480 residents in the town itself. The population continued to grow in the following centuries, reaching approximately 4,000 by 1798. The local economy was centered on agriculture, particularly cereal and wine production, along with livestock raising and hunting. Industries such as milling, [[weaving]], construction, and clothing were prominent, while [[Tanning (leather)|tanning]], [[pottery]], and ceramics were present to a lesser extent. In 1855, the municipality expanded with the annexation of [[Melides]] and São Mamede do Sádão, extending its boundaries to the coast. By 1900, the population had grown to 7,539.<ref name=":0" />

=== 20th and 21st Centuries ===
[[File:Minas do Lousal - Portugal 🇵🇹 (53985505493).jpg|thumb|[[Lousal mine]]]]
[[File:Grandola Vila Morena.JPG|thumb|[[Carnation Revolution]] memorial]]
The 20th century brought major changes to the region. The [[Estado Novo (Portugal)|Estado Novo]]'s [[Agrarianism|ruralist]] and [[Protectionism|protectionist]] policies, such as the Campanha do Trigo, led to an increase in cereal production, particularly wheat, while rice cultivation gained prominence in the lowlands of Melides and Carvalhal. The development of the [[Linha do Sul|Sul railway line]] in 1861 boosted the cork industry, which saw the establishment of numerous factories, including one that employed over 300 workers.<ref name=":0" />

Mining also played a significant role, with the [[Lousal mine|Lousal]] [[pyrite]] mines becoming a hub of activity under the management of the Mines et Industries group from 1936. At its peak in 1960, the mining village had around 2,000 inhabitants, a sharp contrast to the approximately 300 residents today.<ref name=":0" />

With the increase in the number of rural workers, factory laborers, and miners, along with a rise in political awareness, worsening living conditions, and the repression under [[António de Oliveira Salazar|Salazar]]'s regime, [[Strike action|strikes]] and other popular protests became more common. The number of people arrested for political reasons also grew, earning Grândola a reputation as a revolutionary town. The population growth also contributed to the formation of cultural, sports, and recreational associations, particularly in the town center. Among these was the Sociedade Musical Fraternidade Operária Grandolense, which would later inspire [[José Afonso]]'s famous song [[Grândola, Vila Morena]].<ref name=":0" />

Population growth in the early 20th century was significant, rising from 7,539 in 1900 to a peak of 21,216 in 1950. However, the mid-century saw a decline driven by economic challenges, [[political repression]], the [[Portuguese Colonial War|colonial war]] and migration. The closure of the Lousal mines in 1988 and the decline of the cork and agricultural sectors contributed to population loss and economic shifts. As a result, the municipality experienced significant aging of its population, leading to a shrinking workforce and the closure of schools.<ref name=":0" />

Following the [[Carnation Revolution]] in 1974, the municipality entered a new phase, with democratic governance leading to improvements in social infrastructure. Economic activities shifted towards [[tourism]] and service industries, emphasizing [[Environmentalism|environmental preservation]] and cultural initiatives.<ref name=":0" />

==Climate==
Grândola has a [[Mediterranean climate]] with hot summers and mild wet winters. The highest and lowest temperatures registered in the town were {{convert|45|C}} and {{convert|-4.5|C}}, respectively.<ref name="APA" />
{{Weather box
|location = Grândola, 1991-2020 normals, 1982-2000 extremes, altitude: {{convert|95|m|abbr=on}}
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
|width = auto

|Jan record high C = 21.2
|Feb record high C = 26.0
|Mar record high C = 30.0
|Apr record high C = 34.0
|May record high C = 35.0
|Jun record high C = 38.5
|Jul record high C = 45.0
|Aug record high C = 40.5
|Sep record high C = 40.5
|Oct record high C = 33.7
|Nov record high C = 27.0
|Dec record high C = 26.5
|year record high C = 

|Jan high C = 14.3
|Feb high C = 15.6
|Mar high C = 18.5
|Apr high C = 20.6
|May high C = 23.7
|Jun high C = 27.5
|Jul high C = 30.2
|Aug high C = 31.0
|Sep high C = 28.2
|Oct high C = 23.7
|Nov high C = 18.5
|Dec high C = 15.1
|year high C = 

|Jan mean C = 9.3
|Feb mean C = 10.5
|Mar mean C = 12.9
|Apr mean C = 14.6
|May mean C = 17.3
|Jun mean C = 20.7
|Jul mean C = 22.8
|Aug mean C = 23.2
|Sep mean C = 20.8
|Oct mean C = 17.5
|Nov mean C = 13.1
|Dec mean C = 10.4
|year mean C = 

|Jan low C = 4.3
|Feb low C = 5.4
|Mar low C = 7.2
|Apr low C = 8.5
|May low C = 10.9
|Jun low C = 13.5
|Jul low C = 15.4
|Aug low C = 15.3
|Sep low C = 13.3
|Oct low C = 11.2
|Nov low C = 7.7
|Dec low C = 5.6
|year low C = 

|Jan record low C = -4.5
|Feb record low C = -3.8
|Mar record low C = -3.0
|Apr record low C = -1.3
|May record low C = 4.0
|Jun record low C = 5.0
|Jul record low C = 5.5
|Aug record low C = 8.5
|Sep record low C = 5.5
|Oct record low C = 1.5
|Nov record low C = -1.5
|Dec record low C = -4.0
|year record low C = 

|rain colour = green
|Jan rain mm = 71.8
|Feb rain mm = 56.4
|Mar rain mm = 44.8
|Apr rain mm = 46.9
|May rain mm = 36.3
|Jun rain mm = 8.2
|Jul rain mm = 1.5
|Aug rain mm = 3.1
|Sep rain mm = 30.0
|Oct rain mm = 75.7
|Nov rain mm = 80.6
|Dec rain mm = 86.4
|year rain mm = 

|source 1 = Portuguese Environment Agency<ref name="APA">{{cite web |title=Grândola 24F/01C |url=https://snirh.apambiente.pt/index.php?idRef=MTM4Ng==&findestacao=24F/01C |publisher=APA |access-date=13 June 2021}}</ref>
}}

== Parishes ==

{{Historical populations
|title = Population of Grândola (1864–2021)
|source = INE<ref name="ine" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name="ine2001">{{Cite web |last=INE |date=2001 |title=Censos |url=https://www.ine.pt/xportal/xmain?xpid=INE&xpgid=ine_indicadores&indOcorrCod=0000535&selTab=tab0&xlang=pt |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=Instituto Nacional de Estatística}}</ref><ref name="ine1991">{{Cite book |last=INE |url=https://www.ine.pt/xurl/pub/66198294 |title=Censos 1991. XIII Recenseamento Geral da População. III Recenseamento Geral da Habitação. Resultados definitivos. |location=Lisbon |publication-date=1996 |page=16 |language=pt-pt |trans-title=Census 1991. XIII General Population Census. III General Housing Census. Definitive results. |chapter=Região do Alentejo |access-date=22 November 2024 |chapter-url=https://www.ine.pt/ngt_server/attachfileu.jsp?look_parentBoui=483408383&att_display=n&att_download=y}}</ref><ref name="ine1981">{{Cite book |last=INE |url=https://www.ine.pt/xurl/pub/65587858 |title=XII Recenseamento Geral da População. II Recenseamento Geral da Habitação. Resultados definitivos: 1981 |location=Lisbon |publication-date=1984 |page=3 |language=pt-pt |trans-title=
XII General Population Census. II General Housing Census. Definitive Results: 1981 |chapter=Distrito de Setúbal |access-date=29 November 2024 |chapter-url=https://www.ine.pt/ngt_server/attachfileu.jsp?look_parentBoui=483482078&att_display=n&att_download=y}}</ref><ref name="ine1970">{{Cite book |last=INE |url=https://www.ine.pt/xurl/pub/66631947 |title=11º Recenseamento da População. 1º Recenseamento da Habitação: continente e ilhas: 1970 |location=Lisbon |publication-date=1971 |page=57 |language=pt-pt |trans-title=11th Population Census. 1st Housing Census: mainland and islands: 1970 |chapter=1º Volume |access-date=29 November 2024 |chapter-url=https://www.ine.pt/ngt_server/attachfileu.jsp?look_parentBoui=456102140&att_display=n&att_download=y}}</ref><ref name="ine1864-1960">{{Cite book |last=INE |url=https://www.ine.pt/xurl/pub/72846651 |title=X Recenseamento Geral da População no continente e ilhas adjacentes às 0 horas de 15 de Dezembro de 1960 |location=Lisbon |publication-date=1964 |page=77 |language=pt-pt |trans-title=10th General Population Census in the mainland and adjacent islands as of 12:00 AM on December 15, 1960 |chapter=Tomo I Volume 1º |access-date=22 November 2024 |chapter-url=https://www.ine.pt/ngt_server/attachfileu.jsp?look_parentBoui=72846784&att_display=n&att_download=y}}</ref>
|1600|1550
|1798|4000
|1864|5553
|1878|6230
|1890|6887
|1900|7539
|1911|10011
|1920|11081
|1930|13370
|1940|17699
|1950|21376
|1960|21060
|1970|15525
|1981|16042
|1991|13767
|2001|14901
|2011|14826
|2021|13822
|footnote = Estimates for 1600 and 1798 exclude the areas of Melides and São Mamede do Sádão.
}}

Administratively, the municipality is divided into four civil parishes (''[[freguesia (Portugal)|freguesias]]''):<ref>{{cite web|title=Law nr. 11-A/2013, page 552 54|url=http://dre.pt/pdf1sdip/2013/01/01901/0000200147.pdf |accessdate=23 July 2014|author=Diário da República|author-link=Diário da República|language=Portuguese}}</ref>
* [[Azinheira dos Barros e São Mamede do Sádão]]
* Carvalhal
* [[Melides]]
* [[Grândola e Santa Margarida da Serra]]

== Transports ==
Grândola is well-connected by road, with several major highways providing access to the town. The A2 highway links Grândola to [[Lisbon]] to the north and the [[Algarve]] to the south, while the toll-free IC1 offers an alternative route. Additionally, the A26/IP8 highway connects the town to [[Sines]] in the southwest and [[Beja, Portugal|Beja]] in the east.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Investimento em Conservação Corrente e Operação na A26 e A26-1 {{!}} Infraestruturas de Portugal |trans-title=Investment in Ongoing Maintenance and Operation of the A26 and A26-1 {{!}} Infraestruturas de Portugal |url=https://www.infraestruturasdeportugal.pt/pt-pt/investimento-em-conservacao-corrente-e-operacao-na-a26-e-a26-1 |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=Infraestruturas de Portugal |language=pt-pt}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Como chegar |trans-title=How to arrive |url=https://www.visitgrandola.com/conhecer/como-chegar |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=Visit Grândola |language=pt-PT}}</ref>

The municipality is served by several bus lines, including Rede Expressos, which provides daily connections to various locations across Portugal. The Rodoviária do Alentejo also operates services linking Grândola to other towns in the Alentejo region.<ref name=":2" />

Grândola is integrated into Portugal's rail network via the [[Linha do Sul]], which connects Lisbon to the Algarve. The town's railway station is served by [[Alfa Pendular]], Intercidades, and regional trains, all operated by [[Comboios de Portugal]] (CP).<ref name=":2" />

The northern part of the municipality is accessible by [[ferry]] across the [[Sado River]], connecting [[Setúbal]] to the [[Tróia Peninsula]].<ref name=":2" />

==Notable inhabitants==
* [[Hélder Costa (playwright)|Hélder Costa]] (born 1939) a Portuguese dramatist and playwright
* [[Sonia dos Reis]] (born 1977) a politician, member of the [[Social Democratic Party (Portugal)|Social Democratic Party]] (PSD)
* [[Dinis Vital]] (1932–2014) a Portuguese football goalkeeper, with upwards of 461 club caps

== In popular culture ==
[[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] singer-songwriter [[Zeca Afonso|José Afonso]] was inspired to write his song "[[Grândola, Vila Morena]]" after performing in Grândola on 17 May 1964. "Grândola, Vila Morena", first recorded in 1971, became an iconic song in Portugal after being used as a radio-broadcast signal by the Portuguese [[Armed Forces Movement]] during the [[1974 Portuguese coup d'état]], which led to the Carnation Revolution and the transition to democracy in Portugal.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=6 March 2013 |title=El himno revolucionario que resucitaron los indignados portugueses |url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias/2013/03/130304_grandola_vila_morena_ch |access-date=31 March 2024 |website=bbc.com/mundo}}</ref>

==Gallery==

<gallery>
File:Grândola Vila Morena.jpg|Monument to the [[Carnation Revolution]]
File:Pego da Moura5.jpg|[[Roman Dam of Pego da Moura]]
File:DolmendaPedraBranca1.jpg|[[Dolmen of Pedra Branca]], a burial tomb from the late [[Neolithic]]
File:Grandola railway station.jpg|Grandola railway station
File:Troia - Portugal (50413907951).jpg|Troía peninsula
File:Lagoa de Melides - Portugal (14382255371).jpg|Melides lagoon
</gallery>

== See also ==
*"[[Grândola, Vila Morena]]" &ndash; a song by [[José Afonso]] associated with the [[Carnation Revolution]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wikivoyage}}
* [http://www.cm-grandola.pt/ Website of the Municipality of Grândola]

{{Municipalities of Setúbal}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Grandola}}
[[Category:Grândola| ]]
[[Category:Towns in Portugal]]
[[Category:Populated places in Setúbal District]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1544]]
[[Category:Municipalities of Setúbal District]]
[[Category:1544 establishments in Portugal]]