[2] Besides the town of Grândola, it includes areas such as Tróia (part of Carvalhal parish), a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sado River, and the popular summer resort of Melides.

During antiquity, the Roman period was likely the time when Grândola's territory reached its highest levels of population, economic activity, and social development.

[4] In 1544, King 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.

The Estado Novo's ruralist and 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 Sul railway line in 1861 boosted the cork industry, which saw the establishment of numerous factories, including one that employed over 300 workers.

[4] 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 Salazar's regime, strikes and other popular protests became more common.

Among these was the Sociedade Musical Fraternidade Operária Grandolense, which would later inspire José Afonso's famous song Grândola, Vila Morena.

[7] Administratively, the municipality is divided into four civil parishes (freguesias):[13] Grândola is well-connected by road, with several major highways providing access to the town.

The town's railway station is served by Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, and regional trains, all operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP).