Setúbal: Portugal's Coastal Gem

• HelloOlá
  [oh-LAH]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-DAY-oosh]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-VOR/deh NAH-dah]
• Thank youObrigado
  [oh-bree-GAH-doo]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-SEN-sah/deh-SKOO-puh]
• How are you?Como estás?
  [KOH-moo ehs-TAHS]
• Fine. And you?Estou bem. E tu?
  [ehs-TOH-oo behn/eh too]
• Do you speak English?Falas inglês?
  [FAH-lahs een-GLESH]
• I don't understandNão entendo
  [now ehn-TEN-doo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o menu, por favor
  [goh-STAH-ree-ah deh vehr oo MEH-noo/por fah-VOR]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [now KOH-moo KAHR-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sow-DAY]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [goh-STAH-ree-ah deh pah-GAHR/por fah-VOR]

• Help!Socorro!
  [soh-KOH-roh]
• Go away!Vai-te embora!
  [VAH-ee-teh ehm-BOH-rah]
• Call the Police!Chama a Polícia!
  [SHA-mah ah poh-LEE-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chama um médico!
  [SHA-mah oom MEH-dee-koo]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [ehs-TOH pehr-DEE-doo]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [ehs-TOH doo-EN-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Queria comprar...
  [kay-REE-ah kohm-PRAR]
• I'm just lookingEstou só a ver
  [ehs-TOH soh ah vehr]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [KWAN-too KOOSH-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é demasiado caro
  [EE-soh eh dah-mah-SYAH-doo KA-roo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [POH-deh BAI-shahr oo PREH-soo]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [kay OH-rahz sah-oo]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh OO-mah OH-rah]
• Half past (10)Meia (dez)
  [MAY-ah/dehz]
• MorningManhã
  [MAHN-yah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [TAHR-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [NOY-teh]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ON-tehm]
• TodayHoje
  [OH-zheh]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-MAHN-yah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-ISH]
• 3Três
  [trehs]
• 4Quatro
  [KWAH-troo]
• 5Cinco
  [SEEN-koo]
• 6Seis
  [saysh]
• 7Sete
  [SEH-teh]
• 8Oito
  [OY-too]
• 9Nove
  [NOH-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehz]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/a...?
  [OHN-deh FEE-kah oo/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é a morada?
  [kahl eh ah moh-RAH-dah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Podes mostrar-me (no mapa)?
  [POH-dehs moh-SHTR-meh (noh MAH-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (autocarro)?
  [KWAHN-doo eh oo PROH-ksee-moo (ow-toh-KAH-roo)]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ...)
  [oom bee-LEH-teh (PAH-rah)]

Setúbal’s origins can be traced back to Roman times when it was known as Cetobriga. The Romans established the city as an important commercial hub due to its strategic location along the Sado River. Archaeological excavations have revealed remnants of Roman baths, mosaics, and salt production facilities, attesting to the town’s ancient economic activities.

During the Middle Ages, Setúbal flourished as a key port and trading center. The town expanded significantly under the rule of King Afonso III in the 13th century, who granted it a charter and fostered its development. This period saw the construction of important religious and civil structures, including the Church of Santa Maria da Graça and the Castle of São Filipe.

Setúbal played a vital role during Portugal's Age of Discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries. The town's shipyards were bustling with activity, building vessels that would embark on expeditions to Africa, India, and the New World. The local population also contributed significantly to the seafaring tradition, with many sailors from Setúbal joining the voyages of exploration.

The devastating earthquake of 1755, which struck Lisbon and much of the surrounding region, had a significant impact on Setúbal. Many buildings were destroyed, and the town had to undergo extensive reconstruction. The rebuilding effort led to the creation of new structures and urban planning initiatives, shaping the modern layout of the town.

The 19th century brought industrialization and modernization to Setúbal. The town became a center for sardine canning and fishing, industries that fueled its economic growth. This period also saw the construction of the Troia Peninsula’s ferry connection and the establishment of rail links, further integrating Setúbal into the national infrastructure.

Throughout the 20th century, Setúbal continued to grow and diversify. The town expanded its industrial base, incorporating chemical and paper industries, while also promoting tourism. The natural beauty of the Arrábida Natural Park, the rich cultural heritage, and the vibrant local festivals, such as the Festa de São Sebastião, have made Setúbal a popular destination for visitors from around the world.

Setúbal is located approximately 50 kilometers south of Lisbon. The nearest international airport is Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS). From the airport, you can take a direct train or bus to Setúbal, which typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. Alternatively, renting a car and driving via the A2 highway is a convenient option, taking about 45 minutes to an hour.

Setúbal offers various modes of transportation. The city has a reliable bus network operated by TST (Transportes Sul do Tejo), which connects different parts of the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable. For a more scenic route, consider taking a ferry from Setúbal to the Troia Peninsula. Car rentals are also a good option if you plan to explore the broader region at your own pace.

The official currency in Portugal is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout Setúbal, and you can withdraw cash as needed.

Setúbal is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious of your belongings in crowded places like markets and public transport. Specific areas such as Bela Vista and some parts of the city center have higher rates of petty crimes like pickpocketing, so remain vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, medical services, and fire departments. Setúbal has several hospitals and clinics that provide medical care. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in churches. Avoid loud conversations and taking photos during services. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trains and buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. It's polite to say 'Bom dia' (Good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (Good afternoon). Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood dishes and accompany your meal with a glass of local wine. Don’t rush through meals; dining is a leisurely activity.

To experience Setúbal like a local, visit the Mercado do Livramento, one of Portugal's best markets, for fresh produce and seafood. Stroll along the Avenida Luísa Todi for cafes and local shops. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share insights about the city. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Arrábida Natural Park for its stunning landscapes and hidden beaches.