Guidebook Updates for Portugal

When we learn of critical changes to the information in our guidebooks on Portugal, we post them here. (Of course, it's still smart to reconfirm critical transportation and sightseeing details locally.) Armed with a Rick Steves guidebook and these late-breaking updates, you're set for a great trip!

The Algarve

Coimbra

  • Bar do Mercado Requinte has closed.

For books printed before January 2023, the following may also apply:

  • If you show up at King João's Library without an advance ticket, try showing up early — before 10:00 — at the ticket office inside the New Cathedral, across from the Science Museum (this office was previously at the Biblioteca Geral).

Douro Valley

  • If you're taking the long, lazy river cruise from Porto to the Douro Valley (with stops in Régua and sometimes Pinhão), you'll be put on a bus back to Porto (the return trip is no longer by train).
  • The Quinta de Marrocos in Régua has new contact info: +351 966 053 517, https://quintademarrocos.pt, [email protected].
  • At the Quinta do Vallado, daily tastings and tours run at 11:00, 14:30, and 16:30; book ahead online or take your chances.
  • Dinner prices have increased significantly at the Quinta de la Rosa outside Pinhão: Options for a three-course dinner now are now €45 with no wine, €55 with regular wines, and €65 with reserve wines; reservations are required (email [email protected]). Tours of the quinta are now offered daily at 11:30, 14:30, and 17:00 (now €22.50); reserve ahead for these on their site.

Évora

For books printed before January 2023, the following may apply:

  • Melanie Wolfram is no longer offering tours.
  • The "In Town: Evora City Tour" bus is no longer running.
  • The Adega do Alentejano restaurant has closed.
  • Pousada dos Lóios is now officially called the Pousada Convento de Évora (though most locals still use its old name).

Lisbon

For books printed before January 2023, the following may also apply:

  • The Aerobus shuttle between the airport and the city is completely out of service.
  • There is no longer an overnight train running between Lisbon and Madrid. Flying may be your fastest and even cheapest option, as plane tickets can go for just $40. Otherwise it's an 8–9-hour bus ride ($65, 2/day) or a longer, less convenient train ride ($70 without a rail pass, 1/day, at least 9 hours with two connections).

Nazaré & Central Portugal

  • The Nazaré tourist information office website is now https://findoutnazare.pt.
  • In Nazaré, the Sitio Museum has closed.
  • The Fátima tourist information office website is now https://visitfatima.pt.
  • The Batalha tourist information office has a new website and phone number: +351 244 769 877.
  • In Tomar, a handy minibus (line "Verde") now takes visitors from the train station up to the castle (€1.50, runs every 45 minutes from 10:00, Sat runs only until 13:00, none on Sun).
  • There's no longer a combo-ticket for the Monastery of Santa Maria in Batalha, the Convent of Christ in Tomar, and the Monastery of Santa Maria in Alcobaça.
  • In Óbidos, it is no longer possible to park inside the town walls even if you are staying at a hotel there.

Porto

  • Porto's main tourist information office, the Porto Welcome Center, is across the street from the São Bento train station (daily 9:00–18:00, +351 222 081 833). Another tourist information office is in the crenellated tower near the Cathedral Square, and another is at the airport.
  • Trolley #22 remains suspended during Metro construction.
  • Santa Clara Church has reopened following renovations (entry is now €4).
  • To visit the Stock Exchange Palace, you can check the schedule for English-language tours online, but you can't reserve or buy a ticket on the website. It's better to drop in and check tour options at the ticket counter (availability is displayed on a screen there).
  • 1872 River House has a new website; their new email address is [email protected].
  • A.S. 1829 Hotel has a new website; their new email address is [email protected].
  • Pestana Porto Hotel is now called Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel.
  • Pensão Residencial Belo Sonho has closed.

 

Sintra

  • Tickets for the Pena Palace shuttle can now be purchased online as an add-on to your timed-entry palace tickets.
  • There is no longer a shuttle from parking lots outside Sintra's historic center. Drivers who park in one of these outside lots can take an Uber or Bolt into town.
  • Scotturb no longer runs bus #403 from Sintra to Cabo da Roca or bus #417 from Sintra to Cascais.
  • Casa Miradouro has closed.