Rick Steves' Portugal
- The 2008 edition of Rick Steves' Portugal is now available.
Updates since the 2008 edition:
General
Bring cash and a second debit card when visiting Portugal. Some readers have had difficulty in using Mastercard debit cards in Portugal (for hotel payments, at ATMS, and at restaurants), even though they notified their bank ahead of time. This might be because many merchants in Portugal, especially outside the main tourist areas, only take MultiBanco credit cards (a Portuguese bank). For the best chances of accessing money from your US bank account, locate an ATM that accesses a network whose logo is on the back of your ATM card (for example, Cirrus or Accel).
Lisbon
The Elevador da Glória funicular (mentioned in the "Self-Guided Walks" section) has reopened, although the viewpoint to which it leads (Miradouro de São Pedro Alcântara) may close in 2008, due to major balcony-replacement and repavement projects. For more information, see www.carris.pt.
The São Roque Church is closed for restoration until sometime in 2008.
Nazaré
If you have trouble emailing the Ribamar Hotel, send a fax instead to 262-562-224.
Near Nazaré: Alcobaça
The National Museum of Wine has put a cork in it and closed for good.
Douro Valley
Quinta de Marrocos now charges €70 for a double with private bath, including breakfast. (A single with bath is still €50.)