Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the Rio Tejo. The castle is 5km from Constância. Boats (€2, five minutes) leave r egularly
from a riverside landing directly opposite the castle. Once on the island, a short walk leads
up to the ramparts, where you're free to linger as long as you like.
The island, almost jumping distance from land, was once the site of a Roman fort; the
castle was built by Gualdim Pais, Grand Master of the Order of the Knights Templar, in
1171. It's no surprise that Almourol has long caught the imagination of excitable poets
longing for the Age of Chivalry.
You can also go to the castle by boat from the town of
Tancos
( 249 712 093; jftan-
cos@gmail.com; €2.50)
, with the same hours, which must be prebooked. Buses run between
Constância and Tancos, passing near the castle.
Sleeping & Eating
A local speciality,
queijinhos do Céu
(sweets from heaven), is still made by local nuns
from almond meal and egg yolks (delicious!).
Casa João Chagas
( 249 739 403;
www.casajoaochagas.com
; Rua João Chagas, Constância; s/d €39/50; )
Set in the
former town hall and another building opposite, this excellent place offers large, simple,
modernized rooms with comfortable beds and a good attitude. It's right in the centre of
things just off the main square near the river.
GUESTHOUSE
€
Remédio d'Alma
( 249 739 405; Largo 5 de Outubro, Constância; mains €11-15; lunch Tue, lunch & dinner Wed-Sun)
For
fine regional cooking, try this elegant little place, set in a pretty stucco house with a lovely
garden shaded by orange trees. It's 200m upriver from Constância's main square.
PORTUGUESE
€€
Information
Turismo
(
249 730 052;
www.cm-constancia.pt
; Av das Forças Armadas;
9am-6pm Mon-Fri, 11am-1pm &
2-6pm Sat & Sun)
Beside the river in the centre of town.
Getting There & Away
BUS
Constância is easily reached by bus from Tomar (€2.45, 40 minutes).
Rodotejo
(
www.rodotejo.pt
)
run four buses weekdays to Tancos (20 minutes), which will drop you
