The city of Porto is built on steep hills surrounding the mouth of the Douro river on the west coast of Portugal. Steeped in history, Porto is an ideal year-round destination for visitors seeking something more than the sun and beaches. Porto has a fantastic mix of neighborhoods, although most of Porto's holidays focus on the Ribeira river district, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The historic city of Porto offers a wide range of architecture, a 12th century cathedral, ancient churches, the Maria Pia bridge which was built by Eiffel (famous for the Eiffel Tower in Paris) and once the longest arch bridge in the world, medieval alleys leading from steep cobbled streets, an old neighborhood on the river, bars and cafes by the sea, shops, parks and gardens. When it comes to relaxing, Porto has many traditional tavernas and restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine, fish and seafood dishes and some local green wines. Enjoy some shopping in traditional shops and the city's covered market or immerse yourself in culture including museums, theaters and art galleries, furniture and ceramics.
Climb the baroque Torre dos Clerigos to admire panoramic views of the old city and a photographic opportunity not to be missed. Visitors climb 240 steps to the top of this iconic landmark! A holiday in Porto is not complete without a walk across the two-level Dom Luis bridge to the suburb of Vila Nova de Gaia, where you will find the famous port wine huts on one bank and the Ribeira on the other. Here at the port loggias you can taste the ports of the three sub-areas of the Douro valley, the first wine-growing region delimited in the world. You can also buy from famous wineries such as Sandeman and Taylor who produce fortified wine (port) which takes its name from the famous city of Porto.
Families will love exploring the maze of narrow streets lined with brightly colored houses with blue and white tiled facades and flower-decorated balconies. There are many interesting excursions available during your cheap holidays in Porto, including those for seaside towns, small fishing villages, small towns and villages where you can explore ancient monasteries, churches, castles, fortresses and bridges. A fantastic day out for the whole family is a cruise along the Douro River which crosses the picturesque Douro Valley with a splendid backdrop of terraced vineyards and picturesque towns. Guimares is a world heritage site where beautiful medieval, Gothic, Roman and Baroque architecture is seen.
A holiday in Portugal would not be complete without a day or two on the beach. The most popular seaside resorts near Porto are the Atlantic resorts of Foz, Vila Cha, Povoa de Varzim, Santo Tirso and Cabadelo to the north and Esmoriz, Espinho (a long golden beach with a casino) and Cortegaca (excellent for surfing). the South.
The nightlife mainly focuses on the old area along the Cais da Ribeira river, the student bars of Cordoaria and also the bars, clubs, Art Deco cafés and the most fashionable elegant restaurants.
Porto enjoys long hot summers with almost uninterrupted sunshine between June and September. Spring and autumn are warm with plenty of sunshine and an ideal time for a cruise on the Douro River and exploring the many historical sites that Porto has to offer.
