Claire’s holiday request was for a girls weekend away to enjoy some good wine (& Port!), to catch some late summer sun and to visit a new city…and Porto delivered on every count!
Porto is Portugal’s second largest city attracting most visitors between March & October. It’s a World Heritage coastal city, located along the banks of the River Duoro and is just over a 2 hour flight from London. It is one of the oldest European centers and famously known for its impressive bridges joining Porto with neighbouring Vila Nova de Gaia, which is home to many of the well known port houses, including Graham’s and Cockburn’s.
At every turn, vistors are greeted with the sight of stunning momuments, magnificent churches and mammouth monasteries. Beautiful Portuguese ceramic tiles adorn every building and many windows show-off their flowering balconies. The quaint shopping streets with cobbled stones and hidden arches, lead to ceramic boutiques, the obligatory souvenir shop and unassuming restaurants, serving up tried and tested traditional Portuguese delicacies, including the very popular Francesinha; a hot sandwich with layers of toasted bread, assorted hot meats and covered in melted cheese!
Top tip from Claire “When in Porto, make plenty of time for coffee stops and a delicious Pastel de Nata – they are simply heavenly and I wish I could have brought home a whole box!”
Prices are reasonable too, with 6 coffees and 6 Pastel’s costing 22euros!
Porto is a captivating city with plenty to see and do during a 2 night, 3 day visit.
Claire’s advice would be to book a trip in the balmy autumn months offering the opportunity to soak up the late summer sun, whilst strolling the cobbled streets taking in the views from either side of the famous Dom Luis Bridge. There are plenty of Port houses to learn about and then sample some different Port’s and then come the early evening, hop aboard a relaxing sunset cruise on the Duoro, complete with numerous bottles of Vinho Verde!
Check out this YouTube video for a ‘Day in the Life of a local in Porto’