Energetic city split by water, linked by bridges & famed for its Port Wine.
The 2nd city of Portugal and the world centre for Port production, Porto occupies a dramatic location on the steep terraces over the Douro River. The riverside quays are thronged with activity, as are the atmospheric, tiled city streets and squares. Bridges span the river throughout Porto, offering great access points and superb vistas.
Porto is also a coastal city and its northern beaches are a magnet for locals during the summer months. Behind the golden sands are concert venues, art works and some seriously good fish restaurants in the newly gentrified industrial north west suburbs.
PORTO AT A GLANCE
Facts & figures
- Population | 214 000
- June ave. temp. 18°C
- September ave. temp. 19°C
Airport transfers
- Porto | 8 miles
- Lisbon | 190 miles
Culture
- Art
- Museums
- Wine history
Action
- Sailing
- Surfing
- Stand up paddling
- Bridge climb
PORTO CITY
There are few cities in Europe with the physical drama of Porto. To the south of the city there is the Douro River which effectively separates Porto and the Porto Metropolitan district of Vila Nova de Gaia. For the visitor this represents an administrative boundary rather than anything noticeable. Porto descends towards Douro River on steep terraces offering dramatic views over the river and vantage points with views to the east and west of the city. The quayside area of Porto is fascinating with entertainment, bars and restaurants, whilst the bridges offer stunning / precipitous views over the river and the undulating city. The city centre of Porto around the São Bento ornate central railway station and the Praça da Liberdade central square is a labyrinth of streets with restaurant terraces, shops and bars.
Vila Nova de Gaia, on the southern shores of the Douro River is home to the leading Port wine warehouses of Porto, these days acting as large tasting attractions for visitors who flock to them. The eastern reaches of the city eventually give way to the Douro wine country which can be accessed by river cruise or scenic train. Far removed from the hustle of Porto, these villages cling to the river valley and host numerous vineyards. To the west of Porto are the coastal areas, with a highlight being the city beach at Matosinhos. Here the long sandy beach hosts beach & water sports, as well as open air music on the boulevard and the ‘She Changes’, (known locally as anémon) giant art installation. This recently gentrified suburb is also a fish restaurant Mecca with smoking grills filling several streets in this historic fishing neighbourhood.
PORTO ACTIVITIES
surfing
Learn to surf on the Atlantic coast to the west of Porto.
stand up paddling
Take to the water around Porto on a stand up paddle board.
Aveiro
Discover this fascinating town to the south of Porto.
PORTO DINING
Fish dominates the menu in Porto, with the Atlantic Ocean having delivered centuries worth of fish and seafood. Once a giant fish processing suburb, Matosinhos is now home to a wide range of high-quality fish restaurants, offering fish cooked on open grills in their street-side restaurants. There are several Michelin-starred restaurants located across Porto as well as a couple on the southern side of Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia.
As well as the wonderful fish dishes which define the identity of Porto gastronomy, the venues can be equally enviable. Riverside locations offer the chance of views over the Douro River, witnessing its changing light and river traffic, whilst higher up in the city, there are rooftops and terraces providing stunning views over the city. No dining experience in Porto is complete without Port Wine from the nearby vineyards.
PORTO NIGHTLIFE
One of the most iconic locations in the region is located just across the Douro River in the quayside area the Porto Metropolitan district of Vila Nova de Gaia. Here on the banks of the river is located the Port Wine district which hosts famous brands such as Taylors, Sandeman and Ferreira. This whole area to the south of the river is made up of Port Wine bottlers and warehouses, with terrace bars to taste their range of Port.
Throughout Porto are historic and contemporary venues to enjoy life beyond Port. Ceramic walls are commonplace, and Porto is stylish with street-side terraces and funky indoor and rooftop bars filled with energy. There are further opportunities to drink by the river along the Porto quayside, whilst the suburb of Matosinhos offers bars and terraces on the Atlantic coast.
PORTO MEETINGS & SEMINARS
On the banks of the Douro River, the Alfandega Porto Congress Centre is a recently refurbished, former customs house that is nationally acclaimed for its superb interior and meeting & seminar facilities. With extensive space and modular rooms, the Alfandega Congress Centre offers 1st class meeting facilities in the heart of Porto, complete with a dramatic location.
In addition to the Alfandega Porto Congress Centre, there are numerous hotels offering professional seminar space within their properties. Together these venues offer an ideal mix to host meetings of varying sizes. Added to this are the superb range of activities on offer in Porto, for delegates to enjoy some team building or networking whilst in Porto.
PORTO - THE UNMISSABLE
Outside of the centre of Porto are some wonderfully diverse locations to explore including the Atlantic beaches to the north west and the vineyards to the east.
To the south of Porto lies the town of Aveiro. Known as the Venice of Portugal, the town is a fascinating labyrinth of canals, streets and squares, with some really Portuguese experiences to be discovered, away for the touristy canals.
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