Oporto Thing To Do

There’s much more to see besides the magnificent cathedral. The Maria Pia Bridge, built by Eiffel (of the tower fame), was once the longest arch bridge in the world, while the Dom Luis Bridge offers unbeatable views of Villa Nova de Gaia, with its famous port houses, on one bank and the Ribeira on the other. A UNESCO Heritage Site, the Ribeira has narrow, cobbled streets and bags of charm, and is also the city’s liveliest area with numerous, packed bars and restaurants amongst the galleries and colourfully painted traditional houses.

The Costa Verde has a wide choice of excellent beaches and resorts. Vila la Nova de Gaia has miles of Blue Flag beaches. Espinho has grown into a resort, with a long, golden beach and a casino that attracts the Portuguese in numbers. Esposende offers excellent swimming and lush green pine forests, while the nearby Porto Golf Club is the second oldest course in Continental Europe. Cortegaca offers superb surfing.

 

No holiday in to Oporto is complete without a tour of one or more of more of the many port lodges. Visitors can try ports from the three sub-zones of the Douro valley, the world’s first demarcated wine region. And of course, there’s an opportunity to buy. Famous cellars such as Sandeman – where you can also visit a museum - and Taylor’s are represented amongst producers of the fortified wine which takes its name from this historic town.

Designated a UNESCO Heritage Site for its outstanding beauty. The valley, with its stunning backdrop of centuries-old terraced vineyards and pretty towns, can be explored by road, steam train, hiking trail, or from the River Douro itself. All kinds of boats make trip up the valley, from hotel boats to mini yachts, with prices reflecting the comfort, food and length of the journey.

 

Nearby Guimarães is another World Heritage Site. Celebrated as the birthplace of the nation, Portugal’s first capital features a very well preserved medieval quarter as well as fine Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque architecture.

The festival of São João, patron saint of lovers, in June is one of Europe’s liveliest street parties. People roam the bunting- and music-filled streets hitting one another with giant plastic hammers and wild leeks. After a huge firework display revellers drift off to the local beaches where the celebrations continue into the early hours. Portugal’s leading film festival, Fantasporto, in February/March, focusing on fantasy and science fiction. It attracts a huge audience of filmmakers, cinephiles and anyone interested in what’s new in the arts.

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