TheDocTraveler

For those interested in organizing a small trip to one of the most fascinating lands in Europe just over two hours’ flight from Italy, my proposal today is Porto, the second city in Portugal, whose name already evokes for itself unforgettable suggestions and of course its homonymous fortified wine. Here are some tips to discover the Lusitanian city in a few days, savoring the most interesting details.

Porto (or sometimes Oporto, by merging the male article into Portuguese O with Porto), is the head of the second most important urban agglomeration of Portugal. Although the neighboring city, immediately beyond the banks of the Douro river, Vila Nova de Gaia, has a higher population, Porto is undoubtedly the economic and cultural pole of a large area historically in competition with the capital Lisbon. From Porto originates the same name of Portugal (from Portus Calem) and represents the first inhabited nucleus of which there is historical information of the whole nation. Its name recalls the homonymous wine, known all over the world and source of economic development of the whole region of the Douro valley. The city recalls for its naturalistic beauties (we are at the mouth of the river and a few steps from the Atlantic Ocean on the beaches of which surfers from all over the world find the natural habitat to perform on the highest waves of the Old Continent), the artistic wealth and architectural as well as the food and wine tradition thousands of tourists every year. Its airport is located in Maia about 20 minutes from the city center connected by subway, bus and of course taxis and Uber easily.

The best way to discover the city of Porto is to arm yourself with good shoes (and courage) and walk. The city develops in height on alleys climbed on the hill where alleys open with the typical black and white cobblestone and wide viewpoints on which you can enjoy the contrasts of this city. Bright colors interspersed with austere Gothic facades of palaces and churches in a continuous ups and downs that allows you to enjoy the best of this romantic city. The neighborhood not to be missed is definitely Ribeira, on the banks of the Douro. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it represents the oldest and most vibrant soul of the city. A maze of roads that climb the hill and open on the banks of the Douro river. The descent to the long river can be difficult and the risk of slipping if it rains is high, so be careful! The colorful houses in pastel colors create an image of a nativity scene especially at dusk or sunset. But this will be best enjoyed once you have crossed the river and reached Vila Nova de Gaia. From Ribeira you can instead enjoy the view of the twin city called by all the Portuguese simply Gaia with the profile of the innumerable cellars of Porto which are all beyond the Douro river and paradoxically therefore not in Porto. A walk at sunset in the Ribeira is essential, perhaps sipping a glass of beer or white wine (Catarina recommended) accompanied by fried codfish meatballs in one of the bars on the promenade along the Douro. From here you can see the most famous bridge (as well as the symbol of the city), the two-storey Don Luis I bridge, built on a project by Eiffel, is a huge inverted Eiffel Tower that allows you to walk both on the lower and lower floors of connect the two cities and enjoy a breathtaking view.
But before crossing the bridge the city of Porto still offers multiple jewels. The Palacio da Bolsa, the Torre dos Clérigos, the Lello library and the majestic Cathedral. A walk to the Jardins do Palàcio de Cristal is inevitable as well as watching the sunset on the beach facing the ocean.

Here are my tips on where to stay and eat!

Hotel: Flores Village Hotel & Spa, boutique hotel in the heart of Porto. Located in a historic building of the eighteenth century, it offers a wellness center with sauna and swimming pool in a design that combines vintage and contemporary architecture. The hotel is located in various buildings that overlook a garden and a terrace from which you can admire a splendid sunset over the roofs of the Lusitanian city. Excellent breakfast served in a beautiful frescoed room where you can taste the famous pasteis de nata.

https://www.floresboutiquehotel.com

Restaurants

Praia da Luz: restaurant, lounge bar and terrace on the beach facing the ocean. Ideal for an aperitif at sunset. Classy Portuguese cuisine in a chic and trendy setting.
www.praiadaluz.pt

Taberna Do Largo: in the center, international cuisine with a Portuguese touch. Excellent reinterpretation of Italian cuisine with skilled Lusitanian hands.
https://www.facebook.com/tabernadolargo

Taberninha di Manel: in Vila Nova de Gaia, a few steps from the most famous cellars of Porto. Casual atmosphere, excellent service. Portuguese cuisine.
taberninhadomanel.comportugal.com

It’s up to you now to organize a small escape to Porto! It will not disappoint you!