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Guide to Porto, Portugal
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Porto
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PortoHugging the Duoro River in the northeast of Portugal, the city of Porto is a mix of commercialism, tourism, and its Port wine industry. At a close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, visitors can also spend some lazy hours on the beach, and still enjoy a pleasant stroll along the narrow streets of Portos old city in the evening. Both of the citys modern and historic areas offer pleasant views, though youll get more exhaust fumes and dust on yourself if you happen to walk through the streets of high-rises instead of the villa-rich old-city Porto. Not too long ago Porto shared the title of European Capital of Culture with the Netherlands city of Rotterdam, and today it is seeing an even greater emphasis on the arts, both performing and visual. Visit Porto and you yourself may just fall in love with it, as we surely have.
When to go:
The best time for temperate weather in the northeast of Portugal is the summer, though you may be turned off by the unusually high amount of rainfall. However, if you manage to slip through those periods, Porto is absolutely wonderful, giving you warm weather, aided by the gentle breezes coming off of the Atlantic. Spring and autumn are there, yet show subtle change to the citys atmosphere except for the slight chill in the morning and evening. Winters are a no go, unless you would enjoy sporting the hat, coat, and scarf to your visits of Portos suburban vineyards.
Getting there and around:
Porto Santo Airport is the citys connection to the rest of the country and many fellow European locales. The majority of flights originating from outside the country come from Spanish cities such as Madrid or Barcelona, but youll be surprised at how diverse the flight schedule for the terminal is. At a sizeable distance of 20km (12mi) from the city, the airport is no short walk away. For transportation, you have buses and taxis and, if youre planning on seeing more than just Porto, car rental services.
Most people, whether they are locals or tourists, use the citys busing system to get around town. Youll find them to be quite spacious and the money you save on cheap fares will have you feeling good. Taxis are available if your desire is to visit Portos vineyards or more out-of-the-way destinations; their fares are also quite reasonable.
Attractions:
Porto is renowned throughout the world as the king of Port wine. After all, the genre did originate from this land. Therefore, a visit to Porto cannot go by without stops to some of its best vineyards and cellars. Along the skyline of Vila Nova de Gaia, youll see the houses: Taylors, Dows, Sandeman, Calem, Offley, Ramos Pinto, Ferreira, Neipoort, Kopke, and more. Most of these are open to the general public, either by unannounced visits or by previous scheduling. Many offer tours, and at the end, provide wine tasting and sampling. Just dont get greedy! You can also visit Portos Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto for an even greater comprehensive lesson on quality control of the wines.
The Igreja e Torre dos Clerigos is a beautiful church with an even more spectacular view. The buildings Baroque style fits in well with its surroundings, and is open to all who come (between 9am and 5:30pm, excluding services).
Portos Cathedral is situated on the edge of the old town, and though its presence doesnt exactly spell imposing, its beautiful simplicity and great history give it an attractive character. Plus, the Cathedrals chapterhouse offers wonderful views of the old city.
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