We started our Portuguese vacation with three nights in the charming city of Porto. We had flown into Lisbon and hopped on a three hour train ride to Porto. As we exited the train station, we saw the beauty of the city and knew we would enjoy our time here.
Things to Do
Ribeira Neighborhood
One of the must-see sights in Porto is the Ribeira neighborhood located along the banks of the Douro River. This charming area is filled with colorful buildings, quaint cafes, and lively bars. Take a stroll along the river and admire the beautiful views of the city and the famous Dom Luis I Bridge.
Gaia Cable Car
Another must-see attraction in Porto is the Gaia Cable Car. This cable car takes visitors on a scenic ride across the Douro River, offering breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding area. The cable car departs from the Ribeira neighborhood and travels to the Gaia side of the river, where visitors can explore the famous port wine cellars and enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the stunning views.
The cable car ride is a great way to get a different perspective of the city, and is especially beautiful during sunset. The ride takes approximately 10 minutes and tickets can be purchased on the spot at the cable car station. Prices for an adult one-way ticket is around 8€, and round trip is around 14€. Prices for children, students and senior citizens are cheaper.
Wine Cellars
While in Porto, a visit to the famous port wine cellars on the Gaia side of the Douro River is a must. The cellars are located in historic buildings that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, and offer visitors a glimpse into the history and process of port wine production.
Ruby, tawny, and white port wines are three different types of port wine, which is a wine that is produced exclusively in the Douro Valley of Portugal.
Ruby port is the most common and widely produced type. It is made from a blend of different grape varieties and aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve its fruity flavor and vibrant red color. Ruby port is typically full-bodied and rich, with flavors of dark fruit and chocolate.
Tawny port is aged in wooden barrels for a longer period of time than ruby port, which causes it to gradually oxidize and develop a mellow, nutty flavor. Tawny port can be aged for several years or even several decades, and the longer it is aged, the smoother and more complex it becomes. Tawny port is typically lighter in color than ruby port, ranging from a pale amber to a deep mahogany.
White port is made from white grapes and is aged in a similar way to tawny port, which gives it a golden color and a rich, nutty flavor. White port is often served as an aperitif, either chilled or mixed with tonic water and a slice of lemon.
All three types of port can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of foods, including cheese, chocolate, and desserts. They are also often used as a base for cocktails and other mixed drinks.
If you are interested in visiting the wine cellars and testing different port wines, consider visiting some of the following cellars in Gaia:
- Taylor’s – Founded in 1692, Taylor’s is one of the oldest and most renowned port wine houses in the region.
- Sandeman – Founded in 1790, Sandeman is one of the most recognizable port wine brands in the world.
- Calem – Founded in 1859, Calem is a family-owned port wine house known for its high-quality ports.
- Croft – Founded in 1588, Croft is another one of the oldest port wine houses in the region.
- Ramos Pinto – Founded in 1880, Ramos Pinto is a family-owned port wine house known for its high-quality ports.
Wine tastings at these cellars range from basic tastings to more elaborate tastings that include food pairing, and prices vary accordingly. Depending on the time of year, reservations may be required. We visited in October and didn’t have any trouble arranging tastings.
If you are interested in visiting where the port wine producers vineyards are located, a visit to Douro Valley is a must. You can arrange a day trip from Porto as it’s located just outside of the city. If you are interested in spending more time wine tasting and taking in stunning views of the valley, check out my post on our weekend in Douro Valley.
Surfing
Porto may be known for its historic architecture and delicious wine, but it’s also a great destination for surf enthusiasts. The city is located on the Atlantic coast, and offers a variety of surf spots with different levels of difficulty. There are several surf schools in Porto that offer lessons for both beginners and experienced surfers. Some popular surf schools include:
- Porto Surf School – this is the one we used
- Ericeira Surf Camp
- Wavetours
Prices for surf lessons vary depending on the school and the type of lesson, but generally range from around 30€ for a group lesson to around 70€ for a private lesson. Some schools also offer package deals that include multiple lessons and rental equipment at a discounted price. Most packages include pick and drop off at your hotel in Porto.
It’s worth mentioning that the best time to surf in Porto is from October to April, where the waves are bigger and more consistent. Even though you can surf all year round, the waves are not as good during the summer months.
I have to mention that I broke my foot in the first 30 minutes of my lesson which I’ll talk about in another post. With that being said, I wouldn’t deter someone from giving surfing a try as it was a freak accident.
Food to Try
When it comes to food, Porto is a food lover’s paradise. The following traditional Portuguese dishes are must trys:
Francesinha
Francesinha is a sandwich originating in Porto. It is known for its rich, hearty flavor and is considered one of the city’s signature dishes. The sandwich consists of multiple layers of meat, including sausage, ham, and steak, all sandwiched between slices of bread and topped with melted cheese and a thick tomato and beer sauce. The sandwich is then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and the sauce is hot and bubbly. Francesinha is typically served with french fries or other sides and is often accompanied by a cold beer. It is a very heavy meal and I recommend sharing (if your spouse will let you).
Pasteis de Nata
Pasteis de Nata are small, custard-filled tarts with a crisp, flaky crust. The filling is made from a mixture of egg yolks, sugar, milk, and cinnamon, which is then baked inside a delicate, buttery pastry shell. Everywhere you turn, you will find bakeries selling these delicious treats.
Pastéis de Bacalhau com Queijo
This a popular snack food in Portugal made from salt cod and cheese. The ingredients are mixed together and then wrapped in a thin pastry crust, which is deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. This dish is often served as a snack or appetizer and is a staple at Portuguese taverns and cafes. The salt cod and cheese filling gives the pastry a rich and savory flavor, while the crispy pastry crust adds a crunch.
Overall, Porto is a city that has something to offer every type of traveler. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or just looking for a charming European destination, you are bound to enjoy Porto!
