One of the largest cities of Portugal, Porto with surrounding River Douro is basically all about history, UNESCO world heritage sites, mouth-watering gastronomy and beautiful neoclassical buildings from the 18th century. The colourful red roof houses on the riverside offering the labyrinth of zigzagging streets and alleyways make Porto a postcard city, but right behind the picturesque riverfront quarter called Cais de Ribeira lies the more modern and recent structure, Porto Bridge or Arrábida Bridge. The blend of cathedrals, fascinating museums large bridges, riverfront houses and narrow promenade along with charming little cafes and restaurants makes Porto a perfect day tour city.
And if you are the shopping and lazy beach kind of soul, then Porto is there to lift your spirits up. Rua de Santa Catarina is probably the best place to get local and international shopping stores and boutiques. From regional family business to posh Via Catarina mall, you’ll find it all. For more vintage, handicraft and antique experience, a visit to the very exclusive Porto markets Mercadinho dos Clérigos and Rua Candido dos Reis must not be missed. Whereas the largest local beach loved by every Porto citizen, Matosinhos is where you will the city coming together for surfing and sunny walks. Praia do Molhe with its picturesque and charming promenade lets you get the best holiday pictures while enjoying a walk on the sand, watching the sunset and get a nice drink on the beachside cafes.
Porto to Douro Valley
At a drive of one and half hour from Porto, lies the enchanting wine region of Douro Valley. If you have just one day at your end, then a road trip from Porto to Douro Valley is probably one of the best ways to make the most of your 24hours in the city. It’s so magical, green and gorgeous that Douro Valley’s vineyards are not just popular among locals and tourists, it is also a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here are 4 top reasons to plan Porto to Douro Valley Road Trip
01 Landscapes & Views
Picture perfect terrace fields, oldest vineyards and grape harvest are few of the many reasons to head to Douro Valley. For nature and open green space lovers Douro Valley is an escape from the tall city structures and crowd to the heavenly serene beauty of planet earth, as you toss a coin whether to walk around clicking pictures, climb hilly landscapes or go bird birdwatching. One of the most striking elements of Douro Valley apart form its vineyards and water sport activities is that it is a perfect place for capturing and clicking several birds including endangered species. Just like other Portugal birdwatching spots like Serra da Estrela and Ria Formosa, Douro Valley is a fine spot to click Peregrine falcon, Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture and Black Stroke. Douro Valley is also surrounded by some very interesting villages and peaceful towns with their own local attractions, views and landscapes to turn your drive into a blissful adventure. Douro Valley towns to visit are Peso da Régua, Pinhão, and Lamego.
02 Port Wine
The wine region of landscapes to turn your drive into a blissful adventure. Douro Valley Wine region is popular as the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Terrace hilltop fields and greenest vineyards give you the finest wine tasting experience as you savour the strong and sweet Porto wine. Witness grape harvest is also a good event to witness if you are there at the right time, around mid-September or end of it. And if you end up deciding to turn your one-day trip into 2 days of the tour, then there are local houses that will give a very regional and classy bed & breakfast style stay, letting you hear local stories, cultural tales and witness night view of the valley. landscapes to turn your drive into a blissful adventure. Douro River & its vast blue sparkling spread in itself is a sight for sore eyes.
03 Water Activities
The serene presence of Douro river makes the valley a popular location for some waterfront activities including boat ride or canoeing. The hilly region with snaky river not only means you enjoy breath taking views while sipping your wine but there’s also some leisure and fun to go for. The beautiful region of Douro valley offers boat rides, kayaking and canoeing. While boat rides are more romantic and relaxing, as the boat takes you around the valley with you ready with camera or simply enjoying wine and cheese or sipping a cuppa, the other two activities is quote popular among water sports lovers and thrill seekers.