Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Portugal / North Portugal / Porto
 |  | Destination Guide : Porto |
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| | | Magnificently atmospheric |  | Why go on holiday to Porto?
To revel in the atmosphere of a down-to-earth but magnificently atmospheric city, Portugal's second-biggest. Built on granite cliffs overlooking the ambling River Duoro, this city break destination offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities. Linger by its fishing port and explore its warren of 19th-century lanes, which have been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site. The city is also a gateway to the nearby Duoro Valley. Enjoy a trip on the passenger boats that wend their way upriver into the heart of the region's wine-growing area.
When should I go?
The Douro is not the Algarve – it will be warm and sunny in summer, but it's not as swelteringly hot as the far south of the country. Of course, this is when the majority of the area's tourists descend, and when pensiones and hotels charge top rates.
Winters are mild in Porto – the temperatures average around 12C – but in the valley it can get much colder and wetter.
How much will it cost?
A flight to Porto on Ryanair can cost as little as £35 return if booked well in advance, while Air Berlin offers a return flight for £85. Scheduled airlines such as Portugal's flag carrier, TAP, offer return fares from around £156. Hotels cost from less than £14 a night for a double in a basic pensione, to £130 for a double in the city's grandest hotel. Plan to spend around £35 for a double in a comfortable, mid-range hotel.
Who's it for?
Porto's old town is a photogenic time capsule. Its narrow lanes have changed little over the last 200 years ago. It's a great place to walk and snap away with your camera.
If you're a wine lover, Porto is a must-visit destination. Across the river, its sister city of Vila Nova de Gaia houses many of Portugal's best port lodges; walking from one to another sipping its prize-winning bottles is an extremely convivial way to while away an afternoon.
What are the must-sees?
The Riberia district is a must, while the historic heart of Porto is a maze of narrow lanes, quiet cobbled courtyards and boats bobbing on the quayside.
The Duoro River is spanned by no less than six bridges. The Ponte de Dom Luis bridge has an upper level that makes a jaunt over to the Vila Nova de Gaia a beautiful amble. Instead of crossing the river you could cruise down it – old boats formerly used to transport port now ply their way up and down the Duoro.
Porto has a wealth of museums, including the modern art and design-specific Museu de Arte Contemporanea and the more classically-attuned Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis. It is also the home of the Portuguese Photography Centre, which is housed in a former prison, and the Museu do Vinho do Porto, dedicated to the famous drink which bear's the city's name.
If you fancy getting out of the city in the spring, then take the slow train up the Duoro valley, past hills covered in vine terraces and decked out in wildflowers. The 16-hour trip offers breath-taking views of the countryside.
The 76-metre-tall Torres dos Clerigos is the perfect place from which to spy on the city – or to snap away at its unsuspecting residents.
What will I spend?
Portugal remains one of western Europe's cheapest countries, and because the Portuguese love to eat out, you'll find meals in Porto won't break the bank. Half-portions of fresh seafood in Porto's most touristy restaurants are unlikely to cost more than £5.
Are there any festivals?
The Festa de Sao Joao – or festas of the local saints – in June is one of Porto's liveliest celebrations. It starts in the afternoon when locals descend to the river front for BBQs, beer, and boogeying to everything from rock and pop to traditional fado music. The partying gradually shifts to the beach where midnight fireworks and bonfires add some sparks to the occasion. The revelry continues until the early hours.
Every year, the Jazz Festival brings mellow tunes to the city between September and November. Noites Ritual Rock cranks up the volume in the city's Crystal Palace Gardens in August with performances from local bands.
Fans of string-supported theatre should come before Christmas, when the city hosts a puppet festival.
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| | Available rental properties in Porto |
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| |  | | Oporto City World Heritage Zone Apartment
Refurbished traditional dual-balconied apartment, 1st floor with elevator, situated within the UNESCO World Heritage Zone of Porto City.
|  | | Quinta dos Avós
The cottage Quinta dos Avós is situated in a hamlet with only 180 inhabitants, surrounded by rivers, forests and not far from a reservoir, where you w
|  | | Porto - Ribeira1
This lovely apartment is placed in the oldest part of Oporto, at walking distance of the main sightseeing places and with easy access to beaches also
|  | | Porto Ribeira2
This lovely apartment is placed in the oldest part of Oporto, at walking distance of the main sightseeing places.
|  | | Villa Miragaia
This beautiful house has been totally renovated to provide first class accommodation and it sits in the heart of the World Heritage Site of Miragaia.
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