Porto: The perfect getaway to Northern Portugal
Southern Europe’s outpost on the Atlantic, Porto represents a stopover of particular historical, cultural and landscape interest, capable of enriching cruise itineraries on the western coasts of the continent.
Porto is not only a destination of great interest to visit, but also the gateway to a wonderful region, thus offering innumerable visits even to cruisers who may have already visited the city before.
With approximately 2000 years of history, Porto, the city which gives the famous wine its name, invites you to a delicious gourmet. The city is a living museum. Its history can be told through its monuments and buildings which have been drawing the city over the years. A city that was recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO, in 1996. Porto is the first city to be considered the Best European Destination, for the second time, by European Consumers Choice. From its medieval houses, the baroque richness of lining their churches, to the tiles that give colour to the facades, lingering in the works of authors like Nazoni and Eiffel, or more recently, Rem Koohlass or Siza Vieira, you will most certainly experience one of the most enriching moments of your visit.
Porto
Make a tour along the promenades by the sea, come aboard a cruise vessel on the Douro River, make a visit to the Port Wine Cellars, play in the golf course or taste a great delicacy in one of the many restaurants in Matosinhos. Porto Cruise Terminal itself deserves a visit, the best sunset in the region!
The Douro Valley, equally a World Heritage Site, dazzles anyone with its humanized landscape. The Port Wine, known worldwide, brands its landscape and culture in a unique way. In one of the many “Quintas do Douro” (Douro Farms) you can taste the different qualities of wines, learn its special characteristics and how it is done.
The cuisine of the Northern Portugal is one of the richest and most varied of the country. A region of traditional flavours, the North invites visitors to try out its finest dishes, served with exquisite wines and complemented by sophisticated desserts.
Ship in Porto Portugal
On your way back to the port of embarkation, you will have the chance to make a wonderful trip through spectacular landscapes, rivers, waterfalls and a magical feel throughout. Away from mass tourism and big crowds, this is a region still to be discovered.
In a short distance from Porto Cruise Terminal, other amazing places are waiting for cruisers such us Guimarães, Braga or Viana do Castelo.
The historical centre of Guimarães is World Heritage since 2001 and the city was the European Capital of Culture in 2012. From the top of the castle where, according to tradition, the first king of Portugal was born in 1109, we can see the entire old city and the chimneys of the 15th century Ducal Palace, founded by the first Duke of Bragança, which has now been converted into a decorative arts museum with pieces of great interest. Strolling through the medieval alleys is another point of interest given the quality of the buildings, the urban environment and the street shops, where sophisticated handicrafts stand out.
Porto
A city of archbishops, Braga is home to the oldest Portuguese cathedral whose construction was ordered by the parents of the first king of Portugal at the end of 11th century, beginning of 12th century. Its religious importance in Portuguese territory led to the construction of numerous palaces, churches, fountains and squares throughout the centuries that gradually hid the oldest traces dating back to the Roman and Suebi times. Braga is also enchanting with its quality street shops. The religious importance of the city is still visible today with the number of pilgrims that come to the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, an architectonic set that is unique in Portugal, comprising a baroque stairway decorated with beautiful statues and fountains, which lead to a neoclassic church from where the whole city can be seen.
At about one hour from Porto, discover a beautiful city of folklore and handicraft. Viana do Castelo was born between the River Lima and the Ocean, down the hill of Santa Luzia until the Medieval Houses of the Historic Center full of life and delightful shops. The town´s ex-libris is the Praça da República with its sixteenth century buildings. But it’s in the traditional restaurants that our senses get lost.
Porto Portugal
A truly interesting port of call, the one located on the Atlantic coast of Portugal, which also offers those who have only one day available to visit it, the opportunity to discover places full of charm and culture.
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