Porto, Portugalís second largest city, has the soulful feel of a smaller coastal town with the rolling Douro River at its heart. Located on the Atlantic coast it is one of the most scenic cities in Europe with lush parkland and mountains surrounding the centre.
Walking and enjoying the view are key ingredients of a city break in Porto, whether that be along the steep river banks and its sandy beaches or through the medieval old town. The city is also the place to begin a Douro river cruise, a popular way to enjoy the stunning scenery of Portugalís interior. Week-long cruises travel through the heart of the historic winemaking country that has existed on the banks of the river for hundreds of years, and then on to Spanish Salamanca.
Portoís historic quarter has UNESCO world heritage status, and is a well preserved gem of a medieval city. Strolling around here is the perfect way to spend the day, with baroque churches, lofty bell towers and an impressive cathedral to enjoy. Climb Torre de Clerigos for great views over the tiled rooftops and river. Portoís old town is characterised by the white and blue tiled buildings that date back to the Middle Ages. Locally known as azulejos these tiles are one of the regionís most celebrated products.
The cityís atmosphere is best soaked up at the Ribeira quayside where you can sip coffee by day and port wine cocktails by night as you watch the world go by. Street art, live music and an exciting array of contemporary restaurants mark Ribeira out as the most bohemian area of the city and is the best place to experience its arty scene. There are also a number of quality galleries to explore.
Port wine originates from the region, and its production is a time honoured tradition throughout the Douro Valley. Cruising along the river, the history of the practise is plain to see in the vineyards and terraces that line its banks. One of the joys of a European river cruise like this is that it presents the opportunity to enjoy remote regions and soak up the atmosphere of rural Europe. The vineyard terraces and settlements that have grown up around the port wine making tradition have earned the valley UNESCO status.
Dining at one of the wine producing quintas with a glass of port and a backdrop of the historic terraces is a definitive Portuguese experience, and, for many, rural Portugal quickly becomes one of their favourite European locations.