A summer to remember in our next destination, Porto! Enjoy this young and dynamic city on the banks of the Duero river

Situated on the banks of the majestic Douro River, Porto is a fusion of history, culture, and flavors that captivate every visitor. Known for its impressive tiles at São Bento Station, the iconic Clérigos Tower, and its bridges, this Portuguese city is a must-visit destination.

On this trip to celebrate our fifteenth anniversary, you can stroll through the cobblestone streets of Ribeira, enjoy the neo-Gothic architecture of the famous Lello Bookstore, and savor a francesinha or a pastel de nata.

Join us on this journey and let’s discover together the corners and secrets of this charming city!

A small city with much to discover

That Porto has a special magic is indisputable. The light of this city offers different landscapes and emotions at every moment of the day.

But it is not just the light; it is the friendliness of its people, the passage of the Douro River, its bridges, monuments, tiles, and alleys that make it so unique and pleasant to explore. Get ready, as we begin our walk!

• A good starting point to get to know the city is Avenida dos Aliados, the nerve center of Porto. A street full of modernist buildings among which you will find the imposing marble and granite City Hall building. Continuing down the avenue, you will reach São Bento train station, one of the city's treasures with its more than 20,000 tiles depicting the history of Porto.
• As you might get hungry during the tour, we recommend stopping at the Bolhão Market. Dating back to 1941, this market offers fresh local products and some delicacies you must try, such as a sardine sandwich or a pastel de nata. This market will awaken all your senses!
• La Sé de Oporto, Porto Cathedral, is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The views are impressive from it, so get your camera ready to capture a panoramic view of the city and the Douro River. The Clérigos Tower, Lello Bookstore, Bolsa Palace, and the Serralves Contemporary Art Museum are also iconic places to capture.
• On your visit, plan a sunset walk through Ribeira, a picturesque neighborhood on the banks of the Douro, where you will find various restaurants to enjoy typical Portuguese dishes.
• Fancy a more relaxed day? We have prepared a plan for it: a visit to the Porto Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, on the other side of the Douro. The views from here are spectacular, and the Port wine you can enjoy is unmatched! After this experience, nothing better than relaxing in the Crystal Palace Gardens, a haven of peace in the city offering various picturesque corners to explore.

An explosion of flavors, and codfish, a must!

Another way to travel to places is through flavours, and Porto is a perfect destination for that. They say its dishes are more seasoned and hearty than those of southern Portugal, with classic meat and fish recipes always accompanied by a good Port wine. Throughout the city, you will find quality restaurants where you can taste the most typical and irresistible dishes, such as codfish in all its variations. And the best of all, at a good price!

• Francesinha, a hearty sandwich filled with various meats like ham, sausage, and beef steak, covered with melted cheese and a tomato and beer sauce. Yes, it's a bomb, but your palate will enjoy it. 
• The classic, Bacalhau à Brás, made with shredded codfish, straw potatoes, onion, egg, and parsley. 
• Tripas à Moda do Porto, a traditional tripe stew with white beans, sausages, and various meats, with a rich and flavorful sauce. It is usually seasoned with cumin, black pepper, and bay leaf and served with rice. 
• Caldo verde, a soup of kale and potato, with slices of chorizo to give it a touch of flavor. Perfect for cooler days. 
• Bolinho de Bacalhau, fried cod croquettes or fritters, crispy on the outside and soft inside, ideal as an appetizer or starter.
• They always win! A takeaway option to savor while watching the city come and go are Cachorrinhos. It’s a sandwich with toasted bread, sausage, melted cheese, and spicy sauce, like a Portuguese hotdog. 
• And for dessert… the famous and unmistakable Pastéis de nata. A puff pastry tart filled with custard, slightly burned on top, perfect to accompany by coffee. 
• Wine? Of course! The famous fortified Port wine is produced exclusively in the region. It is ideal to accompany desserts due to its sweetness, or simply to enjoy alone.

A pleasant and mild climate 

Porto, located on the northwest coast of Portugal, enjoys a Mediterranean climate with Atlantic influences. This combination creates a pleasant and mild environment throughout the year, ideal for exploring the city in any season. 

The winter, compared to other European cities, is quite mild, between 5º and 15º. During this time, rain is frequent, so it is advisable to bring a raincoat and umbrella. 

Autumn is mild, with sunny and cool days alike. Long pants, jackets, but also some short-sleeved shirts will be essential in your suitcase.

In spring and summer, the weather is simply ideal, with temperatures that allow you to enjoy the city outdoors without excessive heat. A light jacket, comfortable footwear to better tackle the steep streets, and a swimsuit if you fancy visiting some nearby beaches, will be the best to include in your luggage. 

Porto is undoubtedly a unique and memorable city, a visit we know you will enjoy very much. Will you be the lucky one? Hopefully yes, but remember, if not this time, there are still more trips and opportunities, so follow us on our networks and keep participating!

Follow us on all our social networks and participate in the draw. If not in Porto, perhaps you can celebrate our fifteenth anniversary in the next destination!

Check the legal terms and conditions of the aparca&go 15th anniversary raffle.