Wine Not? Sipping deliciousness at D’Origem Winery
Set along the Douro River, Porto is a lovely waterside city defined by its Medieval architecture, underrated, but oh-so-good food scene, and surrounding wineries and port cellars. Often overshadowed by its big brother neighbor Lisbon, Porto is a charming and eclectic city that is beginning to pop up on travelers’ radars, and with very good reason. This picturesque and historical gem of a metropolis has a little bit of something for everyone.
Porto’s Cais da Ribeira
While the city alone is captivating all on its own, its close proximity to the stunning Douro Valley, one of the most beautiful and oldest wine regions in all of Europe, only enhances its appeal. Countless hilltop wineries overlook sweeping vistas of the surrounding region. The combination of rich velvety wines and staggering scenery makes for a heavenly experience.
Here are my reasons why Porto and the Douro Valley deserve to be on any Portugal itinerary.
PORTO
Cais da Ribeira
Porto’s riverside area is a pretty-as-a-postcard destination where tourists and locals gather. The attractive promenade is lined with a number of cafes, restaurants and shops overlooking the river, and the Port houses of Vila Nova de Gaia on the opposite side.
Livraria Lello Bookstore
Book lovers and Harry Potter fans rejoice! Even as a non-Harry Potter fan (I know, I know! Quit judging!), this book store still managed to wow me. This charming and utterly unique Porto haunt is so magical that it inspired the Harry Potter’s library in Hogswart.
Its incredible interior architecture and twisting grand staircase both lend to a whimsical and fantastical setting. It’s no surprise that Livraria Lello is frequently rank at or near the top of lists of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
A totally candid shot. Not staged or planned at all.
ARCHITECTURE
While there’s no shortage of medieval beauty throughout Porto, you’ll also find your fair share of modern architecture, too. Modernity meets old-world charm in various buildings, museums, and cultural centers.
Porto’s compact city-center lends itself to be being very walkable and manageable. Take some time to wander its quaint streets and marvel at its unique structures and bold blue and white tiles that pervade the city.
PORT TASTING
I mean, isn’t this the main reason why you’re here? Sure the architecture is lovely and the food is divine, but let’s be serious. You come to Porto for the Port! And the wine, of course.
Sandeman CELLARS
Prominently situated across the Douro River, Sandeman is one of Porto’s more popular port cellars, if anything because of its central location. We opted for the Classic Tour, where our black cloaked-guide led us around the cellars explaining the port’s history and aging process. The twenty-minute tour concluded with a tasting of ruby and tawny ports. The entire tour and tastings were fine. Nothing incredible by any means, but I’d say definitely worth the €13 price tag.
Sampling two ports at the end of our tour
ESPACO PORTO CRUZ
We found Espaco Porto Cruz to be more personable, authentic, and downright better than its popular neighbor Sandeman. We opted to forgo the tour and went right to the drinking. Our port flight was comprised of three different tastings for €9.50 and each was equally delicious.
Highly recommend!
Sampling all the ports at Espaco Porto Cruz
WHERE TO EAT
Porto has an exciting food scene. Many restaurants focus on local and seasonal fare, producing fresh and innovate plates. Below are our two favorite Porto dining experiences.
O PAPARICO
We loved every single thing about this incredible restaurant. Housed in a small and innocuous building, at first glance, O Paparico doesn’t look like much. But once you step inside its stone walls, you are immediately transported into an intimate and warm setting and instantly greeted by welcoming and affable staff. The food is sublime and presented with delicate care and exquisite beauty.
The service was excellent and while it was fine dining, it was also very comfortable, inviting, and relaxing. Easily one of our best meals of the trip and an overall memorable dining experience.
PEDRO LEMOS
Certainly worthy of serving as Rachel’s birthday dinner location, Pedro Lemos seamlessly merges Portugal’s rich culinary history, refined elegance, and simplicity. Local ingredients are sourced by top-notch producers resulting in rich traditional Portuguese flavors and sumptuous dishes. Their eight-course tasting menu is a great way to try as many of their delectable plates as possible. Definitely recommend.
Happy Birthday, Rachel!
THE DOURO VALLEY
Just ninety minutes from the city of Porto lies the verdant and spectacular Douro Valley. Defined by breathtaking landscapes, jaw-dropping vistas, and a wide array of family-operated and delightful wineries, this enchanting region is as close to heaven on Earth as it gets.
Always the responsible winery-hoppers, our group booked a small-group day trip prior to our arrival in Portugal. Our day commenced with a brief visit to Pinhão, a beautiful quaint village characterized by distinctive blue-and-white tile murals enveloped by panoramic views of the valley.
Following our stint in Pinhão, we visited two wonderful wineries, D’Origem and Quinta Do Jalloto. We toured the vineyards and wine making facilities, as well as tasted an extensive variety of red, white and fortified wines, ports, and olive oils. Both wineries overlooked stunning views of the region.
Lunch was bountiful and delicious, with a large assortment of traditional Douro plates paired with local wines.
Our tour concluded with a scenic Douro River cruise, where we boarded a Rabelo, a traditional cargo boat used for Douro River transport. The hour-long ride takes you up a Tua River tributary and past various wineries, and then loops back to Pinhão.
Overall, a fantastic day trip to the Douro Valley!
Tour information can be found here.
BOTTOM LINE
Less than a three hour away train ride from Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Valley offer a lovely retreat filled with fascinating culture, top-notch dining, and a world-class port and wine scene.
An ideal destination to enjoy a few delightful days!
Happy Traveling, All!