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Porto

Portugal
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Discover the enchanting charm of Porto, a city where history and modernity seamlessly blend. Nestled along the Douro River, this Portuguese gem boasts stunning architecture, world-renowned port wine cellars, and a vibrant cultural scene. Explore the historic Ribeira district, indulge in delicious seafood, and embark on a scenic cruise along the river.

Overview

Approximate flight time:
2 hours 5 minutes (total distance approx. 840 miles)

Airlines that fly direct:
Ryanair

Airport in Porto:
Porto Airport (OPO)

Seasons:
High = May - September
Low = October - March

Currency:
Euro (€)

Arriving at Porto Airport (OPO)

Porto Airport is located approximately 11km from Porto city centre, and is well served by an extensive transport network.

One of the easiest ways to travel to the city from the airport is via the metro. The metro operates five different lines, labelled from A to E and differentiated by colour. Porto Airport is served by the purple line, and you will find ticket offices at the airport. Fares are determined by your destination.

You will also find local buses at the Arrivals area of Porto Airport that take you across the city or to surrounding areas. Private shuttle buses also operate from the airport, dropping passengers off at hotels.

Taxi is often a preferred mode of transport for many travellers. Taxis are metered and take around 20-30minutes to reach the city centre.

If you’re staying in Porto for a week or more, you might consider hiring a car for the duration of your stay. There are several car rental companies situated at the airport.

Alternatively, pre-book your transfer with HolidayTaxis and avoid the queues when you arrive.

What to expect in Porto

Built on the hills rising from the Douro river that winds through the centre, Porto’s brightly painted houses are picture-postcard pretty. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre – the local architecture blends medieval and modern to stunning effect, and the city is bursting with culture and packed with places to eat and drink.

The language spoken in Porto is Portuguese but English is widely understood by those who work within the tourist industry.

Porto enjoys warm, sunny summers and mild, rainy winters. During summer, you'll find average temperatures of around 24°C in Porto and lows of around 14°C. In the winters, you'll experience cooler temperatures, with highs of 14°C and lows of around 6°C.

Culture in Porto

The unique sweet flavour of world-famous Port wine has been putting Porto in the spotlight for wine lovers for many years. But this city is much more than good wine. Much of old Porto can be described with a pronounced 18th-century accent. Extravagant Baroque churches and stately Neoclassical buildings interrupt the skyline, their most valuable contents displayed in world-class museums set in picturesque squares. One of the city’s main attractions is Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, which became famous as one of JK Rowling’s favourite haunts when she lived in Porto and inspired her Harry Potter novels.

If you are visiting in June, try to be in Porto on 23rd for the São João Festival. It’s probably one of the largest, craziest street parties in Europe, paying tribute to Saint John the Baptist.

Situated between sea and mountains, foodies can expect a mix of surf and turf. There are also plenty of thick soups and stews to sink into. You can’t leave without trying Francesinha, a popular open sandwich that layers linguiça (a garlicky smoked sausage) with roast steak or pork, ham, melted cheese and a rich, spicy tomato sauce made with beer.

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