Porto and the Douro Valley

A quick look at Porto’s history and you’ll see how important the port trade has been and still is today. The people of Porto,the Portuenses, are very into their history, and are quick to point out that their region offers far more than the fortified wine many of us have over indulged in during the festive season. There is a big art scene, their own food specialties, North Portuguese fashion and a buzzing nightlife, which make the second city of Portugal and the Douro Valley a popular destination.

Vila Nova de Gaia is just across the Douro river from Porto. This is where all the famous Port houses are including Ramos Pinto (the fine bottle pictured here is a Ramos Pinto). The walkway along the river is crammed with cafes and restaurants, and most of the Port houses offer tastings.

Porto has a bunch of new wave of chefs and restauranteurs who have jazzed and twisted the traditional local cuisine into their own wonderful creations. After tucking in to a fine supper you can then maybe crawl the bars around the city's trendy suburbs and enjoy a long, long night, through to the rising sun like so many of the locals do.

Journey inland along the beautiful Rio Douro, the main artery of the port wine industry. You could elect to take a fantastic five-day luxury cruise up river and enjoy the magnificent landscapes of this world heritage site. If that is too much and you do not want to miss your meal at Miguel Castro Silva’s Bull & Bear (Av Boavista) then wile away a few hours on a rabelo, and get a feel for the river and its beauty.

This region of Porto and the Douro Valley is one steeped in history, ancient towns and villages, monastries and quintas (equivalent to the French Chateaux). It is a beautiful area, and offers the chance of a wonderful holiday.

Try our selection of North Portugal, Porto and Douro Valley holidays