Porto is much more than a sum of streets, houses and people to simply
describe and visit. It is a presence to experience and feel from day to day. In
the inhabitants' own opinion this city, on a river near the ocean, often humid
and hazy, has always been traditional in its opinions and tastes (notably
culinary!). Less dramatic and cosmopolitan than Lisbon, it has an indefinable
austerity and melancholy, reflected in its granite walls and narrow streets that
descend the hill above the Douro river... Yet Porto is a fascinating and lively
city that is both medieval and baroque, working-class and bourgeois, hardworking
and laid back, which lends itself to wandering and daydreaming. To explore it,
we propose not a pre-established tourist trail, but a gallery of images and
places that seem to us to express its quintessence.
Travel - News
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Ryanair, Europe's largest low fares airline announced on 15th January 2008 its 25th European base in Birmingham with an initial 2 Boeing 737-800 aircrafts which will deliver 20 new routes from ... Portuguese Silver Coast Draws Sports Fans and Buyers 02/10/2007
The Silver Coast of Portugal, located between the northern city of Porto and the capital of Lisbon, is one of the more popular places for international real estate investors in this country. A new ... Portugal Golf 03/05/2007
Celebrated for its sublime port wines and sultry fado music, Portugal is also a country awash in championship golf courses. Its tee culture was born in the 1920s, came of age in the 1960s, and has ... Brazil: Porto Seguro ? Discovery Coast 24/04/2007
Porto Seguro is located in the Southern coast of Bahia State, also known as Discovery Coast ? 1,200 km North of Rio de Janeiro and 800 km South of Salvador. In the Portuguese language, Porto Seguro ... Six Senses Spa at Porto Elounda Opens on the Greek Island of Crete 21/02/2007
A luxurious Six Senses Spa has opened at Porto Elounda, Crete, establishing itself as one of the most breathtaking spas in the whole of Greece. Located on a peninsular overlooking a breathtaking ...
Ipanema Park Hotel Porto The hotel is located in the charming business and shopping
area of Boavista overlooking the sea and the river and within 10-15 minutes from
the old part of Porto.
The rooms are large and decorated in a modern but luxurious style with a great
deal of attention paid to detail.They all have private facilities with mini bar,
television, radio, telephone, hair dryer, safety box.
The hotel has two magnificent restaurants both offering superb traditional and
international menus together with a fine selection of wines and spirits.
The hotel enjoys a very exclusive location and facilities include a a health
club and in the roof an outdoor heated swimming pool.
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Charm of Minho - Braga and Guimaraes Travel north of Porto to the mountain of Minho. You will visit the religious village of Braga which boasts history of over 2,000 years, and UNESCO World Heritage listed Guimaraes, birthplace of D Afonso Henriques, first king of Portugal.
Panoramic Porto Tour Porto is rich with well preserved treasures, including monuments in the Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Neo-classical style. See the major sights such as Cathedral, Real Companhia Velha Port Wine Cellars, Clerigos, Foz and Boavista.
Eating and Drinking Porto
Churrascão do
Mar - Rua João Grave 134 P - 4150-427 Porto
In an old manor, where they offer good fish and seafood cooked in the
traditional style. Lovely furniture and a charming English décor, classic
and elegant.
Portucale - Rua da Alegria 598-13 P - 4000-037 Porto
On the top floor of the Albergaria Miradouro hotel, with spectacular views
of the city and nearby areas. Nice classic décor, carpeted floors and good
cooking.
D. Tonho - Cais da Ribeira 13-15 P - 4050-509 Porto
Facing the river. Stone walls in a somewhat undefined classic-avant-garde
setting, functional and adequately set up. Surprising cuisine with a variety
of flavors.
Churrascão Gaúcho - Av. da Boavista 313 P - 4050-115 Porto
A good, rustic-elegant restaurant with wooden ceilings and stone walls.
Split-level dining area where they serve traditional cuisine and a couple of
Brazilian dishes.
Toscano - Rua Dr. Carlos Cal Brandão 22 P - 4050-160 Porto
Small, busy restaurant on the ground floor of a centrally located building.
Features small but well-utilised spaces, with a contemporary décor and
avant-garde touches.
Mendi - Av. da Boavista 1430-loja 1 P - 4100-114 Porto
Exotic premises with a festive, young atmosphere known for its Indian food,
prepared by natives. Authentic cuisine and a large menu.
Sports & Activities Porto
Oporto G.C. Oporto G.C. is an authentic links established in 1890, and is one of the
oldest golf courses in Continental Europe. This makes it a club proud of its
hallowed traditions.
Estela
Built on a three kilometre long stretch of sand dunes on the beautiful Costa
Verde, this is one of the Portuguese golf links that secured a high
reputation for itself when it was selected to host two events in the
European Professionals' Circuit.
Porto Weather & Climate
Porto lies just to the north of a coastal Mediterranean climate zone that
encompasses most of central and southern Portugal. As a result, its climate
shares many characteristics with the coastal south: temperate dry summers, and
mild rainy winters. Unlike the south, however, cool and rainy interludes can
interrupt the summer dry season and the season's average length is considerably
shorter. Also, the city's more northern position and coastal location off the
Atlantic often results in notably cooler weather in Porto than to its south,
especially during summer.
There's the possibility of some light rain even in the summer months of June and
July with average rainfall in July in the region of 20mm.