The Douro Litoral is an old province of Portugal, in the north of the
country. Facing the Atlantic and having Porto as its capital, the Douro
Litoral is one of the largest and most dynamic Portuguese economic centres,
mainly known for its wine and the "Capital of the North". It is also one of
the most cosmopolitan and developed in Portugal.
Douro Litoral is a
former Portuguese province, which ceased to be with the Constitution of
1976. It formerly consisted of 23 councils, integrating the entire district
of Porto, and four councils of the district of Aveiro (located in its
extreme northwest) and two from Viseu (if it still existed, it would have 24
councils, since part of the municipality of Santo Tirso was used to create
the municipality of Trofa. It had its headquarters in the city of Porto and
has a strong identity cohesion in relation to the autochthonous structure of
its constituent municipalities, which maintain, as they always have, a
strong relationship with Porto.
The largest in the province is
occupied by the Porto Metropolitan Area, centered on the city of Porto, an
important economic and tourist center in the country, which also includes
other important cities such as Matosinhos, Vila Nova de Gaia or Santa Maria
da Feira. Further inland, the province is dotted with small towns and
villages full of charm such as Amarante or Arouca and villages forgotten by
time, such as Albergaria da Serra, famous for the Frecha da Mizarela
waterfall.
The terrain, as in most of northern Portugal, is generally
hilly, including in large cities such as Porto, although it is (relatively)
flat in some places, such as the cities of Espinho, Póvoa de Varzim and Vila
do Conde.
Amarante - Crossed by the bucolic river Tâmega, Amarante is one of
the most beautiful Portuguese lands, where great figures of the
Portuguese cultural scene were born, such as Amadeu de Souza-Cardoso and
Agustina Bessa Luís. It is also a popular pilgrimage destination,
despite being less visited than Fátima or Santiago de Compostela.
Cinfães
Espinho - A lively town, famous for its casino. Other
attractions include the oldest golf course on the Iberian Peninsula,
founded by the British at the end of the 19th century, the Music
Festival in June and the Animation Film Festival in November. But the
biggest attraction continues to be the beaches, which earned it the
title of "Queen of Costa Verde".
Marco de Canaveses - Marco de
Canaveses is primarily known as the birthplace of "Brazilian" diva
Carmen Miranda, born Maria do Carmo Miranda da Cunha in 1909 in Marco de
Canaveses. However, Marco de Canaveses is much more than that: the
mountainous landscape, crossed by rivers and reservoirs, as well as the
archaeological remains attract many visitors.
Porto - Located on the
banks of the Douro River, bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, the second
largest city in the country has a bit of everything: narrow medieval
streets, extravagant baroque churches, small and cozy squares, and wide
avenues with classic buildings. It is one of the greatest Portuguese
destinations, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Póvoa de Varzim -
Póvoa de Varzim is one of the largest cities in the region, along with
Porto. Together with the sister city of Vila do Conde, its beaches
attract an extensive stretch of white sand, one of the most sought after
in the north. The city is also known for its casino, which rivals that
of Espinho.
Santa Maria da Feira - Famous for its
Santa Maria da Feira Castle,
prior to the foundation of the country, Santa Maria da Feira has, every
year, a popular Medieval Fair. Europarque, one of the largest congress
centers in the country, has another major attraction in the city: the
Visionarium, a science museum.
Santa Maria de Lamas
Vila Boa do
Bispo
Vila do Conde - Vila do Conde, along with its sister city of
Póvoa de Varzim, are one of the region's main attractions: the glamor of
Póvoa and its casino is joined by the heritage and beaches of Vila do
Conde. The Convent of Santa Clara and the aqueduct are the best known
attractions in the Douro Litoral.
Vila Nova de Gaia - Vila Nova de
Gaia is on the other side of the Douro River, facing the city of Porto
and is known for its riverside area, much visited by tourists from all
over the world, who come to taste the wines and explore the cellars of
Calem , by Sandeman, among others. Also popular are boat trips across
the Douro, passing by the seven bridges between Porto and Gaia.
Biological Park of Gaia - Located in the Febros River
valley, the Biological Park of Gaia is not only a protected reserve with
an enormous biodiversity, but also features a variety of recreational
and educational activities. Taking advantage of the agro-forestry area
in which it is located, its focus on preserving the region's landscape
makes it like a living museum of the environmental traits that the
continuous urbanization of the county is losing.
Frecha da Mizarela -
The Frecha da Mizarela waterfall is one of the main natural attractions
in the province, located near the village of Albergaria da Serra, and is
one of the highest in Europe, at 75 metres. This beautiful waterfall is
located in a serene landscape surrounded by a rural and bucolic
atmosphere where nature is in a pure state.
Torre de Vilar - A manor
house of the Domus Fortis type, rare in Portugal, included in the Route
of the Romanesque of Vale do Sousa. It stands on a granite hill, with a
quadrangular plan.
Cete Monastery - From the Benedictine Monastery of
Cete (National Monument), dating from the 10th and 11th centuries, all
that remains is the beautiful Roman-Gothic church, the cloister and the
chapter hall. It was founded in 844 by two Moorish converts, and later
razed by the Moors. It is included in the Sousa Valley Romanesque Route.
Monastery of Pombeiro de Ribavizela - Located near Felgueiras, Pombeiro
de Ribavizelas has one of the oldest monasteries in the country, dating
back to 1059, being the most notable Benedictine convent in northern
Portugal, receiving extensions and renovations during the Philippine
Dynasty and in 177, having wings in other styles, although the
Romanesque still predominates.
Arouca - Situated in a verdant valley, at 275 meters
above sea level, Arouca is one of the oldest settlements on the Douro
Litoral, which has always had a strong socio-economic connection to its
capital: the city of Porto.
One of the village's ex-libris is the
enormous Convent of Santa Maria de Arouca, which dates back to the 10th
century. The Festa da Rainha Santa, on the 2nd of May, and the
Pilgrimage dedicated to Senhora da Mó, on the 7th and 8th of September
are the two main religious festivals in the municipality.
The
Feira das Colheitas (the most important socio-economic event with the
greatest impact in this municipality in the Porto Metropolitan Area,
located in the Douro River Hydrographic Basin, where the Arda River
flows from the Arouca valley) is the name given to the official
festivals of the municipality, being, at the same time, a fair of
economic activities, which takes place in the beginning of autumn.
Lousada - With a diverse heritage ranging from castros to Romanesque
aqueducts and domus fortis from the 13th century, Lousada has an
imposing monumental heritage. Recently, it has also gained a name for
the motor racing events held here.
Resende - Resende is an isolated
village in the mountainous heart of the country, with unforgettable
landscapes. Resende is an extremely old town, with a variety of
megalithic monuments, amazing churches, majestic manor houses, bridges
and mountain villages. However, what makes this small village more
famous is, without a doubt, the cherry, which is internationally famous.
Baião - A village on the slopes of the Serra da Aboboreira, linked to
wine production. Around the village, important megalithic remains can be
seen. The municipal museum houses several discoveries from these same
places, the result of archaeological excavations that have been taking
place since 1978.
Bagunte - Bagunte is one of the parishes with the most
history in the Porto district, dating back to the 4th century BC, based
on discoveries made by the Cividade de Bagunte. Another point of
interest is the bridge of D. Sameiro, dating back to the reign of D.
Sancho I. It also has a beautiful parish church and several chapels.
Paço de Sousa - A beautiful historic village, famous for its fantastic
monuments, such as the Monastery of Paço de Sousa, which includes the
Igreja da Matriz. In this village in the interior of the Douro Litoral,
where time seems to have stopped, you can also see the Roman Bridge,
Cruzeiro and Quinta da Companhia.
Rates - Also called São Pedro de
Rates, it has a vast heritage, highlighting the imposing Mother Church
in Romanesque style. Not long ago, the Ecomuseum of Rates was created, a
pedestrian circuit through the streets of the village with eight stops,
including the Romanesque church, the fountain, the square, etc.
By airplane
Most visitors arrive by plane at
Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport (IATA: OPO), on the
outskirts of Porto, more precisely in Pedras Rubras. It is currently the
best airport in Portugal in terms of space at the terminal. In terms of
air cargo movements, it is the second largest in Portugal (ahead of Faro
and behind Lisbon). Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport was recently
recognized as the best in the world in the category of airports with up
to 5 million passengers. The airport receives frequent flights from the
main European cities, as well as from Lisbon and Funchal. Several
companies serve Porto airport:
Aigle Azur Paris - Orly Tel.: +351
229 432 530
www.aigle-azur.fr
Air Berlin Palma de Mallorca Tel.: +351 808 202 737
www.airberlin.com
Brussels Airlines Brussels Tel.: +351 707 200 424
www.brusselairlines
easyJet Basel/Mulhouse/Freiburg; Geneva; Lyon; London-Gatwick;
Milan-Malpensa; Paris-Charles de Gaulle Tel.: +351 808 204 204
www.easyjet.com
Iberia
Madrid Phone: +351 707 200 000
www.iberia.com
Lufthansa Frankfurt Tel.: +351 229 437 900
www.lufthansa.com
Luxair
City of Luxembourg Tel.: +352 245 642 42
www.luxair.lu
Ryanair Baden
Baden; Barcelona-Girona; Barcelona-El Prat; Birmingham (seasonal);
Bologna; Bordeaux; Bremen; Bristol (seasonal); Brussels-Charleroi;
Carcassonne; Dublin (seasonal); Dusseldorf Weeze; Eindhoven; Faro;
Frankfurt-Hahn; Las Palmas; Lille; Liverpool (seasonal); London-Gatwick;
London-Stansted; Maastricht; Madrid; Marrakech; Marseille;
Milan-Bergamo; Munich - West; Paris - Beauvais; Pisa (seasonal); Rodez;
Saint-Etienne; Tenerife; Tours; Valencia Phone: +353 1 249 7791/7700
www.ryanair.com
Sata
International Boston (seasonal); Thin tip; Third (seasonal); Toronto
(seasonal) Tel: +351 229 470 330
www.azores-express.com
TAP Portugal Amsterdam; Barcelona; Brussels; Funchal; Geneva;
Lisbon; London - Gatwick; Luxembourg City; Madrid; Milan - Malpensa; New
York; Paris - Orly; Porto Santo (seasonal); Rio de Janeiro; Pomegranate;
São Paulo; Caracas; Zurich Tel.: +351 707 205 700
www.flytap.com
Transavia.com
Funchal; Nantes; Paris - Orly Tel.: +351 707 780 009
www.transavia.com
leave
the airport
The airport can be accessed with new motorways and with
an interface, inside the airport, with line E of the Metro do Porto,
connecting it directly to downtown Porto, to the commuting trains
(Campanhã) and to Estádio do Dragão and, by transferring, to other urban
centers in Greater Porto: Póvoa de Varzim and Vila do Conde (Line B,
Verdes station); Maia (Line C, Fonte do Cuco station); Matosinhos (line
A, Senhora da Hora station); and Vila Nova de Gaia (Line D, Trindade
station).
Taxis and STCP buses complement the connection between
the airport and the city of Porto. There is also a bus connection with
Vigo (Galicia, Spain) twice a day on weekdays and once a day at
weekends.
by train/train
Several train lines pass through the
Douro Litoral, most of which go to Porto, the main city in the region.
The Alfa-Pendular comes from Braga (Minho) and enters the Douro Litoral,
continuing to Aveiro (Beira Litoral) (you can see the stops on the Douro
Litoral in Circular: By train/train). The Intercidades service starts in
Guimarães (Minho), passing through Vizela, entering the Douro Litoral
and continuing to Ovar (Beira Litoral), and from there to Estarreja and
Aveiro (Beira Litoral) (you can see the stops on the Douro Litoral in
Circular: By train /train). The regional service, on the other hand, has
many more stops, and therefore takes much longer. From Spain, it enters
Minho, where it stops in Valença, Vila Nova de Cerveira, Caminha, Vila
Praia de Âncora, Viana do Castelo, Barcelos and Braga. In Trás-os-Montes
and Alto Douro, the most important stops are Peso da Régua, Vila Real,
Mirandela and Pocinho (where the Douro Line terminus is located) (you
can see the stops in Douro Litoral in Circular : By train/train ). You
can find more information on the CP website.
As for international
trains, the offer is limited. There is a train that connects Porto and
Vigo (Galicia, Spain), with several stops. You can see a complete list
of stops on the CP website. You can get an InterRail, a pass for people
under 26 that allows you to travel by train across Europe, in 2nd class.
It is also valid for older people, but in 1st class. Gives you access to
any location in Europe.
Of boat
The Port of Leixões, in
Matosinhos (on the outskirts of Porto), receives some cruise ships,
close to the movable bridge. Near the bridge, to the south, there is a
metro station that takes you to Porto. There is also a small
recreational marina on the Douro River. As a method of reaching the
city, however, sea transport is not very practical. However, you can
take a trip up the Douro River, one of the most beautiful scenic trips
you will ever take. You can see some companies that make the trip here.
by bus/coach
Rede Expressos is one of the main short and long
distance companies in Portugal. It serves the entire country, including
several cities on the Douro Litoral. You can see schedules on the
website. Another useful company is Rodonorte, with connections between
several cities in the north and center of Portugal.
By car
Several routes go to the Douro Litoral:
Via A1 you can come from
Lisbon (Estremadura) to Porto.
Via the A3 you can come from the
Spanish border, in Valença (Minho), to Porto.
Via the A4, in a short
time, you will be able to come from Bragança (Trás-os-Montes and Alto
Douro) and Vila Real (Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro) to Matosinhos
(currently it only goes from Matosinhos to Amarante, also in the Douro
Coast).
Via the A7 you can come from Guimarães (Minho) to Vila do
Conde.
Via the A11 you can come from Barcelos (Minho), Braga (Minho)
and Guimarães (Minho) to Lousada and Vizela.
Via the A28 you can come
from Viana do Castelo (Minho) to Porto.
Via the A29 you can come from
Estarreja (Beira Litoral) to Espinho and Vila Nova de Gaia.
By Metro from Porto
Metro do Porto is a
surprisingly modern and efficient metro system. Created in 2001 (for
Porto2001 - European Capital of Culture), it has five lines, which in
addition to covering the center of Porto also go to some neighboring
cities, including Vila Nova de Gaia, served by the yellow line,
Matosinhos, served by the blue, Maia, served by the green line, and Vila
do Conde/Póvoa de Varzim, served by the orange line.
by
train/train
The Alfa-pendular, coming from Braga, enters the Douro
Litoral and stops in the cities of Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia and Espinho.
The Intercidades, coming from Vizela, stops in Santo Tirso, Trofa,
Ermesinde, Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia and Espinho. The Regional has many
stops in the Douro Litoral, the most important of which are: Santo
Tirso, Penafiel, Paredes, Amarante, Marco de Canaveses, Porto, Vila Nova
de Gaia, Espinho, Santa Maria da Feira and São João da Madeira.
By car
The Douro Litoral has several roads and highways, a little for
the whole country and for a variety of cities in the Douro Litoral, most
departing from Porto. All or almost all roads are in good condition.
There is only significant traffic in Porto and in some of the larger
cities, such as Póvoa de Varzim and Vila do Conde. The rest of the roads
and highways have few cars, and it's easy to move around within the
province.
by bus/coach
STCP (Sociedade de Transportes
Colectivos do Porto) has, in addition to several lines in the city of
Porto, also has lines to Matosinhos, Leça da Palmeira, Maia, Gondomar
and Vila Nova de Gaia.
In addition, Rodonorte and Rede Expressos
also have several connections between cities in the Douro Litoral.
Historical monuments
Throughout the country, with
the possible exception of the Algarve, the main attraction is the
historical heritage. The Douro Litoral is no exception to the rule, with
beautiful historic villages and imposing monuments, most of which are
concentrated in the historic center of Porto.
The historic center
of Porto is the most popular historical attraction in this region,
declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Every year, thousands of
visitors flock to its numerous attractions such as the Clérigos Tower
and Church, ex-libris of the city, famous for its its extravagant
baroque style, from the top of which you have an unrivaled view of the
city. Other attractions are the Sé do Porto, an imposing Roman-Gothic
cathedral with a Baroque portal, rising in the heart of Porto's old
town, the Palácio da Bolsa, the city's former stock exchange, with a
spectacular mix of styles and famous for the extravagance of its Arab
Hall, the São Francisco Church, the only completely Gothic church in the
city, famous for the 600 kg of gold that decorate its interior, the 6
bridges over the Douro river, the most famous being the D. Luís I Bridge
and the Ponte D. Maria Pia, both built by Théophile Seyrig, a partner of
Gustave Eiffel, Livraria Lello, considered the 3rd most beautiful in the
world by the British newspaper The Guardian, Avenida dos Aliados, in the
center of Porto, with magnificent neoclassical buildings and dominated
by the City Council Municipal do Porto, and São Bento Station, with its
wonderful tiles, recently restored.
Also on the outskirts of
Porto you can find some historical attractions, such as the Monastery of
Leça do Balio, a beautiful building in Roman-Gothic style, an example of
fortified religious architecture. It has one of the most beautiful
Roman-Gothic churches in the country.
Other important monuments
in the region can be found in the city of Amarante, famous for the
Monastery of São Gonçalo, a pilgrimage point, where the tomb of São
Gonçalo de Amarante can be found. It is one of the most imposing
monuments in the north of the country, founded in 1540 in Mannerist
style. Another major attraction in the city is the São Gonçalo Bridge,
over the bucolic Tâmega River, famous for the heroic Defense of the
Bridge of Amarante, during the French Invasions.
Santa Maria da
Feira is famous for its Medieval Castle, one of the most famous in
Portugal and predating Portuguese independence. It is considered one of
the most complete examples of Portuguese medieval military architecture,
as it represents the wide range of defensive elements used in the
period. Every year, on the edge of the castle, there is a busy Medieval
Fair.
After Porto, the largest city in the region is probably
Póvoa de Varzim-Vila do Conde, which despite being separate cities
function as one, and it is difficult to say where one begins and the
other ends. Vila do Conde is of particular interest for its historic
centre, with very beautiful monuments, such as the Manueline Mother
Church, with Gothic and Renaissance elements and beautiful gilded
carvings, and the Convent of Santa Clara, a true ex-libris of the city,
of which the imposing gothic church and part of the convent building,
rebuilt in the 18th century.
If you are a fan of the Romanesque,
take the Sousa Valley Romanesque Route. The route includes 21 monuments,
and on the website you can create your own route or make a 1, 2 or 4 day
route (complete route). Among the most notable monuments are the
Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro de Ribavizela, representative of
the way in which the conventual orders settled at that time, which
contains magnificent Romanesque sculptures and a beautiful rose window,
the Church of São Vicente de Sousa, consecrated in 1214, with a single
nave and a Romanesque belfry, the Torre de Vilar, in the municipality of
Lousada, a manor house of the Domus Fortis type, rare in Portugal, the
Monastery of São Pedro de Ferreira, an amazing work of architecture,
with ornamental motifs from various regions, the Monastery of São Pedro
de Cete, founded in the 10th century and built a little later, the
Monastery of the Savior of Paço de Sousa, where Egas Moniz is buried,
whose tomb is engraved with the legendary trip to Toledo, in which he
offered his life for failing to fulfill the word of King D. Afonso
Henriques, the Church of São Pedro de Abragão, built by order of D.
Mafalda, and the Church of the Savior of Cabeça Santa, where the relic
of Santo Tirso. See more information on the website. You can see a map
of the route here.
Castro de Laundos - An old castro located on top of a
200 meter hill, which is believed to be an outpost of the Cividade de
Terroso. The discovery that most highlighted the castro was the
discovery, inside a house, of a clay pot, which contained two gold
earrings and a low-grade silver cake. The Castro contains a series of
ruins of houses, and has a beautiful view of the region.
Cividade de
Terroso - Located at 153 meters high, at the top of Monte da Cividade.
The town is more notable than the castro de Laundos, where the ruins of
a group of houses and the walls of the castro can be seen. The city
prospered due to the fact that it was heavily walled and because of its
proximity to the sea, which allowed for trade with other peoples.
Castro de Monte Mozinho - Also known as Cidade Morta de Penafiel, it is
a Property of Public Interest. It is an old fortified village of 20
hectares, and occupied until the Middle Ages. You can currently see the
collection removed from the site at the Municipal Museum of Penafiel and
at the National Museum of Archeology in Lisbon.
In addition to the historical heritage, another great
Portuguese attraction is nature. However, the Douro Litoral, being a
very urbanized area, has few natural parks or nature of any kind. An
exception to the rule is Frecha da Mizarela, in the parish of Albergaria
da Serra, one of the highest waterfalls in Portugal and Europe, at 75
metres. It is located in the middle of a mountainous landscape, with a
rural and peaceful atmosphere. Another natural attraction is the Parque
Biológico de Gaia, a protected reserve on the outskirts of Vila Nova de
Gaia. It presents an enormous biodiversity, but also organizes a variety
of ludic-pedagogical actions, making it popular with children and nature
lovers. In addition to these, in Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Póvoa de
Varzim and Vila do Conde, as well as in other cities, there are a
variety of public parks, which allow you to take a break from the urban
hustle and bustle.
In almost all the coast of Douro Litoral there
is some type of beaches. See the Beaches section for more information.
The Douro Litoral also contains some modern monuments,
concentrated in large urban centers such as Porto. Many are the work of
internationally recognized artists, such as architect Rem Koolhas and
sculpture Janet Echelman.
Porto is where there is the greatest
concentration of these monuments. The most famous of these monuments is
undoubtedly the Casa da Música, designed by the Dutch architect Rem
Koolhas. Built for Porto European Capital of Culture 2001, it was only
completed in 2005, becoming one of the city's main attractions and
internationally acclaimed. It is located in one of the busiest
roundabouts in the city, Boavista. Still in the city of Porto, another
famous monument is She Changes, better known as The Anémona, designed by
the sculptor Janet Echelman. Designed to reflect the fishing and
industrial heritage of the cities of Porto and Matosinhos, it consists
of three steel posts, cables, a 20-tonne steel ring and a net of various
densities and colours. It is located by the sea, in Praça Cidade
Salvador.
Outside Porto you can find a few more contemporary
monuments of interest. One of them is the Mother Church of Marco de
Canaveses, designed by the prominent Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza
Vieira. Commissioned in 1990, it is one of the architect's best-known
works. It stands out from the landscape, standing tall, white and shiny,
with its straight lines and smooth surfaces.
Throughout the province, there are a variety of museums, theaters,
opera houses and other cultural facilities. Porto, being the largest
city, is the one that contains the largest number of these. The best
known in Porto, and probably in the north as well, is the Serralves
Foundation, a contemporary art museum set in a vast park. It is an
international reference, with contemporary works, generally from the
1960s to the present day, by artists such as Helena Almeida, Eduardo
Batarda, René Bértholo, Christian Boltanski, Ana Hatherly, Álvaro Lapa,
Cildo Meireles, Gerhard Richter, Richard Serra, Robert Smithson, Angelo
de Sousa, and many more. Equally important is the Soares dos Reis
National Museum, with a fine collection of sculpture, including O
Desterrado by Soares dos Reis. It also has an excellent collection of
paintings and decorative arts. Also of interest are the museums of the
Electric Car, in the old thermo-electric power station, with a large
collection, the Portuguese Photography Centre, near the Clérigos Tower
in the old building of Cadeia da Relação, with a good photographic
collection, the Museum of Transport and Communications, inserted in
Alfândega Nova, including a fine collection that shows the evolution of
the automobile, and the Museum of Port Wine, on the banks of the Douro
River, which makes known its importance in the development of the city.
In addition to the museums, you can also enjoy a show at Coliseu do
Porto (with a bit of everything, including circus, dance, opera,
theatre, concerts, etc.) or at Casa da Música (with a variety of musical
shows, from concerts to jazz sessions).
Also in Santa Maria da
Feira there are some important museums. One of them is the Museum of
Santa Maria de Lamas, which contains an enormous collection, with pieces
of art of all kinds, including entire chapels. However, the most famous
is undoubtedly the Visionarium, located in Europarque. It is an
interactive museum, part of the network of Ciência Viva Centres. Using
the most varied technologies, its visitors can explore the Discoveries
in the fields of Earth, Matter, the Universe, Life and Information.
In São João da Madeira you can visit the Chapelaria Museum, the only
one in the Iberian Peninsula dedicated to hats. It is located in what
remains of the most important Portuguese hat factory, with its
collection of numerous industrial machines and tools used in the
manufacture of hats, as well as a collection of hats
The main
contemporary art museum in the province, after the Serralves Foundation,
can be found in the city of Amarante: the Amadeo de Souza-Cardozo
Museum, housed in the monastery of São Gonçalo. It has a vast collection
of drawings, paintings and sculptures, including works by the most
important Portuguese artists. It also includes some temporary
exhibitions.
Several
One of the main attractions in the region
are the Port Wine Cellars, in Vila Nova de Gaia. In the Ribeira area of
Vila Nova de Gaia there are numerous wine companies, such as Taylor's,
Calem, Sandeman, etc. It's a good opportunity to learn more about one of
the greatest riches in the north of the country, showing you the process
the wine goes through, which spends years aging in barrels, what types
of wines you can find, and much more. At the end of the visit, many
companies offer a wine tasting. Several operators arrange tours, but on
some, like Calem's, you can just show up and buy a ticket.
The most popular event in the region is probably São João do Porto,
which takes place on the 23rd-24th of June. It is one of the great
popular festivities in the country, along with Santo António de Lisboa,
and attracts thousands of people to the streets of the historic center
of Porto. It is a very traditional festival, highlighting the famous
plastic hammers, used to hit the heads of people passing by, and vases
of basil with popular verses, as well as the traditional fireworks
display at midnight, next to the Dom Luís bridge. I. In addition to
this, there are several popular fairs, in more traditional neighborhoods
like Miragaia, enlivening the night even more. The party lasts until
four or five in the morning, when most people return home.
One of
the most realistic Medieval Fairs in the country takes place in Santa
Maria da Feira, at the end of July/beginning of August. For a few days,
the city goes back in time, and episodes from Portuguese history and the
region are often recreated, such as the expulsion of the Templars and
the capture of the castle of Santa Maria da Feira. If you want, you can
even buy clothes in a "medieval" shop.
In Amarante, the main
festival is the Pilgrimage of São Gonçalo, which takes place on the
first weekend of June. The city's calling card, it is celebrated in
honor of São Gonçalo, a matchmaker whose cult is associated with
fertility and who lived in Amarante. It is customary for unmarried women
to embrace the saint and ask him for a husband. Simultaneously, there is
an annual fair, a festival.
In this region are two of the most famous Portuguese casinos: Espinho and Póvoa de Varzim. The great advantage of these casinos is the beach, on the edge of which they are located, and the prestige they enjoy. Casino de Espinho is located just 17 kilometers from the city of Porto. Recently refurbished, it organizes a wide variety of events: fashion shows, banquets, exhibitions, etc. In addition to casino games, there are also several shows, with renowned artists such as Mariza and Rui Veloso. 30 km from Porto is the Casino da Póvoa, or "Casino do Norte", an old casino from the 1930s full of glamour, with lots of comfort and security. It has a great restaurant and a variety of games. Like Casino de Espinho, it presents several shows.
Almost all along the Douro Litoral coast there is some type of beach. Among the most popular is Praia da Granja, located in the parish of São Félix da Marinha, which enjoyed great prestige in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, however, it continues to be one of the best beaches in northern Portugal. Espinho has some of the best beaches on the Portuguese coast, one of its main attractions, along with the casino. The welcoming white sand beach is popular with surfers, professionals and amateurs alike. Also famous are the beaches of Póvoa de Varzim and Vila do Conde, with an extensive beach that is very well organized with the typical awnings and several wooden bars. Along the entire beach there is a promenade, perfect for cycling or walking. On the beach there are multiple beach facilities for bathers.
As in the rest of Portugal, Portuguese is spoken, and this is the only language spoken in the province. The accent is a little different from the Lisboeta, however it is easily perceptible.
The main cities of the province (Porto, Santa Maria da Feira, Póvoa
de Varzim, etc.), but mainly Porto, are full of shops and shopping
centres. In Porto you can find just about anything you're looking for,
from cheap knick-knacks to priceless antiques, and although the offer
isn't as great in smaller towns, towns like Santa Maria da Feira and
Póvoa de Varzim have a wide range of shops, although the only shopping
centers in the province are located in Porto or its metropolitan area,
with the exception of two in Vila do Conde.
You can buy a wide
variety of things. In the larger cities there is a dizzying array of
items for sale, including various souvenirs. If you want to buy
something traditional from the region, buy traditional sweets typical of
the region, such as the fogaças from Santa Maria da Feira, or splurge on
a 30-year-old bottle of Port Wine.
The Douro Litoral is full of traditional dishes and products, which
in some cities are an important tourist attraction. In coastal areas
(Porto, Matosinhos, Póvoa de Varzim) food is centered on fish, while in
more inland cities (Amarante, Resende) food is centered on meat,
although some fish are eaten, such as octopus and cod.
In the
interior of the region, honey from the highlands of Minho is
manufactured, produced by the bee Apis mellifera with the nectar of the
flora characteristic of the region, having a very dark color, and a
unique smell and taste. Still inland, the meat arouquesa is renowned, a
very succulent beef, suitable for roasting and grilling, and the kid
from the highlands of Minho, very tasty and juicy, with a unique flavor,
and especially appreciated when roasted. The most popular product of
regional confectionery is undoubtedly the fogaça da Feira, a
circular-shaped sweet bread molded to resemble the four towers of the
castle of Santa Maria da Feira.
As for typical dishes, in the
Douro Litoral rojões are popular, usually served with floured guts and
sautéed blood, a variety of cod dishes, highlighting cod fritters, and,
the most recent, and probably one of the most famous, the francesinha,
and tripe à moda do Porto; in addition to these, you can also try
lamprey, shad, grilled sardines, "malandrinho" rice, with beans or
vegetables, with hake or octopus fillets, french toast and burnt crème
brûlée.
What gives Port international fame is Port Wine, a fortified and
sweet wine, considered by many to be the best in the world. It is
produced only with grapes from the Douro Demarcated Region, and is then
aged for several years in wooden barrels, which give it its unique
flavor. The most curious thing about this wine is that its production
has nothing to do with the city that gives it its name; this is produced
in the Alto Douro Vinhateiro (Trás-os-Montes) and stored to age in Vila
Nova de Gaia; however it became known by this name since it is from this
city that it was shipped all over the world. Port wine: White, Ruby and
Tawny, available in restaurants and cellars throughout the city, and you
can also buy them directly at the Port Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de
Gaia.
In small parts of the Douro Litoral, Vinho Verde is also
produced, a characteristic product of Minho, and produced exclusively in
the Demarcated Region of Vinhos Verdes. It is the second most exported
wine in Portugal, after Port Wine. There are green, white and red, rosé
and sparkling wines, as well as green wine vinegars, green wine brandies
and green wine pomace. it is a wine that must be consumed while young,
and is known for its freshness.
Throughout the province there are hotels, houses for rent, motels,
inns, youth hostels, etc. Any traveler can find accommodation that suits
their needs. If you're looking for a cheap hotel, try a Youth Hostel,
spread across the country (however, there are only two in the province:
Porto and Espinho). It has modern and clean rooms, and its hotels are
grouped into four categories: historic, nature, urban and beach (in the
province, there is only one urban, in Porto, and one on the beach, in
Espinho). If you dare, you can also try a Residencial, very cheap and
plentiful in cities, but with somewhat dubious hygiene and poor quality
rooms. There are also some campsites that offer cheaper accommodation.
It is forbidden to sleep outdoors in Portugal, unless you have
permission from the owner of the land.
If you're looking for
something more luxurious, try one of the Pousadas de Portugal [29], also
grouped into three categories: historic, nature, charm and
historic/design. There are two in the province: one in Porto (for charm,
in the magnificent Palácio do Freixo) and another on the outskirts of
Amarante (for nature, in the middle of the magnificent Serra do Marão).
The network includes some of the most luxurious hotels in the country.
In Portugal agro-tourism is very popular, with several Casas de Campo
and Rural Tourism scattered throughout the province. These houses are
often full of history and extremely picturesque, although they are not
necessarily open all year round.
The only university in the province is located in Porto, which also has a Polytechnic Institute, which also includes centers in Vila do Conde and Póvoa de Varzim.
As for violent crime, Portugal is generally safe. This is not to say
that you shouldn't be careful and let your guard down. However, there
are no internal conflicts, no dangers related to terrorism, and crimes
related to drunkenness are rare, although in bigger cities, like Porto,
most bars and clubs are open 24 hours.
As in any big city, there
are some areas of Porto that should be avoided, especially at night.
Also, in the more touristy areas, beware of pickpockets who tend to rob
tourists - even so, common sense should come in to ensure your safety.
Use a money belt to store your documents and cash. Public transport
stops are the places where most pickpockets appear.
Recently
(mid-2008), in large cities, gang-related crimes have been on the rise,
particularly robberies of ATMs, stores, banks and service areas. Lately,
some gangs have been attacking people while they are at an ATM, after
entering the PIN, selecting €500 (the maximum you can withdraw from an
ATM) and running away with the money. If attacked, don't fight back, and
give them what they want to stay alive and healthy. Don't use guns to
defend yourself, the legal system is very strict about that. However,
crimes of this nature only tend to happen at night in very large cities,
such as Porto.
The main cities are well served in terms of hospitals. There are currently public hospitals in Porto (Hospital de São João, Hospital de Santo António), in Santa Maria da Feira (Hospital de São Sebastião), São João da Madeira (District Hospital of São João da Madeira), Vila Nova de Gaia (Hospital da Arrábida), Penafiel (Hospital Padre Américo), and Póvoa de Varzim-Vila do Conde (Hospital Center of Póvoa de Varzim-Vila do Conde). Public hospitals follow European standards. The emergency number is 112. Bottled water is recommended, but tap water is also perfectly safe. Members of the European Union receive free medical care as long as they have the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Usually, the Portuguese are affable, friendly, with good manners to receive like few people in the world have. However, you must be careful not to criticize some customs, religion, or make fun of some celebrities. It is still a somewhat conservative country in relation to some matters. A little attention: do not get into heated discussions about football, always maintaining the most impartial conduct possible.
In Portugal, access to communications has developed at a very fast
pace. Today, Internet penetration is much higher than it was ten years
ago. Cell phones are also very common in the country, as there are 11
cell phones for 10 Portuguese people.
You can find numerous
telephone booths throughout the country. You can pay with prepaid cards
(purchased at CTT or Portugal Telecom stores), coins or credit cards.
There are also many cyber-cafés, especially in areas of large cities
such as Lisbon and Porto. ADSL access provides high data transfer
speeds. The three national operators (TMN, Vodafone and Optimus) have
roaming pacts so you don't need to buy a new mobile phone while you're
in the country.
Visit one of the neighboring provinces:
Minho - One of the oldest
regions in the country, full of natural beauties, contrasts and
traditions. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, it has green valleys and villages
lost in time full of historical heritage, important urban centers and
white sand beaches.
Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro - In the words of
Miguel Torga, this "Wonderful Kingdom" is "a sea of stones", "a never
ending thick, rocky, wild land". This region has always been in the
imagination of the Portuguese, with its steep valleys and endless
mountain ranges.
Beira Litoral - Located in the heart of the country,
it is a land of contrasts, with plains on the coast and mountains in the
interior (serras). It is also extremely rich in heritage, from the
University of Coimbra, the oldest in the country, to the canals of
Aveiro, the Portuguese Venice.
Beira Alta - A land in the interior of
Portugal, with beautiful castles lost in the mountains, charming cities
like Guarda and historic villages, like the beautiful village of Castelo
Mendo.