By By Cindy
•
13 Feb, 2024
Early Feb I flew to the Portuguese city Porto for a long weekend break. I flew from Manchester for 3 nights, staying in some great apartments located in the old town and close to the Douro River. After the 2 hours flight I jumped on the airport bus into town 45 mins journey for 2.50 euros. Porto is a beautiful, colourful city, home to 6 bridges that connects Porto with Gaia, many of the buildings are UNESO protected. Gaia is south of the river a separate city to Porto, home to many Port factories, take the cable car to the top of the Dom Luis Bridge for amazing views, sunset and the Monastery of Serra do Pilar. Many of Porto’s attractions are located on the hilltop including the Cathedral, Palacio da Bolsa and Clerigos church/tower to name a few... it is a hilly city in most parts. I explored Porto on foot, via Tuk Tuk and enjoyed a 1hr boat trip along the Douro. On the Saturday I walked along the river Douro to where the river meets the Atlantic Sea, this is a lovely 5km walk on the flat to the lighthouse -you can also take then historic number 1 tram if you don’t fancy walking. From the lighthouse I continued my walk along the sea front to Matosinhos -a major port and fishing village 5km away, along this section there are great beaches ideal for sunbathing, windsurfing, or watching the world go by in one of the sea fronts bars/restaurants. I finished my weekend completing The Arrabida Porto Bridge Climb up 262 steps to watch the fabulous sunset over the Atlantic Ocean where I enjoyed the reward of a shot of Port -not for the faint hearted!