Porto

Sightseeing

A holiday to Porto usually consists of consuming a lot of what the city is best known for: port wine. However, the diverse city of Porto can offer far more than just drinking, as the city is equally famous for its architecture and intricate bridges.

Despite being principally an industrial centre, Porto also enjoys a great many historical and cultural attractions. An array of cathedrals and interesting museums are dotted around the city, including the exquisite Baroque church of St Frances which stands on the Porto waterfront. Another hugely popular sightseeing opportunity in Porto is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site in the form of the historic riverside Ribeira district, a must-see attraction when visiting the city.

Although there's plenty to do for the cultural enthusiast, when it comes down to it, a visit to Porto is never complete without savouring the legendary port wine. It's lovingly processed, mixed and matured in the Vila Nova da Gaia district across the river from the city. Once visitors have sampled the delicious beverage, an excellent way to explore the scenery is via a boat cruise on the River Douro, or a trip to one of the many neighbouring fishing villages.

Attractions

Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis

The National Museum Soares dos Reis, located in the ancient Carrancas Palace in Porto, is one of the most renowned Portuguese museums. This extensive art museum opened in 1840 and is today dedicated to Antonio Soares dos Reis, the famous Portuense sculptor. The gallery also houses a foreign art collection that includes works by the Dutch, Flemish, Italian and French masters. There's a large collection of 19th century Portuguese works, including those from the Porto school, and exhibits of ceramics, glassware, gold and silverwork, and furniture.

Igreja de São Francisco

The Church of St Frances stands along the Porto waterfront and was built between 1383 and 1425. While not very imposing from the outside, it has a lavish Baroque interior that was created in the 17th and 18th centuries. Pillars and columns within the vault are festooned with gold-gilded cherubs, flower garlands and entwined animals, alongside fruit cornucopia. This feast for the eyes is set off by wide Gothic arches made of marble that soar into the roof. The Igreja de São Francisco is the most prominent Gothic monument in Porto. It's located in the historic centre of the city and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Solar Vinho do Porto

Many travellers come to Porto for its foritified wines. The place to visit for samples of every port produced in the region, and also the rest of Portugal, is the Solar Vinho do Porto. Travellers will find it in the splendid grounds of the Crystal Palace Gardens and in the vicinity of the Romantic Museum of Quinta da Macieirinha. Inside the rose-bedecked villa is a relaxed, upmarket tasting room. Staffed by knowledgeable hosts who offer glasses or bottles of port, visitors can enjoy complimentary snacks and learn about the port-making process. Visitors will also find a small museum in the villa that contains a collection of 18th century furniture and paintings.

Vila Nova de Gaia

This suburb of Porto lies along the south bank of the River Douro, on the site of an ancient fortified village. Today, Vila Nova de Gaia is home to more than 50 wine companies who operate their lodges in the winding narrow streets flanked by red-roofed buildings. Most of the lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia welcome visitors for tours and tastings. Among the best known are Sandemans, which is housed in a former 16th century convent, and Taylor's. The suburb also features a 16th century monastery that has interesting circular cloisters and a terrace where the Duke of Wellington planned his attack on the French in 1809.

Guimarães

The historic town of Guimarães is regarded as the birthplace of Portugal. Here, in 1128, Afonso Henriques became the first king of the country. Guimarães has many medieval buildings and fortifications, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the main attractions is the tiny Romanesque church where Afonso was allegedly baptised, and the imposing Palace of the first Duke of Braganza. There are numerous other Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque delights to discover in walking around the town. There are also two excellent museums: the Museu Alberto Sampaio contains religious art and relics and is housed in a monastery; while the Museu Arqueologico Martins Sarmento displays the finds from a nearby Celtic hill settlement.

Bragança

In the remote northeast province of Tras-os-Montes, the small provincial capital Bragança lies close to the Spanish border and is slowly being discovered by tourists. This is mostly because of its fine local museum and the small medieval village and castle on a hillock overlooking the town. Visitors will find the garden of the Museu do Abade de Baçal between the medieval citadel and the cathedral, and the museum itself houses a collection of sacred art and watercolours. A pentagonal 12th-century civic building called the Domus Municipalis is in the citadel, and is unique in Europe.

Vila do Conde

This charming coastal gem lies just north of Porto and is quickly becoming a must-visit destination. With its stunning sandy beaches, rocky reefs, historic architecture and charming, laid-back atmosphere, it offers a more relaxed alternative to the bustling tourist hotspots of southern Portugal, such as the Algarve. The town boasts medieval buildings and scenic promenades, and has some entertaining local industries, which include hand-hewn boat building, hand-knitting, sweet making and lace-making. Visitors are welcome at the Rendas lace-making school, where fine examples of the local lace can be purchased. The large Friday market is a good place to find both souvenirs and excellent local food.

Serra de Estrela

The Serra de Estrela, mainland Portugal's highest mountain range, is fast becoming one of Europe's hottest new resorts for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The range is formed from a huge granite ridge that reaches 6,539 feet (1,993m) at its highest point, and its unique topography of strangely-shaped crags and gorges, fast-flowing streams, mountain lakes and pristine forests makes it one of Portugal's greatest natural attractions. The ski resort itself features five miles (7,4km) of skiable snow, nine runs ranging in difficulty from absolute beginner to intermediate, and a terrain park for snowboarders. There are also hiking trails, chic restaurants and high-class health spas.

Espinho

The resort town of Espinho lies just 16 miles (26km) south of Porto. It has a casino and a bullring, as well as a range of shops, restaurants, hotels and campsites. It possesses a long stretch of golden sandy beach popular with surfers, a number of excellent seafood restaurants and one of the world's oldest golf courses. The Monday market is a popular draw, occupying three city streets with stalls selling local food, crafts, souvenirs and other items. Espinho is easily navigable, with many of its chief attractions located within easy walking distance of the train station downtown. These include local museums, a planetarium, music academy and the João de Deus city park.