It’s time to visit Portugal and learn more about its corners and places yet to be discovered. Today we take you to the North of the country, a region that has seen strong tourist growth. We will travel to the Douro Wine Region, Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia and Arouca. Come with Feel Porto.
Porto: European destination of excellence
In recent years, Porto has experienced a huge boost in tourism. The city opened its doors and is today one of the most popular destinations for those who want to visit Portugal.
Over the past few years, it has been awarded several times as the best European destination. In 2020, the city received the title of Europe’s best destination for urban getaways.
Visitors to the city can enjoy a destination that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Ribeira, do not miss the famous Exclusive 6 Bridge Tour with Sailing 360, a tour through the waters of the Douro. For the more adventurous, why not climb the arch of Ponte da Arrábida? Porto Bridge Climb offers this activity that will raise your adrenaline levels.
In addition to the historic part, the city’s cultural offer has also grown a lot. The Serralves Foundation, Casa da Música and Teatro Rivoli are some of the main drivers of this growth.
In terms of gastronomy, you cannot miss the famous Francesinha. Tripas à Moda do Porto are also one of the most sought after and appreciated dishes by visitors.
Vila Nova de Gaia: Port Wine House
Visiting Portugal and the city of Porto means crossing the river to Vila Nova de Gaia, were it not for the location of the Porto wine cellars. It is here that you will find out more about this nectar of the gods, produced in the Douro demarcated region. In addition to understanding how it is produced and stored, you’ll have the opportunity to taste it. Be sure to visit one of these “sanctuaries”.
Port wine is undoubtedly the main tourist attraction in the city and in 2020 the city opened the World of Wine to visitors. This space is dedicated to Port wine, with a wide range of museums and restaurants.
Journey to the heart of the Douro Wine Region
The Douro Wine Region is a must for anyone who wants to visit Portugal and one of the most recognized regions worldwide. It is here that the Port Wine, so appreciated abroad, is produced. So let yourself be enchanted by the magnificent valleys. The Miradouro de São Leonardo de Galafura, near Peso da Régua, or the Miradouro da Misarela, in Armamar, offer breathtaking views.
Visiting Portugal and the Douro Wine Region requires a visit to one of the many estates spread across the region. This is where you can discover some of the secrets of wine production, as well as taste it. Visit, for example, Quinta do Vallado (Peso da Régua), Quinta da Barroca (Armamar) or Quinta Maria Izabel (Folgosa). To complement your knowledge of this wine region, also pay a visit to the Douro Museum, in Peso da Régua.
With wine as the region’s ex-libris, gastronomy also gains prominence. In addition to many traditional cuisine restaurants, in Folgosa you can find DOC. Located on the banks of the Douro, this space adds a touch of modernity to traditional Portuguese food. It is the responsibility of Chef Rui Paula, one of the most prestigious chefs in national cuisine.
Back at Peso da Régua, you can always sweeten your palate with one of the famous Rebuçados da Régua, made in a traditional way and sold on the street.
Are you planning to visit Portugal and the Douro Wine Region in September, thinking about the vintage? Also know that, at that time, the annual Apple Fair is held in Armamar.
Arouca: Discovering Nature and Gastronomy
Arouca is a good destination for those who want to visit Portugal and have greater contact with nature. The Geopark has existed in this region since 2007 and dynamizes the Paiva Walkways and Serra da Freita.
The Paiva Walkways have given a great tourist boost to the region and are attracting more and more visitors each year. These trails of about 10km integrated into the landscape annually receive hundreds of thousands of visitors. In 2021, the region also inaugurated the 516 Arouca suspension bridge next to the walkways. The longest suspension bridge in the world, measuring 516 meters, offers an impressive view over the Paiva valley. This engineering work directly entered Time’s list as one of the top 100 places in the world.
In Serra da Freita you will find another opportunity to enjoy the privileged contact with nature. Here you can find several geosites referenced by the Geopark. One of the highlights is Frecha da Mizarela, the largest waterfall in Portugal.
Finally, visiting Portugal is always synonymous with good food. In Arouca you cannot fail to discover the wonders of the region’s gastronomy. From the outset with certified meat of Arouquesa origin. One of the highlights is the kid that is roasted in a wood-fired oven in this region. Convent sweets also have a strong heritage in Arouca, resulting from the Monastery of Santa Maria de Arouca. Sweet chestnuts, tongue delicacies, nun bellies or sweet black puddings are just a few examples.
Dare to visit Portugal with Feel Porto!
Come visit Portugal and discover some of the most beautiful destinations in the North of the country through Feel Porto. Enjoy the comfort and good location of our accommodations to rest and get to know the country better. Discover our entire offer, with the Clean & Safe seal of Turismo de Portugal, and travel with us!
