Why are Porto and the north of Portugal one of the most popular destinations ?
Founded in 1143, Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe and offers a wide range of opportunities to those who visit it: monuments and traditions, fado and folklore, gastronomy and wines, routes and nature, handicrafts , tiles, art, are some of the excellent and authentic attractions that make Portugal increasingly considered a destination of choice. There is no shortage of reasons to discover Portugal, and those who visit or live in the country can attest, a country full of charm from north to south passing through the islands, an unmissable destination.
Nature, traditions, culture, gastronomy, wines, sun and sea are some of the products that the country offers.
Located at the western tip of Europe, Portugal has a privileged location. The climate is considered Mediterranean (mild) practically throughout the year due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. It is considered one of the countries in Europe with the mildest temperature. Summers aren't too hot and winters don't tend to be too cold, which makes the country a perfect tourist destination at any time of the year.
Why are Porto and the north of Portugal one of the most popular destinations? The best way to discover secret places is with locals. (https://www.toursportoone.com/book-online)
I would say that the question is general for the whole country. I can say that it is a combination of factors. Good universities, a safe country, the low crime rate associated with a reduced threat of terrorism, are perfect factors to enjoy a safe holiday in Portugal. Friendly people, many young people speak English, ease in languages, history, monuments, gastronomy harmonizing with good wines, beaches, breathtaking landscapes and good connections. High speed internet even in some more isolated and remote locations, Douro viewpoints and good roads. Therefore, Portugal is an old country with nine centuries, but new. Very attractive with all the offers that travelers and investors are looking for.
Portugal's tech sector is booming with entrepreneurship programs that involve all sectors, tech startups are an eclectic mix of hyper-growth scaleups, small creative startups and everything in between. The country's commitment brought to Lisbon the WebSummit, which is the largest technology conference in Europe, and with it the largest companies in the world looking for young talent and promising projects. Consolidated companies already employ thousands of young people. Critical Software, which recently made a joint venture with BMW, Critical TechWorks, Endiprev in the field of wind energy, is an open door for young graduates from all over the world. Unicorns that were born in Portugal like Farfetch, Talkdesk, OutSystems, Feedzai, Remote, SWORD Health rang the bell on Wall street.
Then we have the cultural heritage.
Portugal has a fantastic set of buildings with various architectural styles, in the most beautiful cities and towns in the country, which reflect the creativity of its artists. The wonderful works of architecture in Portugal begin in the prehistoric era, with works that are still open to visits today. The diversity and magnitude of existing works are extensive. Portugal offers a true journey through history where each space holds a secret of a region, of a people. Comparing with other countries in Europe, Portugal has a relatively attractive cost of living. Thus, it is much better to enjoy Portuguese gastronomy, the excellent hotel structure, good local temporary accommodation, seasonal rental ( https://www.toursportoone.com/book-a-room ), and take the opportunity to discover several cities spread across the country , whether on the coast, inland, in the south or north. Portuguese cuisine is very diverse and rich in history, as is the whole country. It received influence ranging from the Phoenicians to the Celts, from the Romans to the Moors. Not to mention the navigation period that had a strong weight, with the introduction of various spices. Simplicity, freshness and tradition are key points to flavor the dishes of typical and tasty Portuguese cuisine. Traveling around Portugal is also an opportunity to get to know sweets that are made exclusively in Portuguese cities. Each place has its own tradition and it's practically impossible not to want to try them all! Pastel de Belém, ovo moles from Aveiro, traditional sweets from Amarante, pillows and cheesecakes from Sintra, delicacies from Frei João in Alcobaça and pastéis de santa clara in Coimbra. It's mouth watering, isn't it?
In fact, Portugal is a small country, but with a wide variety of menus. Easily region by region we find different flavors and dishes. In the interior north, there is roast veal with potatoes, roast lamb, pork, cod, rojões. Bay leaves, cloves, nutmeg, salt and pepper season the meat which, after being cooked and shredded, is added to the rice. The final touch of cumin is added at the end to give it a unique flavor. Harmonized with Vinho Verde, which can be from the house or brands such as Palácio da Brejoeira Alvarinho, Muralhas, Aveleda. On the coast we can easily find fresh fish and seafood. The Matosinhos area has many offers, such as Mauritânia Restaurant with good views over the Atlantic Sea or Knaipa close by, but in a narrow street, or Rua Heróis de França which is full of restaurants. "O António" or "Lage Senhor do Padrão" Clams à Bolhão Pato is a great aperitif. If we go to Coimbra, in the Bairrada region, there is the famous suckling pig paired with the traditional sparkling wine. A few kilometers further on in the Lousã region, the chanfana is made with old goats and wine, and many stories are behind this dish.
Douro Valley
Well, this part is a place worth admiring. The Douro Valley in itself is a luxury. We can see the hard work of the older generations on the fabulous balconies of the terraces, whose walls tell an interesting story - the determination to collect schist stones. Understand how the soils maintain the good health of the grapes and how they withstand such high and low temperatures to obtain the famous Port wine. Usually on the farms we can hear from those in charge their family history, the variety of grapes they mix/combine to give us the good table wines and the famous port wine. Sometimes the weather is not good and the grapes are stressed with high temperatures as happened in July and August 2022, until June the grapes were well developed, but then the berries on the vine stopped growing. They put water on the trunk of the vine to cool them off from the heat. the harvest started earlier than usual.
We have excellent views (viewpoints) and we will travel along roads with stunning landscapes with some stops for photos. Did you know that Fernão de Magalhães was born in this area in 1480!
The entire itinerary of the tour is a full day, today I will stop at Quinta Seara d'Ordens, a family of producers, brothers and nephews, with fantastic wines, and have lunch in a magical place that could be the São Leonardo da Galafura Restaurant, the Dona Dulce presents us with tasty flavors and a family friendship, the views are super and the meals come from the traditional wood oven or at Casa Barros, a 19th century manor house with excellent service and a pleasant outdoor area with Augusto always attentive and available. Then we head to Pinhão to experience a boat trip between the fabulous mountains, a trip that starts in Pinhão. Right there is Quinta da Roêda, owned by Croft, Quinta das Carvalhas, the historic Real Companhia Velha property that opened a recent restaurant in Vila Nova de Gaia, Enoteca17.56 and Quinta do Bomfim. these farms have been there since the creation of the Douro demarcated region in 1756. Then there is Taylor, owners of the brands Krohn and Croft whose Fladgate family has been in Portugal for over three hundred years (1692) with significant investments in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia as The Yeatman built in the old cellars and recently an interesting project World of Wine Porto (WOW Porto), a complex that houses 7 museums, 12 restaurants and bars, a wine school, thematic stores, an exhibition space and another for events.
Quinta do Seixo by Sandeman is another mandatory stop to enjoy its outdoor terrace with the vineyards and the river right in front of you. Perhaps it is one of the wineries with the best views.
Quinta da Pacheca is a farm hotel and manor house and vineyards, with a stunning lane that preserves the traditions of treading grapes. Everything is designed to be comfortable and take great pictures, you can also have a luxurious experience of sleeping in barrels and even having your wedding reception. This year my clients and I are going to crush the grapes by stomping them. They have the name for this little party. They call Lagarada.
City of Porto
Porto elected best destination in Europe in 2019 for the third time.
In Porto, the undefeated city, visitors can stroll along the Ribeira paths in the medieval quarter, take a cruise on the majestic river, fly over the city in a helicopter or discover the architecture, stunning landscapes and magnificent bridges. But Porto is also a city by the sea, which can be reached in a very short time, on the tram, which takes visitors to the beaches of Foz, to dip their toes in the Atlantic. At Palácio da Bolsa, you can travel through history with Portuguese adventurers, traverse the trade routes of the past, which surprise you with the treasures that navigators brought back. Highlight for the city's notable buildings, such as the Cathedral, whose terraces are excellent, the Church of São Francisco with the impressive Baroque-style gilded carving, viewpoints overlooking the hustle and bustle of the markets, grocery stores, bars, restaurants and spaces greens found in the city's beautiful parks.
In Porto, you can also immerse yourself in art-deco culture and style, visiting the Serralves Foundation and Museum, among others, where you can appreciate the collection of national and international contemporary art that is there and get to know its cultural program of shows and events. workshops. Porto also whets your appetite, challenges you to places where Portuguese cuisine is the best, from the restaurant with stars to the bar on the corner, which everyone talks about for its speciality, meat, fish or seafood, by the river, by the by the sea, or in one of the streets of the city. There are countless trendy places, with unique environments in designer bars and young designer stores. But on a visit to the city of Porto, it is impossible to ignore the iconic Port wine produced in the region, in the most glorious and intense versions, ruby, vintage, white or rosé, as well as the fantastic table wines. Porto knows how to win the visitor's heart, make him feel welcome and give him a lasting impression, so that in the end it's difficult to leave.
There are many ways to discover Porto. The best thing is to walk and you will know the history in every corner. I am going to try .
We can start our first walk starting at Praça da Liberdade with the naked girl and the city hall behind us. For three hundred years this area has been home to orange groves, vegetable gardens and melons. It was known at the time for the Bishop's "vegetable gardens". From 1721 these lands are urbanized. This place becomes the city forum. Here were acclaimed Liberty and the Republic. Protest marches, fairs, processions, military parades, popular dancers, all of this took place here.
It's better to go back to the Square. We will see the statue of Pedro IV. In his right hand he has the constitutional charter he offered to Portugal. This square started with the name Praça da Constitution for three years. (1820 -1823). The statue dates from 1866. On either side of its base we can see two plaques. Which represent the landing of liberal troops on a beach in Matosinhos and on another the offering of the heart of D. Pedro IV to the city of Porto. Which is also well represented on the coat of arms of the city in the center. King Pedro IV donated his heart to the city of Porto as a symbol of gratitude for the heroic services that the city rendered to the liberal cause and to the defense of his daughter, the future Queen Maria Il.
To our left we have the old imperial cafe where we can see the figure of the imperial eagle and if we enter we see an interesting architecture, today McDonalds is there. On the right side we have the imposing building of the Bank of Portugal. Right there in the north part we see a statue that represents Porto. This statue was made to place on the front of an old palace that existed where the naked girl is today.
It is interesting to know that where the Banco de Portugal building stands today there used to be a fountain, the Arca fountain. Over this fountain, shopkeepers built an oratory where they placed the image of Our Lady of the Nativity. It didn't take long for the fountain to be called the Nativity. It operated until 1836.
Natividade was also the first name of Rua dos Clérigos, the name was only given to it in 1860 and to which we are now heading. Let's pass by Confeitaria Arcadia, installed in 2014 in the old Ateneia, a famous tea house from the 1930s, which still maintains its original decor. It's worth going in for a coffee and a sweetie. Then we turn right and we are on Rua dos Clérigos, one of the busiest streets in the city. This street had many specialty stores. The buildings keep the original features intact and some are very representative of the 19th century type of architecture. We can admire the wrought iron balconies in some, authentic works of iron filigree. Art, good taste and artistic refinement are the reflection of an ancient art that in Porto had deep and praiseworthy traditions whose origins come from the beginnings of our nationality.
We will continue to climb up to the majestic Church and Torre dos Clérigos. The complex was built between 1732 and 1763. The author of this monumental work was the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, who took advantage of a narrow and steep terrain. It is interesting to know that individuals who were condemned to be hanged nearby were buried here in this place called Campo das Mauvas. In Porto there is a very popular expression which is to send someone to the mauves. At one time it meant wishing for the most ignoble death. Today it has a softer meaning.
To be continued ...
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