Along the scenic Douro River, Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city with a population of over 200,000, welcomes visitors with a rich tapestry of history, port wine culture, and architectural splendor. It is renowned for its historic Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The economy of Porto has historically been intertwined with the wine trade, particularly the production of the world-famous port wine. The city’s wine cellars, nestled in the Vila Nova de Gaia district, offer a fascinating glimpse into this centuries-old tradition.
Some things to know about Porto:
-It is adorned with beautiful azulejos, traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles.
-Porto is internationally acclaimed as the birthplace of port wine. The city’s wine cellars, located across the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia, house the iconic Port wine brands. Visitors can explore the wine cellars, enjoy tastings, and learn about the centuries-old tradition of port wine production.
-The Rabelo boats were historically used to transport barrels of Port wine from the Douro Valley to the cellars in Porto. Today, an annual regatta featuring these traditional boats takes place on the Douro River during the São João Festival, celebrating Porto’s maritime heritage.
-Sardines hold a special place in the culinary and cultural traditions of Porto, particularly during the popular São João Festival.