Porto And The Green Coast

The second largest and some say the most dynamic and forwardthinking city in the country; Welcome to Porto! The Amazing coast near Porto is called “The Green Coast”, having several beautiful beaches.

Welcome to Porto & the Green Coast

Near the site of the earliest origins (Guimarães) we find the second largest and some say the most dynamic and forwardthinking city in the country. Welcome to Porto, the ‘capital’ of the north. Porto is a “cidade invicta” which translates to “the city that has never been defeated”. Unlike Lisbon that was conquered several times and ruled by exterior forces Porto has remained 100% Portuguese. This pedigree has undoubtedly helped it to become the youthful and fascinating city it is today.

The city lies on the bank of the River Douro. Here, some of Portugal’s best wine is produced and enjoyed. The river not only contributes to good wine but beautiful scenery as it twists and turns through the enchanted Douro Valley. There are beautiful wine cellars in Gaia – just across the river from Porto – that hold some of the best Port wine and where you mustn’t pass the opportunity to taste and learn more about its production.

Today, Porto is a fascinating combination of modern, up to date facilities without forgetting its glorious past. It has a state-of-the-art airport which has just received recognition as one of the top three airports in Europe. Also, a multimillion investment has just given Porto a new metro spanning the city making public transport between the airport, town and beach very simple, swift and affordable.

Porto is known throughout Portugal for its dazzling night life, having a wide variety of bars and clubs for every possible taste - and don’t think you’re past it – the nightlife here is geared to every age – often we bump into our parents!

The coast near Porto is called “The Green Coast”, having several beautiful beaches not nearly as well-known (we are glad!) and touristy (that’s why!) as the Algarve. The beaches are still as nature intended them with little development, just the occasional wooden beach bar. It’s wild, unspoilt and uncrowded. The weather is very pleasant and while temperatures are cooler than the Algarve, it’s still warm all year.