Destination:
​Porto
Despite its compact size, Porto's historic center brims with major attractions. Many of the city's roads are narrow, winding, and paved with uneven cobblestones, making walking an excellent way to soak up the sights, sounds, and aromas of this vibrant destination.
However, visitors are advised to wear sturdy, comfortable footwear, as the city's hilly terrain and irregular pavement can provide a challenging workout for the legs.
These grey mesh Sketchers trainers with coral accents were a delight - they looked stylish, felt incredibly comfortable, and kept our feet cool and dry.
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When it comes to attire, locals tend to dress in smart-casual wear. While shorts are fine for the beach, wearing them around town will quickly mark you as a tourist. At nicer restaurants, a slightly dressier look is recommended.
Fortunately, Porto boasts an extensive public transportation network, including buses, trams, and a metro system, allowing visitors to easily navigate the city and access its many attractions.
After our leisurely breakfast, we packed our waterproof, anti-theft backpack with essential items, including a stylish scarf, a pair of statement earrings, and a crease-free dress. This versatile bag, equipped with a USB port, allowed us to carry our belongings comfortably as we explored the city. The dress provided a quick option to dress up if we decided to dine out, helping us blend in and avoid looking like tourists.
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Fortunately, Porto boasts an extensive public transportation network, including buses, trams, and a metro system, allowing visitors to easily navigate the city and access its many attractions. For convenience, purchase an Andante Card (€0.60) and load it with credit ('titulos') for use on the Metro and buses. Trams have a separate fare (€3.50/€6 one-way/return), with tickets available for purchase on board. The Funicular dos Guindais also requires its own ticket (€3.50 one-way) and provides a short but enjoyable ride from the riverfront near the iconic Luís I bridge up to Rua Augusto Rosa near the Igreja de Santa Clara.
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While Porto has a coastal Atlantic location, it enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate, with warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. Even in summer, a rain jacket is advisable for the occasional shower. Winters bring a few wet days followed by pleasant, sunny skies. Dressing in layers is recommended year-round, as the base layers are both wrinkle-resistant and insulating. Days may start chilly but warm up considerably, so a scarf is advisable to account for the coastal breezes.
Credit: Jonathan Ribeiro
We loved Hilton Porto-Gaia which offers a stunning, breathtaking location overlooking the UNESCO Heritage site of Porto and the Douro River. This unique, contemporary luxury hotel boasts spacious, generously-sized rooms.
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For those seeking to enhance their wellness routine during menopause, the hotel's expansive 1,100 sq. meter spa and state-of-the-art gym provide ample opportunities, including Pilates master classes. The food and beverage program is a balance of familiar favourites, healthful options, and trendy selections. Guests can enjoy the open-concept restaurant and bar, as well as an exclusive panoramic bar, completing this impressive hospitality experience.
The Douro River's scenery is simply breathtaking. Verdant hills blanketed in vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, their lush greenery complemented by the river's deep, azure hues
To thoroughly explore the sites in Porto, you'll need at least a couple of days. From there, catch a train from São Bento station to Pinhão, with a stop at Campanha along the way. For a seamless journey, purchase tickets in advance through the user-friendly Omio website, which allows you to compare train times and prices, and download e-tickets to your smartphone.
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Keep in mind that stops are not announced during the train ride, so stay alert and keep an eye out when reaching each platform to ensure you don't miss your destination.
The Douro River's scenery is simply breathtaking. Verdant hills blanketed in vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, their lush greenery complemented by the river's deep, azure hues. To enjoy the best views, be sure to sit on the right side of the train. We brought along a pair of compact binoculars to enhance our sightseeing experience.
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Pinhão is a hidden gem. Pronounced "Pin-yow," this quaint town exudes a tranquil, village-like ambiance, with a smattering of restaurants, mini-markets, bakeries, cafes, and accommodations. It's the perfect place to unwind, sleep in late, stroll leisurely, savor locally produced wine and port, and simply relax on the boats - a true antidote to the stresses of everyday life.
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During our stay at the Vintage House Hotel, we enjoyed fabulous wine tastings in Pinhão, located within the world's oldest demarcated wine region. This magnificent 19th-century hotel, once a former winery, lies in an idyllic and tranquil riverside setting, surrounded by hills and mountains blanketed in vineyards. The hotel's classic design features elegant and comfortable interiors.
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The best time to visit Porto is spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–October)
