Oh how I love this place! Hiking the cobblestone streets up and down through the city each day… ascending steep hills to be rewarded with views like none imagined… I’m in love with Porto’s beautiful unique vibe!
Douro River
Archaeologists believe trade at the mouth of the Douro River in Porto may date back to a Phoenician trading settlement in the 8th century BC. Later, the Douro River Valley region developed as an important trading center during the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, and continued into the Middle Ages. As early as the 13th century, wine produced in the Douro Valley was being shipped along the river to Porto in traditional wooden rabelo boats. Rabelos are still prevalent on the river today, though no longer used commercially.
The six bridges spanning the Douro in Porto are landmarks in the city. My daughter and I looked forward to seeing the Maria Pia bridge, which was designed by Gustave Eiffel. While on our sightseeing tour, the audio guide was a bit ahead, though, and we discovered we had oohed and ahh-ed over the wrong bridge! We did see it eventually, and had a good laugh over the thought of our mistake, throughout the trip.
Livraria Lello Bookstore
The Livraria Lello bookstore in Porto is said to be the inspiration behind JK Rowling’s bookstore in the Harry Potter book series. Rowling taught English in Porto, and is said to have frequented the bookstore. We were taken aback by the huge tourist crowd and long line to get in. We were also annoyed that there was a cost to even go into the store. We made the decision to go in, though, and were glad we did. We agree it was similar to the description of the Hogwart’s bookstore, which was pretty cool. Also, I found a picture book about Porto that I bought there, which I keep on my coffee table and enjoy looking through from time to time.Aproveite sua Comida!
Interesting and unique was the gelato made by a street vendor, using a sheet of ice, cream, and fruit. After a lot a chopping, and blending by hand, we were handed a most delicious treat!
Breakfast in Porto was wonderful! I was complaining when we looked at the menus that first morning, that toast and yogurt did not sound like a very big breakfast, but the huge spread of toasted bread, cheeses and jams, along with enormous glasses full of yogurt and fresh fruits, and of course perfect coffee, was so tasty and filling that I looked forward to it every day!
One evening we walked to a restaurant/hotel which was known for it’s overhanging flowers that covered walls and ceilings inside, and had an appetizer on the balcony overlooking a convent.
Our favorite spot for dinner we found only on our last evening. It was a small place offering only three choices: fish, beef, or pork… yes these were the only words on the chalkboard menu! My daughter chose fish and I had beef. It was a large, good meal which included soup, vegetables, and potatoes, as well as dessert and coffee, and for a decent price. We had a scare when we realized we had very little cash with us, and they did not take cards! We counted out our money between us, and including cent coins we had barely enough!
The Atlantic Coastline
I have a better understanding of geology after seeing the enormous waves crashing with such fury against the rocks on the coastline of the Atlantic here! It is easy to see how caves and cliffs could form over time! We enjoyed walking along the sidewalks along the coast, and venturing out to the sand and rocks. We spent a relaxing afternoon sunning on the beach, as well. We devoted a little time to exploring an old fort in Porto, São Francisco do Queijo, nicknamed “Castle of Cheese” because of the cheese-wedge shaped rock it sits on.
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