At Zoover's invitation, Astrid (from Bonapetit.nl) travels to Porto in Portugal for MamsatWork. You can read here what there is to do in Porto and how she experienced the trip.
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I'm excited (excited sounds so weird) about the press trip to Portugal. I have never been to Porto before. I don't really know what to expect and what there is to do in Porto, but we'll find out. And I would like to take you with me in my experiences. A few days before I leave I receive the latest information from Zoover.nl and that information alone makes me happy. What a varied program! From a visit to a port cellar (who doesn't like it) to various activities in an adventure park, a trip on a canal boat, strolling through Porto and of course good food. For the rest, I'll see what comes my way and let me surprise you.
We fly with TAP Air Portugal and this runs smoothly. In the air we get a wrap, aqua cookies (would they be called that, because they make you thirsty), cheese, a chocolate nut and a drink of your choice. What a treat. Arrived in Porto there is a blinded van waiting with a super nice guide from Porto and Norhern Tourism Board. My first impression… what a messy city Porto is, what could be done here now? But as soon as we drive into the city center I am impressed. Beautiful buildings, high bridges over the Douro, and a phenomenal view surprise me. Yes, you read it already I'm sold.
On to the Port cellar of Taylors. The number of barrels that lie here is impressive. Such a shame I can't digitally convey the scent to you, but it smells wonderfully like Port here (logical of course). A charming young man tells us about the origin of the Port, how they are preserved and much more. If you're in Porto, this is fun to do and really worth taking a look.
In the accompanying restaurant “Barão Fladgate” you can then have a delicious dinner if you want with an incredibly beautiful view over the city, especially at sunset. We start with various appetizers and the most delicious cocktail I've had in ages; white port with tonic.
As a starter we get a kind of cannelloni of filo dough filled with sausages from the region and turnips.
The main course for us consists of a sirloin steak with cabbage and mashed potatoes and the dessert of apple pie in puff pastry with cinnamon ice cream and toasted almonds ensures that I can rightly say that I have eaten more than enough. And good.
Tired but satisfied (by now it is already half past eleven) we go to the Praia Golf Hotel where we spend the night. At the front there is a lot of construction and renovation, but fortunately we are not bothered by that at the rear of the hotel. Here we have a beautiful view over the ocean and the boulevard.
I wake up to the sound of the Atlantic Ocean, get up quietly, look outside and have this fantastic view. What does a man want more. The breakfast buffet in this hotel offers plenty of choice. From croissants, rolls and toasted bread to yogurt, fresh fruit, sweets, homemade jams and so on. Also in terms of drinks you can get everything at breakfast, such as fresh juice, tea, coffee or cappuccino.
Today we discover what else there is to do in the vicinity of Porto. We go on a road trip to Amarante with our private bus. The route is really beautiful and very varied. We drive through the mountains with a view over the vineyards in this area.
After a drive of about 45 minutes you will arrive in Amarante. When we arrive they are building for “Festa do Junho”, which seems to be a big event in this town. There are then markets, parades, fairgrounds and fireworks! If you go to Porto in July and then travel to Amarante, they have the MIMO FESTIVA with concerts, films, exhibitions, etc. Not unimportant, the entrance is completely free.
You can visit the local tourist office for more information and of course you can buy local products. We taste typical delicacies from Amerante. So sweet that your enamel will spontaneously jump off your teeth 😉 .
If you are going on holiday in Portugal, a visit to the Municipal Museum Amedeo de Souzo Cardoso, which is dedicated to the aforementioned artist (1887-1918) born in Amarante, is also nice. Amadeo was a modernist painter. In Paris he spent time with other artists, such as Picasso, among others, which you can clearly recognize in his paintings.
You will also find Igreja de Sāo Gonçalo (a beautiful church) in Amarante. I take a moment to look at it and explore the area, after which we quickly have to move on.
Back in the bus we head for Ribeira de Pena . But not before we stop for lunch at Restaurante O Mineiro, a restaurant with a view. Here we enjoy a delicious Vino verte (white wine) and tasty appetizers, such as ham with melon and tuna salad. Then delicious squid, with I think something of cabbage and potatoes. Again a delicious dessert.
After lunch we visit the Pena Adventura Park which is located on top of a mountain. What does that mean, I hear you think. Well, take it from me, many of the activities you can do here will get your adrenaline pumping. A fantastic place for children and adults. Here you know what to do in the Porto area, enjoy yourself!
First of all, the location and with it the views are already beautiful. You can play paintball, canoe, climb, raft and toboggan (yes, I did that, twice!). But also ziplining from one mountain to another (I skipped that one, the other ladies did, hats off), mini golf and so on. Really worth a visit, especially with older children.
While the kids are really tired in the Adventure Park, you can choose to relax in the nearby luxury Pena Park hotel. Neat modern rooms, a wellness area and a beautifully situated swimming pool. I enjoyed myself so much at the pool with the lovely weather.
Freshly showered we take a seat in the van to go to O Caneiro restaurant.
Recently renovated, again beautifully situated and equipped with a very nice interior. Here too we are pampered with delicious starters such as local mushrooms, bread with fish salad and salad. Then we are served rice with bacalhau (dried salt cod) and steak with potatoes, followed by an assortment of desserts. One of which was really heavenly, a kind of crepes with cream.
Slept wonderfully, but that can't be otherwise with that fresh mountain air, beautiful room and the wonderful bed in the Pena Park Hotel. In addition, it is nice to wake up with a Nespresso machine in the room. This way you can immediately drink a cup of coffee before you go to the breakfast room.
Even though we made a stopover, Chaves is a good distance from Porto, about 1.5 hours away. So doable if you want to see more of the Porto area. Chaves is not far from Spain (about 10 km). Upon arrival you will already see the letters CHAVES (I still wonder why Amsterdam removed them), a great moment to take a picture together. Just before that, I just remembered without taking a picture of ourselves.
I've never been to Cuba myself, but somehow this town reminds me of this. It seems as if time has stood still. Old-fashioned (or vintage) shops, the paint chipped here and there, but so much charm and so photogenic.
First we climb the tower of the ruined castle from the 14th century. The view is fantastic and well worth the climb. On the way there you will see beautiful buildings.
After the climb we take some time for a cup of coffee and a pastel de nata. This is a sweet pastry with cream and a specialty in Portugal. Available everywhere, very tasty and a must try as far as I'm concerned 😉 .
Then we head for the Roman bridge over the Tāmega, which is still in use, and then walk through the beautifully landscaped park. They have stones in the river to get to the other side, super fun to walk over, especially with children.
Continuing along the road you will arrive at the Thermal Spa. There are hot springs here and drinking this water will make you 100, they claim! The water is very warm (73 degrees) and it does not help, then it does not harm. Too bad we don't have more time. You can easily spend a whole day in Chaves and relax in the spa! Conclusion:Chaves is really more than worth a visit!
By bus we go to the Vidago Palace hotel. You already experience the luxury when you drive up the avenue and the Palace looms up from the forest. If you like luxury and want to do something in the Porto area, you can indulge in royalness here. Beautiful gardens with roses and again a private source, from which a kind of salty sparkling water comes out.
The luxury in the hotel is almost indescribable. The interior is beautiful. You feel like a queen, what a splendor. It is not for nothing that the folder says “Feel like Royalty”. It is actually not for the common man. But do you like luxury, do you want to be completely pampered in the wellness, do you like to hit a ball on the golf course or do you like to eat at star level, then this is the place for you.
The lunch that we are allowed to experience here is, in one word, a party. Sitting on a beautiful terrace I can't help but enjoy. As a starter crab &avocado, orange, trout and lettuce, delicious. Then we get sea bass with shrimp, roasted cauliflower, zucchini and sea urchin. Finally, almonds, raspberries, sweet egg, shortbread and nougat. Thanks to the menu, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to describe it so extensively).
After this pure indulgence, we head back to Porto, where an exciting adventure awaits. We are going to climb the Arrábida bridge (65 meters above the river). In 1963 the longest concrete arch in the world. What an experience! Since there is concrete on both sides, this is much less exciting than you may think. In addition, you are well secured. I find the climb itself (262 steps) more challenging.
But how cool is it, if you are at the top and you can look out over the sea and Porto. The costs for climbing the bridge are € 16.50, but you really don't want to miss this. Keep in mind that children from 12 years old are allowed to climb, younger not.
The infrastructure in Porto is not yet optimal, so we are stuck in traffic on our way to our next activity, a boat trip on the Douro. You will sail in the footsteps of Portuguese traders, who used to transport their trade in Rabelo boats on this route. Furthermore, a very relaxed way to see the 6 bridges of Porto. You can see, among other things, the bridge Ponte Dom Luís I (1880). This bridge consists of two floors. The first floor is for metro and pedestrians and the second for cars (there is also a footpath along). The bridge was built by a former student of Eiffel. Gustav Eiffel himself designed the Ponto Maria Pia (1877). That is very recognizable, if you know the design of the Eiffel Tower. We also sailed under the bridge that we had just climbed.
Porto center is of course also worth a visit when you are in Porto. We are doing a bus tour as we are a bit behind schedule. Then walk a bit and experience the city. As far as I'm concerned, it's too short, so that means you have to make more time for it when you're in Porto!
We don't have time to see "Liveria Lello" from the inside, but if you do have time, this is definitely a must to do in Porto. Liveria Lello is the bookshop where JK Rowling (yes, Harry Potter's) got inspiration for her books. She has worked as an English teacher in Porto. By the way, did you know that the first uniforms of Hogwarts are based on the uniforms of Coimbra? The more you know!
Porto has a lot of nice boutiques. Too bad we can't see them from the inside because it's closing time. If you like a bit of shopping, make sure you set aside some time for the center of Porto.
We dine at Voque café. Again a super nicely decorated and attractive restaurant. As an aperitif we get a delicious port rosé with tonic and tasty amuse-bouche. Then the best ravioli I've ever eaten, something with Portuguese cheese and bacon. After the main course (delicious meat and a stew with truffle) I am so satisfied that I actually want to skip dessert, but I let myself be persuaded. I'll take it easy in a few days.
I fell in love with Portugal. This country is so diverse, has incredibly beautiful nature, picturesque towns and above all delicious food. In addition, there is much more to do in Porto and the surrounding area than what I learned in those few days. I will definitely go back and I think next year already. Do you want to know more about this beautiful city in Portugal? Read more about the sights in Porto on Zoover.nl
Note:When I read this, it is clear to me that I should also take a look at Porto. I have already been on a press trip to . a number of times in Portugal Martinhal , but Porto is also on my list from now on!
