Three things I love about Porto

Porto, seen from the water

Porto, seen from the water

A great sight, whichever way you look!

A great sight, whichever way you look!

Challenged recently to come up with three things I love about my favourite city, I barely hesitated before my thoughts turned to Porto, in Northern Portugal.

Accor Hotels are inviting bloggers to create a post (or a video) illustrating their three favourite things about any city they love.  In return, you can win a three-night stay for two, in London, Paris or Amsterdam.  Something nice to look forward to at this dreary time of year?  But you’d better get your skates on- last date for entries is Monday, 26th January at 12.01pm.  Sorry I couldn’t give you more notice.

The quayside at Peso da Regua

The quayside at Peso da Regua

So, why Porto, you might be asking yourself.  If you were around when I came back from my trip two years ago, you might remember that I was totally besotted.

1.  The city lies at the mouth of the River Douro.  Step into a boat (or catch a train if you’re a landlubber) and you have before you one of the most beguiling landscapes you could ever imagine.  As you depart the city, the hills ripple away on either shore, swathed in vines that change hue with the seasons.  Utterly tranquil, yet with the frisson of a huge lock or two to navigate, and ruggedly wild beauty as you penetrate further along the river.

The Sandeman’s Port figure broods on a hillside
Azulejo panels illustrate the barcos rabelas
Nowadays they take trippers on the river
Along with their modern equivalent
But grapes are always at the heart of it

2.  Porto has a beach!  Crucial for someone who could never envisage life away from the sea. Nothing could be more delightful than hopping on the tram and rattling out to Foz do Douro.  Or perhaps you would stroll it, but save some energy for when you get there.  There’s a long promenade after the last tram stop.  An old fort sits on the headland and there’s Seaworld if you prefer your fishes in a tank.  Bars and restaurants abound for a lazy toasted end to the day.

A restaurant with a view, at Foz do Douro

A restaurant with a view, at Foz do Douro

3.  It’s all in the name!  The home of port wine, there is no better setting for sampling a glass or two.  Three if you’re going to try Ruby, Tawny and White port.  No need to rush it!  There are numerous wine lodges, beside the river or up on the hill with magnificent views, if you can handle the climb.  You will amble home with a smile on your face. That’s for sure!

Barcos rabelas at ease in their moorings

Barcos rabelas at ease in their moorings

If you’d like to spend a little more time in Porto with me, try Simply beautiful blue and white.  It’s a feast of azulejos! But then you should decide which is your favourite city, and visit A tale of three cities for details of how to enter the competition.

123 comments

  3. I hope you win! and what a succinct review you give us of this beautiful city – I like trying different Port wines – and I bet they are unbeatable there – whew

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    1. I wrote 5/6 posts about it when I first came back, Yvette, so didn’t want to waffle on too much. i thought a few enticing shots would do 🙂 It was so nice to revisit it in memory though. Thanks, hon!

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  4. Thank you for the Portugal fix. I’m glad you included Port. That would have been my pick. I can get rivers and beaches at home. 🙂
    Sounds like a fab competition but I’m not sure a 24 hour $2000 flight is worth it for a three day holiday.

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  6. Best of luck, Jo – a great entry and one of my favourite cities too. One of my best memories of Porto was watching local scallies climb the railings of the big bridge and jump off to impress the girls!

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  7. I think that I would like Porto a lot more than Lisabon, but first thing first. This is beautifully presented, Jo and I am even more convinced now that one trip to Portugal won’t be enough. What date are you leaving?

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      1. I don’t think we will overlap if you are to stay there for two weeks. I’ll be in Venice provided that there is no flu or aqua alta for three days only, between the 19th and 22nd. And the week after that you will be hosting at my place 😀

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      2. I have a rough idea of what I’m using but I’m not yet sure how to approach this post, Paula, which is probably why I’m dithering. I’ve gotten very used to writing just for me.

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      3. Jo, don’t think you are writing for anyone else. The fact that it is my space should not influence you in any way (please). I love the way you are. It will be your post wherever it appears first. As for time to send me stuff… we’ll have plenty of time as off 22 February. Don’t worry. Just pack in peace.

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      4. I’m eager to see Tish’s Special tomorrow. I love her stuff. And Cardinal is impressive. Easy to get an inferiority complex in such company. Pure, unadulterated me? Scary thought! Smiling 🙂 🙂

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  8. I must get back there Jo. I’ve only been to Porto once and whilst I liked it, I didn’t fall in love with it.
    Off to think about my own favourite city. Barcelona? Madrid? Lisbon? Marseille? New York? ………

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    1. I have no idea how you’ll decide, Debbie! I did think Barcelona but to be honest I don’t mind if I don’t go back, whereas I do want to go back to Porto. The surrounds are an important part of it for me, and I still have lots to see. 🙂

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  13. Wow Jo, I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t win the trip – this is an awesome review of the city you love. Sounds like a beautiful spot to bask in it’s beauty and history – a great post.

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  15. You are really drawn to water aren’t you? This is a lovely report, beautifully written and accompanied by photos that pull you into the scenes. Good luck Jo!

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  18. Jo, I wasn’t around two years ago, but someone else posted a lovely display if the Portugese tile work ( like the one you show) and I was smitten. I don’t even need the other enticements; I want to go see the lovely tiles.

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  20. I am so glad we are re-linked, Jo. I don’t know what happened, but I thought you’d taken a break until yesterday, when I realized our links were broken. Anyway, once again you have outdone yourself with your fabulous adventures and photography. 🙂

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    1. Hitched or unhitched, doesn’t matter too much, hon. I don’t get to my Reader often and usually just hop over to yours when I see you commenting somewhere. I know I’m overdue a catchup. I’ll be over soon. Many thanks for spending time with me, Marcy 🙂

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