10 facts you didn’t know about Croatia
While Lisbon may be Portugal’s capital, the city of Porto is very quickly becoming a holidaymaker hot spot. Set on the banks of the River Douro, this city is simply buzzing with culture and sights to see. This year, Canvas Holidays has added brand new campsites in Portugal, some of which are in easy distance of Porto. So here’s our guide on what to see and do on a day trip to this wonderful coastal city.
The striking interior of the São Bento railway station in Porto
Take a wander through Porto…
There’s no shortage of interesting sights to look out for when wandering the streets of Porto. The Capela das Almas chapel is famed for its intricate blue and white tiled exterior, similar to the spectacular interior of the São Bento railway station, considered one of the most beautiful stations in the world. Step through the cobbled Ribieira district, the city’s oldest district, to find traditional and colourful Portuguese architecture. Head to Santa Catarina street for a spot of shopping. You won’t miss one of the city’s most iconic landmarks the Dom Luís I Bridge, a double-decked metal arching bridge that connects Porto to the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. Of course, if you’re looking for the best view of the city and its striking landscape, hop on a boat for a ride along the Douro river.
Livraria Lello a stunning bookshop in Porto
Porto is full of magic…
While Edinburgh may be where author JK Rowling is said to have written the majority of her bestselling novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, did you know that it all started in Porto? JK Rowling moved to this Portuguese city to teach English as a foreign language and it is where she first started writing her masterpiece. The author wrote the first three chapters of the novel before moving to Edinburgh. There is a popular theory that the Porto bookshop Livraria Lello was the inspiration for the fictional Flourish and Blotts in Diagon Alley. This bookshop is completely breath-taking and is one of the oldest in Portugal, it’s easy to see how it may have inspired Rowling’s magical world. The Livraria Lello is a must visit for any book lover and one of many beautiful bookshops in the city.
Francesinha a local Porto sandwich
Taste Porto’s local food and drink…
Porto is known as the birthplace of Port, a sweet, red wine often served as dessert wine, so make sure you taste some while you’re there. Spend an evening in a port cellar or tasting tour for a look into the traditional brewing process and to, of course, sample some of the city’s finest port – but this one is for the adults only! You may have heard of a Croque Monsieur but Portugal has its own version that might even top the French lunch-time treat. The Francesinha is a decandent sandwich that hails from Porto, featuring wet-cured ham, linguiça, fresh sausage and steak covered with melted cheese and a thick tomato and beer sauce. A definite treat you’ll have earned after a day of exploring the city’s sights. When it comes to dinner, find one of the city’s riverside restaurants for the most picturesque atmosphere.
Camping Orbitur Vagueira near Porto in Portugal
Camping near Porto…
Did you know we recently added new campsites in Portugal? Two of these are particularly close to this beautiful city. Camping Orbitur Angeiras is set within the shade of the woodlands, about 6 miles from the city of Porto and not too far from the beach. Ideal for a balanced holiday! Camping Orbitur Vagueira is a little further out from Porto (55 miles) but right by the sunny Ria de Costa Nova coast, ideal for relaxing in peace after a long day of wandering round the city. Head over to our website to find out more about our new Portuguese campsites.
Getting there…
You can fly direct to Porto from many major UK cities with a variety of airlines.
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