Being situated on many hills on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, and having been an important city for so long, it is no wonder which were detailed They are surrounded by stunning nature, and are home to urban gardens and huge parks. Those who like the city's architecture and history may find their place in these green natural gems, which are definitely worth your time, even if you are not a nature lover in the full sense of the word. A list that is all a warm recommendation to visit, not to mention must-see sites, for those traveling in Porto and the surrounding area.
Foz do Douro
This neighborhood is a combination of history, style and nature, so it is ideal for the opening of this part. This is the connection point of the Douro River to the Atlantic Ocean, so just from this description you can imagine the diversity of the landscape. Although this neighborhood is not exactly inside Porto, it is close enough.
First we note that this neighborhood is one of the most prestigious in the area. The restaurants, the boutiques, the beautiful houses and the picturesque alleys, all these make it a very strong magnet for tourists. In addition to all these, you will find here the boardwalk along the Duoro estuary, as well as the lighthouse that guided ships to and from the Duoro to the ocean for more than 120 years (Farol Molhe do Duoro). The lighthouse is no longer active, as of 2009.
Next to the lighthouse is a pergola (Pergola da Foz), where you can sit and watch the view. A spicy detail is that the pergola was built on the spot by the local mayor in the thirties, to mark the place where his wife fell in love with him. You can understand on your own, that a walk in the place during the sunset will only do you and your partner good.
Gardens of the Glass Palace (Jardins do Palacio de Cristal)
Porto's famous glass palace (which inspired the equivalent model in London) stood here for almost a century, between 1865 and 1961. The palace has since been demolished and replaced by a huge domed structure that used to host exhibitions and is now waiting for a loving hand to renew it. However, the gardens that surrounded the glass palace (and currently surround the new building) stand their ground, and are getting more beautiful every day.
Designed by a specially brought here German engineer, these gardens are designed in a strict and symmetrical style, so if you are a fan of English gardens this may not be the place for you. The bushes are carefully trimmed, the flowers are arranged in rows and the paths passing between the trees and fountains are well paved. It is an excellent place to spend time walking slowly or playing with the children, and an ideal site for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. You might even meet some cocky peacock there, one that will make you feel like you're in the mansion of a European nobleman.
City Park (Parque de Cidade)
If you like parks and are looking for a place to run, alone or with the kids, there is no better place to do it than the Porto city park. This is the largest urban park in Portugal, and it stretches west from the city to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. If the city is too noisy for you, or you want a break from history and the crowds of tourists, this is the perfect place for you.
For the beach lovers among us, you'll be happy to know that through the park you can also reach the popular Praia do Matosinhos beach, overlooking the seventeenth-century St. Francis Xavier fortress (see below).
Miraduoro da Vitoria
For lovers of the urban landscape, the Victoria Observatory, located in the courtyard of the Victoria Church, is the ideal place for three main reasons: the first is that it provides a beautiful view of Porto, including the river district and the Luis I Bridge. The second is that it is located within the Jewish quarter, which will allow you to travel to the nearby places you want to visit. The third is that the place is not yet so well known by tourists, which will allow you to enjoy it relatively intimately. Please note that the observatory is on private property, so access is only approved for tourist purposes.
You can find the observatory at the address - Rua de São Bento da Vitória, 11, Porto.
Beaches in Porto
Due to its close proximity to the ocean, Porto boasts many excellent beaches. Some beaches are suitable for bathers, and some are more suitable for surfers. Here are a few of them, but keep in mind that there are many more.
Tusinhos Beach (mentioned above, also known as Leca Beach - Praia da Leca)
One of the most popular, busy and easy to access beaches in Porto. It is about a fifteen-minute drive from the city, by car or bus, and you will recognize it by the huge sign placed at its entrance. This is the place where the youth of Porto go. You can bathe in the more northern part or surf in the southern (and less rocky) part.
Gondarem Beach
located in Foz, And very comfortable for swimming (when the flag is blue). It is located about fifteen minutes by car from Porto, so it is also very accessible. You will also find quite a few natural lagoons created by the rocks in the water, and the yellowish sand of the beach makes it especially beautiful.
Mermaid Beach (Praia das Sereias)
Another extremely popular beach, both by bathers and surfers. The bathers tend to concentrate around the large rock on the beach, which protects them from the currents and winds there. The surfers are of course looking for them, so that a comfortable separation is created between the two audiences.
Sao Jacinto Beach
For lovers of peace, we recommend staying away from this beach, Located in the Dunas de Sao Jacinto Nature Reserve. It is a beautiful, quiet and secluded beach, and the road to it is also spectacular. Due to its distance from Porto (about an hour's drive by car) it is not as busy as the other beaches, which makes it even more special.
Cruise on the Douro River
The Douro River is one of the largest in Europe, and the main river along which Porto is built. Cruising it is a special experience, both because of the sailing experience itself and because of the spectacular views from the deck. If you choose the right time, the views in general are amazing.
Many companies offer cruises along the length of the Douro, with some boasting a certain theme (for example the six-bridge cruise). The cruise usually lasts about an hour, and costs about 15 euros. During it, the guide will describe to you the different banks of the river, and their uses over the years.
