Porto is Portugal's second city and capital of the Northern Region. The city, located in the estuary of the Douro River in northern Portugal is the largest city in the region and it is considered the economic and cultural heart of the entire region. Its historic centre was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

One of Portugal's most internationally famous products, Porto wine, is named after the city because it is produced in the Douro area and then stocked and shipped from the city of Porto, more precisely, from Vila Nova de Gaia, a city just across the river which belongs to the same conurbation.

But although its ancient roots have been preserved with pride, a modern and lively commerce makes it a thriving city and its traditional importance as an industrial centre does not diminish the charm and character of its old quarters or even of the newer and busy avenues, shopping centres and quiet residential blocks.

The Cathedral area deserves to be explored, with its various monuments, such as the Renaissance church of Santa Clara, and the densely populated quarter of Barredo, which appears not to have changed since medieval times. The riverside quarter of Ribeira is also delightful, with narrow streets, typical houses and picturesque life-style. Equally lively and colourful is the market of Bolhão, but more elegant shops can be seen nearby, especially the jewelleries and leather goods shops in the Baixa (down-town).

Porto affords many other attractions, monuments and museums, as well as a cultural agenda which has been steadily improving. With a well-known gastronomy and hospitable population, it is also the starting point to explore the river Douro in an unforgettable journey upstream.

Airport Transport

The Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is located in the heart of the industrial surroundings, at 11 km from the city of Porto, making it a privileged access point to this valuable commercial area.

Line E (Violet) connects Airport Station to Estádio do Dragão Station, and, naturally, to all metro's network and very fast links (trip times around 25 minutes) to the Porto city centre.

Public transport

5 lines of metro cover most of the city both under and over ground, all the way to the surrounding suburbs. Trains run from 6AM to 1AM, and tickets (or in Porto's case, cards) are bought at vending machines and must be validated before you board the train and every time you switch lines. (www.metro-porto.pt)

Porto has an excellent and extensive bus service (called STCP) that operates from 6AM to 9PM. After 9PM the service is less frequent and after 1AM it is reduced to the principal routes. You may purchase tickets from the driver, which must then be validated on the machine behind him or her.

Buses show their number and final destination on the front, as do the bus stops, where there are also details of the routes (www.stcp.pt).

There are two short tram routes still in operation in Porto, No. 1 and No. 18.

No.1 is a pleasant ride, as it goes through the riverfront all the way to Foz.

Taxis

Taxis in Portugal are inexpensive when compared to the rest of Europe. Most are beige, but there are also some older black and green ones. There are taxi stands by most of the main squares in Porto, or you may call the following numbers to have one pick you up at a certain location at a scheduled time:

Raditaxis: 22 507 3900

Taxis Invicta: 22 502 2693

Taxis Unidos: 22 502 9898

Language and currency

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese, however some English is spoken in the tourist areas. The currency in Portugal is the euro and any other currency with the exception of Banks Exchange Bureaus is not accepted.

Credit cards

Major credit cards are accepted by hotels, shops and restaurants.

Climate

Porto has a Mediterranean climate and it is accurately described as being temperate, meaning that the summer weather is dry and warm, and that whilst the winter months may be wet, they are mild. In fact, even during January, the coldest month, the daytime temperatures average as high as 13°C / 55°F, meaning that Porto is not only a popular summer resort, but a great winter retreat. Summers are typically sunny with average temperatures between 15°C and 27°C but can rise to as high as 40°C during occasional heat waves.

Both spring and fall are smooth transition seasons. In fall between September and October; rainfalls increase, the same thing happens in spring from April to May. Nevertheless both seasons have a mild climate.