Porto—a city bursting with charm and character—had been high on our travel list for years. When we finally seized the opportunity to explore this enchanting part of Portugal, our excitement was undeniable. From its breathtaking coastline and rich culinary traditions to its world-famous port wine, Porto promised an unforgettable adventure. Join us as we relive the magic of our first two days in this extraordinary city.
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
We landed at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport on a bright, sunny morning. After collecting our luggage, we picked up our rental car and set off. Since it was still too early to check in at our hotel, we drove straight to the coast, eager to soak in the sweeping ocean views.
Later, we made our way into the city, parked the car, and settled into our hotel. The warmth of the day called for sunscreen and light clothing, so we quickly freshened up before heading out to explore. Walking along the pier, we were struck by the sight of the Atlantic waves crashing against the shore—so much more powerful than the gentler waters of the Dutch North Sea, which are softened by protective dikes and dunes.
As the day wound down, we returned to our hotel and watched the sunset over the Douro River from our balcony. A perfect ending to a day filled with fresh impressions and new adventures.
Dag 2: A Culinary Street Food Tour and Discovering Port Wine
The next morning, we started the day with a light breakfast—saving room for the culinary feast ahead. Our tour guide, a passionate Portuguese sommelier and food enthusiast, led us on an immersive exploration of local flavors, pairing traditional dishes with exceptional drinks
Our first stop was the market, where we discovered some of the freshest seafood Porto has to offer. Being so close to the Atlantic, the quality of the fish and shellfish was unparalleled. We indulged in raw oysters, shrimp, and sea urchin, each bite perfectly complemented by a glass of wine. One unexpected delight was a cracker topped with marinated sardines, a classic Portuguese specialty.
The market had more surprises in store—next, we tasted cured ham from a Portuguese pig, followed by an exquisite chocolate cup filled with cherry liqueur. From there, we continued to a quaint bakery, famous for crafting the best pastel de nata in town. We got a behind-the-scenes look at the baking process before savoring a fresh tart alongside a rich cup of coffee
The final stop of our culinary tour was the basement of a traditional shop, an authentic space typically hidden from tourists. There, we were treated to charcuterie, olives, white port, and a fascinating lesson on identifying high-quality olive oil.
Exploring the World of Port at Graham’s
No trip to Porto is complete without learning about Port, the iconic sweet fortified wine that has made the city and the Douro region world-famous. In Porto, massive cellars store and age this celebrated drink before it’s shipped worldwide.
Exploring the World of Port at Graham’s
No trip to Porto is complete without learning about Port, the iconic sweet fortified wine that has made the city and the Douro region world-famous. In Porto, massive cellars store and age this celebrated drink before it’s shipped worldwide.
At Graham’s, we toured the historic wine cellar, uncovering the secrets behind port production and aging. Naturally, the experience wouldn’t be complete without a tasting—each glass served against the backdrop of breathtaking views over the Douro.
These are just a few highlights from our trip, but there’s so much more to share! Want to hear about the rest of our Porto adventures and other travel stories? Subscribe to our blog and never miss an update.
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