Madeleine and I had both been to Porto before and were very excited to return and have Paul experience it for himself. I was a bit worried that we had hyped it up a bit too much and the reality would be underwhelming but, Porto did not disappoint and we all loved our time discovering snd re-discovering this gorgeous city!
We rented a car to get us from Lagos to Porto due to a train strike and possible stoppages on the day of our journey. It worked out great and allowed us to stop in Nazaré on the way north.
Nazaré is know for having the biggest waves in the world so even though we were out of season for the huge rollers, the waves were still pretty intense. In winter, the waves off North Beach (Praia do Norte), where we stopped, average about 15 meters high.A little stroll to the beach was also good to stretch our legs just over halfway into the 5 hour drive.
That afternoon after we had dropped off the car (after driving around to finding an open gas station), we found our apartment and started exploring.;
The view from our 5th flour apartment was amazing. We were right across from Balhoa Market and could see the colourful buildings along Catalina walking street.Balhao MarketThis church was on the corner of Catalina and Rua de Fernandes Tomás , where our apartment was located.The beautiful São Bento Railway StationAt the Porto CathedralClimbing the stairs to Church of Saint Ildefonso on Good Friday.Of course we had to head over to the Cais de Gaia, on the south bank of the Douro river.Climbing up the hill towards the Port houses in Vila Nova de Gaia. Paul was definitely in his happy place tasting 10-50 year old tawny port at Taylor’s.We went on a wine tour in the beautiful Douro Valley.We met Caragh from Ireland and had a great time tasting Portuguese wine and Port Wine.Après wine tour drinks and walk on the banks of the Douro in Porto
We took the Gondola up to the bridge on the Gaia side of the river.
Hopping on the Gondola was a nice break!Have to walk across the Luis 1 Bridge when you visit PortoAnd a stop to appreciate the view from the middle of the bridge!
We had one last day before Madeleine would head home and we would start our bike ride on the Camino. We spent it mostly just wandering around and exploring the city, meeting up with Madeleine for lunch and then more exploring. Madeleine enjoyed her final day in Europe visiting cafés, reading her book in said cafés, window shopping, exploring the arts district and hanging out in a local bar drinking wine. It was another good day!
We walked along the portion of the Camino route that we would not be riding the next day.This is THE WAY.In front of Porto University we found the Fountain of the Lions.All the Harry Potter fans lining up to get into the Livrerio Lello.Torre dos ClérigosPraça de LiberdadeSaloud!Apparently a francesinha sandwich must be included in a visit to Porto (definitely NOT vegan friendly)!The iconic Majestic Café. We did not go in for s drink – €6 for a cappuccino!!! 😳 Strolling home after a yummy Tapas dinner on our last night in Porto.Our last ride down the rickety elevator to see Madeleine off, and Paul’s last chance to lug the mega-suitcase 😆 (sorry Madeleine but had to get that one in here)!!
We were so grateful that our dear friend made the trip from NYC to spend a week with us. We had such a great time hanging out and exploring a little section of Portugal together. As always, we are sad this visit is over but so thankful we got to share this experience and time with Madeleine.
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