Oporto Holidays

 

Holidays in Oporto - What We Know

Oporto welcomes tourists all around the year and for a variety of reasons. Portugal’s second largest city has plenty to offer the modern day tourist, yet mature couples appear to be the most frequent of travellers. The city offers plenty of sightseeing, and whilst it isn’t considered a beach resort you are only a few miles away from the Portuguese coast.

You can expect a short transfer from Oporto Airport taking a swift 15 to 30 minutes dependent on where your accommodation is located. Your quick transfer allows you to enjoy more of your holiday and less time travelling.

The accommodation available in Oporto caters for those looking to enjoy a luxury break and those who want a budget holiday. Choose from 5 star hotels that offer half board and all inclusive options in luxury hotels, you can also take up the self catering option in the many apartments available.

You can take advantage of the public transport system including buses and trams that take you to various tourist hot spots. You can also hop on a train to reach various nearby destinations in the Oporto region. Taxis are also available and are not too hard to find around the city.

Oporto – Fun & Activities

The nearest beach can be found by following the Rio Douro out to the coast to the Cabedelo which is a large area which sits between the Rio Douro and the Atlantic Sea. There are also the beaches Costa Verde and Vila do Conde to visit too. You won’t find a variety of water sports on offer at the beach though it is the ideal place to enjoy great weather and relax.

The most popular form of activity is sightseeing as the old city has much beauty in the form of architecture and old structures which offer charm to the city. The historic centre of Oporto has many museums, cathedrals and churches worth visiting. In the museums they have various exhibits including modern, 18th and 19th century art as well as ceramics, 19th century furniture and glassware. Take a break in one of the beautiful gardens found throughout the city where you can escape the busy city streets. After your brief rest head over to one of the fantastic wine cellars and sample the fantastic local produce. You can also enjoy trips to vineyards outside the city.

Take a delightful trip along the Rio Douro on a mini cruise which will take you down to the coastal beaches on a ride which lets you enjoy the sights of Oporto in a different way.

The shopping in Oporto is very good and you can expect to purchase great designer goods as well as various cultural souvenirs to take back home.

Oporto – Food & Nightlife

There is plenty of fantastic cuisine to choose from and enjoy when you are in Oporto, you really will be spoilt for choice. Much of what is on offer comes in the form of national and local delicacies such as dried salt cod and various meat stews. Seafood is a prominent dish on many menus and it’s perhaps the most favoured food in the city. Catering for all tastes, Oporto also has some fast food outlets and Italian restaurants too. There are also cafes serving snacks for those on the go.

When the night comes around, tourists can enjoy a lively and entertaining time in any of the late bars, many located along the riverside. On the outskirts of the city you can find a few clubs and discos where you can enjoy an extended night dancing until the morning. Oporto is often host to various pop and rock concerts as well as great live theatre shows in the various venues it has.

Weather and Climate

Like most of the towns and cities in Portugal, Oporto enjoys great weather throughout most of the year. Summer is the best time to visit Oporto as the average temperature is around 30°C during the peak months of July and August. This time of the year benefits from clear blue skies helping tourists enjoy the endless hours of sun each day.

The temperatures over the year are always warm and rarely ever drop below 15°C. The lowest temperatures are felt over the winter period and the most rainfall comes between the months of November and March. The 12 hours of sunlight a day enjoyed during summer is cut in half to 6 hours over winter. As spring comes around temperatures start creeping back up again in advance of summer.