Porto and Northern Portugal MediaKit

Porto andNorthernPortugal

MediaKit

CC BY-NC-ND - Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR http://goo.gl/FkY37

Ribeira Square, PortoUNESCO World Heritage

PORTO AND NORTHERN PORTUGAL | MEDIA KIT

Index

226. Historical, cultural and religious tourism

257. In touch with nature

288. A region to do business

329. Gastronomy and wines

4210. 10 things you have to do in Porto and the North of Portugal

5311. Porto and the North of Portugal: Adding on awards

6112. Porto and the North of Portugal, from A to Z

04Planning a Media Trip

06Porto Convention & Visitor’s Bureau on the web

08Porto and the North of Portugal: Maps

101. One region with four world heritage locations

132. Tourism in Porto and the North of Portugal

153. Porto and the North of Portugal region

174. How to reach Porto and the North of Portugal

195. A perfect city break

3

If you are planning a media trip to PORTO AND NORTHERN PORTUGAL, you may request assistance from the PORTO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU, but first please provide us with:

• Your complete contact information, including your name, the publication’s name, circulation.

• The focus of your article.

• A written confirmation of your assignment.

• The publications readership must match the target markets of the Porto and Northern Portugal.

The article should promote tourism in Porto and Northern Portugal in a positive way. We reserve the right to refuse requests at our discretion.

To request assistance, fill out the contact form - http://goo.gl/ayptG9

What else do you need?

• View and download our online Media Kit - http://visitportoandnorth.travel/media

• Find photos of PORTO AND NORTHERN PORTUGAL:Visit flickr photostream https://www.flickr.com/photos/visitportoandnorth/sets/,where you can choose and download, at no charge, more than 100 photos to accompany your stories.The copyright policy must be followed.

• See and download our videos of Porto and Northern Portugalhttp://vimeo.com/visitportoandnorth

• Request brochures. Always include full mailing address - http://goo.gl/ayptG9

Finally, a note to our friends in the media: Whenever you write an article or produce a broadcast piece, we would greatly appreciate it if you would include the following contact information for your audience:

Planning a Media Trip


Contact

HELENA GONÇALVESExecutive [email protected]

ASSOCIAÇÃO DE TURISMO DO PORTO E NORTE, ARPORTO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAUAv. Inferior à Ponte D. Luis I, 53 - 1º4050-007 Porto PortugalTEL +351 223 326 751FAX +351 223 326 752

http://visitportoandnorth.travel/Mediawww.portocvb.com

Planning a Media TriP 5

www.portocvb.com

Porto Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

On the web


issuuhttp://issuu.com/arptportonorte

flickrwww.flickr.com/photos/visitportoandnorth

youtubewww.youtube.com/user/visitportoandnorth

vimeohttp://vimeo.com/visitportoandnorth

linkedinwww.linkedin.com/company/2576312

pinterestwww.pinterest.com/visitportonorth/

twitterhttps://twitter.com/portoconvention

PORTO CONVENTION & VISITOR’S BUREAU ON THE WEB 7

Porto and the North of Portugal

Maps

unesco World heritage

natural Park andProtected landscape

national Park

tourist Information

autoroutesA1, A3, A4, A7, A11, A24, A28Routes PrincipalesIP2, IP4, N206

airport and airfield

Cruises

Beaches62 With Blue Flag In 2011

Portuguese Way tosantiagon de Compostela

Tourist map of Porto and Northern Portugal

Douro River

Côa River

Tâmega River

Tua River

Câvado River

Lima River

Minho River

A28

A27

A3

N206

A28A3

A4

A1

IP4

IP2

IP4

IP4

A7

A7

A24

A24

A11

DOURO VALLEY

CÔA VALLEYROCK ART

GUIMARÃES

LeixõesInternational

Cruises TerminalDouro River

Cruises

LITORAL DE ESPOSENDEPROTECTEDLANDSCAPE

LAGOAS DEBERTIANDOSE S. PEDROD'ARCOS

CORNO DO BICOPROTECTED LANDSCAPE

PENEDA GERÊSNATIONAL PARK

MONTESINHONATURAL PARK

ALBUFEIRA DO AZIBOPROTECTED LANDSCAPE

INTERNATIONALNATURAL DOURO PARK

ALVÃONATURAL PARK

INTERNATIONALNATURAL DOURO PARK

AROUCAGEOPARK

CHAVES

BRAGANÇA

BRAGA

VILA REAL

LAMEGO

VIANA DO CASTELO

PORTO

PONTE DE LIMA

PONTE DE LIMA

PONTE DE LIMA

VALENÇA DO MINHO

MONDIM DE BASTO

MIRANDA DO DOURO

AMARANTE

PESO DARÉGUA

VIDAGO

TUA

VILA NOVADE GAIA

MOUGADOURO

MACEDO DECAVALEIROS

MIRANDELA

VILA NOVADE FOZ CÔA


Airlines Route Map

LISBON

FARO

CASABLANCAFUNCHAL PORTO SANTO

TENERIFE LAS PALMAS

PONTA DELGADA

MARRAKESH

MADRID

VALÈNCIA

PALMA MALLORCA

BARCELONA

BORDEAUX

CARCASSONE

LIVERPOOL

LONDON

AMSTERDAM

EINDHOVEN

BREMEN

FRANKFURT

KARLSRUHE

LILLE

PARIS

LUXEMBOURG

BRUSSELS

TOULOUSE

LYONST. ÉTIENNE

DOLE

MILAN

ROME

PISA

BOLOGNE

GENÈVE

BASELZÜRICH

MUNICH

MARSEILLE

LA ROCHELLE

NANTES

TOURS

DUBLIN

PORTO

LUANDA

SÃO PAULORIO DE JANEIRO

CARACAS

NEW YORK

TORONTO

MAASTRICHTDÜSSELDORF

DORTMUND

STRASBOURG

NUREMBERG

HAMBURG

LIMOGES

RENNES

TERCEIRA

MONTREAL

CLERMONT-FERRAND

BERLIN

BIRMINGHAM

BREST

BRIVÉ

Porto and the north of Portugal: MaPs 9

Reflex Cityscape of Porto Town


CC BY-NC-ND - Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR http://goo.gl/YPNUSY

One region with four world heritage locations and much more to discover. In Porto and the North of Portugal, history

intersects with modern times, breath-taking landscapes shine and provide unforgettable experiences.

The trip begins in Porto, which is served by a modern airport with connections to several destinations. The Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport has direct and simple connections to the metro and also buses to the centre of Porto.

Porto, the city that gave its name to Portugal, charms with its narrow streets in the historical centre, classified as world heritage, with a view of the River Douro and Port Wine cellars, and its vibrant and cosmopolitan city centre which, in recent years, filled with traditional or bolder restaurants (where you must try a “francesinha”) and hotels. All of this makes it an ideal destination for a city break.

Porto is also a city of culture which has a world-class architecture, recognised with two Pritzker Awards, Siza Vieira and Souto Moura, two architects from “Escola do Porto”. An example of this is Casa da Música, a “meteorite” designed by Rem Koolhaas, and the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by Siza Vieira.

A metropolis facing the sea, with many restaurants specialising in fish located on the seafront of the nearby town of Matosinhos, Porto also offers the

opportunity to go to the beach or even to learn to surf in the tranquil sea of Praia Internacional.

Further north, in the Minho, we have Guimarães, where, in the twelfth century, Portugal was defined. It was in the medieval castle of Guimarães where Afonso Henriques was born, the first king of Portugal (the country became a republic in 1910). The historical centre, where the castle is located, led Unesco to consider Guimarães as a world heritage site in 2001. Strolling around the historical centre, where Largo da Oliveira is the heart, you find a rare example of preservation. Taking the cable car up to the Penha hill is rewarded with one of the most beautiful views in Portugal.

Guimarães, considered the European Capital of Culture in 2012, offers a programme that enhances the city’s history while showing the most exciting and new that is being produced in terms of music, cinema, visual arts, architecture, theatre, among other creative areas.

In the Minho, the cultural and religious heritage of its people is worth discovering. In Braga, known as the “Portuguese Rome” Easter celebrations are famous - its Cathedral is the oldest in Portugal. Nature lovers will lose themselves in the Peneda-

One region with four world heritage locations

“One region with four world heritage locations and much more to discover”

1. One regiOn with fOur wOrld heritage lOcatiOns 11

Geres National Park, a World Biosphere Reserve. There, you will find garranos (a breed of horse typical of the region), wolves and birds of prey.

Also in the Minho, in Viana do Castelo, feel the breeze from the Atlantic Ocean - the beaches are coveted for kite and windsurfing. Climbing the hill of Santa Luzia, you can enjoy one of the ex-libris of Viana do Castelo, the Basilica of Santa Luzia, built in the twentieth century. Nearby, along the border with Spain, Vila Nova de Cerveira is a small town that preserves many monuments from its rich past. Since 1978, Cerveira has been known for its biennial arts festival.

The rock art sites of Vale do Côa and the Alto Douro wine region are also a world heritage site. In the schistose rocks of Vale do Côa, in north-eastern Portugal, there are paintings 25,000 years old, representing horses and cattle. Also in the northeast, the Alto Douro Wine Region offers a stunning landscape, surrounded by valleys populated with terraced vineyards that produce the most famous wine of Portugal, Port Wine. To enjoy the scenery, there is nothing better than heading to the Mirador of São

Leonardo da Galafura, halfway between the Régua and Vila Real.

In Trás-os-Montes, there are traces of Roman occupation, medieval buildings and spas, such as in Vidago, Chaves, that are good for the body and the spirit. Religiosity is part of the nature of the “Transmontano” and mixes, in various festivals, with magic and superstition. The Montesinho natural park is one of the most luxious green sites in Trás-os-Montes. The Iberian wolf, roe deer and red deer live here. Located in the park, there are several populated community villages with their typical granite houses.Sea, mountains, secular historical centres, ancient treasures, vibrant cultural offerings - Porto and the North: the essence of Portugal, has all this.

“Sea, mountains, secular historical centres, ancient treasures, vibrant cultural offerings - Porto and the North: the essence of Portugal, has all this.”


CC BY-NC-ND - Solares de Portugal http://goo.gl/hJs6W

São Bento - GeresNational Park, Minho

Roman Bridge,Ponte de Lima

CC BY-NC-ND - TURIHAB http://goo.gl/doJwh

2. Tourism in PorTo and The norTh of PorTugal 13

Tourism in Porto andthe North of Portugal

Porto and the North of Portugal is Portugal’s fourth main touristic region.

Tourism has been visibly growing in the last few years in this region, which concentrates Portugal’s essence - nature, beach, world heritage historic centres, secular traditions and a vibrant urban life. In 2013, the number of foreign guests in Porto and the North of Portugal grew 14,4% comparing to 2012, in a total of 1,2 million guests.1 And the demand is becoming even more international: in 2013, 150 thousand foreigners more, comparing to 2012, chose Porto and the North of Portugal for their stays.In 2013, Porto and the North of Portugal registered 2.5 million of foreign overnight stays in hotels. 2

Most of the tourists stay in hotels, but

in the last few years, the market share of hostels has increased, namely in the city of Porto. This offer reflects the increase in youth tourism and in city break regime - due to its dimension, Porto and the North of Portugal is a great destination for short term stays. According to the “Perfil dos turistas do Porto e Norte de Portugal” (Tourists’ profile in Porto and the North of Portugal) (1st quarter of 2013) , most foreign tourists come from Spain (23,2%), France (15,4%) and Brazil (10%). 3

According to this survey, the tourists are satisfied with the different attributes of Porto and the North of Portugal, highlighting, in particular, the hospitality, gastronomy, housing, landscape and nature, as well as the quality-price ratio. Most say they want to come back.

1 Source: INE- Instituto Nacional de Estatística (National Statistics Institute)

2 “O Turismo em Números” (Tourism in Numbers), 2013, Turismo de Portugal

3 Study led by the Instituto de Planeamento e Desenvolvimento do Turismo (IPDT - Tourism Development and Planning Institute), together with the Entidade Regional de Turismo do Porte e Norte de Portugal (ERTPNP - Porto and the North of Portugal Regional Tourism Entity) and with the support of the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport.

1,2

2,5

2,9(Note: Data from 2013)

Essential Facts

million of foreign guests

million of foreign overnight stays

million of passengers in Porto


CC BY-NC-ND - Fernando Peneiras http://goo.gl/6XZz4

Douro Valley

3. Porto and the north of Portugal region 15

Porto and the North of Portugal Region

Located in the Northwest area of the Iberian Peninsula, Porto and the North of Portugal correspond to an area of more than 21,000

km2 (8,108 mi2) where about 3.7 million people reside (Source: Census 2011, INE).

Inhabited since pre-historic times, the history of Porto and the North of Portugal is long and rich – suffice to say that it was the city of Porto that gave Portugal its name and it was in Guimarães that Portugal’s first king, D. Afonso Henriques (Afonso I), was born in the 12th century. Demonstrating it are the four World Heritage Centres that the North region gathers: Porto (1996) and Guimarães’ (2001) historic centres, the rock-art sites of Vale do Côa (Côa Valley) (1998) and the Alto Douro Wine Region (2001).

Traditionally, Porto and the North of Portugal is a region with strong commercial and industrial traditions.Porto has a commercial tradition unmatched in the country, whose signs exist since the Port Wine commercial trades, a wine very much appreciated abroad and which is still today a very important part of the North of Portugal’s economy.

Today, instead of the Douro River, it is the Porto de Leixões (Port of Leixões) the main exit for the region’s products. In 2011 only, more than 16 million tons of products were loaded and unloaded in the Port of Leixões. It is one of many ways to use the Ocean in a region with 144 kilometres (89 miles) of Atlantic coast.The region is also strong in industrial

sectors such as footwear, furniture, cutlery and textiles which, in face of the competition from new markets, have learned to reinvent themselves by joining forces with design and other creative areas. In the interior, especially in the Alto Douro, the wines are the main products.

In the last decade, the North of Portugal has seen in the creative industries a chance to renew its economic fabric and the result is already visible in the field, with new companies and projects giving room for young people of the region to establish themselves in it.

In Porto, which was European Capital of Culture in 2001, new creative companies flourish, in areas such as the audiovisual and new media, and some internationally renowned cultural structures appeared, such as the Casa da Música.

In Paredes, design is put to the service of regenerating the municipality’s strong furniture tradition. Through the European Capital of Culture in 2012, Guimarães has earned a new cultural dynamic. Also in 2012, the neighbouring city of Braga was considered the European Youth Capital, offering an extensive cultural program.

The North has almost 1 million people under the age of 25 (Source: Census 2011, INE), more than a third of Portugal’s young population. This fact is largely explained by the concentration of universities, particularly the one in Porto (the largest in the country) and the one in Minho.


CC BY-NC-ND - Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR http://goo.gl/uMwWD

Clérigos Tower,Porto

4. How to reacH Porto and tHe nortH of Portugal 17

How to reach Porto and the North of Portugal

The fastest way to reach Porto coming from Europe is through the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, the reference airport

of the Iberian Peninsula’s northwest. With connections to the main European and global destinations, the airport is only 11 kilometres (6 miles) away from Porto’s centre.

In 2011, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport experienced an exceptional growth of 13.7%, having served more than 6 million passengers, the biggest result registered so far, which makes it the third Portuguese airport in terms of movement. The low cost flights represented 60% of the airport’s movement.

There are 17 airlines operating in the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, which connect Porto and the North of Portugal to cities such as Paris, Milan, Frankfurt, Liverpool, Rome and Barcelona in a total of over 68 destinations.

In addition to being used by the main global airlines, recently Porto’s airport has strongly strengthened its offer of low cost airline flights, which became one of the decisive factors to strengthen the tourism, mainly the city break approach, in Porto and the North of Portugal.

The proximity to Porto’s centre makes it possible to, in just a few minutes, arrive in the city, whether by metro or bus.The airport also has facilitated road accesses to all the North of Portugal, from the coast to the interior, through a modern and wide road network.Opened in 1945, the airport was totally renovated and modernized in 2005 and is now considered to be one of Europe’s best airports.

In 2011, the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport was distinguished in the sixth consecutive year by Airports Council International, the only worldwide professional association of airport operators, as one of the best three European airports.

The region has also seen the arrival of more tourists in cruise ships. The Port of Leixões, in the outskirts of Porto, has recently received two docking bays dedicated to cruise ships and to receive large vessels.

“There are 17 airlines operating in the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport”


CC BY-NC-ND - João Ferrand http://goo.gl/qAWQQX

Porto,Praça da Ribeira

5. A perfect city breAk 19

A perfect city break

Porto is an ideal destination for a break. A weekend, preferably a long one, is a great opportunity to try the many riches of a

region with four World Heritage areas and many other points of interest.

The city’s dimension and its accessibility, reinforced in the last years thanks to the growth of the number of connections to Porto’s airport (many of them low cost), are factors that have led many foreigners to chose it for a city break. In 2012, Porto was awarded European Best Destination, by the European Consumers Choice, wining the prize again in 2014.

With several connections to European cities operated by low cost and national airlines, Porto and the North of Portugal offer an unpaired gastronomy with superior quality wines and housing to suit all tastes: chain, design, charm and trendy hotels. All good reasons for the city to be, as many have acknowledged, “perfect” for a city break.

Besides a hotel network to suit all tastes, Porto registered a great growth in the number of hostels in the last years.

With an ancient history, which reflects particularly in its World Heritage historical centre, Porto is nowadays a cosmopolitan, bohemian city, open to a more challenging creation, whether in architecture (the Casa da Música building, the Serralves Museum, among other iconic buildings) or in art (Serralves is one of Europe’s best contemporary art museums).

The European Capital of Culture in 2001 has changed the face of the city, which renewed the downtown area, where some young entrepreneurs’ shops (from personalized cake sales to a candy pharmacy, it is surprising to see what we can find), bars, restaurants, tea houses and art galleries settled in, some years later.

The city, similarly to the rest of the North of Portugal, keeps strong

Pergola - Foz doDouro area, Porto

CC BY-NC-SA - Município do Porto http://goo.gl/jemxL


traditions (from handicraft to customs) that give it a unique brand in the European cities’ context.

The new urban face came to join the old one, with historical buildings such as the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) (with its Arab Room as the “crown jewel”), the Sé Cathedral (whose construction started in the 12th century) and the S. Bento train station, opened in the beginning of the 20th century. Those who visit S. Bento fall in love with the tiles showed in the platform - with 551 m2 of total surface, each panel represents a scene from Portugal’s history. It was considered one of the 14 most beautiful train stations in the world by the North-American magazine Travel+Leisure.

The climate, mild during all year, is perfect to walk around the city, whether by the Douro River or by the Avenida dos Aliados (the centre of the city since the beginning of the 20th century) or in Foz (a clearly residential area, with many restaurants and outdoor cafés that take advantage of the sea breeze). In fact, Foz is one of the preferred areas of the people of Porto for a Sunday stroll or for a run after work.

In the Summer, you can actually risk a perfectly safe surf lesson in the beach shared by Porto and Matosinhos.

Not far from Porto, there are many other places of the North of Portugal that deserve a visit.Several cruises depart from Porto, up the Douro River, destined to the Alto Douro Wine Region. There, you can marvel with the stunning landscapes of this unique Region, the place where the Port Wines and the Douro DOC wines are produced.

In the coast, there are untouched and dazzling beaches. In Minho, we can find a devout region that keeps its customs, but that also takes the chance to renew itself in 2012. In 2012 Guimarães was considered the European Capital of Culture and Braga the European Youth Capital. In Gerês, there is a natural paradise unparalleled in Portugal.

“With an ancient history, which reflects particularly in its World Heritage historical centre, Porto is nowadays a cosmopolitan, bohemian city, open to a more challenging creation.”

Guimarães European Capitalof Culture 2012, Minho

CC BY-NC-ND - Guimarães Turismo http://goo.gl/Kt2Jg

5. A perfect city breAk 21

St. Luzia,Viana do Castelo

CC BY-NC-ND - Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR http://goo.gl/SW6Ds


Historical, cultural and religious tourism

Portugal was born here”. The inscription in Guimarães’ old wall says it all: Porto and the North of Portugal region have an ancient

history, as old as the country itself.

This is a story reflected in the wines, produced with wisdom for centuries, in the Alto Douro Wine Region (the world’s oldest demarcated region) and in the various wine regions that create different wines, but with exceptional quality, amongst which is the famous Port Wine; in the religious and popular traditions; in natural environments such as the Côa Valley rock-art sites, a true journey to the past; and in many other places of the region, from the coast to the border with Spain.

FARMS

Portugal produces wines with exceptional quality, at the level of a distinct and diversified gastronomy and, in the North, if the Port Wine has a global fame, the green wines and the Douro DOC are some of the best kept secrets of the region.

Wine fans will want to be in the Douro wine region (where the vineyards that originate Port and Douro DOC wines are located), but where the landscape makes a pleasant visit for all. This is one of the most impressive landscapes in the world – it was classified by Unesco as World Heritage and it was the first wine region in the world to be demarcated, in 1756.

The manufacturing process is open to visitors and, in September/October, they can actually take part in the grape harvest.

“Porto and the North of Portugal region have an ancient history, as old as the country itself.”

CC BY-NC-ND - Rui Monteiro http://goo.gl/DiCqg

Guimarães home to the first Portuguese capital city, Minho

6. Historical, cultural and religious tourism 23

The Port (and Douro) Wine Route presents the best producers and restaurants in the region.

Still in the North, the Green Wines Route proposes courses punctuated with farms, manors, houses and wine cooperatives with many years of tradition.

CuLTuRE

Douro has much more than wines. In the Côa Valley - the biggest outdoor complex of Palaeolithic rock-art known till this day - there are places with rock-art older than 20 thousand years. There are guided visits to the three most important rock-art nucleus: Penascosa, Canada do Inferno and Ribeira de Piscos.

The Wonderful Douro Route is great to know the monasteries, churches, cathedrals, sanctuaries and historical centres of the wine villages.

Discover also the Romanesque art and architecture of the North of Portugal. Along the second half of the 11th century and the beginning of the 12th century, a series of transformations favoured the appearing and expansion of the Romanesque style, marked by the use of granite.

In Minho, amongst green mountains, there is a circuit of 11 Romanesque churches, in Viana do Castelo, Caminha, Valença, Monção, Melgaço and Paredes de Coura.

In Vale do Sousa, the Romanesque Route is a route founded in the Romanesque memories, which invites to an inspiring journey to 21 places with history.In Felgueiras, we can highlight the Santa Maria de Pombeiro Monastery,

one of the most important Benedictine monasteries in Entre Douro and Minho.Besides these 11 churches, there are cathedrals, such as the Porto Cathedral and Braga Cathedral, which look like fortresses.

In this region, we can also highlight Guimarães, former capital, cradle of the kingdom and currently World Heritage, and Braga, religious centre since the 6th century.

RELIGION

The people in Trás-os-Montes believe with the same certainty the existence of God and the Devil, witches, fortune-tellers, saints and spirits. The festivities of the Carnaval de Podence (Podence Carnival), with the diabolic “caretos” loose on the streets, is a great opportunity to dive in the mystery of this region.

Minho is also a land of devout people. The catholic religion is present in Minho’s historic and architectonic heritage, which you can visit throughout the year. But faith is even more visible in Braga’s Holy Week (land of the famous Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary), in the Festivities of Senhora da Agonia, in Viana do Castelo, the “Gualterianas” festivities, in Guimarães and in other popular manifestations of religiosity.

“In the Côa Valley - the biggest outdoor complex of Palaeolithic rock-art known till this day - there are places with rock-art older than 20 thousand years.”


Montesinho Natural Park,Trás-os-Montes

CC BY-NC-ND - Associação Montesinho Vivo http://goo.gl/tLqoT

7. In touch wIth nature 25

In touch with nature

This is a region where nature remains almost untouched in wide areas of its territory. From the luscious green of

Gerês to the breathtaking valleys of the Alto Douro Wine Region, from the long coastline to the wild rivers, nature fans have a lot to do during a visit to Porto and the North of Portugal.

Known for its imposing natural, cultural and gastronomic heritage, Arouca, located 70 kilometres (43 miles) from Porto, is one of the country’s most emblematic geotouristic destinations. It is a mountainous area, with rivers, natural parks and steep slopes, giant trilobites and “pedras parideiras” (rocks giving birth - a rare geological phenomenon).

Arouca offers more than ten pedestrian courses, starting points to discover beautiful landscapes. The most fearless can count on more radical activities. In the river Paiva, there is rafting,

canyoning, canoeing or the canoe-raft modality. Arouca also offers conditions for mountain biking or all terrain trips, orienteering, abseiling or ropes coursing.

Further North, the walks in the high mountains of the Peneda-Gerês National Park reinvigorate the spirit. The park, which offers pedestrian courses with signals, impresses due its landscape and unique fauna and flora – roe deers, “garranos” (a breed of small horses), birds of prey and even wolves can be spotted there, among other species of a very rich fauna.

In Gerês, there are activities as diverse as the various nautical sports practised in the Caniçada Dam, the walks in paths among the rich vegetation, organized with a guide, or the visits to typical villages, such as Soajo or Lindoso, with its imposing castle and the community granaries.

CC BY-NC-ND - Município de Caminha http://goo.gl/wRuaY

Modelo Beach,Minho


Heading to the interior, in the far Northeast of Portugal, in the Cold Land of Trás-os-Montes, along the Portugal-Spain border, we can find the Montesinho Natural Park, in the municipalities of Bragança and Vinhais.

In its river valleys there are bushes such as the holly and plants like the willow and, in the park, 49 species of mammals can be observed – wolf, deer, roe deer, wild boar, otter and the Pyrenean desman are some of the most emblematic – and 150 bird species.

In the Alto Douro, there is a variety of pedestrian walks, as well as visits to farms and places where the Douro and Port wines are produced. You can even be a part of the wine harvests and, this way, help produce some of Portugal’s most famous nectars.

The Port Wine Route takes its visitors on a discovery trip through a great variety of interest points located in the Demarcated Region of Douro and the neighbouring municipalities that are related with the wine production culture.Still in the Douro, it is possible to know the origins of the human species in the Palaeolithic rock-art complex of the Côa Valley, the world’s biggest outdoor complex ever discovered.

The coast has magnificent beaches, such as Moledo and Afife, and typical fishing communities, such as Vila do Conde. For those who like sports such as surf and bodyboard (or for who wishes to learn), there is a lot to chose from – from the good waves of Viana do Castelo to the calmer waters of Porto, ideal for the surf lessons that are provided there.

For more contemplative experiences, thespas, bird watching or golf can be an option.

In the North of Portugal, there are 18 thermal spas, integrated in city, mountain or resorts’ scenarios. In Trás-os-Montes, the Carvalhelhos, Chaves, Vidago, Pedras Salgadas and Carlão (Murça) waters have exceptional conditions and purity, but there are spas covering all the northern territory.

Portugal is one of the best European destinations for bird watching in their natural habitat. Especially in the North, thanks to its great variety of natural scenarios where tranquillity reigns.

In the bird watching itinerary of the North of Portugal, places such as the Douro Estuary Local Natural Reserve, in Greater Porto, stands out where it is possible to watch half of the birds species of Continental Portugal; the Azibo Reservoir, where eagles can be watched; and the Douro International Natural Park, the biggest national sanctuary for birds of prey.

In the North of Portugal, there are golf courses in Chaves, Vidago, Amarante, Ponte de Lima, Esposende, Espinho, Póvoa do Varzim and Vila Nova de Gaia, which means there are choices for all golfers, whether they like to be close to the sea, city scenarios or more isolated ones. The mild climate allows the possibility of playing for many days, all year.

“From the luscious green of Gerês to the breathtaking valleys of the Alto Douro Wine Region, from the long coastline to the wild rivers, nature fans have a lot to do during a visit to Porto and the North of Portugal.”

7. In touch wIth nature 27

Alfândega Congress Centre, Porto

CC BY-NC-ND - Centro de Congressos da Alfândega do Porto http://goo.gl/fqifh


A region to do business

With a world heritage historic centre, Port Wine cellars that demand a visit, a beautiful seafront,

prestigious restaurants and a hospitable population, a mild temperature and safety, Porto and the North of Portugal have enough attributes for a business trip to have good results and also to be a life experience.

With great price-quality ratio, Porto and the North of Portugal destination unites tradition to modernity and that is why we find there congress centres with different styles (historic, high tech, design…) and trendy, modern, classic, charm hotels, among other styles.

In the region, connected to the world by a modern airport with more than 60 direct routes, there are several infrastructures prepared to welcome business meetings or all types of events - from incentive trips to the launch of a car or an international congress with 3,000 people.

The Alfândega Congress Centre Porto is suited for business, scientific, cultural and commercial events. It is one of the biggest and best congress centres in Portugal.

With a luxury location, in the shore of the Douro River, it has a wide set of auditoriums, rooms and multipurpose spaces with high quality for conferences, exhibits, summits, congresses, products’ presentation, workshops, cocktails and other events.

“With great price-quality ratio, Porto and the North of Portugal destination unites tradition to modernity and that is why we find there congress centres with different styles”

CC BY-NC-ND Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR http://goo.gl/t0ntj

Archive Hall - Alfandega Congress Centre, Porto

8. A region to do business 29

Located in a historic building, 150 years old, renewed by the architect Eduardo Souto Moura (who won the Pritzker, the “Architecture’s Nobel”, in 2011, and who signs many buildings of the rich architectonic itinerary of Porto), the Alfândega is 10 minutes away from Porto’s main hotels and less than 30 minutes away from the airport.

A building with an enormous history in the organization of events and protocol ceremonies, the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) is open for organizing congresses, receptions, gala dinners and other types of events.

This palace, dated from the 19th century, is an obligatory stop for those visiting Porto.

Who enters the Salão Árabe (Arabic Room) becomes marvelled with its plasters from the end of the 19th century, engraved in golden Arabic characters, covering almost all of the ceiling and walls.

The Serralves Foundation, responsible for the Serralves Contemporary Art Museum, is also open to organize events.

From conducting conferences in the auditorium to products’ presentation in the museum, parties and dinners in the Casa de Serralves (Serralves House) to fashion shows in the Park, the Serralves Foundation is available to host all sorts of business events.

Serralves still offers the possibility of organizing incentive programmes of short or medium duration in its premises.

These programmes are developed together with specialized monitors, which orient playful activities (painting, sculpting, among others) to, for

example, promote team spirit in a company or organization.

The Europarque, located 25 kilometres south of Porto, in Santa Maria da Feira, close to the freeway junction Porto-Lisbon, joins a congress centre to a show room and a scientific disclosure room, offering, this way, conditions to turn its use more pleasant. It also has a green space of two hectares.

There is also Exponor, in Matosinhos, on the outskirts of Porto.

The Feira Internacional do Porto (Porto’s International Fair) has an experience of events’ organization that dates back to 1856.

It has the biggest area for events in Portugal: 60 thousand meters of covered surface for exhibits. It is close to Porto’s International Airport, only five minutes away from Matosinhos’ centre and 15 minutes away from Porto.

For meetings or events, Porto and the North of Portugal has a wide offer of hotels that provide rooms with all the technical and logistic conditions, besides offering housing for all tastes: trendy, design, charm, chain...

The destination provides a range of services that support an events’ organization, tailored to specific needs, that goes from more traditional requirements (catering, audiovisual means, simultaneous translation, decoration or reception) to exclusive services (guided tours, workshops, etc.).

The social programmes benefit from a wide variety of gala venues, in the city or at short distances, which include palaces, restaurants, private manor houses, beach bars, museums, casinos…


Ribeira or Foz do Porto are places where these dine-around programmes can be carried out.

A business trip to Porto can be complemented with visits to the many interesting sites that exist in the Northern region of Portugal, where there are four world heritage areas, superior quality gastronomy and wines, relaxing natural parks and fascinating traditions.

In the region, we find a wide maritime front with several attractive features, an intense cultural and bohemian life (in Porto, with its art galleries and bars where creativity runs loose, but also in Guimarães and Braga, European Capital of Culture and European Youth Capital, respectively, in 2012) and stunning natural landscapes, such as the Alto Douro Wine Region, where the famous Port Wine is produced.

The wine and gastronomic oriented programmes are very popular, as well as the incursions in the populations’ most genuine culture manifestations - through initiatives such as cuisine workshops, participation in popular festivities or a “best buys” tour through

Porto’s vintage and trendy stores.

To support the events’ organization at the destination, the Porto Convention Bureau offers several services through its associated companies and specialized professionals.

“...there are several infrastructures prepared to welcome business meetings or all types of events - from incentive trips to the launch of a car or an international congress with 3,000 people.”

CC BY-NC-ND - Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR http://goo.gl/DyuxCQ

Stock Exchange Palace,Porto

9. Gastronomy and wines 31

DOP Restaurant, Porto

RUI PAULA CC BY-NC-ND - Restaurante DOP http://goo.gl/VOiAsO


Gastronomy and Wines

Land of sea, plains and mountains, Porto and the North of Portugal’s gastronomy is as diverse as the landscape where

its ingredients are produced and tasted.

Known for its hospitality, the region is generous when it is time to provide a good table service. And it has a wide variety of dishes (of fish, sea food, meat or regional and convent-made confectionery), cooked with local ingredients.

With four demarcated wine regions, the region also supplies a wine for each occasion. In the many wines of excellent quality that are produced here, there is one that is known all around the world - the Port Wine, produced in the world’s oldest demarcated region – but there are others waiting to be tasted, such as the reds and whites of Douro and the greens of the Minho Region.

“Known for its hospitality, the region is generous when it is time to provide a good table service.”

Land of flavours

CC BY-NC-ND Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR http://goo.gl/1mB5hd

Porto contrastes


A visit to Porto almost always involves a taste of a “francesinha” and a “Tripas à Moda do Porto” dish.

The second dish appeared when Infante D. Henrique (Henry the Navigator), who needed to supply his ships for the taking of Ceuta, in 1415, asked the people from Porto all kinds of foods. The population was left with only the meat offal, including the tripe. Thus, the “Tripas à Moda do Porto” (Porto Tripe) dish was born and also the nickname given to the people of Porto: the “tripeiros” (the “tripe men”).

The “francesinha” is more recent. It is supposed to have been born in the 1950’s and consists of a sandwich with meats and cheese, all covered by a spicy sauce whose recipe varies from restaurant to restaurant. One of the preferred discussions of the people of Porto is: “Where can we eat the best

francesinha of the city?” It is almost always accompanied by a “fino”, a beer served under pressure in a thin and tall glass.

Before the meal, a “Porto Tónico” is recommended, which is a cocktail made with dry white Port Wine, tonic water, ice and a lemon slice in a tall glass. It is one of the new ways to try the pleasures of Port Wine.

Also in Porto, there are good fish dishes, particularly codfish, for example the “à Gomes de Sá, à Brás, à Zé do Pipo, à João do Buraco” and other variations.

The Dishes

PORTO AND OuTSkIRTS

“One of the preferred discussions of the people of Porto is: “Where can we eat the best francesinha of the city?”

CC BY-NC-ND - Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR http://goo.gl/Vi2WtCC BY-NC-ND Rui Borges http://goo.gl/Q3DXO


I n Gaia, the neighbouring city of Porto, the meals demand the “Broa de Avintes” (Avintes corn bread), which goes really well with the

“caldo verde”, a northern typical kale soup.

The city of Matosinhos, also a neighbouring city of Porto, is widely known thanks to its various restaurants that transform the confection of fresh fish that comes from the local fish markets, into an art. Experiment accompanying the fish and the sea food with green wine.

Also in Espinho the fish reigns, but the sea food (the shrimp, the “lagosta suada” (sweated lobster) and others) is equally known. A “caldeirada” (fish stew) with several fishes is a good option.

Still in the coastline, north from Porto, the fishing city of Póvoa de Varzim

owns a rich cuisine based on fish – the “pescada à poveira” (poveira haddock) is a proof of that. The meal can end with a sweet French toast from Póvoa.In Felgueiras, there is a sweet that stands out: the sponge cake of Margaride. Once served on the royal family table, nowadays it is a democratic delicacy cooked in a clay pot, which goes really well with a Port Wine chalice.

Santo Tirso is also a city expert in confectionery: the “jesuítas” (puff-pastry cake), “limonetes” (small lemon tarts) and the cookies of the Mosteiro de Santa Escolástica (Santa Escolástica Monastery)… Close by, in Amarante, the “papos de anjo” (angel’s chin), the “brisas do Tâmega” (Tâmega breezes) and the “toucinho-do-céu” (bacon from heaven) are famous.

In Arouca, the “arouquesa” veal reigns, tender as few others and with a unique flavour.

PORTO AND OuTSkIRTS

The Dishes

CC BY-NC-ND - Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR http://goo.gl/cZX2r CC BY-NC-ND - Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR http://goo.gl/O0xUQ


The king of Minho’s kitchen is the “caldo verde”. Crumbled cabbage, potatoes, garlic, onion and olive oil are the ingredients

of this soup, which is accompanied with slices of good chorizo and maize bread.

In the fishes, the dishes based on lamprey and shad share the honours of Minho’s fine cuisine with the codfish. But it was the “cura amarela” (technique to dry codfish) codfish that gave fame to the region’s gastronomy. The “bacalhau à Gil Eanes” (codfish à la Gil Eanes) and the “truta à minhota com presunto” (minhota trout with smoked ham) are other famous dishes.

In the meats, the “sarrabulho” (in “papas” or rice), the “rojões” and the “perna de porco à Clara Penha” (pork leg à la Clara Penha) are delicacies very much appreciated in the pig slaughter season, around Christmas, but they are tasted all year. The “cozido” (boiled food), the “cabrito da Serra” (Serra roasted lamb) and the “caldeirada de cabra nova” (young goat stew) of Gerês

also deserve highlighting. And how well these delicacies go with a green red wine...Accompanying it, you can snack a ham from Castro Laboreiro and the home made sausages.

In Monção, Melgaço and other lands in the municipality of Viana do Castelo, it is almost mandatory to eat the lamprey of the Minho River, generally served with rice.

In Esposende (Braga), the “Clarinhas de Fão” (pastries with pumpkin squash) rule the confectionery. Also in this district, in Barcelos, confectionery is also famous (because of the “brisas do cavado”, the “queijadinhas”, the “sonhos”), but the land’s symbol, the rooster, also usually appear on the table.

Still in the sweets, Braga is the land of the “Abade de Priscos” pudding, made with eggs, bacon and Port Wine. The “bacalhau à moda de Braga” (codfish à la Braga) and the “pica-no-chão” rice (chicken blood rice) are other dishes of the diverse local gastronomy.

The Dishes

IN MINHO

CC BY-NC-ND - Joana Morgado http://goo.gl/dRzwPCC BY-NC-ND - Entidade Regional do Turismo do Douro http://goo.gl/518bU


P ortugal’s northern interior has a very rich gastronomic tradition.

In the northeast, in the Trás-os-Montes region, the mountains determine the flavours. It is actually on them that the meat for many juicy dishes of the region is bred.

The Mirandela’s “alheiras” have an almost unique status. They are a traditional oak smoked sausage made with various meats, Trás-os-Montes’ olive oil and wheat regional bread.

The “alheiras” can also be tasted in Miranda do Douro, land known for the “posta mirandesa” (veal steak from Minho).

The “alheira” is only one of the many smoked foods known in the region: thick pork sausage, chorizos, botillo, ham... In the Vinhais annual fair, they are all for sale.

In Montalegre, several smoked meats (from pork) are used in the “cozido à barrosã” (boiled food from Barrosã). It is all tempered in the Barrosã style and cured with oak firewood and with the healthy cold of the ground.

In Mondim de Basto, it is essential to taste the “carne maronesa” (maronesa meat) and the wet sponge cake, specialty and symbol of this region. It is made with sugar, wheat flour and homemade eggs.

IN THE ALTO DOuRO AND NORTHEAST

The Dishes

CC BY-NC-ND - Porto Convention and Visitors Bureau http://goo.gl/QHzClCC BY-NC-ND - Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR http://goo.gl/KufFQ


I n the northwest of Portugal, there is the region of Vinho Verde, cradle of the famous Alvarinho variety.

Unique in the world, Vinho Verde is slightly acid, light and fresh, with medium alcohol content and with good digestive properties.

They are easy to drink wines, fruity, that go very well with appetisers or accompanying light meals such as fishes, sea foods, white meats, salads and other dishes.

Vinho Verde production is marked by the granite soils, the Atlantic breeze (the sea winds have an easy penetration due to the orientation of the valleys of the main rivers) and the high levels of precipitation.

In the region of Vinho Verde, the vineyards occupy 21 thousand hectares of area, 15% of the Portuguese winegrowing area.

The Wines

VINHO VERDE

“Unique in the world, Vinho Verde is slightly acid, light and fresh”

CC BY-NC-ND - Guimarães Turismo http://goo.gl/dYyCY


In the extreme northeast of Portugal, to the north of the Douro region, there is the wine production region of Trás-os-Montes, which

divides itself in three sub-regions: Chaves, Valpaços and Planalto Mirandês.

The region is marked by its dry weather, very warm in the summer and very cold in its long winters, season in which the thermometers reach negative values many times.

The varieties planted in the granitic soils are practically the same in the three sub-regions.

The dominant white varieties are Côdega do Larinho, Fernão Pires, Gouveio, Malvasia Fina, Rabigato, Síria and Viosinho, while the more planted red ones are Bastardo, Marufo, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and Trincadeira.

The red wines of Trás-os-Montes are generally fruity and slightly bitter. White wines characterize themselves by their smoothness and floral aroma.

There is evidence that the wine in this region is produced at least since the Roman occupation.

TRÁS-OS-MONTES

The Wines

“The red wines of Trás-os-Montes are generally fruity and slightly bitter.”

CC BY-NC-ND - Entidade Regional do Turismo do Douro http://goo.gl/FhiZbw


T he Demarcated Region of Douro is considered to be the first demarcated region of the world - it exists since 1756.

The terraces scattered throughout the region notably mark the Alto Douro landscape, in the northeast of Portugal, built in a fantastic dialogue between Man and nature. The region is World Heritage, title given in 2001 by Unesco.

To the west, the Douro Valley is sheltered from the humid winds by the granitic mountains of Marão and Montemuro.

In the Douro, the winters are very cold and the summers very hot and dry. “Nove meses de Inverno e três meses de Inferno” (Nine months of Winter and three months of Hell), it is what the popular wisdom says.

The region, 250 thousand hectares marked by a large number of microclimates, is divided in three sub-

regions that vary greatly in terms of temperature and precipitation: Baixo-Corgo, Cima-Corgo and Douro Superior.

It is here, in poor and schist soils (difficulties joined by the slopes of the ground), that the Port Wine, a liquorish wine, ambassador of the Portuguese wines, is produced but also, and increasingly more, red and white wines of superior quality. The difficulties arising from the ground are beneficial for the longevity of the vineyards and originate more concentrated grape musts of sugar and colour.

The most used varieties for the production of Douro and Port Wine are the Aragonez, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinto Cão, Trincadeira and Souzão. The white wine production sustains itself, mainly, by the plantation of varieties such as Malvasia Fina, Gouveio, Rabigato and Viosinho. For the production of Moscatel, the variety Moscatel Galego is used.

The Wines

DOuRO

CC BY-NC-ND - Entidade Regional de Turismo do Douro http://goo.gl/bLA6e


This small region produces some of the best national table white wines (distinguished by their freshness) and red wines

(their softness is praised), as well as exceptional sparkling wines, ideal for party occasions.

The white varieties are predominant in the region (Cerceal, Chardonnay, Gouveio, Malvasia Fina).

The most planted red varieties are Pinot Noir, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesa and Touriga Nacional.

DEMARCATED REGION OF TÁVORA- VAROSA

The Wines

“the best national table white wines and red wines, as well as exceptional sparkling wines, ideal for party occasions.”

CC BY-NC-ND - Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR http://goo.gl/PVglm6


Douro River Cruises, Douro

CC BY-NC-ND Europarques.com http://goo.gl/A8LsFS


10 things you have to do in Porto and the North of Portugal

To sit in an outdoor café and enjoy the colours the light creates when it falls over the Douro River is one of those feelings you cannot miss when you’re in the North of Portugal. Explore on foot the alleys of Porto’s riverside zone, try out the many typical restaurants and small

taverns in this area and get in touch with the local population.

Gaia - Cais da Ribeira, Portp

Enjoy historic Porto

CC BY-NC-ND Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR http://goo.gl/BYKFh0

10. 10 things you have to do in Porto and the north of Portugal 43

Depart from Porto, through the Douro River (Gaia peer or Ribeira peer) in the direction of Alto Douro aboard a cruise ship. Along the way, dazzle yourself with the landscape, enjoy the wines born from it and relax. The prices range from 60 Euros (one day) to 1,000 Euros

(eight days, in a hotel-ship) – the experience itself is priceless. Also, there are several cruises that cover the six bridges that connect the riversides of Porto and Gaia – an opportunity to see the Porto’s riverside, the Luís I Bridge, the Serra do Pilar Monastery and the old Maria Pia bridge, among other points, from a different point of view.

Relax during a trip in Douro

CC BY-NC-ND - Douro Azul http://goo.gl/0iTLO

River Cruises, Douro


From Serralves Museum by Álvaro Siza Vieira to the Casa da Música by Rem koolhaas, from the medieval constructions to the most exciting and challenging creations. Porto is increasingly appearing in worldwide architecture itineraries. Discover why.

Discover Porto’s architecture

CC BY-NC-ND - Fundação Casa da Música http://goo.gl/m1zrF

Casa da Música,Porto


Discover in Gaia, Porto’s neighbouring city and with which shares the Douro River, some of the more than 50 companies where the wine ages in old wooden casks. Take a guided tour and take the opportunity to taste the different varieties of Portugal’s greatest

ambassador, the Port Wine.

Learn how the Port Wine is made

CC BY-NC-ND Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto http://goo.gl/nEvIV

Port Wine Tasting,Vila Nova de Gaia


The North of Portugal has several rivers with conditions to practice rafting. And there are two ideal rivers to start with: the Minho and the Paiva. The first is recommended for people aged from 7 to 77 years old, even if they don’t know how to swim. The white waters of the

second river demand more dexterity.

Flow down a river in high speed

CC BY-NC-ND - Rafting Atlántico http://goo.gl/VgQYW

Rafting,Minho


Miguel Torga, the Portuguese writer, stated: “There are some places in the world that are like some human existences: everything comes together so that nothing is missing from its grandness and perfection. This Gerês is one of those places”. You will agree

with Torga: there are few places in the world such as this, places where the green and the high mountains thrill – breathe in the air from Gerês and feel it. Due to its fauna (you can see wolves and birds of prey there) and flora, it is considered World Biosphere Reserve by unesco.

Breath in Gerês

CC BY-NC-ND Aquafalls SPA Hotel http://goo.gl/YyMty

Aquafalls Spa Hotel,Minho


In the demarcated region of Douro, there are several centenarian farms adapted to wine tourism, where it is possible to stay overnight, take a walk between the vineyards, visit the manufacture, buy wine, have tastings of these nectars, participate in theme dinners… and be a part of

the grape harvests’ activities.

Make a wine

CC BY-NC-ND Associação de Turismo do Porto, AR http://goo.gl/DRNlX

Calém Porto Wine Cellars, Vila Nova de Gaia


Have a tour of over 100 kilometres (62 miles) through the International Douro Natural Park… to the prehistory. Travel from Miranda do Douro, a land of popular traditions with Celtic roots and its own dialect, to the Côa Valley, where you can see Palaeolithic

drawings and paintings.

Travel to the Prehistory

CC BY-NC-ND - José Paulo Ruas http://goo.gl/VMb37

Côa Museum, Vila Nova de Foz Côa


Faith is responsible for the charm of many monuments, traditions, customs and for some handicraft of Minho, a land of devout people. The catholic religion is clear in Minho’s historic and architectonic heritage. And there are several feasts along the year that unite religion

to popular entertainment.

Witness the faith of the people of Minho

CC BY-NC-ND - Município de Viana do Castelo http://goo.gl/68cBB

Annual Festival Nossa Senhora da Agonia, Viana do Castelo


In 2001, unesco registered it as World Heritage. Guimarães’ historic centre is a mandatory stop for those visiting Portugal – after all, it was from Guimarães that the kingdom was formed. A walk in the historic centre can start in its “heart”, the Largo da Oliveira. The city, European Capital

of Culture in 2012, has a renewed face and presents itself with a surprising cultural and artistic life.

Discover the city where portugal was born

CC BY-NC-ND - Entidade Regional de Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal http://goo.gl/aQonz

Bom Jesus Church,Braga


River Cruises,Douro

CC BY-NC-ND Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR http://goo.gl/y7WPC

11. Porto and the north of Portugal: adding on awards 53

Porto and the North of Portugal: Adding on awards

Says the travel writer Rachelle Lucas in her popular blog thetravelbite.com, shortly after setting foot in the City where

she was a guest speaker at the TBU Conference.

Visitors often report falling in love with Porto’s skyline at sunset, or having their breath taken away by the spectacular views from the Port Wine Cellars, as they sip an old Vintage Port.

If, however, the positive word of mouth would not suffice to the picky traveler, this surprising destination keeps adding on awards and nominations so that no doubt remains that this is definitely the European charming gem worth visiting next:

CC BY-NC-SA - Município do Porto http://goo.gl/C7ZcH

“It’s only been 24 hours since I arrived in Porto, Portugal, and I can already tell this is going to be one of my favorite cities.”

Tram Tour,Porto


The three recipient airports in Europe were Moscow, Zurich and Porto. This award is the result of ANA’s overall effort to create awareness and push its in-house resources and service providers to continually improve customer service quality. Porto airport was in the top three between 2006 and 2011 and was voted by passengers as the best European Airport in 2007.

Porto Airport was once again the recipient of an ACI-Airports Council International award, as third best European airport.

The Magazine “Business Destinations” that organises the “Business Destinations Travel Awards” assigned the award of best European Congress Centre 2014 to the conference venue Centro de Congressos da Alfândega do Porto. This award has a big relevance to Centro de Congressos da Alfândega do Porto, but also to the city and to the country, because it is the first time that an entity gets that recognition in Portugal.

Alfândega Congress Centre in Porto has been awarded Best Meetings and Conference Centre in Europe

CC BY-NC-ND Alfandega Congress Centre http://goo.gl/gEALmy

CC BY-NC-ND Aeroporto do Porto Marketing e Aviação http://goo.gl/TETH25


The Vidago Palace Hotel has been awarded by World Luxury Spa Awards 2014 as “Best Luxury Destination Spa”, a distinction that places Vidago Palace Thermal SPA amongst the best in the world and recognizes the quality, innovation and service provided to the guests.

Vidago Palace Hotel was distinguished by World Luxury Spa Awards 2014 as Best Luxury Destination Spa

European Consumer’s Choice, an independent non-profit-making organization based in Brussels, selected 20 European Cities to compete for the high-status title of Best European Destination 2014. Porto was elected by voters as the Best European Destination 2014 and won the title ahead of 19 big european cities.

Porto - European Best Destination 2014

CC BY-NC-ND Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR http://goo.gl/uKGSLa

CC BY-NC-ND Vidago Palace Hotel http://goo.gl/MZEzFV


Francesinha - AOL Travel included Porto’s Francesinha in the Top 10 sandwiches around the World. The name is Portuguese for “little frenchie” as it was created after the original French croque monsieur, to which Portuguese flavors were added resulting in a melting spicy goodness, not to miss if you’re in town.

São Bento Train Station - Travel & Leisure, one of America’s most read travel publications has named São Bento Station, in Porto, as one of the most beautiful train stations in the World. The article praises both the stone façade and the stunning indoor panels, made with 20.000 splendid tin-glazed ceramic tiles.

Wines of Excellence - The northern Portuguese wine producing industry has been a longstanding award winner over the past years. The Wine & Spirits Magazine considered “Casa Ferreirinha”, a wine producer based in Porto, as “Producer of the Year 2012”. The International Wine Callenge distinguished Luís Sottomayor, Director of Enology at the northern wine producing company Sogrape Vinhos, as the Enologist of the Year 2012. Prestigious international wine competitions such as the International Wine Challenge, Mundus Vini, China Wine awards, Les Citadelles du Vin, among others, have repeatedly awarded Portuguese wines with hundreds of gold and silver medals.

CC BY-NC-ND - Rui Borges http://goo.gl/wRznu

CC BY-NC-ND - Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR http://goo.gl/hgtn0F


Porto - best destination 2012European consumer’s choice

Lello bookshop: the 3rd most beautiful In the world, by the guardian in 2008

The Guardian has called it “Divine”, and named it the 3rd most beautiful bookshop in the World. Open since 1881, It features a “staircase to heaven”, beautiful stained glass ceilings, astonishing wooden panels and a lovely collection of books.

The yeatman swimming pool:Among condé nast’s top 12 infinity pools

Condé Nast Traveler, considered by many as the most important travel publication worldwide, listed the top 12 infinity pools in the world, having included the Yeatman’s decanter shaped pool with spectacular panoramic views over Porto’s Historic Centre in this prestigious list.

CC-BY-NC-ND Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR http://goo.gl/1EoEnZ

CC BY-NC-ND - Laurence Brandjas http://goo.gl/EIAvX


Alto douro wine region: Nominated world heritage by unesco in 2001

The Douro Valley, the oldest demarcated wine producing region in the World, has a long tradition of viticulture which has produced a terraced landscape on the banks of the Douro River that was considered of outstanding beauty by Unesco nomination Committee, reflecting the region’s technological, social and economical evolution.

The historic Centre of Guimarães is a remarkably well-preserved and authentic example of a medieval town that has evolved into a modern city, comprising extraordinary examples of rich building typology and architecture that date back from the 15th to the 19th century.

Guimarães historic centre: Nominated world heritage by unesco in 2001

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On the banks of the River Coa, 5.000animal figures carved over thousandsof years document continuoushuman occupation from the end ofthe Paleolithic Age and it is the mostremarkable open-air ensemble ofPaleolithic art on the Iberian Peninsula.

Prehistoric rockart sites in the coavalley: Nominatedworld heritage byunesco in 1998

Unesco’s Nomination Committeeconsidered that the site was “ofoutstanding universal value as theurban fabric and its many historicbuildings bear remarkable testimonyto the development over the pastthousand years”.

Porto historiccentre: Nominatedworld heritage byunesco in 1996

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Port Wine Cellars, Vila Nova de Gaia

12. Porto and the north of Portugal, from a to Z 61

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Architecture

One city, two Pritzker Awards. There aren’t many cities that can brag about having two architects with the “Architecture’s Nobel”. Porto has two: Siza Vieira and Souto Moura. From the first, there are several examples in the region (the Serralves Museum, in Porto, is mandatory). The second designed, among other structures, one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world, the one from Sporting Clube de Braga, built in an old stone quarry. The “meteorite” designed by Rem Koolhaas to receive the Casa da Música, in Porto, is globally known. These contemporary buildings communicate with the region’s architectonic richness, spread through churches, palaces and secular buildings.

Porto and the North of Portugal, from A to Z

Bankriver

They mark the landscape, give a cool breeze to the populations where they pass and are used for sports activities or leisure. And there are many more rivers in the North besides the Douro. The valley of the Tua River, part of the Alto Douro Wine Region, offers a landscape that calms the senses, on foot or aboard the Historical Steam Train, which takes the visitors from the Tua Station to Régua. The Paiva River, cathedral of the wild waters sports in Portugal, is perfect for rafting or canoeing, as well as the Minho and Tâmega Rivers.

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Books

Frequently considered one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world (the Spanish writer Enrique Vila-Matas is a fan), the Lello e Irmão, opened in 1906, is a mandatory visit for those who like books, and more – the neo-Gothic style building is stunning. Lello is the crown jewel, but Porto’s downtown is full of bookshops, most of them used bookstores.

Bright

With a moderate climate all year, Porto and the North of Portugal is a region with strong ties to the Sun, which shines in the cities’ outdoor cafés, in the several beaches that the 144 kilometres (231 miles) of coast guard, in the parks and gardens, in the walks on the mountains…

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Cool

In Porto, creativity and leisure come together to renovate the face of downtown which, in the last few years, filled itself with bars, restaurants, unique stores and art galleries, in a frenzy that is still ongoing. The nightlife has its centre in the Clérigos zone, whose streets fill up on weekends. Not so far from there, the Rua de Miguel Bombarda, known as the “portuense SoHo”, is the biggest concentration of art galleries in Porto. In 2012, Guimarães, European Capital of Culture, presents a teeming cultural scheduling.

Douro

To depart in a cruise, take part in grape harvests, wander in the cut hillsides and have a break to taste a good wine and to ride a train in the Douro Line to see the almond trees in blossom. All great ways to live the Douro river, which is born in Spain and drains in Porto, and its surroundings. And there is more.

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Francesinha

It is probably one of the most common discussions among the people of Porto: where is the best francesinha of the city served? This sandwich, made with various meats (from ham to spicy pork sausage) between slices of sliced bread, cheese on top and a sauce that varies from restaurant to restaurant, has already been elected as one of the best in the world. It is only one of the many dishes of the region: the “Tripas à Moda do Porto”, a variety of “feijoada” (dish made of beans and several kinds of meat), which is also made in Trás-os-Montes, in the interior of the region; the many dish fishes; the “postas mirandesas” (veal steak from Minho), the “alheiras” of Mirandela and other sausages of Trás-os-Montes. In the confectionery department, the Abade de Priscos pudding, typical of Braga, and the sponge cake of Margaride…We say no more.

Gardens

To enjoy Porto and the North of Portugal’s sun, there is nothing better than visiting a garden. In Porto, the Parque da Cidade (City Park), close to the sea, has 10 kilometres (5 miles) of paths and a diverse fauna and flora. Serralves, where a museum of exceptional contemporary art is located, also has a garden very much appreciated by the people of Porto.The Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace), one of the favourite places for the people of Porto to date, offers stunning views over the Douro River. In Penafiel, on the outskirts of Porto, the Quinta da Aveleda is emphasized. In Minho, one can rest in the Jardins de Santa Bárbara (Santa Bárbara Gardens), in Braga’s historic centre, and in the Parque Natural do Bom Jesus do Monte (Bom Jesus do Monte Natural Park), with its big lake. The spas

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of Vidago and Gerês also have gardens where the most important thing to do is “relax”. In Vila Real, the Palácio de Mateus (Mateus’ Palace), a masterpiece designed by Nasoni, is surrounded by beautiful gardens.In several manors of the region, there are magnificent and secular gardens you cannot miss!of Porto, the Quinta da Aveleda is emphasized. In Minho, one can rest in the Jardins de Santa Bárbara (Santa Bárbara Gardens), in Braga’s historic centre, and in the Parque Natural do Bom Jesus do Monte (Bom Jesus do Monte Natural Park), with its big lake. The spas of Vidago and Gerês also have gardens where the most important thing to do is “relax”. In Vila Real, the Palácio de Mateus (Mateus’ Palace), a masterpiece designed by Nasoni, is surrounded by beautiful gardens. In several manors of the region, there are magnificent and secular gardens you cannot miss!

Granite

It is the material of choice of Porto (it is even the city’s image trademark) and Guimarães’ historic centres. It exists abundantly in the region and, therefore, it is the dominant material in its Romanesque architecture – it can be found in churches, cathedrals and streets. It marks the breathtaking landscapes of the Peneda-Gerês National Park.

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History

Portugal is Europe’s most ancient State. Its history dates back to the 12th century, when D. Afonso Henriques (Afonso I), born in Guimarães, declares the independence of the Condado Portucalense (County of Portugal) (whose capital, Portus Cale, nowadays Porto, gave its name to the new Portuguese kingdom) and entitles himself as first king of Portugal. The new kingdom was situated between the rivers Minho and Mondego (today in the centre of Portugal) and its most important cities were Braga, Porto and Coimbra. Afonso I would then embark on a conquest of the South.

Interior

If Porto and the North are the essence of Portugal, it is even more visible in the region’s interior, which preserves many old customs. Miranda do Douro is an example of this, keeping alive a local dialect, the Mirandese. In Trás-os-Montes, there are untouched historic villages, purifying spas, a tasty traditional cuisine and one of the most wild forest zones in Europe (the Montesinho Natural Park). In the Carnival, magnificent multicoloured creatures – the Caretos de Podence – go out to the streets of various Trás-os-Montes villages.

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Nests

Portugal is among Europe’s best destinations for bird watching in their natural habitat and the North is no exception. In the Douro Estuary Local Natural Reserve, a protected area near Porto that has already registered 200 bird species, it is possible to watch half of the bird species of Continental Portugal.Outside of the city, you can watch eagles in the Azibo Reservoir, in the Northeast of Trás-os-Montes, and threatened birds of prey in the Douro International Natural Park. In the Peneda-Gerês Natural Park, the unique fauna is impressive - roe deers, “garranos” and birds of prey, among others.

Olfaction

A region of scents: the Port wine in the cellars; the fresh air in the mountains; the sea air of the long Atlantic coast; the delicious dishes of traditional Portuguese cuisine or the contemporary proposals of renowned great chefs…

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Paintings

World Heritage, the Côa Valley is the most important place with outdoor Palaeolithic rock art in the world. Its rocks have markings with 25,000 years. They are mostly engravings from the superior Palaeolithic, but there are also paintings and engravings from the Neolithic and the Chacolithic, engravings from the Iron Age and from the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

Quintas

Among many choices, the Port (and Douro) Wine route is one of the greatest ways to get to know the farms where the grapes that make unforgettable wines are cultivated. In Minho, the route to follow is the Green Wines route. The Cister Vineyards route is made in one of the most recent Portuguese wine producing regions, the Távora-Varosa.

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Religion

Faith is responsible for the charm of many monuments, traditions and customs and of some handicraft the North of Portugal. It is perhaps in Minho where it manifests more evidently. The catholic religion is clear in the historic and architectonic heritage of this region, to which some events are added: Braga’s Holy Week (the “Portuguese Rome”), the Festas da Senhora da Agonia, in Viana do Castelo, passing by the Festas Gualterianas, in Guimarães.

Shawl

The shawl is one of the many garments associated to Minho’s folklore and traditions. The Lenços de Namorados (Portuguese Valentine Handkerchiefs), typical from Vila Verde and made by local artisans, are great souvenirs. Also in Minho, the Guimarães and Viana do Castelo embroidery is very famous.

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Stairs

The fans of urban walks have in Porto and the North of Portugal much to be entertained. And there are many stairs to climb: the ones from Porto’s historic centre, which take us into hidden alleys and small squares, and the 225 steps that take us to the top of the Clérigos Tower; the 581 steps of the staircases of the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, in Braga; for those who think this is not enough, there is another solution: the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Sanctuary, in Lamego, has 686 steps.

Thermal Springs

Used with therapeutic purposes since the roman period, the waters are an endless source of well being. The North of Portugal has 18 thermal spas (in cities or in the mountain) which offer the chance of complete restful vacations. Chaves and Vidago (in Trás-os-Montes), Gerês, Guimarães (Taipas) and Eirogo (Barcelos) are some of the options. The Caldas da Saúde (Santo Tirso) or S. Jorge (Santa Maria da Feira) can also be choices for those who are in Porto.

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unesco

It is not a trivial thing: there are four areas in the North of Portugal which are classified as World Heritage by Unesco. First, it was Porto, whose historic centre was distinguished in 1996. Two years later, it was time to classify the Côa Valley Prehistoric Rock-Art Site. The Guimarães historic centre and the Alto Douro Wine region were next, in 2001.

Wine Toast

The wine has global fame – the famous Port wine, of course –, but the North of Portugal has other great quality wines, such as the green wines, unique in the world, and the Douro DOC wines. It is also worth tasting the Douro muscatel and the sparkling wine of Távora-Varosa. In the North of Portugal, the wines are synonyms of landscapes – and the Douro wine region is one of the most impressive of the world. You can enjoy the wines, but you can also see or even participate in the harvest, since many farms in Douro have special programs at this time of year (September and October). Fancy a toast?

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Views

The list is huge, so we will only mention four: Porto’s historic centre, its alleys and the overlaid houses with the Douro as a background; the terraces and hillsides that flank the course of the river in Alto Douro; the green farther than the eye can reach of the Peneda-Gerês National Park; and the luxurious nature of Minho.

Zzzzzzz

Porto and the North of Portugal have a rich and diverse hotel units’ offer, which guarantees good rest for those visiting the region, from guesthouses to manors with a long and fascinating story, charm, chain, design, trendy and classical hotels - located in the city centre, close to the sea or surrounded by mountainous landscapes. Porto and the North of Portugal guarantee a peaceful and rewarding stay for those who visit.

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Notes


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Cabedelo Beach - Viana doCastelo, Minho

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