Holidays to Porto

Located on the north bank of the River Douro, the historic city of Porto is known for its pleasant Mediterranean climate and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Porto is a wonderful mix of pastel-coloured abodes, grand Baroque churches, intriguing shops, medieval landmarks and street cafés. The city has a fascinating history, amazing attractions and a vibrant nightlife that appeal to all ages and preferences.

If you're seeking a well-deserved holiday in the city, it's recommended that you book your flight and hotel in Porto in advance. When you combine your flight and hotel bookings in Porto, you can save money and time.

Flights to Porto arrive at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), which is one of Europe’s top airports and has excellent transport connections with other Portuguese destinations. If you're travelling from the UK, you can book a direct flight from London or Manchester to Porto.

If you're an EU citizen, you won’t need a visa to enter Portugal. While the official language is Portuguese, you likely won't encounter a language barrier in Porto, as English is spoken by many locals. There's no time difference between Portugal and the United Kingdom.

Porto experiences temperate oceanic climate throughout the year, with mild winters and warm summers. If you opt for package holidays in Porto from May to September, you can look forward to pleasant weather and some of the region's most popular festivals, such as NOS Primavera Sound (June), Serralves em Festa (June), Festa de São João (June), Regata dos Rabelos (June) and Festival Mares Vivas (July). If you're planning to spend a weekend in Porto during this time, it's best to book in advance.

Porto is synonymous with picturesque landscapes, friendly people, great food and charm. Take a tour by foot, bike, or tuk tuk to explore the Baroque Clérigos Church and its stunning tower, the medieval Ribeira district, and the iconic double-decker metal arch bridge Dom Luis I, which connects Porto with the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. For a day trip, head to Serra d'Arga to witness breathtaking natural beauty.

Downtown Porto is a nightlife hub, and you'll find plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs on every corner. Plano B, an upscale venue that has become a landmark in Porto, offers great music. Other popular nightspots include Radio Bar, Clube 3C, Candelabro and Hotfive.

City breaks in Porto offer numerous attractions and sights worth seeing. Take a visit to Soares dos Reis National Museum, Museo Romantico and the Penafiel Municipal Museum to admire fine artworks. If you're looking to soak up some sun, then the beaches at Vila do Conde or Redonda should be your first stop.

If you're travelling with kids, there are excellent family-friendly attractions, such as Magikland, Funny City and Piscina das Mares. If you want try your luck in poker, head over to the Casino Espinho or Casino da Povoa. Discover the region's religious history by visiting Porto Cathedral and the churches of São Francisco, Clerigos and Carmelitas. A weekend in Porto would be incomplete without tasting some of the wines at Cockburn Smithes's and Ramos Pinto's cellars.

If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Porto.

What to eat in Porto

When it comes to eating and drinking, Porto's Ribeira district is one of its most popular. Enjoy a refreshing drink at Ribeira Lounge Restaurant & Cocktail Bar before gorging on fresh shellfish dishes at Restaurante Mercearia.

If you want to try traditional Portuguese food on package holidays in Porto, make sure to check out Cozinha da Amélia's crispy codfish potato fritters. Travellers with a sweet tooth should head over to Leitaria da Quinta do Paço to taste some phenomenal pastries. Wine Quay Bar offers panoramic views of the Douro, along with an amazing selection of quality wines and appetizers.

What to bring home from Porto

Porto is an ultimate shopper’s paradise and home to wonderful, locally crafted products. Portugal is the largest producer and exporter of cork in the world. Beautiful cork jewellery, wallets, hats, purses, and shoes are just some of the many interesting souvenirs you can bring back from city breaks in Porto. Other souvenir ideas include world-famous port wine, ceramic tiles, Portuguese liquor, and olive oil.