Porto - Ribeira, Port Wine Cellars and Historic Centre (UNESCO since 1996)
A city rich in traditions, with centuries of history, where the picturesque blends with modernity and innovation. Porto has always been one of the most important cities in Portugal and its historic old town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on the banks of the River Douro, renowned for its wine and world-famous for its heritage and cuisine, Porto is undoubtedly worth a visit.
When to Visit Porto - Spring to October with Mild Temperatures
Winter in the region is typically rainy, so the other seasons are the best for exploring Porto. You can count on mild temperatures and from May to October you can always count on the sun to make an appearance.
How to Get to Porto - Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport and Direct Metro to the Centre
The easiest way to get to Porto is to take a flight to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. You can also travel to the city by train, as Campanhã station has connections to various destinations in Portugal and abroad. On the other hand, if you travel to Porto by car, you´ll probably arrive via the A1 motorway.
Porto Cuisine - Francesinha Sandwich, Porto-Style Tripe and Port Wine
Porto's cuisine reflects its cultural wealth, accompanied by the region's excellent wines. The famous Porto-style tripe, Gomes de Sá-style cod and, of course, francesinha sandwiches are some of Porto´s most traditional dishes. However, Porto's cuisine is not limited to traditional dishes, as the city is home to top chefs and restaurants that place it at the forefront of modern cuisine.
Porto's Historic Centre - UNESCO World Heritage with Clérigos Tower and Cathedral
Porto´s historic old town is a masterpiece of human creativity. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 for its exceptional universal value. A place of enormous aesthetic value, it has an urban fabric and numerous historic buildings that deserve the close attention of everyone who visits.
Examples of this are Ribeira do Porto, one of the city's most picturesque districts, the Torre dos Clérigos bell-tower, the beautiful São Bento station with its magnificent azulejo tiled panels, and Porto Cathedral. All of which are must-see places in the “Invicta” city.
Where to Stay in Porto - Pestana Hotels and Palaces on the Douro River
Our hotels in Porto
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal, capital of the North, at the mouth of the Douro River next to the Atlantic. It is known for giving its name to Port wine, a fortified wine from the Douro demarcated region, traditionally aged in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, on the opposite bank. Its Historic Centre, including the Ribeira, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. The landscape is marked by the Dom Luís I Bridge (from the late 19th century, in Eiffel's orbit), the rabelo boats and the blue and white tiles. There are four Pestana hotels located here, next to the river and the city centre.
The Pestana Group has four hotels in Porto, each with its own identity: the Pestana Vintage Porto, in the heart of Ribeira, with around 18 buildings from the 16th to 18th centuries on the banks of the Douro River; the Pestana Palácio do Freixo (Pousada & National Monument), in a mid-18th-century Baroque palace by the river, with indoor and outdoor infinity pools; the Pestana Porto - A Brasileira, in Baixa (Rua de Sá da Bandeira), next to São Bento and the A Brasileira café (120+ years old), with spice-themed rooms; Pousada Porto Rua das Flores, located on one of the city’s most emblematic streets, in the heart of the historic centre, close to São Bento, the Cathedral and Ribeira; and the Pestana Douro Riverside, in a former factory in Gondomar, by the river and a short distance from Ribeira.
As winters in Porto tend to be rainy, the other seasons are ideal for exploring the city. The period from May to September is generally the driest and sunniest, with pleasant temperatures for strolling along the Ribeira, crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge, and visiting the Gaia wine cellars. Spring and autumn are excellent for combining the city with a trip to the Douro Valley, avoiding the peak heat and crowds of summer. At any time of year, the Pestana hotels, many of which are located by the river, are a practical base.
Porto is served by Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), in Maia, about 11 km from the city center. The most practical way to get to Baixa (downtown) is by Porto Metro: Line E (purple) connects the airport to Trindade station in about 30 minutes, passing right outside the terminal. Alternatively, Porto receives national and international rail connections via Campanhã station, with a connection to São Bento station (famous for its tiles). From there it is easy to reach the Pestana hotels in Ribeira, Baixa or along the Douro River.
A stroll along the Ribeira, with its colorful houses overlooking the Douro River, and crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge to visit the Port wine cellars in Gaia is a must. In the city center, highlights include the Clérigos Tower, the scenographic Lello Bookstore, the Cathedral, São Bento Station, and the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace). A cruise on the Douro River, under the various bridges, completes the visit. Pestana Vintage Porto, in Ribeira, Pestana Porto - A Brasileira, in downtown Porto near São Bento, and Pousada Porto - Rua das Flores, in the heart of the historic centre, are all close to these attractions.
Within the city, the Porto Metro and the bus network (STCP) cover the center and the metropolitan area, including connections to the riverside area and Gaia. The historic center is best explored on foot, given that Porto is a city with a pronounced hilly terrain, with steep streets and staircases between the upper part and the Ribeira. As a tourist complement, there is the tram (historical lines), the Guindais funicular, and Douro River cruises. Several Pestana hotels are located by the river or in the Baixa (downtown area), allowing you to discover the historic center on foot.