Villas in Porto

Come to the capital of Northern Portugal and find a villa to spend your vacations. The city is on the steep northern bank of the River Douro. You can find splendid villas in Miragaia, Foz de Douro, Cedofeita and Vilanova de Gaia. Enjoy the beautiful city of Porto and have a memorable stay.

Depending on the number of people, you will find several villas to accommodate up to 20 guests. Ideal for families and large groups. Enjoy your stay in a comfortable and large villa with manicured gardens and private pools. The open plan kitchens are ideal for gatherings and big dinners. The comfortable lounges are the ideal spaces to share a nice evening chatting away by the fireplace. Maybe a nice siesta in the porch or in the hammock under the shady trees.

Porto boasts some beautiful beaches and an incredible climate. You will enjoy the wonderful beaches of Foz de Douro, which is also a great nightlife spot to dance the night away. The best family beaches and ideal for kids are those of Vilanova de Gaia, with a more peaceful atmosphere. Enjoying the sun, the sand and the sea is easy at Matosinhos Beach, Gondarém Beach, Praia do Carneiro and Ingleses Beach.

Porto Old Town is a kris-kross of narrow streets lined with monumental and historical buildings. Some of the most iconic buildings, including the Bolsa Palace, Livraria, the Clérigos Tower, the Episcopal Palace and the Palacio de Cristal are some visits you definitely cannot miss. The museums in town are a good way to find out more about Porto’s past and the tradition of Port making. Go to the Wine Museum, the Museo do Carro Eléctrico or theMuseum of Contemporary Art.

A nice walk along Porto’s riverside, Cais da Ribeira, is a pleasant activity to enjoy in the afternoon or the evening and mingle with the locals. Bars and restaurants are in every corner so you can enjoy a nice cuppa while looking at the Luis I Bridge. Duck through the arcades, explore the maze of steep streets and stairways going past pastel-coloured facades.

This impressive metal arched structure is an industrial symbol of the city by Théophile Seyrig. It crosses the Douro and rises up high to almost 45 meters. If you access the top level you will get impressive views of Cais de Ribeira and from here, you can get on the Funicular dos Guindais and get down to the riverside.

Near the Church of São Francisco, they built Porto’s stock exchange building. The exterior is a Neoclassical architecture, and the interior has eclectic finishes and they finished decorating it in at the beginning of the 20th century. Admire the sculptures, the wonderful carvings, the impressive chandeliers, magnificent frescos and the detailed tiles and then, head to the Pátio das Nações courtyard and enjoy some time in it. This is a must when you go to Porto!

Enter a completely different district and enjoy the trendy part of Foz do Douro, where the river enters the ocean. Stroll along the promenade lined with palms and trees. Enjoy some time at the Pergola da Foz, installed there by the Mayor’s wife in the 1930s. The shades of the sunset make this promenade a romantic spot for lovers to watch the sunset or simply walk until it’s time to go for dinner at any of the fabulous restaurants in the area.

The majestic cathedral stands as a symbol of the city. It has suffered many changes over the centuries but it has kept the original architecture. Admire the Clérigos Church Tower, once used as a defensive tower. Visit the Romanesque nave and look at the Baroque design inside.

Petiscos are the Portuguese version of Spanish tapas. Any time of the day is the perfect excuse to stop along the way and have a couple of Portuguese beers, a Sagres or a Super Bock. Some of the culinary specialties that make up the offer of petiscos are cod, fresh sausage sandwich, roast beef and cheese coated steak and spicy sauce. The most recommended places are in Rua dos Caldeireiros, next to the São Bento Station.

To the south of the city, in the town of Vila Nova de Gaia, you will find most of the wineries where the famous port wine has been produced for centuries. Its difference with other wines lies in the brandy that is added to interrupt its fermentation, thus preserving the original sweetness of the grape and a high level of alcohol. In this area you can visit a multitude of wineries where you can learn how the elaboration process is carried out and make a tasting.