Porto

Porto, situated on the River Douro, is the second largest city in Portugal. It is very old and thanks to it tourists may still evidence the history hidden in beautiful buildings and narrow streets of the city. This is also where the first Port wine was invented by English merchants and soon became very popular in the whole world. However, Porto is also a perfect spot to charter a yacht and set sail through the Atlantic Ocean. Yachting in this magical area is the best way to truly explore its beauty, and Porto itself is one of its pearls.

Sailing in Porto

If you plan to spend some time in Porto, you should expect the typical warm-summer Mediterranean climate. The summer in that area are warm and dry, while winters are mild and rainy. The dry season is usually shorter than in the southern coast and it is sometimes interrupted by rather cool and rainy interludes. The temperature in the summer ranges between 15°C and 25°C, but every sailor should be aware of the heat waves occurring in that area from time to time. Then the temperature may even reach 35°C.

Things to do in Porto

The city of Porto, located on the hills at the mouth of the River Douro is certainly a charming place. The old town centre was declared the World Heritage Site by UNESCO and thanks to that we will still be able to admire the beauty of its architectural treasures for a very long time. So before you get on your yacht and start your journey, you should do some sightseeing and taste a delicious wine.

Sailors who appreciate the world-class wines should stop on the southern bank of Douro river and tour some of over fifty cavernous cellars. The visitors can not only go round the cellars, but also taste some of the varieties of this delicious wine. No wonder it’s one of the most popular tourist attraction of that city.

The Clerigos Tower is another must-see for any tourists visiting Porto. This bell tower was completed in the XVIII century and it is 75 meters high. Unfortunately, tourists must climb more than two hundred steps to get on the top of the tower, but the view is certainly rewarding. The incredible panorama of the town, river and coastline is simply breathtaking and everyone will enjoy it.

Those who like to take a walk may also want to visit the Ribeira – a riverside promenade. During the stroll you will also have a chance to explore other landmarks of this amazing city, like the Bolsa Palace or the San Francisco Cathedral. As there are many restaurants and cafes along the way it is also one of the most popular spots to meet with friends and just socialize.

If you will be lucky enough, you may take part in one of the festivals that are being held in the city of Porto. The Fantasy Film Festival, the Festival of Celtic Music or the International Folk Festival are only few of many cultural events that Porto is proud of.

Wonderful views, charming old buildings and monuments, kind people, delicious local food and great sailing conditions – that is what makes Porto a perfect destination for a trip.