Windstar Cruises – Cuisines & Cultures of Spain, Portugal & France
Porto
You may know this city in Portugal for its famous port wine and location on the Duoro River. An important port city and center for trade over the years, the Port of Leixoes is Portugal’s second largest port as well as a harbor for sardine fishing. You will find some of the finest and freshest fish in Porto as well as one of the most fought over dishes in terms of who makes the best Francesinha, a sandwich comprised of different types of meat and topped with melted cheese and a hot sauce.
The hilly city of Porto
Another hilly city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Porto is built into the granite cliffs along the Douro River. It’s wonderfully picturesque with its mix of architecture from Roman, Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassic, and Renaissance times, winding medieval alleyways, staircases, and tiled buildings and churches. There are a number of attractions, including the Roman ruins at Koolhaas, 18th century Torre dos Clerigos (Tower of the Clerics) and Livraria Lello, also known as Livraria Lello & Irmão or Livraria Chardron bookstore. One of the oldest bookstores in Portugal and one of the most interesting and beautiful in the world with its artistic handcrafted staircase of curved dark wooden banisters and rails and bookshelves that rise three stories high framed with gorgeous hand-carved wooden risers, this was the store that inspired J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter library at Hogwart’s.
Colorful buildings and beautiful architecture
Along the Duoro River
Wander along the waterfront to see the merchants and artists set up along the Douro River or grab a seat in a café to sip a glass of Vino Verde, a popular light and dry white wine from the region. Head over to the other side of the river to sample world famous ports, such as those at Graham’s. Be sure to walk outside of Graham’s, behind their store and restaurant, to capture one of the best views of the city and the Duoro River.
Merchants and artisans along the Duoro River
Cafés along the river
Graham’s
The view of Porto from Graham’s
