Porto (Aug 20-22, 2021):
History of Porto in a few lines:
Origins:
Porto has Roman roots and was known as Portus Cale, the origin of the name Portugal. Its strategic location on the Douro River made it an important trading port since antiquity.
Middle Ages:
During the Middle Ages, Porto grew as a commercial and naval center. It was key to Portuguese maritime expansion and the construction of ships for the Age of Discovery.
19th Century:
In the 19th century, Porto consolidated its position as an industrial and commercial center, famous for its port wine. The city was also the scene of liberal movements and political conflicts.
Present:
Today, Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its architecture, bridges, and winemaking tradition. It is a vibrant city that blends history, culture, and modernity.
Overall summary: It's worth a visit. The people are very friendly, it's a pretty city, and not too big. The weather takes its toll on the buildings.
Strolling along the riverbank is very romantic, as is a sunset cruise. There are numerous cruise ship docks and plenty of places to grab a bite or a drink. We have a soft spot for Portugal and its people.
We didn't get inside The Lello & Irmão Bookstore was a no-go for several reasons: there was a kilometer-long queue and on top of that you had to pay. Look, you can see the main part from the outside, which is very cool, but paying for it is beyond my taste.
Conga Bar (R. do Bonjardim 318, 4000-115 Porto): Yes, you have to try the bifana sandwich; it's greasy but very tasty and filling. The place is packed.
When the sun shines in Porto, it really shines…
Porto combines very well with a getaway to Algarve, especially if you're looking to contrast a big city with beaches, cliffs, and coastal towns.
Transport: We went in our car. It takes about 5.5 hours; the trip is very comfortable as long as you take the highway and not the mountain road, like we did on the way back. As beautiful as it is, taking more than 10 hours to return is exhausting.
Hotel + activities booked by BuscounChollo:
ClipHotel: €69/Person (2 nights + 2 breakfasts per person + welcome drink): The hotel is close to the city center but just across the river. You had to take a tram, and after one stop, you were in the center. We liked both the service and the hotel itself, which included a buffet breakfast where they maintained Covid protocols. Parking was easy in the area around the hotel.
One 6-bridge cruise per person: we loved it, we enjoyed it immensely and, although it took us ages to find the meeting point, it's not that difficult if you ask :).
Reservation + 1 Port wine tasting at «Royal Oporto Wine Shop»: I don't remember well if we couldn't find the shop or if it was closed when we arrived, but we missed out on trying it.
One visit with tasting at the Quinta da Boeira winery per person; it was almost a one-on-one experience, as there were only four of us due to Covid restrictions. The visit itself was excellent, and as for the wines, you have to like sweet wines, like T-type wines.awny, we're from Ribera and we don't taste them the same way.
Information obtained from the web https://www.exteriores.gob.es
Passport/ID: Valid with either of the 2.
European Health Insurance Card: It's necessary, it's free and very easy to request online and they send it to your home. Request.
Vaccines: There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry.
International driving permit: There's no need.
Payment card/currency exchange: Your regular card, since the currency is the euro.
Roaming: YEAH.
And if you want to eat at a restaurant, there's also the app. TheFork which has many discounts. If you book with the code 7C1B79A3 rYou'll receive 1000 Yums = €10 off your next meal. Plus, you can take advantage of other special offers or simply accumulate points to use on future meals.
Where to eat: If you want to eat at a restaurant, there's also the app. TheFork which has many discounts. If you book with the code 7C1B79A3 When you are finishing the booking, you will get 1000 Yums = €10 discount at your next meal. In addition to other special offers they often have, or simply to accumulate points and use them for discounts on your next payments.
It operates in several countries, including Spain, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, and Australia.
Other destinations in Portugal: 
Beautiful, all of Portugal is a marvel
Absolutely, in fact, it's one of the places we have in mind for our retirement, when it's our turn in 40 or 50 years… 😅