Porto is a very special kind of city. It’s the second largest in Portugal and a thriving industrial and commercial centre. While only about 300,000 people live in the city itself there are another two-and-a half million living in the Greater Porto metropolitan area, in surrounding cities such as Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia, and Gondomar.

Perhaps this is why that although they are quite definitely Portuguese the people consider themselves to be also culturally different; they are fond of saying “o Porto é uma nação” (Porto is a nation).

The capital of the Northern region, it’s also known as the Invincible City, due to the way it resisted Napoleon’s invading armies; and also probably because it has been continuously inhabited since the 4th century. This is reflected in its varied architecture. The historic city centre was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996.

Built on the hills lining the Douro river estuary the climate is very much affected by the Atlantic Ocean can be quite varied; with occasional heat waves in the summer and a few cold nights in winter. But mostly the weather is a very pleasant semi-Mediterranean style. And with so much going on, you’ll definitely want to visit; or even stay.

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