Porto

Porto (or Oporto in English) is the second largest city in Portugal and there are 48 different port warehouses in the city. Port has been transported from the riverside warehouses since the 18th century. The river Douro is wide at the mouth and the two sides of the river bank are connected by an iron bridge, Ponte Luis I. The city itself is very hill but provides fantastic views across the river. One of the many towers, Torres des Clerigos, is well worth it and they even give you a glass of port to help you up the many steps to the top!

For €3 you are able to have a tour of one of the many warehouses and have a tasting – extremely good value. Our preference was Taylor’s as the tour was very informative and it is the only company left that is still family owned. We also tried Sandeman, Ramos Pinto and Crofts and Offley. Quite enough for one day in the searing heat! Like so many old cities, there were many alleyways and small squares. We spent a delightful evening wandering around, visiting the cathedral before making our way back to Povoa.