Porto south or south of Porto? Because we are no longer in Porto! On the south bank of the Douro river , here we are in Vila Nova de Gaia! We sometimes think that it's a neighborhood, but it's beautiful and a city in its own right. From Vila Nova de Gaia Gaia for short , tourism often only retains the old quays for unloading wine barrels, which have become very touristy and festive places , and the cellars. This is indeed where your steps will be headed if you only have a few days or a weekend to discover Porto.
From here, these are the most beautiful views to enjoy over the Ribeira and the historic center. We will also invite you to discover Gaia for its river and seaside side. There are beaches on this side of the estuary too! They are less frequented and known than those of Porto Plage to the north , but still attractive. Gaia has winding and steep streets, where wine cellars appear on every street corner. Although it was inhabited and occupied since the Roman period, Gaia took off between the 17th and 18th centuries, thanks to the wine trade.
The English are looking for an alternative to French wines and Gaia benefits from climatic and hygrometric conditions , proximity to the river for delivery They then install aging cellars , for the import of wine from the Douro Valley in upstream and shipping via the nearby Atlantic Ocean.
The port of Porto has developed on the opposite bank thanks to its greater depth. The history of the two cities is closely linked and today, the vacationer does not differentiate, he appreciates one as much as the other! Dynamic, attractive and perfect for an evening admiring Porto from the opposite bank, it is a popular getaway for tourists!
First of all, the bridge, you can cross it by taking the lower deck , which leads you just at the exit on the right , to a magnificent viewpoint at the entrance to the quays. You can then make your visits and return to the historic center and downtown Porto by walking on the high apron which also offers remarkable views. At sunset or at night, it is a magical spectacle on the river which stretches to the ocean, its multiple bridges on both sides, and the sparkling Ribeira.
