Porto

23rd December – 27th December 2022

The rail strike gremlin has followed me again! Was booked to travel from Lisbon to Porto on the high speed train. Arrived at the station an hour before departure and the departure hall was empty with everything closed, all departures were still showing on the departure board.

Found a cleaner who explained there were no services today as all staff were on strike and to give their ticket office a phone call. Called their ticket office to get a pre-recorded message saying, “Sorry we are on strike today, there will be no services, please arrange alternative transport and apply for a refund after 90 days”.

Managed to find a rental car agency close by, they initially said due to the Christmas Holidays that one-way rental were not possible. Asked to speak to the manager and explained my situation and that I had flights in Porto and that I didn’t care about the extra one way rental fee and that insurance would cover this. They finally agreed to rent me a car for 24 hours for the price of €380. It was a tiny 2 door Renault Megane Coupe, it was so small that my large suitcase wouldn’t fit in the boot. I then made my way to Porto it was a 3 hour drive.

Where I stayed

ibis Porto Centro Mercado Bolhão, centrally located, the staff went above and beyond. On arrival there was a welcome box of Kings Christmas Cake and Fruit with a well written Christmas message.

Background on Porto

Porto is a City located on the mouth of the Douro River. It’s known as being the home of Port Wine which dates back to the late 1600’s. Has two parts to the city, Porto and Nova de Gaia which is across the Douro River.

Christmas in Porto

It was Christmas when I was in Porto and the Portuguese do it slightly differently. Most shops and restaurants close early on Christmas Eve and people have a family feast on Christmas Eve. Some shops and restaurants are open on Christmas Day after 12pm.

What I visited

Porto Ribeira

Is a narrow medieval neighbourhood on the Douro River that houses bars and restaurants. Here I tried braised Octopus which is a local dish. I was surprised that it was very tasty. Got some really good Phots of the Riberia.

Burmester Port Cellar

Went for a Tour of the Burmester Port Cellar across the bridge on the other side of Porto known as Vila Nova de Gaia. It was established in the 1700’s and family owned until 2005.

Facts About Port

Is grown in Vineyards of the Douro Valley, which is an hour from Porto and then transported to age in caves in the city of Nova de Gaia which is on the banks of the Douro Valley.

Comes in 3 types, White, Ruby, Tawny. As it was invented for the British market the English names are used in Portuguese.

Aging time for Port:

White: 2-3 years, Ruby 3-6 years, Tawny 10 years +

It’s aged in French Oak Barrels and changes colour as it gets older. After 50 years the Barrels are sent to Scotland and used to make Scottish Whisky.

They gave us White, Ruby and Tawny to taste.

My Favourite was the 30 Year old Tawny Port, it was very smooth and very tasty. A bottle of 30 year old Tawny was €20 Euro.

Highlights

The Port Wine Tour

Lowlights

The Rail Strike Gremlin appearing again!

My Photos