Porto, a Douro cruise and port tasting

Six Bridges Cruise: discover Porto from the Douro River

You can’t say you’ve truly experienced Porto until you’ve sailed along the Douro. Enjoy around 50 minutes of panoramic views while cruising beneath the city’s most iconic bridges.

Departure point: Rota do Douro pier (Vila Nova de Gaia).

Timetable: departures every 30 minutes.

• High season (April to September): from 10:00h to 18:30h.
• Low season (October to March): from 10:00h to 16:00h.
• Please note that the activity may not operate on public holidays.

How does it work?
Collect your physical ticket at the hotel reception. Once you have it, simply head to the pier whenever you prefer — no need to reserve a specific time. If one boat is full, you can board the next available departure.

The experience:
Sail beneath Porto’s famous bridges, from the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge to Arrábida, while discovering the history of the city from a completely different perspective.

Why is this plan so special?
Because you decide the pace. Both experiences are flexible and require no prior booking, giving you complete freedom to enjoy Porto exactly how you want.

Visit Quinta da Boeira: wine, history and tradition

Quinta da Boeira is a traditional wine space where you can enjoy artisanal wine tastings while discovering historical replicas of Portuguese ships and boats.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00h to 17:30h.

• Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
• Please note that opening times may change on public holidays or special celebrations.

How to access?
No reservation is needed. Simply visit during opening hours and identify your booking using the lead guest’s name.

Travelling with children?
Children under 18 can enter free of charge to visit the boat exhibition, although wine tastings are reserved exclusively for adults.

Park Hotel Porto Gaia 3*: comfort and connectivity right next to Porto

Set in Vila Nova de Gaia, just a short ride from Porto’s historic city centre, Park Hotel Porto Gaia 3* is the perfect base to discover the north of Portugal. Located in a peaceful area with easy access to key sights, it offers both tranquillity and excellent transport links.

The hotel features modern, soundproofed rooms with all the essentials: free Wi-Fi, private bathroom, air conditioning, and 24/7 front desk. Whether you're visiting as a couple or travelling solo, you’ll find everything you need for a relaxed and stress-free stay.

You can start each morning with a generous buffet breakfast, and after a day of sightseeing, unwind at the hotel’s cosy bar or rest up for your next adventure.

Book now and enjoy Porto with the perfect mix of comfort, value and convenience!

Curiosities of Vila Nova de Gaia

Discover Vila Nova de Gaia beyond its role as “Porto’s sister” and uncover a city with a strong identity and stories of its own. Separated from Porto by the Douro River, Gaia stands proudly with history, character and unforgettable views.

Here are the curiosities that make it truly unique:

• The city with the most alcohol per square meter
  Although the famous wine carries Porto’s name, the historic cellars are all in Gaia. Thanks to its northern exposure, the warehouses here offer cooler, more humid conditions — perfect for slow, careful ageing. Legend has it that enough wine rests in these tunnels to supply the world for years.

• The Luís I Bridge: Eiffel or not?
  The city’s great icon connects Gaia and Porto in spectacular style. Many believe it was designed by Gustave Eiffel, but the true author was his disciple, Théophile Seyrig. His bold two-level design — metro above, traffic below — won the competition and outshone his own master’s proposal.

• Serra do Pilar Monastery
  This striking circular monastery, listed as a World Heritage Site, offers the most breathtaking sunsets in the area. Its unusual round design was more than aesthetic — it allowed Augustinian monks to watch the entire horizon. Its strategic position later made it a key military stronghold during the 19th-century Siege of Porto.

• The “Crystal Beach”
  Gaia boasts one of Portugal’s longest stretches of Blue Flag beaches along the Atlantic coast. Praia de Lavadores stands out for its dramatic granite formations shaped by erosion, creating natural sculptures that contrast with the region’s typical sandy shores.

• The “Half Rabbit”
  Hidden near the historic riverside, this giant rabbit sculpture made entirely from recycled materials — car bumpers, nets and plastic — is one of Portugal’s most photographed urban artworks. Created by Bordalo II, it delivers a powerful message about consumerism.

• The Gaia Cable Car
  Opened in 2011, this isn’t just a tourist attraction. It connects the upper metro station at Jardim do Morro with the wine cellar district in just five minutes, offering the fastest — and most scenic — way to conquer Gaia’s steep slopes.

Porto is one of Portugal’s most atmospheric cities, known for its historic riverside, colourful architecture and unmistakable character. Set along the banks of the Douro River, it’s a destination that blends culture, gastronomy and scenic views, making it ideal for couples and travellers looking for an authentic city escape with soul.

Make sure you visit:

• The Ribeira district, Porto’s most iconic area, full of life and river views.
• Dom Luís I Bridge, offering some of the best panoramic views of the city.
• São Bento Train Station, famous for its traditional azulejo tiles.
• Porto Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest and most important monuments.
• The historic city centre, perfect for wandering through narrow streets.

Family-friendly activities:

• Walk along the Douro riverfront and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
• Take a river cruise for a relaxed way to see the city.
• Explore viewpoints scattered across the hills of Porto.
• Visit parks and open spaces ideal for a break from sightseeing.
• Ride the historic tram along the river.

Make sure you try these local delicacies:

• Francesinha, Porto’s most famous and indulgent sandwich.
• Fresh grilled fish from the Atlantic coast.
• Bacalhau dishes prepared in traditional ways.
• Port wine, produced in the Douro Valley nearby.

Make the most of your visit and go to...

• Vila Nova de Gaia, home to the famous Port wine cellars.
• The Douro Valley, known for its vineyards and river landscapes.
• Matosinhos, ideal for seafood lovers and beach walks.
• Braga, a historic city full of religious heritage.