Home - Porto
The modern, urban, stylish trading port to northern Europe...
A wealthy, modern city, built on trade with both northern Europe and the corners of Portugal's maritime empire...
A long history of trade with northern Europe initiated the early industrialisation of Porto. This combined with a cooler climate than the southern cities of Portugal, gives Porto the look and feel of a sophisticated, urban, northern European city.
Porto was once a Roman settlement called Portus Cale, this likely being the root of the name Portugal. Henry the Navigator was born here in 1394, born to Philippa of Lancaster, the sister of King Henry IV of England.
Henry's fascination with exploration and his search for the mythical Christian kingdom of Prester John, lead to him becoming the major patron of Portugal's voyages of discovery. He oversaw the development of a lighter, faster ship the caravel, and provided the finances for the first european voyages down the coast of West Africa.
These voyages eventually led to Portuguese sailors being the first to circumnavigate Africa and travel to India and the far-east. Porto was ideally situated for the export of new Eastern spices into northern European ports, the spice trade becoming a source of great wealth for Porto.
However the trade that Porto is most famous for, indeed its name is synonymous with, is the trade in fortified Port wine. Grown in estates in the valley of the Douro river, the third oldest wine region in the world to be defined and protected, this wine is fortified by the addition of grape spirit Aguadente which stops fermentation producing a wine sweet and strong.
Map of Porto
To do in Porto
-
Wine Lodges
Wine Lodges
Tour the wine lodges of Porto.
Photo credits: Graham's Port -
Douro Cruise
Douro Cruise
Take a cruise on the Douro river.
Photo credits: Rui Morais de Sousa
Related Reading for Porto
Port and the Douro
This book provides essential reference to the world's greatest fortified wine and its region of origin. There is in-depth information on the region's topography and its vineyards and grape varieties, and an assessment of the key quintas of the Douro.
By Richard Mayson
Lonely Planet Portugal
In this title, contemporary Portugal brought to life through better coverage of nightlife, activities and urban pursuits. It features activities chapter by an outdoor specialist that gives in-depth coverage for the adrenalin-chasing traveller.