Traditional wooden boats, like big gondolas, are moored along the stone quays under the C18 metal bridge crossing the gorge in the city centre.
Walking around the sights, there were stunning views from the top of the city walls, shade in the ornate Cathedral and the church of Santa Clara and a trip on the funicular railway. Famous for decorated tiles, many buildings are covered inside and out with beautiful, mainly blue and white, tiles, some just a repeated intricate pattern, others part of enormous murals showing historic scenes.
The main railway station having the most sumptuous, two-storey high tiled panels.
Four muscle bound touring cyclists, slog, grimacing up a cobbled street from the waterfront, confirming we were right to take the bus! For such a spectacularly pretty city, the only foreign tourists we see are a group being shepherded from the cruise boats
docked on the south bank.
As with every town and village in Portugal, there is a little welcoming cafe every couple of hundred yards.The major port producers store all their ageing liquor here, in huge ancient warehouses, and provide tours and tastings. We choose one of the oldest companies, Taylor's, which is still owned by the original English family. Their stored barrels range from 600 to the massive 100,000 litres. We are provided with a tasting of 3 types, chilled white, tawny and late bottled vintage.
We have very much enjoyed our visit to Porto, but now it's time to move, south tomorrow.
Location:Porto
