Porto’s High End: Luxury Travel Tips from Portugal.

I have told you about my many love affairs with Porto. I have told you about its beautiful people, hidden spots and magic sunsets. I have told you about its delightful food, splendid wine markets and why Porto should even be considered Europe’s next foodie capital. I have shared with you, my top ten travel tips for eating, creating & walking your way around the city. And just recently, I have shared my enthusiasm of delivering my first-ever speech in Portuguese there.

What, you may be tempted to say, is there left for me to talk about Portugal’s second-largest city?

A lot. Porto is another “city that never sleeps” – and has developed heaps in recent years. Here is my take on what’s hot right now in terms of luxury foodie travel in Porto.

Let’s take the increasing range of luxury accommodation, to start with. From Sheraton & Yeatman Hotels, to Fontainhas & Vitória Village Spa apartments, the range is as widespread as it is catered to your individual travel needs. Take a look at this.

Personally, I do prefer the atmosphere of an apartment such as Fontainhas & Vitória Village Spa. They have successfully managed to turn once derelict houses into newly furbished, comfortable apartments using part of Porto’s old city walls in the process. This adds character to the building, contributes to the revival of Porto’s city centre, and provides a touch of uniqueness. All of the above mentioned places are conveniently located in or around the city centre, “a Baixa do Porto”.

From the luxury …

… of Porto’s five star Sheraton hotel …

… to the comforts of “Vitória Village & Spa” apartments right in Rua das Flores, the heart of Porto city centre, where a small spa conveniently is tucked away inside Porto’s old city walls …

… all the way to the “backstreets” of Fontainhas apartments …

… we find tasteful, luxury travel accommodation here in Porto …

… personalised through presents like these: Home-grown strawberry jam given to us by Pedro, the charming host of Fontainhas apartments.

A place I have yet not had the means to afford, but shall put on the list of “one day” is Porto’s The Yeatman Hotel, boasting one of the most spectacular views across the old town of Porto. Amazing. My favourite – just for the view.

If there is one road not to be missed in Porto, it has to be “A Rua das Flores do Porto”. From charming wine shops, to Vitória Village & Spa apartments and many more restaurants and attractions, it is a central hub to feel good, enjoy and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Porto.

Lots of little shops, interesting street art and super nice bars & restaurants line the way along this pedestrian road in the old town of Porto. As part of our Brazilian Bloggers Congress taking place here in Porto, we get to gather for a first group photo, some wonderful snacks & (Port) wine to start our visit with: Easily recommendable to repeat among any one of you.

Head out to Rua das Flores …

… with your friends, family and local Porto people …

… for a look at what’s around …

… in terms of starting your luxury travel tasting of Porto.

Further down by the river Douro …

… and just around the corner from “Rua das Flores”, you can find “Oliva & Co.” olive oil speciality shop & delicatessen …

… a living olive oil celebration, teaching us how to properly taste olive oil …

… nimble on some beautifully marinated olives …

… and finish off tickling our taste buds with a set of spicy Alheira sausages – my favourite all over Portugal !!

And as we are talking luxury foodie travel, do not miss a visit to either one of these three places for excellent Porto (fish) meals: FishFixe. Restaurante Lusiadas. Taylor Winery & Restaurant.

“FishFixe” actually means, “cool fish”! And it really is that: The owner serves all meals with a beautiful sense of understatement, being naturally proud of what he does, but careful to show it only in subtle, “cool” ways. Restaurants Lusiadas does a great show of filleting fish in front of our eyes and serves us some of the best “percebes” I have ever eaten in my whole life (reminding me of my foodie visit to Galicia two years ago). They truly deserve their Michelin star for their excellent service and outstanding quality of food. Head to Taylor Winery & Restaurant for typical, grilled Bacalhau Porto codfish, served on a bed of tender spinach leaves and soft-boiled potatoes matched with some of Porto’s best whites & reds available. The views from there are not to be missed, either. Check this out.

The Austrian in me asks …

… how to handle this rather odd-looking (but deliciously tasting) “percebes” seafood?!

While my fellow Brazilian blogger friends are still busy taking photographs (as usual) …

… I head to the staff for help.!

“FishFixe”, located in the very heart of Porto, goes on to offer us excellent views of the river Douro …

… as well as serving delightful, seasonal fish & seafood tapas.

Can’t miss the beautiful Bacalhau at Taylor Winery & Restaurant either …

… with the garden atmosphere there being some of the loveliest in town.

Foodlover in Porto: You easily are to gain a few kilos with all this good food offered here!

So thank God Porto is quite hilly … and has many stairs to climb, too – as seen here at the city’s most famous bookshop, Livraria Lello.

Last but not least, let’s stretch our legs and catch some fresh air right by Porto’s magnificent beaches. Luxury need not be expensive, as a morning ride with the bicycles, a boat trip on the river Douro or a tasteful visit to its famous Port wine cellars show …

After all, we all abide by different rules of what really means “luxury”. It might be the feeling of morning sea breeze on your skin as you cycle down from Matosinhos to Foz, having a lovely lady with freshly brewed tea waiting for you at the other end. It might be the smell of old Port wine barrels, hidden deep inside the cellars of some of the oldest wineries along the Douro river. It might be the tears of joy welling up in the eyes of your friends over a really strong piece of music. It might just be … the warmth of your sunkissed autumn skin under a perfectly blue sky. Whatever it might be: Go out there and enjoy your luxury.

My kind of luxury …

… a beachside bike ride with my fiends in Porto!

Or just stopping to feel the sun and take in the moment …

… of being handed fresh tea …

… a nice glass of Port wine …

… at one of the most atmospheric wine cellars here …

… bathed in typical, local music from Porto & Portugal.

Whatever the story, luxury truly is everywhere (you look). So go out and create your magic moments!

See you soon in Porto, my friends! 🙂