Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
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Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Inspire me!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Your guide to Porto: Portugal holidays to suit everyone
Take a look at some of our best deals for holidays to Porto, one of Portugal's most-visited travel destinations. With its stunning riverside setting, rich history and incredible food and wine, the city has something for everyone. Find out more about this truly hospitable city and why it is a great holiday destination in Southern Europe.
Why is Porto a good place for a trip?
Porto is packed with history and culture, but it isn't a vast, sprawling city. The city is compact and highly walkable if you want to explore it on foot. Many would agree that this is the best way to get around, with something to be found on every corner in Porto's city centre.
Many visitors will stay or walk into the old quarter of the city after they've checked into their hotels in Porto. Either way, the UNESCO-listed Ribeira district, which the Old Town is officially known as, is worth exploring. It boasts many colourful buildings and cobbled streets. This part of the city commands views over the Douro River and is a great place to eat, drink and relax.
The other districts that make Porto holidays so effortless are not far away. The compact nature of the city cannot be overstated. Historic sites, such as Palácio da Bolsa and Igreja de São Francisco, are also easy to get to. You can also easily book a river cruise from the central part of Porto.
Should you book Porto holidays in advance or seek last-minute deals?
Last-minute deals can land you very cheap hotels in Porto with reduced room rates. Sometimes, this is the best way to secure deals on flights to Porto, too. However, depending on the time of year, some last-minute deals never materialise. You could be lucky or disappointed with this approach.
If you want to book cheap Porto holidays in advance, then do so three months ahead. Leave more time between now and your chosen dates if you want to travel in the high season. This coincides with the school summer holidays. If you want to travel to Porto in summer, when rooms and flights are more in demand, then try to book six months in advance.
Where is a good day trip from Porto?
If you have time, then getting out of the city is a great way to get more out of your trip. Porto day trips include river cruises up and down the Douro. However, you can also find organised excursions easily enough, many with multilingual guides. If you like port (fortified wine), then a trip to a local vineyard will certainly be worth entertaining.
Braga is a short drive away and well worth visiting if you want to get to know the real Portugal. If you have kids, heading out to Esposende from Porto is another good day trip to plan. It has peaceful shores and is a great place to spend time during family holidays in Porto.
How reasonable are flights to Porto?
Porto Airport (OPO) is just 20 minutes by road from central Porto. Both direct and indirect flights to Porto from the UK run from Gatwick, Stansted, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester and Edinburgh. As such, there is plenty of competition. So, unless you book late, there's no reason not to find great deals on flights to Porto.
It is worth noting that several budget airlines offer flights to Porto, often at very attractive prices. These deals are particularly appealing if holidaying for only a couple of nights, as you can save by travelling light and avoiding checked luggage fees.
What sort of accommodation is available for Porto holidays?
The accommodation in central Porto is full of old-fashioned charm. Some of the steep streets in the older parts of the city may cause issues for those with limited mobility. Check if there's a ground floor room available – these are often in limited supply – and whether the hotel has a lift. Not all do, so take this into consideration when booking.
For family holidays in Porto, you might want adjoining rooms. If that's important, then some of the accommodations on the edge of the city might serve you better. Centrally located hotels in Porto, charming as they are, don't always have a great deal of room for younger ones to spread their wings.
When comparing deals on hotel rooms in the city, check the star rating. In Porto, these are very accurate and will give you a clearer idea of the standards you can expect. Sometimes, hotel deals on higher-rated establishments can be worth booking since you get a lot more for your money.
FAQs about Porto holidays
Q: Does Porto have a beach?
A: Porto is on the coast but, as a port city, isn't known for its own beachfront. That said, there are plenty of beaches in striking distance. Praia do Carneiro is the closest one, located in the Foz do Douro area of the city, about four miles from central Porto.
Q: How many days do you need in Porto?
A: A long weekend break is enough to get to know what the city is like. However, flights to Porto tend to be cheaper midweek if you can arrange that. Ideally, you'll book a week-long stay and discover more about the city in this part of Portugal.
Q: What is the best month to visit Porto?
A: Spring and autumn are the best times to come when it is warm but not too hot. The off-season, when most cheap trips to Porto are booked, runs from November to March. In the summer, the city's beaches are busier, but the waters are more inviting.
Q: Is 4 nights in Porto too long?
A: No, most travellers who enjoy going on Porto holidays would say a week is about right. Four nights is enough to start finding out what you most like about the city. If you are pushed for time, Porto day trips from Coimbra or Braga are a good way to find out more about the city's charms.
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