Porto surpassed our expectations and then some

Great flights with Ryanair from Bristol early it late back allowed for 5 full days... Porto.... We didn't know what to expect.. But it surpassed our expectations and then some. It's a city but a small city. So much to do and see. The old town is full of surprises; around each corner, atop each stone staircase something extraordinary appears. The food is exemplary. The people always courteous, smiling and helpful.

The weather was kind, very warm and a cooling breeze The River Douro winds it's way through rocky escarpments down to the Atlantic. We whole heartedly recommend if you've not been.. We will return Thank you Porto Addendum There are tourists in Porto... And we mean a lot of tourists! We've never seen as many compared to the indigenous number of city dwellers. People we met have commented on the 3x increase over the last 5 years, overtaking Lisbon as the go to Portugal place to be. 

In October, it's not overwhelming, but we imagine in the height of summer it would be; uncomfortable especially in the 45°C heat. The food was very good, if not excellent. Great experience at most of the waterfront restaurants, with as you'd expect excellent sea food. Though I'm still in search of the fabled "Bifana" street food.... Maybe next time.. The much advertised "Franceschina" was... filling! It consists of two layers of toasted bread, beef, ham, fried egg, melted cheese and smothered in a piquant gravy.... Cholesterol bomb incoming.

Wines aplenty, whites, reds, Port wine, green wine, all great, and easy on the wallet . A trip to Foz on the quaint electric tram, a must do ( one way. !) revealed a somewhat disappointing arrival at the Douro estuary.. excellent views to the Atlantic, and a fleet of parakeets in the nearby palm trees...

However about a half mile down the seafront is Praia da Luz cafe; hidden in a pine grove just off the concrete esplanade, a fabulous seafront destination for food, drinks and chilling watching the Atlantic roll in... Pushing the autumnal sunbathers up the beach, into the cafe. Please get the bus back to the city.... Your back with thank you.. So our short break is over, but without gathering some fabulous memories and experiences. Voltaremos ao porto