G(l)ance in the northwest

Porto & the northwest of Portugal

City, country, river: with the picture-book metropolis of Porto, famous wine-growing regions and the Douro, which meanders as a blue ribbon through its deep valley towards the Atlantic, Portugal's north-west has simply everything to offer that makes a pleasure trip a real treat.

If you are visiting Porto, Portugal's secret capital, for the first time, the best place to start your tour of discovery is the Douro riverbank promenade - where the river meanders around the corner before finally reaching the Atlantic. It is a postcard idyll that opens up before you - and at the same time a piece of the old and authentic Porto, to which the colorful houses of the old town district of Ribeira, which are densely packed up the granite hill, belong just as much as the cargo barges in the water. On the opposite bank, which can be reached via the "Ponte D. Luís I" - at the time the largest wrought-iron arch bridge in the world, and still an impressive sight today - lies the district of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Porto is not only a metropolis here, but also a brand, as all the major port distilleries are located here. If you want to find out more about the production of Vinho do Porto, the "World of Wine", a museum complex that only opened last year and is affectionately known as WOW by the locals, is the place to be. The "Planet Cork", a museum dedicated to the traditional bottle stopper, and the "Pink Palace", a pink refuge dedicated to rosé wine, are also housed here. But culture and culinary enthusiasts can also experience real aha moments at WOW: e.g. in the exhibition "Porto Region Across The Ages", in the "Porto Fashion & Fabric Museum" or in the chocolate museum "The Chocolate Story". Last but not least, the wine bar "Angel's Share" and six restaurants - from rustic to vegetarian to fine dining - invite you to enjoy a great panoramic view of the city. And, as if that wasn't enough, "The Yeatman", a fine wine hotel that belongs to the Relaix&Châteaux association, is also located in the immediate vicinity.



Whether you prefer to see the upper part of the old town afterwards on foot, by streetcar or from a bird's eye view from the cable car is simply a matter of taste after so much indulgence ...
You should definitely pay a visit to the Mosteiro Serra do Pilar monastery - for the fantastic view of the rooftops of the old town, the Ponte da Arrábida bridge and the Romanesque Sé cathedral, but also for the unique atmosphere that prevails here, especially at sunset. Only the 75-metre-high tower of the Igreja dos Clérigos church with its 240 steps is even more heavenly. It once served as a landmark for sailors. Today, it points the way to the Rua Galeria de Paris with its trendy tapas bars and vintage eateries.

On the trail of the azulejos

If you want to experience a "blue wonder" in Porto, you should look out for the artistic azulejos that can be admired on many buildings. They date back to the Moors, who brought their tiled mosaics, usually decorated with ornaments, from Africa in the eighth century. They were later used by local craftsmen for storytelling. Particularly magnificent examples can be found today in the Estação de Porto - São Bento, the most beautiful train station in Portugal. Its walls are adorned with thousands of blue tiles that can be read like historical comics about travel, pilgrimages and port wine. It is not far from Porto's train station to the Avenida dos Aliados boulevard with its banks, designer stores, cafés and kiosks. Anyone staying here at the five-star Maison Albar - Le Monumental Palace hotel is not only staying in an extremely central location, but also in indescribable style. All of the lounges and the 73 rooms and suites are characterized by their eclectic looks - including old gold wallpaper and modern designer furniture.



There is also the iconic hotel bar, the hotel's own Michelin-starred restaurant and Porto's hippest sushi bar - a hotspot for the city's hipsters. Another "place to be" for the trend-conscious crowd is the "Cantinho do Avillez" restaurant in Rua Mouzinho Da Silveira, where José Avillez serves his award-winning cuisine at moderate prices. Places like the Cantinho do Avillez are typical of Porto, where hip and historic are not contradictions, but complement each other harmoniously. You can also see this for yourself in the futuristic Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves. You should definitely plan half a day for a visit to the art museum, as the estate also includes an 18-hectare park with impressive sculptures and secluded picnic areas.

Discover the north-west of the country from Porto

On the drive from Porto towards the northwest, we pass Braga, whose city shrine Bom Jesus de Monte ("Good Jesus of the Mountain") is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Exactly 581 steps lead up to the pilgrimage church, built in 1837, with its magnificent statues and fountains. Once you have conquered the 116-metre difference in altitude, you are rewarded with a magnificent view of the city and the surrounding hills. You can also admire the Elevador do Bom Jesus - the oldest funicular on the Iberian Peninsula. The four-star Vila Galé Braga Hotel, which was formerly used as a hospital and was built on the remains of a hermitage and a Templar monastery, is also steeped in history. The historical character was preserved during the careful renovation, so that you can still dine under magnificent vaulted ceilings or stroll through the cloisters and gardens.



In Viana do Castelo, where the Lima flows into the Atlantic, you either have to stay longer - or choose between the elegant old town and a stay on the beach. We choose the fantastic view from Monte de Santa Luzia and then have lunch at the Pousada de Viana do Castelo, a castle-like hotel with a huge terrace and excellent food.
The next stop on our journey to the still unknown Portugal: the picturesque town of Guimarães, which owes its fame to Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques. Known as the "cradle of the nation", Guimarães, with its proud castle and well-preserved medieval center, is still a fascinating destination today and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

So very Vinho Verde!

Later, in Ponte de Lima, a pretty town that owes its name to the bridge of the same name, we landed in the middle of Vinho Verde country. The light and sparkling wines, which are perfect for balmy summer evenings, can be tasted everywhere here. It is often served with a plate of caldo verde, a simple but hearty potato soup with kale and chouriço and broa, a typical cornbread.

For those who prefer a more refined and sophisticated culinary experience, we recommend the small restaurant at Carmo's Boutique Hotel, a romantic hideaway just outside the city. The first thing that strikes you here is the colorful opulence of the furnishings. In contrast, the outdoor area with its terrace and open fireplace is almost purist - but also very cozy.

The next day, we drive on to the town of Amarante, which lies between the mountains of the Serra do Marão and the Tâmega river. We remember it for its pretty Art Nouveau façades - and its strange sweets. In addition to the famous - and almost well-behaved - Bárbaros Conventuais, you should definitely also try the Doces Fálicos. The fact that the sinfully good pastry, dedicated to the city's saint São Gonçalo, can make you blush is due to its shape, which is less reminiscent of a classic cookie and more of a compact phallus.



The best address on site is the Casa da Calçada, a Relais & Châteaux hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant, which is housed in a former noble residence from the 16th century and has an excellent wine cellar. The Monverde Wine Experience Hotel, located around ten kilometers outside of Amarante, presents itself as an alternative. Opened in 2015, the hotel is rather purist and close to nature. The main building and villas are perfectly color-coordinated with the green of the vineyards. This also won the "Global Award" this year. The cuisine of head chef Carlos Silvas, who serves up a fantastic punheta de bacalhau (salad with dried cod, toasted slices of bread, tomatoes, olive oil and onions) and first-class taco de vitela (slow-braised veal on crunchy root vegetables with typical Portuguese roast potatoes), is also worthy of an award. Oenologist Carlos Teixeira tells us all about the fast-growing Vinho Verde, of which seven million bottles were exported last year. During our wine tasting, he serves five typical white wines as well as a Morgado 2018 "Pet-Nat" (for Pétillant Naturel), a naturally sparkling wine with a delicate fruity sweetness - a real insider tip in a very small edition. And yes, red wine is also made here. Rosé is also on the rise - we can look forward to that.

Travel to the oldest wine region in the world - Alto Douro

It was the ancient Romans who started growing wine in the "High Douro" 2,000 years ago. But it was not until 1756 that the 25,000 hectare area was officially demarcated. This gave rise to the world's first legally protected wine-growing region, which has even been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. To this day, the area with its 21 municipalities is one of the most important wine regions in Europe and is known for its Port, sparkling wine, DOC Douro and Muscat wine.



The traditional Rabelo boats are a wonderfully comfortable and scenic way to explore the region. Start in the village of Pinhão, which is surrounded by vineyards on the banks of the Douro. On the large vineyard terraces, you can see the signs of world-famous port wine companies such as Sandeman and Osborne. A number of whitewashed quintas greet you from the heights. We would love to pay them a visit, as most of them also rent out rooms. Instead, however, we decide to spend the night at the Six Senses Douro Valley. The five-star superior hotel, housed in a renovated 19th century manor house, offers the most magical view of the vine-covered landscape and the river below. What will stay with you for a long time after your stay at Six Senses is the special attention paid to guests, the large room with its expansive terrace and the open-fire menu by the illuminated pool.

Excursion to the Atlantic

After our "overland trip" back to Porto, we want to get a breath of Atlantic air and drive to Foz, which means "estuary". This is where the wealthy families used to build their mansions, and the city's haute volee still live here today. The Vila Foz, with its sea view and one of the best fine dining restaurants in Portugal, is a befitting address for discerning travelers. You could hardly end your gourmet trip in more style than here.


A N R E I S E
Z. E.g. with the airlines of the Star
Alliance non-stop from many cities
in German-speaking countries to
Porto. Flight time: approx. 2.5 hours.
www.lufthansa.com

F R O M O R T U N D E R W A Y S
SUNNY CARS CAR RENTAL
To experience the many sights of
of northern Portugal in a relaxed
the many sights of northern Portugal, a rental car is a
must. The experts at Sunny Cars
offer comprehensive all-round
carefree protection without hidden
costs. Fully comprehensive cover, reimbursement of the
excess and unlimited
kilometers are always included. Top
is also the access to Sunny2go
with concierge service.
www.sunnycars.de

PORTO

W O H N E N


MAISON ALBAR,
LE MONUMENTAL PALACE
Despite its location in the middle of the city
the Leading Hotel of the
World, peace and relaxation
is the order of the day. Three top restaurants
provide exquisite cuisine.
www.maison-albar-hotels-lemonumental-
palace.com

PORTO BAY FLORES HOTEL
Right next to the Misericordia church
palace from the 16th century.
Accommodation is in two wings, which are
connected by an inner courtyard with a
connected by an inner courtyard with a chapel. Pretty lobby
and reading room with fireplace. The bar
"dos Marias" and the Bistrô Flores
are popular meeting places.
Indoor pool and top spa.
www.portobay.com

TOREL PALACE PORTO
A 5-star boutique hotel par
excellence! Just opened, you will find
the 24 rooms and suites
the ideal fusion of historical
and stylish-modern. Especially the
Royal Suites "Fernando Pessoa"
and "Eça de Queiroz" with their richly
ornate stucco ceilings and
spectacular design.
The black and gold styled bar
and the "Blind" restaurant are also
astonish. An experience!
www.torelboutiques.com

VINHA BOUTIQUE HOTEL
The opulence of this new 5-star
hotel in Vila de Gaia is first noticed
only when you enter the lobby, the library
library and partly also in the rooms
the rooms, where exclusive fabrics and
with exclusive fabrics and furnishings.
with exclusive fabrics and furniture. The view outside is over
over beautifully landscaped gardens
and the outdoor pool directly onto the
Douro. The 38 rooms and suites
bear the signature of prominent designers
designers such as Lauren, Missoni,
Hermès and Lacroix. The SPA is
by Sisley Paris.
www.vinhaboutiquehotel.com

VILA FOZ HOTEL
The 5-star boutique hotel directly
on the noble riverside boulevard Avenida
de Montevideu was opened two
opened two years ago and is one of the
Design HotelsTM. It consists of
an elaborately restored villa
and an adjacent
modern, three-storey building.
The green and gold interior was
was designed by the famous Portuguese
interior designer Nini
Andrade Silva was responsible for the green and gold interior.
Two restaurants, a wellness area
with indoor pool and
sauna, fitness room and a
beautifully landscaped garden.
www.vilafozhotel.pt

BRAGA

W O H N E N


VILA GALÉ BRAGA COLLECTION
The 4-star hotel looks back on a
500 years of history and is
is located right next to a monastery church,
which you can see from a side window
from a side window. Built in the neoclassical style
style, the hotel presents
the hotel is elegant and modern and
and knows how to take advantage of the
such as the vaults, cloister
and the rose garden
integrate. Contemporary and modern
relax at the outdoor and indoor
indoor pool and in the spa area.
www.vilagale.com

PONTE DE LIMA

W O H N E N


CARMO'S BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Cosy, romantic, stylish, avant-garde,
elegant and with
with the finest interiors,
this 5-star hotel is one of the
hotel, which is one of the Small Luxury
hotels. At first glance
a little overloaded, but it is
wonderfully idyllic. Outdoor area
with pool, day beds, secluded corners
corners, villas and tents.
www.carmosboutiquehotel.com

AMARANTE

W O H N E N


MONVERDE WINE EXPERIENCE HOTEL
The modern wooden building in the middle of the
the hotel's own Vinho Verde vineyards
welcomes guests in a rather purist
ambience. Natural stone and wood
mixed with high-quality fabrics
convey an unpretentious
comfort. All guest villas have
terraces and some have private
private pools. In addition, the
a huge infinity pool at the main house,
which is connected to the SPA.
www.monverde.en

DOURO VALLEY

W O H N E N


DOURO 41 HOTEL
The 5-star hotel directly on the
river impresses with its
puristic construction made of
slate stone and glass. Terraced
10 storeys, the building blends in
the building also blends seamlessly
seamlessly into the hilly
the hilly terrain. Inside
dominated by wood and fresh
colors. The 56 rooms and 5 suites
on the top floor are all decorated
the same minimalist design.
design. Three pools, one of them
on the roof and an immense sports
sports program for the whole
family. The SPA with treatment rooms
and a huge indoor pool
are among the attractions of the
hotel. Also highly recommended is
the chef's menu in the restaurant
Raiva - accompanied by wine, of course!
www.douro41.com/de

■ Six Senses DourO Valley
The 5-star superior hotel is so well
well integrated into a renovated manor house
manor house from the 19th century that
the old beauty as well as the modern
as well as the modern style.
style. All 60 rooms and suites
suites and five apartments are generously
generously proportioned and offer a
modern design that harmonizes excellently
harmonizes perfectly with nature.
Another fascinating feature is the 2,200
m2 spa with therapeutic water and
water and underwater
sound experiences. Things get fiery
in the Open Kitchen: The "Fire
Bar Menu" lives up to its
all honor.
www.sixsenses.com


A N S C H A U E N


■ Sandeman
The world-famous Sandeman
empire, was founded in London in 1790
by the Scotsman George
Sandeman as an import company
for port wine and sherry.
In Vila de Gaia, on the banks of the Douro,
you can visit the cellars in the "House of Sandeman"
visit the cellars, taste port wines and
tasting port wines and
dark vaults.
www.thehouseofsandeman.pt

■ WOW - World of Wine
6 museums, 9 restaurants and bars
as well as stores, a wine school and
and exhibition rooms make these
facilities a must-see.
www.wow.pt

■ Quinta dA Av eleda
The wine tasting in the approximately 5
hectare park of the Quinta
da Aveleda are a highlight - but
but must be booked in advance!
be reserved in advance!
www.vinho-verde.de/quinta-daaveleda


E S S E N


■ The Yeatman
Lunch on the spacious terrace
terrace of the Orangerie restaurant
is a feast for the eyes and the palate
at the same time. Light dishes are served
dishes such as ceviche, sashimi or a perfectly
a perfectly fried Robalo
(sea bass) on a fine puree
and spinach.
www.the-yeatman-hotel.com

■ VINUM Restaurant
From a former port wine cellar
of the house of Grahams
this spacious restaurant
with a unique view of Porto,
Douro and Vila Nova de Gaia. Vinum
is known for its culinary
specialties from the region of
Trás-os-Montes and for its seafood
seafood offer. The highlights
include fish soup, squid and prawn rice
shrimp rice, kid,
suckling pig and juicy steaks
from the wood-fired grill.
www.vinumatgrahams.com

■ Cantinho do Av illez
José Avillez cooks here, a
shooting star of contemporary Portuguese
Portuguese cuisine. In his
Cantinho you dine in a
relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
atmosphere. His dishes:
Bacalhau with crispy crumbs,
ceviche with a light yoghurt
dressing or a creamy vegetable
vegetable soup. His famous
grilled chicken is offered in a Thai
version.
www.cantinhodoavillez.pt

■ Os LusÍadas
Located in the port of Matosinhos,
only fresh fish and seafood is served here
and seafood - from lobster to
to sardines - and the right
wine to go with it. Pretty ambience in
sea green with light-colored wood and
refreshing decoration.
www.restaurantelusiadas.com

■ Restaurante Casa de ChÀ da Boa Nova
One of the most renowned
restaurants in Matosinhos. Directly
on the rocky coast, star architect
Álvaro Siza has erected a modern
building. White on the outside, with
African wood on the inside.
This is where Rui Paula cooks with seasonal
fish, seaweed and vegetables.
www.casadechadaboanova.pt

■ Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora Carmo
Certainly one of the best destinations for
food and wine on the Douro. Large family
family estate, surrounded
surrounded by a breathtaking
landscape with terraced vineyards
terraced vineyards and views
of the river. There is also a
wine museum with devotional objects
from the 19th and 20th centuries.
delicacies are complemented
complemented by their own wines.
www.quintanova.com

■ Casa dos Ec os
Pop-up restaurant on a hill
hill above the Douro, where delicious
delicious "farmhouse cuisine
"farmhouse cuisine" is celebrated on a wood stove.
As typical as it is delicious: "Arroz
do Pato", a rice baked in the oven
baked rice with meat, or bacalhau with
toasted bread crumbs and finely chopped
chopped cabbage.
www.casa-dos-ecos.com


S H O P P I N G

■ Rua Santa Catarina
Rua Santa Catarina is one of the
most beautiful shopping streets in Porto.
Not only tourists like to linger here
like to window shop here.
With a length of 1,500 meters
it leads directly into the historic
old town.