Are you looking for somewhere a bit different for your honeymoon that still offers all of the charms of Europe’s most romantic cities? Then look no further than Portugal’s second city of Porto. Most famous for its fantastic table wines, the city lies at the mouth of the Douro river as it pushes its way out into the Atlantic. Take a trip up the river and you can witness the breath-taking city scape that covers the ancient hillsides. Porto offers the finest in old-world charm and romance, a rich culture, and cuisine to die for, making it one of the most fascinating under-the-radar destinations for your honeymoon.
The city’s ravishing historic centre is to be found on the waterfront, and its medieval buildings have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The district is a veritable maze, jam-packed with cathedrals, wine houses, and traditional restaurants that simply ooze history.
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The area may seem a tiny bit dilapidated in spots, but the residents wouldn’t have it any other way and it only adds to an atmosphere that will tantalise every one of your senses. Visit the two outstanding churches in this area: The Church of São Francisco and The Church of Santa Clara. The former is the most well-known in the city, beautiful both inside and out, but the real show stopper is Santa Clara, where an unassuming exterior hides a marvel of baroque and rococo design.
For something slightly more modern, head over to the Casa da Música concert hall to see Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas’s majestic masterpiece, which looks like a geometric boulder that has just landed from space. You can take an auditorium and backstage tour for €6 or even take in a performance for a bit more. Check the venue’s official website for up to date listings for events. When you are finished exploring, it will probably be time you rested and enjoyed some good food and drink in each other’s company. Honeymoons are perfect for long and lazy lunches, and this is an area in which Porto excels.
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The town is littered with tasty restaurants, but you will be hard pushed to find a better dining experience in the city than Restaurante Boa Nova, which serves delightful modern cuisine in a glorious setting perched above the rocks and the ocean. Porto is known for its amazing port wine which is native to the city and the Douro Valley further upriver. The wine is world famous, and you should certainly take the time to enjoy a few bottles during your trip. If you are staying the city limits, it is possible to enjoy a great variety of different wine-tastings from some of the best known vineyards in the region. Porto has many cellars dotted around that are dedicated to serving up samples for wine aficionados, and you are guaranteed to have a unique experience every time.
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However, for the most immersive experience in Portuguese wine, you will have to head up the Douro river to discover the picturesque landscape that is responsible for producing its many fine drinks. The best way to do this is by taking a river cruise that winds its way through this wine country, giving you the opportunity to stop and smell the rosés. The River Cruise Line operate a River Douro cruise that will transport you right to the heart of the Douro Valley, allowing you to lay back and enjoy the relaxing rhythm of life on the river. As part of the trip, you will also venture into Spain in search of the very best experiences the region has to offer, before making your way back to Porto for a completely different view of the beautiful city. Porto really does offer something different — from its ancient and striking buildings to the delicious tastes of the region’s unforgettable wine. You really won’t regret choosing this city as your honeymoon destination.
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