Welcome to Leixões, the gateway to Porto's timeless charm. This northern Portuguese port invites you to discover cobblestone streets, riverside wine cellars, and the soulful melancholy of fado music—all while savoring the region's famous port wine and seafood delicacies.
Step off your ship in Leixões and find yourself just moments from one of Europe's most captivating cities. Porto's Historic Center beckons with its UNESCO World Heritage status, where narrow medieval alleys wind between colorful tiled buildings and baroque churches that tell stories of Portugal's golden age.
The magnificent Dom Luís I Bridge spans the Douro River with its impressive double-deck iron arch, offering breathtaking views of the city's cascading landscape. Below, traditional rabelo boats bob gently on the water, once used to transport wine barrels from valley vineyards.
Wine Lover's Paradise awaits across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, home to centuries old port wine cellars where you can sample the sweet fortified wine that took the name of this very city. Tour historic lodges like Taylor's, Graham's, and Sandeman to understand the art behind Portugal's most famous export.
For a perfect day trip, venture into the Douro Valley with its terraced vineyards climbing impossibly steep hillsides—a landscape so stunning it earned its own UNESCO designation. Here, quintas (wine estates) welcome visitors for tastings amidst some of the world's most dramatic wine country scenery.
