Port heritage

The Douro Valley is famous for Port. And rightly so. This is where rich, fortified wines are born – sweet, powerful, and complex, often aged for decades.

A black car parked along a scenic road with terraced hills and vineyards in the background, under a clear blue sky.

This heritage has shaped the valley’s landscape. It feels sculpted rather than natural, as if the earth itself agreed to be shaped by human hands.

Steep hills rise sharply from the riverbanks, carved into thousands of narrow stone terraces that stack upward like an enormous amphitheater.

A panoramic view of terraced vineyards along a river valley, with lush green hills and distant mountains in the background.

From a distance, these terraces look rhythmic and precise; up close, you notice how irregular and labor-intensive they are – each one built by hand, stone by stone, over centuries.

A scenic view of terraced vineyards on a hillside, with a winding path through the grapevines. In the background, a small village is nestled among the lush green landscape, under a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of rolling vineyards in a hilly landscape with small houses and winding roads.
A panoramic view of terraced vineyards on hillsides, with a small house and a picturesque village in the distance under a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of a river winding through lush hills and terraced vineyards in a mountainous landscape.
A person smiling for a selfie with sunglasses, set against a scenic landscape of terraced hills and a river in the background under a clear blue sky.
A person standing on a viewpoint overlooking lush vineyards and rolling hills in a scenic landscape.

Everywhere you look the evidence of the Port trade can be seen with the terraces neatly stacked at either side of the river.

A scenic view of a river winding through terraced vineyards and lush greenery, surrounded by rolling hills under a clear blue sky.

The Douro River is the valley’s spine. It moves slowly and deliberately, reflecting the sky like a long mirror.

A scenic view of terraced vineyards on rolling hills beside a river, featuring a house with a swimming pool surrounded by greenery.

Despite the dramatic scale, the landscape feels calm. Breeze rustles through vines, insects hum, the hours pass.

It’s a working landscape, but one that never feels industrial. Everything – vineyards, river, villages – seems in conversation, balanced between nature and tradition.

A scenic view of a river winding through lush green hills, with terraced vineyards and a house in the foreground.
A panoramic view of a river winding through lush green vineyards and hills under a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of terraced vineyards on hillside slopes overlooking a river, with small houses and greenery in the background under a clear blue sky.
Scenic view of a river surrounded by lush vineyards and hills under a clear blue sky.
A panoramic view of terraced vineyards on hillsides overlooking a river with mountains in the background under clear blue skies.

Epic views can be found everywhere in the Douro Valley but the Miradour Imaginario is a particularly special place.

This scenic viewpoint is situated at an elevation of 145 meters in Santa Cristina.

A metal sign that reads 'Miradouro Imaginario' with artistic cutouts, overlooking a scenic landscape with vineyards and a river.
A scenic view of a vineyard landscape featuring terraced grapevines, a modern white house with a brown roof, a swimming pool, and lush green hills in the background.

This location offers expansive views over the Douro River and the surrounding terraced vineyards, creating a picturesque landscape.

The area acts like an amphitheater facing the river, with valleys lined with vine terraces that merge with the blue of the river, 

Man with tattoos standing on a wooden overlook with arms outstretched, enjoying a scenic view of a river and hills covered in vineyards.
A man standing on a wooden viewing platform overlooking a river surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards on a sunny day.
A shirtless man standing on a balcony overlooking a river with rolling vineyards in the background on a sunny day.

Dramatic Douro

We’ve firmly in the dramatic landscape of the Douro Valley now, and heading to our base for the next few days which is the pretty little village of Pinhão,

A panoramic view of a river winding through a lush green valley, surrounded by residential areas, vineyards, and hills in the background under a clear blue sky.

The views are truly incredible and there are lots more to come!

A panoramic view of a lush landscape featuring a river winding through green hills, dotted with houses and trees under a clear blue sky.

But first we spot another enticing river beach so pull off the road and have a nosy around.

A serene beach scene featuring straw umbrellas on a sandy shore, with a calm river in the background and lush greenery on the opposite bank under a clear blue sky.

By now it was baking hot so I was loitering in any shade that I could find while the solar powered hubby soaked up the scorching rays!

A person stands in shallow water at a beach on a sunny day, with a clear blue sky and green hills in the background.
A clear lake with a sandy and rocky shore, surrounded by lush greenery and hills under a bright blue sky. Two people are seen swimming in the distance.
A serene lakeside scene featuring a large tree beside the water, with a sandy beach and pebbles.
A muscular man stands at the edge of a clear water body, with trees and green hills in the background under a blue sky.
A clear view of a river with a sandy shoreline, featuring shallow water and visible rocks at the bottom. In the background, a hillside adorned with lush greenery and modern homes is seen under a bright blue sky.
A person standing in shallow water at a beach, with a scenic backdrop of green hills and residential buildings under a clear blue sky.
A woman wearing sunglasses and a straw hat smiles for a selfie at the beach, with a river and green hills in the background.

The winding roads take us high up through the scenic Douro Valley.

You can also see the Mosteiro Bridge spanning the Douro river miles below us.

Aerial view of a river valley surrounded by lush greenery, with a small town along the riverbank and a bridge crossing the water.
A person wearing a straw hat and sunglasses takes a selfie with a scenic landscape in the background, featuring rolling hills and a river with houses along its banks under a clear blue sky.
A large stone viaduct with multiple arches spans a river, surrounded by lush greenery and terraced farmland on a hillside.
A panoramic view of a river valley surrounded by lush greenery and hills, featuring a prominent stone bridge in the foreground.
A panoramic view of a river valley with lush green hills, a bridge spanning the river, and quaint houses along the water's edge.
A scenic view of a winding river surrounded by lush green hills and trees under a clear blue sky.

The old railway viaduct in Ribadouro is a scenic, historic stone structure that dominates the landscape for miles around.

A scenic view of a bridge with arches spanning over a lush green landscape, surrounded by trees and small houses.

The Douro Valley is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world (officially established in 1756), and it shows in the best possible way.

Scenic view of a river valley featuring a bridge, lush greenery, and distant hills under a clear blue sky.
A panoramic view of a river valley surrounded by lush greenery and hills, featuring a small town with red-tiled rooftops along the riverbank and a bridge crossing the water.
A scenic view of a river winding through lush green hills under a clear blue sky.

The Douro feels ancient, worked, and deeply human. Terraced hillsides ripple across steep slopes like giant staircases carved into stone.

Olive trees, almond trees, and gnarled vines cling stubbornly to the earth, thriving in conditions that seem almost impossible.

A panoramic view of a lush valley with terraced vineyards, houses, and a winding river under a clear blue sky.

At the heart of it all flows the Douro River, calm and reflective now, though it once carried barrels of Port wine on traditional wooden boats called rabelos, navigating treacherous rapids on the journey to Porto.

Panoramic view of terraced vineyards and hillsides along a river, featuring a mix of rural houses and lush greenery.

The valley doesn’t shout for attention. It doesn’t need to.

Instead, it unfolds slowly, vineyard by vineyard, bend by bend of the river, until you realize you’ve fallen completely under its spell.

A scenic view of a river winding through lush green hills, with small houses featuring orange roofs in the foreground and terraced fields on the slopes.
A person smiling for a selfie in a vineyard with rolling hills and a river in the background.
A scenic view of a vineyard landscape with terraced fields, featuring a large house with a red roof in the center, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills in the background.
A picturesque view of terraced vineyards on a hillside, featuring a charming house with a red roof and surrounding greenery.
A large pink mansion with a pointed red roof surrounded by lush green vineyards and trees, set against a hilly landscape.
A scenic view of a village surrounded by lush green vineyards on steep hills, with traditional houses featuring orange roofs in the foreground.
A scenic view of terraced vineyards in a rural area, with a small village nestled at the base of a mountain under a clear blue sky.
A panoramic view of lush green vineyards cascading down hillsides with a small village and a church in the background, beneath a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of lush vineyards on terraced hills, with a river and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
A rustic house with orange peeling paint and two green doors surrounded by potted plants, situated on a rocky hill with dense pine trees in the background.

City of Canals, colour, and quiet charm

Aveiro is the kind of place that wins you over gently with its gentle waterways and delicate architecture.

A view of a serene river with a colorful bridge adorned with decorations, surrounded by lush greenery and urban buildings under a clear blue sky.
A crowded boat with passengers enjoying a scenic ride along a canal, under a bright sunny sky. In the background, a decorative bridge crosses the waterway.
A colorful boat with a decorative prow, carrying passengers on a calm waterway. Behind the boat, there is a brick building and greenery, with some people visible on bicycles.
Two colorful boats with passengers float on a calm waterway in front of a large red-brick building and greenery.

Often called the “Venice of Portugal,” the city is laced with canals that reflect pastel buildings, arched bridges, and the slow glide of traditional moliceiro boats.

It’s picturesque without trying too hard – and that’s part of its magic.

A traditional boat carrying a group of people on a river, with a colorful mural featuring fish and aquatic themes in the background.
Staircase with large painted text reading 'I Love Aveiro' in bold letters.

As usual I am easily distracted by colourful things and have to spend a significant amount of time taking pictures of the 1000s of colourful ribbons that adorn several of the bridges in the city.

A man stands in front of large stairs with the text 'I ❤️ AVEIRO' painted on them. The scene is bright and sunny.
A man stands on a wooden bridge adorned with colorful ribbons, wearing a black tank top and denim shorts, under a clear blue sky.
A smiling woman wearing a white top, sunglasses, and a straw hat takes a selfie by a scenic canal with greenery and buildings in the background.
A colorful display of ribbons tied to a railing by a canal, with a small box of matches resting on the stone ledge nearby.
A close-up view of colorful ribbons tied together, featuring various shades and textures, hanging on a wooden structure with sunlight casting shadows.
Colorful ribbons tied to a railing beside a canal, with buildings and trees in the background.
A colorful display of pinwheels in pink, yellow, green, blue, and red hanging from a canopy against a clear blue sky.
A colorful bridge adorned with numerous ribbons spans a canal, with a boat carrying tourists passing underneath. Lush greenery surrounds the area, and a historic building is visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
A person standing on a bridge adorned with colorful ribbons, with a waterway and greenery in the background.

Architecture plays a big role in Aveiro’s charm. Elegant Art Nouveau buildings line the streets, decorated with curved ironwork, floral motifs, and tiled façades that catch the light beautifully.

A side-by-side view of two architectural facades: one featuring blue decorative tiles and white windows, and the other in pastel pink with ornate details and green metal balconies.
A bronze statue of a woman holding a bouquet of flowers, set against a backdrop of water and colorful boats.
Two colorful traditional boats with distinct designs and names on the river, surrounded by lush greenery and buildings.
A decorative red postal mailbox featuring a painted design of tropical leaves and a yellow bird, with the word 'CORREIO' prominently displayed.
A stone monument with intricate carvings stands in a sunny plaza, surrounded by colorful buildings and shops. The cobblestone pavement features a decorative leaf pattern, and people can be seen walking nearby.
Facade of a historic building with decorative elements and detailed balconies, featuring green doors, intricate designs, and a visible storefront.
Facade of a historic building featuring ornate architectural details, multiple windows with red frames, and balconies. The ground floor displays signs for a city museum and local attractions.
A colorful display of bird sculptures perched on a red balcony railing, with a traditional tiled wall and a window featuring an exhibition poster in the background.
Colorful traditional boats with yellow and black designs docked in the water, featuring artistic decorations and inscriptions.
A scenic view of a harbor with traditional boats, featuring a prominently displayed Portuguese flag and colorful buildings along the waterfront.
A colorful painted emblem on a traditional boat featuring a girl reaching out towards a dove, with a scenic background of buildings and a clear blue sky.
Colorful boats docked in a calm waterway with a lifebuoy on one of the boats and greenery in the background.
Colorful decorative boat with a painted image of a young girl reaching out towards a bird, with a scenic waterfront in the background.
A person standing in front of large, colorful letters spelling 'AVEIRO' in a park, with buildings in the background and a clear blue sky.

The city’s identity is deeply tied to the water. Once an important port, Aveiro built its livelihood around fishing and salt pans.

A decorative building facade featuring intricate architectural details, large windows, and balconies, set against a clear blue sky.
A historic building featuring ornate architecture with intricate stone carvings, decorative balconies, and a prominent eagle statue at the top.
A colorful boat named 'FELISBERTO' with a decorative flamingo design on the bow, moored near historic waterfront buildings under a clear blue sky.
Street view of a shop named 'A Casa da Rosa' with mosaic tiles on the facade, featuring large windows and a balcony. A person stands at the entrance, surrounded by colorful merchandise displayed outside.
A view of a canal lined with colorful buildings and boats, with people enjoying a boat ride on a sunny day.
Colorful traditional boats on a canal in front of historical buildings under a clear blue sky.
A colorful traditional boat with passengers floats along a canal lined with historic buildings and cafes under a clear blue sky.
Colorful traditional boats lined up on a picturesque canal with historic buildings in the background, showcasing vibrant architecture and a clear blue sky.
A man with a shaved head, wearing sunglasses and a sleeveless shirt, stands beside a colorful display of intertwined ribbons in various shades hanging from a structure against a clear blue sky.

Amazing Aveiro

At first glance, Aveiro Train Station seems like a simple stop along the tracks—but step closer, and it reveals itself as one of the city’s most beautiful surprises.

This isn’t just a place to catch a train; it’s a celebration of Portugal’s deep love affair with azulejo tiles.

A decorative mural featuring blue tiles depicting a riverside scene in Aveiro, Portugal, with traditional boats, buildings, and trees, topped by a sign that reads 'AVEIRO'.
A man stands next to a blue and white tiled mural depicting a canal scene with buildings, alongside a sign that reads 'AVEIRO'.
A decorative blue and white tile mural depicting a monument with an obelisk surrounded by fields and hills, framed by ornate tilework.
A white double door with divided glass panels, framed by decorative blue and white tiles and intricate plasterwork on a building exterior.
Azulejo mural featuring a detailed blue tile painting of an ornate architectural facade.
A decorative blue and white tile mural depicting a river scene with a bridge, buildings, and people in boats, titled 'Ponte e Rio Agueda'.
A mural depicting fishermen in a traditional boat at sea, rendered in blue and white tiles.
Ceramic plaque commemorating the 75th anniversary of the railway in Albergaria-a-Velha, featuring the date 8-9-1911 and 8-9-1986, along with images of a steam locomotive and a train, adorned with local coat of arms.
Ceramic mural depicting a maritime scene with boats and figures in shades of blue.

The station’s façade and interior walls are covered in large panels of hand-painted blue-and-white tiles that instantly command attention. Unlike purely decorative patterns, these tiles tell stories.

A detailed blue and white ceramic mural depicting a waterfront scene with buildings, trees, and a small dock.

They depict scenes of everyday life in the Aveiro region – salt harvesting, fishing traditions, boats gliding through the canals, and pastoral countryside moments.

A row of white doors with decorative blue and white tile murals depicting landscapes, set against a white wall.

Each panel feels like a frozen snapshot of local history, quietly preserving traditions that shaped the city.

A person wearing a straw hat and sunglasses smiling in front of a blue and white tiled mural featuring a castle and decorative elements, labeled 'Castelo da Feira.'
A decorative tile mural depicting the facade of a historical building, possibly a monastery, in blue and white colors.
A woman with sunglasses and a straw hat taking a selfie in front of blue and white tiled artwork depicting 'Castelo da Feira'.
A detailed blue and white tiled mural depicting a grand entrance with ornate architecture, featuring sculptural decorations and a set of wooden doors.
A detailed blue tile mural depicting an ornate building facade, featuring columns, statues, and a large door.
A close-up view of blue and white ceramic tiles depicting a picturesque cityscape with buildings, trees, and a street scene.

What makes the tiling especially striking is the contrast it creates.

Decorative blue and white tile artwork featuring intricate floral and geometric patterns, displayed above a white archway with terracotta accents.

The crisp blue tones stand out against the soft light and clean lines of the station, turning a functional space into something almost poetic.

A historical building with blue and white tile murals, featuring balconies and multiple windows, under a clear blue sky.
A blue-toned mural depicting a smiling man holding a stick, dressed in vintage work attire, with a landscape of other workers in the background.
A blue and white tiling mural depicting three women in traditional attire, engaged in agricultural activities, set against a backdrop of trees and landscape.
Ceramic tile mural featuring a fisherman standing by the sea, wearing traditional attire, with a fishing net in his hand. The sign above reads 'O Pescador Aveiro'.
A blue and white tile mural depicting a woman in a traditional dress holding a shawl, set against a landscape background. The mural is titled 'Tricana em Aveiro.'
A blue and white tiled mural depicting a woman in traditional attire, standing by the sea, holding a woven basket. The mural is titled 'A Peixeira Aveiro' at the top.
A blue and white ceramic mural depicting a woman in traditional attire, standing confidently in a natural landscape, with decorative elements at the top and the year '1916' labeled.
Decorative blue and white tile mural on a building wall, featuring intricate designs and two white windows framed by ornate detailing.

Aveiro is often called the “Venice of Portugal,” and the station sets the mood perfectly.

Before you even step into the city – before the canals, the moliceiro boats, and the Art Nouveau buildings – the tiles introduce you to Aveiro’s identity: maritime, hardworking, and deeply proud of its heritage.

A man standing in front of a decorative blue and white tiled wall depicting scenes of traditional labor along with a door and windows.

In Aveiro, even waiting for a train feels like standing inside a work of art.

A decorative blue and white tiled mural depicting historical scenes of rural life, including a man with a cart and a boat on a river, framed by ornate designs and a window above.
A blue and white ceramic tile mural depicting two fishermen working in shallow water, with intricate decorative elements and the title 'Marinhas de Sal' at the top.
A decorative blue and white tile mural depicting a rural scene with a man standing on a cart, two children, and a body of water in the background. The mural is framed by ornate blue designs, with a white window integrated into the artwork.
A close-up view of a traditional Portuguese building featuring intricate blue and white azulejos, with a balcony and decorative architectural elements.

Tram tracks and sandy toes

Trying out the trilby . . it quite suits him to be fair and fuelling up for another full day of Portuguese sightseeing.

A smiling man with glasses and a straw hat sits at a wooden table, holding a glass of drink. He is wearing a green shirt with 'retraps' printed on it, in a casual dining setting with colorful banners in the background.
A man with a beard leans against a railing by the river, with the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge in the background and colorful houses lining the riverbank in Porto, Portugal.
A smiling man with glasses holds up a glass of beer while sitting at a table with a pizza in front of him, decorated with greenery, in a casual dining setting.

You know by now that if there is a quirky, tiny tram in our vicinity then we are getting on that!

A person standing in front of a vintage yellow tram with 'Porto Tram City Tour' written on the side, with a sunny blue sky in the background.
A historic tram, numbered 287, parked with a person boarding it on a sunny day, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.
A man wearing sunglasses sits inside a vintage train car with empty red seats, smiling and holding a phone.
A person wearing a straw hat and sunglasses smiles for a selfie inside a vintage tram, with empty seats and large windows in the background.
A man with glasses sitting inside a boat, looking at the camera. The background features a clear blue sky, trees, and a view of a riverscape with buildings.
Interior view of a tram driver's cabin, featuring a man in a light blue shirt operating controls and a computer, with wooden paneling and a steering wheel.
A person operating a vintage yellow tram labeled '1' and 'PASSEIO ALDEORE,' while others wait nearby in a sunny outdoor setting.
A person with sunglasses and a straw hat smiles for a selfie in front of a vintage tram with the sign 'PASSEIO ALEGRE'.
A couple posing for a selfie in front of a vintage tram with a 'PASSENO ALEGRE' sign.
A person stands next to a vintage yellow tram marked 'Passeio Alegre' on a sunny day, with railway tracks visible in the foreground.

We hop off at Foz do Douro and head to the very breezy Ingleses beach so the mini man can run amok in the sand.

A sunny beach with golden sand, people sunbathing on towels, and a rocky area near the water. A jetty extends into the ocean with a few individuals on it, under a clear blue sky.
A sandy beach under a clear blue sky, with a person walking towards the water carrying a bag and sandals, and another person swimming in the ocean.
A shirtless man standing on a sandy beach near the ocean, with a lighthouse in the background and waves breaking softly on the shore.
A sandy beach with a person walking along the shore, waves crashing in the background and footprints visible in the sand.
A woman in a straw hat and sunglasses smiling for a selfie on a beach with waves in the background.
A man walking along a sandy beach with waves in the background on a clear sunny day.
A man walking along a sandy beach with waves crashing in the background under a clear blue sky.
A man standing on a rocky beach with waves crashing nearby, wearing shorts and sunglasses, with a lighthouse in the background.

The solar powered sun seeker is very happy despite it being incredibly blowy.

A man with sunglasses and shorts stands on a rocky beach, raising his arms in excitement against a backdrop of ocean waves and a clear blue sky.
A man jumping joyfully on a sandy beach near rocky formations, with ocean waves in the background under a clear blue sky.
A man jumping joyfully on a sandy beach near the ocean, with rocks and waves in the background.
View of a beach with gentle waves and a clear blue sky. Residential buildings are visible in the background, along with a beachfront area where people are relaxing.
Waves crashing against a stone structure near the ocean, with a clear blue sky above.

f

Piddly on Port

Up early today as we’re heading to sample some of Porto’s best known exports – Port wine!

A view of a large metal bridge arching over stone columns, with a blue sky and city buildings in the background.
A person standing on a bridge with a steel structure, overlooking a scenic view of buildings and hills in the background.

This means crossing back over the incredible Dom Luís I Bridge again, and with the sunshine out it really is spectacular.

A scenic view of the Dom Luís I Bridge in Porto, Portugal, spanning over the Douro River, with colorful buildings lining the hillside and a clear blue sky.
A panoramic view of Porto, Portugal, showcasing colorful buildings with red roofs along the riverside, and a mix of modern and historic architecture in the background.
Panoramic view of Porto, Portugal, showcasing colorful buildings along the riverbank under a clear blue sky.
A colorful traditional rabelo boat with barrels on the Douro River, reflecting the picturesque city of Porto with its historic buildings in the background.
A colorful traditional boat moored on the Douro River, with picturesque buildings and hills in the background showcasing Porto's architecture.
A scenic view of colorful houses along the riverbank in Porto, Portugal, with a traditional boat in the foreground and reflections in the water.

If there’s one experience in the Porto area that perfectly blends history, craft, and delicious taste, it’s the Cockburn’s Port wine cellar tour in Vila Nova de Gaia just a short stroll from the Douro River’s edge.

This isn’t just another tasting; it’s a journey into the heart of one of Portugal’s most iconic wine traditions.

A man stands in front of a large wall mural that reads 'COCKBURN'S' with an established date of 15, and a crest design, in an interior space featuring wood paneling and modern lighting.
Close-up of wooden barrels labeled 'Cockburn's Port' in a dimly lit cellar.
A large wooden barrel resting on stone supports inside a dimly lit room.
A man stands beside rows of large barrels labeled 'Cockburn's Port' in a dimly lit warehouse.
Stacked wooden barrels labeled 'Cockburn's Port' in a dimly lit storage area.
Close-up of a wooden wine barrel with a metal nameplate labeled 'COCKBURN'S RSV 019' and various handwritten measurements and annotations.
Close-up of a wooden barrel featuring the Cockburn's Port logo with an eagle and crown design.
A close-up view of a large wooden barrel with metal bands, featuring a chalkboard label that reads 'COCKBURN'S RSV B 2017' along with various numbers and details.

From the moment you step through the sturdy granite walls of Cockburn’s Lodge, you feel like you’ve entered a different world.

The cellar is one of the largest and oldest Port ageing houses in the region, with thousands of oak barrels quietly doing their work.

A man stands near stacked barrels of Cockburn's Port wine inside a dimly lit storage area.
A person standing in a wine cellar surrounded by large wooden barrels with the label 'Cockburn's Port' visible.
Stacked wooden barrels with engraved labels, featuring the name 'Cockburn's' and various identification codes for different port wines.

What truly makes this experience stand out is the chance to witness coopers at work.

They are the masters of a nearly forgotten craft who carefully dismantle and reassemble barrels to keep them in perfect condition.

A vertical measurement scale attached to a wall, marked from 1 to 16, alongside a water faucet at the bottom.
A vintage steam boiler with brass valves and a pressure gauge, set against a rustic wooden background.
A rustic interior displaying stacked wooden barrels, a flat wooden plank resting on the top of one barrel, and bundles of wooden staves in the background.
A collection of wooden barrels stacked on the floor, surrounded by rustic farming tools and straw in a dimly lit room.
A person standing in a rustic room filled with wooden tools and artifacts, including a stack of curved wooden pieces and a wall adorned with various carved plaques.
An interior view of a room showcasing a collection of wooden artifacts, including a wall covered with engraved wooden plaques and various wooden beams and tools scattered on the floor.
Stack of curved wooden strips, resembling barrel hoops, resting against a wooden wall.
A textured wall covered with various wooden plaques and signs, featuring different inscriptions, alongside a pile of wooden planks and straw in the foreground.
A person stands in a dimly lit space surrounded by a stack of curved wooden boards and a wall adorned with hanging labels.

I am obsessed with the old labels that were used to stencil the destinations onto the casks. I was very tempted to steal some. . . .

An array of old, weathered metal nameplates and tags with various inscriptions displayed on a dark wall.
An interior view of a workshop featuring large wooden barrels and tools. The space has a rustic appearance with exposed beams and a weathered wall, illuminated by overhead lights.
A man wearing a green T-shirt and glasses stands in a rustic room filled with wooden plaques on the wall and stacked wooden planks in the foreground.
A collection of rusted metal plaques hanging against a wooden wall, featuring various names and inscriptions related to locations or items.
A collection of metal letter plates with inscriptions, including 'PORT' and 'BRISTOL', resting on a surface with a dark background.
Close-up of several old metal signs hanging on a wall, featuring the name 'GLASGOW' and other words, with a weathered and rusty finish.
A weathered metal sign displaying the word 'STOCKPORT' in bold, cut-out letters, hanging against a dark wooden background.
A collection of vintage metal signs with various engraved names and locations, arranged on a dark wooden wall.
A large wooden barrel with a faded green exterior and metal bands, featuring a chalkboard label displaying the name 'Cockburn's' and various handwritten notes and numbers.
Close-up of a large wooden barrel labeled with the number 21159 and 'Cockburn's' on a sign. The barrel features handwritten notes including 'RSV 020 52' and '20159 1/23', with a measuring stick beside it.

Walking through the ageing galleries and seeing rows upon rows of barrels stacked to the ceiling gives you a real sense of the patience and precision behind every bottle of Port.

Sign for Cockburn's Port featuring a crown and two lions, illuminated at night.
A man wearing glasses and a green Firetrap t-shirt stands in front of large wooden barrels in a vintage setting.
Close-up of a wooden barrel with weathered black staves, featuring white painted text that reads 'BURN'S RSV 003' and a decorative symbol.
A wine cellar shelf displaying black wine bottles organized by labels D33, C33, and B33, with a chalkboard indicating vintage 2007 wines.
A person smiling for a selfie in front of stacked wooden barrels labeled 'Cockburn's Port' in a dimly lit setting.
Wine bottles arranged on shelves with a chalkboard label indicating 'CK8 Vintage 2017'.

The tour ends with a tasting session. We get to try three different styles of port. Husband’s loving it!

A man sitting at a wooden table with a 'Firetrap' T-shirt, smiling while facing a flight of Cockburn's port wine glasses and a menu in a wine-tasting setting.
A man with a shaved head and glasses sitting at a wooden table with three glasses of Cockburn's wine in front of him, wearing a green t-shirt with 'Firetrap' printed on it. The background shows a restaurant with wooden walls and soft lighting.
Close-up of two wine glasses filled with red wine on a table, with a wine menu partially visible. A man with glasses sits in the background.
A woman and a man smiling while holding glasses of red wine in a cozy setting with wooden walls.
A woman holding a glass of red wine with a man smiling in the background, both in a casual dining setting.
A woman holding a glass of red wine with a wooden background.
A woman holding a small glass of red wine, smiling at the camera, with a rustic wooden background.
A woman sitting at a table with glasses of red wine arranged in front of her, looking playfully towards the camera. The background features wooden walls and decorative elements, with a menu visible on the table.
A woman smiling while holding a wine glass with the logo 'COCKBURN' on it. She has short hair and is wearing a light-colored top with a floral pattern.
A woman with shoulder-length hair sits at a table with two glasses of red wine in front of her, making a playful facial expression.
A woman smiling at the camera while sitting at a table with two glasses of red wine. The glasses are branded with the name 'COCKBURN'. She is wearing a floral-patterned blouse.

Visiting Cockburn’s isn’t just about wine—it’s about connecting with a tradition that’s deeply woven into this region’s culture and landscape.

If you love history, flavour, and a taste of Portuguese craftsmanship, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Heads on platters

A few odds and sods in this post. We’re back in Vila Nova de Gaia and have stumbled into what we assume is a religious parade.

Either that or they just really like carrying around disembodied heads of bearded men.

Exterior view of the entrance to 'Taberna Da Francesinha' featuring ornate red and gold doors with a rustic finish.
A man dressed in a traditional dark robe with a belt and gloves, holding a staff adorned with gourds, standing among a festival crowd.
A weathered wooden door with peeling red and green paint, showcasing intricate textures and patterns.
A man dressed in a green cloak holds a large statue of a head with a beard and a radiant crown, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers.
A man in a green and white costume holds a large, detailed head sculpture with a beard, while participating in a festive event.

Another of my favourite holiday snaps, and souvenirs, the ubiquitous magnet!

A display of postcards featuring traditional Portuguese tiles, scenic views, and cultural imagery, including a portrait of an elderly man and scenes of daily life.
A flyer featuring the text 'I need a coffee, a vacation, and a tattoo' with a simple illustration of a coffee cup. The flyer is pink and includes the Instagram handle @gentle.pokes.
A collection of colorful rooster souvenirs from Portugal, featuring various designs and sizes, displayed on a wall with additional postcards and magnets showcasing Porto.

Looking out over a sea of terracotta tiles as we look back towards the Douro river.

A scenic view of Porto, Portugal, showcasing colorful buildings on a hillside overlooking the Douro River, with rooftops in the foreground.
A view of a cityscape with colorful buildings and rooftops, featuring a river and a cloudy sky.
Facade of a historic building featuring decorative artwork, large windows, and the name 'Euraria Charron' displayed prominently above the entrance.
View of Porto's colorful buildings along the Douro River with red-tiled rooftops in the foreground and cable cars overhead.

After a quick power nap back at the apartment we head back to grab some photos of the stunning night vistas over the river.

Night view of Porto, Portugal, featuring illuminated buildings along the river, with a bridge in the foreground and a hilltop structure prominently lit.

The multi coloured lights spill out from the riverside bars and restaurants, spreading their rainbow hues out like an oil slick.

Night view of the Douro River waterfront in Porto, Portugal, featuring illuminated buildings and boats reflecting on the water.
Nighttime view of a river with colorful reflections from buildings along the waterfront, featuring a boat in the foreground.
Night view of a river with a boat in the foreground and colorful lights reflecting on the water from buildings on the shore.
Night view of a river with a boat in the foreground and colorful lights reflecting on the water from the buildings along the shore.
Night view of a riverside cityscape with colorful buildings illuminated by lights, reflecting on the water under a cloudy sky.

Rose and river cruises

More delightful old buildings for me to enjoy. A mishmash of patterned tiles and bright paintwork.

A vibrant red building with intricate ironwork on the balcony, next to a modern gray building featuring patterned tiles and several balconies under a clear blue sky.
Facade of a building featuring intricate blue and white tiles with red window frames and balconies.
A decorative building facade featuring large windows with wooden frames, intricate ironwork on balconies, and colorful tiled embellishments under the windows, highlighted by a vibrant yellow exterior.

We head up to the Super Bock Arena which is a multi-purpose venue prepared to host all kinds of shows, cultural and sporting events.

Situated high up above the river it is set in lovely gardens and offers wonderful river views.

Exterior view of the Super Bock Arena, a large dome-shaped building with a green roof and multiple round windows, set against a blue sky.
Panoramic view of a river winding through a city with a skyline, greenery in the foreground, and blue sky with clouds.

Close by are the tranquil Jardins do Palácio de Cristal. Landscaped gardens designed in the 19th century offering fountains, paths and Douro River views.

A decorative fountain featuring a central sculpture of a figure holding a smaller figure, surrounded by cascading water and lush greenery in a park setting.
A bronze statue of a woman in classical attire standing on a stone pedestal, surrounded by lush greenery and blue sky.
A decorative fountain featuring a central statue of a woman holding a jug, surrounded by smaller figures and decorative elements, situated in a lush garden area under a clear blue sky.
A man wearing sunglasses and a sleeveless black shirt sits comfortably on a large, snail-shaped bean bag in a park, surrounded by blue patterned ground.
A man in a tank top and denim shorts sitting on the edge of a stone fountain surrounded by greenery.
A man relaxing on a large, oversized bean bag in a park, with other people lounging nearby under colorful umbrellas.
A vibrant garden featuring purple flowers in the foreground, surrounded by lush green foliage and a stone fountain in the background.
Front view of a stone building with a circular window and two sculptures on either side of the entrance, surrounded by trees and blue sky.

The peaceful Parque da Quinta da Macieirinha makes for a shady spot to escape.

A person sitting on a stone bench surrounded by lush green plants and purple flowers in a garden.
A person wearing sunglasses and a straw hat smiles while posing in front of a patch of purple flowers.

All this posing is working up an appetite so we’ve headed to our favourite cheap eats spot – 100 Montiditos!

A woman wearing a straw hat and a white shirt smiles while holding two large glasses of beverages, one dark and one light, under an outdoor patio umbrella.
A man sitting at an outdoor table, enjoying a meal with plates of snacks and a drink. The table features nachos, a variety of appetizers, and a cold beverage, with a sunny day and patrons in the background.
Colorful balconies adorned with festive decorations, surrounded by old buildings and vibrant bunting in a charming street.

Feed and watered we are heading back to the river, via a lot of photo stops first!

A large statue of a figure holding a sword and scales stands in front of a textured stone wall depicting various scenes. Two pedestrians walk by on a paved path.
A close-up view of a vertical pipe covered in stickers, next to colorful yellow and blue patterned tiles on the ground.
Close-up of a weathered metal door knocker featuring a face with curly hair, mounted on a peeling green door.
A vibrant street scene featuring a blue tiled building with decorative windows and balconies, adorned with colorful flags and streamers for a festive atmosphere.
A vibrant pink artwork on a wall featuring the phrase '(heart left intact)' accompanied by abstract figures, with white graffiti overlapping it and a weathered wooden surface below.
A hand holding a can of elderflower and yuzu fruit soda, featuring the label 'Why not' and the text 'Perfectly balanced' on the can.
A red door featuring a decorative white metal grille with a swirling leaf design, and an ornate door handle.
An ornate red double door with decorative metal grilles, featuring a tiled panel with blue and white geometric patterns above. The door is marked with the number 17.
A colorful mural featuring two fierce dog faces and a contemplative young man, set against a swirling blue background. The artwork includes decorative patterns in earthy tones and intricate designs.
A decorative tile mural of a ship featuring blue and white patterns, mounted on a white wall.
A wall featuring intricate blue and white patterned tiles alongside a wooden door with a decorative grille and brass details. Graffiti is visible on the lower part of the wall.
A colorful cartoon ice cream sticker featuring a happy face with a tongue sticking out, affixed to a gray pole with graffiti and a textured background.
A blue building with red doors and decorative balconies, featuring festive colorful decorations and a real estate sign.
A close-up of a metal pole covered in various stickers, including one prominently featuring an eye illustration and the text 'INSURRECA' along with 'TATTOO // ILLUSTRATION' and an Instagram handle '@insurrecto.opo'.
A black and white sticker illustration of a tattooed figure with a serious expression, affixed to a metal pipe, showing intricate body art and a shadow cast behind.
A metallic pole covered with various stickers, featuring a blue and white logo labeled 'NARKEA' and a holographic sticker of a cartoon character with a heart-shaped head and arms crossed, alongside a faded purple poster depicting two figures.
Close-up view of a weathered green door with peeling paint, showcasing a keyhole, rusty lock, and a metal grille.
A close-up of a wooden door featuring a unique thumb-shaped door handle and a sticker that says 'Follow us on Instagram @vivacreativekitchen'.
Close-up of a weathered mural featuring a cat's face and artistic textures in orange and blue.
Colorful flags hanging above a lively street lined with historic buildings, with a view of the water in the background.
A large, tilted stone cube fountain surrounded by colorful buildings and outdoor seating areas, with water cascading from its base.
A humorous sign featuring a black cat wearing glasses, holding two glasses of drink, with the text 'MY DOCTOR SAYS I NEED GLASSES' on a colorful background.
A man reclining on a boat, wearing sunglasses and a tank top, with a serene expression, against a backdrop of vibrant buildings and a bridge under a clear blue sky.
A smiling couple wearing sunglasses, sitting in a boat with a scenic view of a city and a bridge in the background.

As it is my birthday (woo hoo) we’re hopping on a Douro River cruise – complete with local rose wine!

A couple enjoying the outdoors by the water, smiling and holding bottles of Mateus rosé wine, with a scenic bridge and colorful buildings in the background.
A hand holding a bottle of Mateus rosé wine against a backdrop of a river and colorful buildings.
A woman with short brown hair and sunglasses is smiling while holding a bottle of Mateus rosé wine. She is wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat and a white cover-up, with a dotted black top underneath. The background features a scenic view of buildings on a hillside by the water under a blue sky.
View of a river with a large steel bridge in the background under a clear blue sky.
A smiling man with sunglasses sitting in a boat, holding a bottle of wine, with a scenic waterfront background.
A coastal church with white walls and a blue mural, featuring a large cross on its facade, situated on a platform above the water.
A motorboat glides through the water with a scenic riverside view of colorful buildings and trees in the background.
A view of a cityscape featuring a prominent cathedral in the background, surrounded by various buildings with red roofs and architectural details.
A motorboat cruising on the water near a bridge, with rocky cliffs and city buildings in the background.
A colorful row of buildings along the riverbank, featuring a mix of architectural styles and vibrant hues, with a boat filled with passengers in the foreground. Flags are seen hanging from the boat, adding to the lively atmosphere.
View of colorful buildings along the riverbank in Porto, Portugal, with outdoor dining areas and boats docked at the waterfront.