Portugal lies in the south-westernmost region of Europe and has, if you include the archipelagos around 1,794km (1,115 miles) of coastline. Unlike many countries with a long coastline it all the same sea, whether you are in the north, west, south of mainland Portugal or in the archipelagos. That sea is the second largest of the world’s ocean, the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the reasons that Portugal was once a formidable seafaring nation. It is easy though to forget when you are in Porto that the ocean is just a mile or so away.
The ocean is less than 2 miles from the Porto’s botanical gardens, or a 15minute (ish) tram ride from the historic centre of Porto. We caught the tram one December, and it was so much fun trundling along beside the river to Passeio Alegre in ‘Foz do Douro’, a very chic neighbourhood on the seafront.
The guides suggest various highlights in Foz, most of which, including the 17th century Fort of São Francisco do Queijo, we failed to see. We were so excited a walk beside the seaside we totally forgot to look at any guidebooks! However we did walk past the other fortified building Fortaleza de São João da Foz, and as you may recall from my other blog we also spent ages trying to catch the waves as they buffeted Farolim de Felgueiras.
Whilst the outward journey was exciting for the unknown and the thought of soon being beside the sea. The return tram journey to Porto was equally special thanks to being closer to the Duoro.
Not only did this stretch of river look like a great birding spot, but we could more easily enjoy the sight of the Arrábida Bridge. It is one of six bridges which link the cities of Porto and Vila Nove de Gaia, and is also a national monument. At the time of its construction in the 1950/60s, its main span was the largest of any concrete-arch bridge in the world. It has long since been surpassed; the longest concrete-arch bridge in the world is now nearly twice the length of this one!
A great place ,and yes sea mist.In summer one wakes upto mist, clears for a few hours and descends again .by 16.00.
The entrance bar is viscous so the main sea port is a few miles further north.
Think you mentioned in a previous post one of the bridges was designed by Eiffel.
Oporto for me is the start of the great tripe eating areas and chilled white port ,the summer dust remover.
Odd things on your post – loading appears for likes and even refreshing the page isn’t working. Is that pollution over the bridge photo? Looks quite dull compared to the rest of the photos. I quite fancy one of the river cruises in this region, visiting the vineyards!
Hmmm I noticed likes was slow last week on this one. Decided a one off, clearly not I’ll investigate
And not sure if pollution or seamist. Sea mist made a regular appearance throughout our visit.
A very interesting place and those stairs are a good workout opportunity 🙂 Good shot of the bridge.
Thank you 😊
Aaaah, memories
Great city isn’t it
I didn’t see much of it, but loved it
I loved Foz! One of the great unexpecteds of Porto. (you might have this comment twice- difficulty loading?) 🙂 🙂
It has appeared twice, something very strange happening with the blog at moment 😳
I loved Foz, and yes, one of the great unexpecteds of Porto. I’d like to go back 🙂 🙂
One day 🙂
Beautiful. Porto is the only place in Portugal I have been.
You have to explore more of it! Maybe in a few years xxx
Yes, maybe! When we can travel abroad again the temptation will be to stick to familiar places. Why waste time getting to know somewhere new when you could dive straight in?
I like the shot of the sea washing onto the rocks but I don’t think I’d like to drive across that bridge 🙁
I know a few people who would stay with you on one side of the bridge! I must try Google 🌎 and see whatvit feels like. Does look daunting!
Oh Becky looks like you had an amazing time. Loved your photos 😀
We certainly did Cee. This is such a wonderful place. I think if we visit again i would actually stay here rather than in the city itself as be rather wonderful to wake up to the Atlantic every morning.
By the way apologies for the delay in replying, I just found your lovely comment hiding in spam
You and Jo have shown me how much I’ve missed out by not yet having explored Portugal. This looks a great walk.
You’ll be exploring here one of these days 🙂
Getting as far as London or Bolton would be an achievement at the moment 🙁 (Ignore me, I’m having a bad day. I always spend so much time moping that the Longest Day is the beginning of the end that I forget to enjoy the moment)
Oh dear! Do hope Debbie is able to send extracts from yesterday’s chat, it will soon cheer you up. We were even planning trips 🙂