Explore Porto & Portugal with Cooltour Oporto

Portugal is the world's largest consumer of bacalhau (salted cod) per person, accounting for about 20% of global consumption despite having a population of just over 10 million and no native codfish in its waters. Bacalhau has become deeply intertwined with Portuguese identity and culture, featuring prominently in Christmas Eve dinners, Easter celebrations, family meals, and traditional cuisine. Over time, it has inspired fishermen, sailors, cooks, writers, and entrepreneurs, evolving from a simple imported ingredient into a powerful national symbol. 

 If you've never heard of a Francesinha, you're about to discover one of Portugal's most iconic comfort foods.

Born in Porto, the Francesinha is a rich sandwich layered with steak, ham, linguiça, and fresh sausage, covered with melted cheese and generously smothered in a hot beer-based sauce. It is hearty, indulgent, and unlike any sandwich you've ever tried.

Every year on the night of June 23–24, Porto comes alive with the vibrant Festas de São João, one of Portugal’s largest and most authentic popular festivals, where music, grilled sardines, fireworks over the Douro River, colorful plastic hammers, and basil plants fill the streets. Rooted in both ancient midsummer pagan traditions and the Catholic celebration of St. John the Baptist, the festival blends religion, food, music, and community into a unique citywide celebration where neighbors dine outdoors, strangers celebrate together, and Porto’s traditions feel genuinely alive rather than staged. 

Every June, the historic centre of Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comes alive during Festa Afonsina, one of Portugal’s most important historical festivals. Inspired by Afonso Henriques, the event transforms the city into an immersive medieval world filled with knights, merchants, musicians, artisans, and costumed processions that celebrate the origins of Portugal.

The Carnation Revolution is one of the defining moments of modern Portugal, and April 25th remains one of the most meaningful days to experience the country. For travelers, it offers something rare: a celebration that is not designed for tourism, but deeply rooted in national identity.

In 2026, Guimarães—historic birthplace of Portugal and known for its well-preserved medieval centre—has been named European Green Capital 2026. This European Commission award recognizes cities that lead in sustainability, inclusivity, and climate-neutral urban development. 

Carnival in Portugal is a lively and expressive celebration held each year on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, marking the final festivities before Lent. The event combines ancient traditions, satire, music, and community spirit, with dates that change annually. Across the country, celebrations vary widely—from humorous and socially critical performances to folklore, rituals, and large parades with vibrant nightlife—but all reflect strong local identity and active community participation. 

In Alentejo, wine is deeply woven into daily life, with Vinho de Talha representing one of Europe’s oldest continuous winemaking traditions, preserved for over 2,000 years. Produced in large clay vessels called talhas, this ancient method has remained alive through generations, continuing to be part of local homes, taverns, and seasonal customs.

Porto is naturally one of Portugal’s most romantic destinations. Its historic streets, picturesque riverside views, scenic lookouts over the Douro, and the place where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean create a timeless atmosphere for couples wishing to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a special and memorable way.

In 2026, Baixo Alentejo will be highlighted as European Wine City by RECEVIN, celebrating a year of wine events and cultural experiences. The recognition honors a region in southern Portugal where over 2,000 years of winemaking history remain alive, especially through the ancient tradition of Vinho de Talha, still produced today in clay amphorae as in Roman times.