
UNESCO Portugal
Welcome to Cooltour Oporto's blog – your guide to the heart and soul of Portugal! Embark on an exciting journey through the beauty, culture, and heritage of our country. Discover hidden gems, must-visit landmarks, and off-the-beaten-path experiences recommended by our expert guides. From Porto’s historic center to the Douro Valley, uncover the essence of Portuguese life, including local festivals, ancient tales, and authentic food. Learn insider tips to navigate like a local. All content is prepared with love by Cooltour Oporto, ensuring you experience Porto and Portugal like never before!

Things To Do in Porto, Portugal
Porto, Portugal, is a city full of vibrant experiences, from its rich food and wine culture to its historical landmarks and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re looking to enjoy delicious local cuisine, taste world-renowned Port wines, or explore the UNESCO-listed Ribeira district, Cooltour Oporto offers tailored tours to make your trip unforgettable. Download our Travel Guide App for insider tips and activities to help you plan your perfect Porto adventure!
December 27, 2024
Posted in:Tours & Experiences, North of Portugal, Porto,

The Douro Region: How Geography Shapes Exceptional Wines
The Douro Valley is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, recognised both for its stunning scenery and for producing the famous Port wine. The region's unique geography is fundamental to the quality and variety of its wines. With roots dating back to Roman times, wine production reached a milestone in 1756, when the Marquis of Pombal established the Douro Demarcated Region. This pioneering act regulated production, especially of Port wine, reinforcing the territory's importance in creating wines with unique profiles.
December 5, 2024
Posted in:Places & Landmarks, Food & Wine, Douro Valley,

Best Day Trips from Porto
Discover northern Portugal's culture, history, and gastronomy with day trips from Porto. Visit Guimarães, "The Cradle of the Portuguese Nation," with its UNESCO-listed historic center; explore Braga's ancient sites like the Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte; enjoy Aveiro's canals and moliceiros boats; see Coimbra's historic Universidade de Coimbra and Biblioteca Joanina; and experience Pinhão's terraced vineyards and Port wine in the Alto Douro Wine Region. For in-depth experiences, consider Cooltour Oporto's tours.
June 12, 2024
Posted in:Tours & Experiences, North of Portugal,

Clérigos Tower: Porto ex-libris
Clerigos Tower stands tall, showcasing stunning architectural beauty in the heart of Porto The Torre dos Clérigos, constructed of granite and towering from the western apex of the church, is hailed as one of the city’s landmarks and measures a total of 75m (245 feet) in height. Its construction began in 1732 and was completed…
December 7, 2023
Posted in:Places & Landmarks, Porto,

Porto Cathedral – Sé do Porto
A breathtaking side view of Porto Cathedral. Situated in the historical center of Porto and designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Sé do Porto, or Porto Cathedral, serves as an excellent starting point to explore the city and delve into the history of the nation’s foundation. In 1120, D. Teresa donated the medieval…
November 8, 2023
Posted in:Places & Landmarks, Porto,

Ribeira: Porto’s riverside
Ribeira’s buildings and facades, Porto Fundamental to the formation of Portugal, Porto was populated long before the kingdom’s foundation. Urban development united the upper zone, Sé do Porto, to the lower one, Ribeira, on the bank of the river Douro. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage and Porto Historical Centre, Ribeira is an ancient place…
October 19, 2023
Posted in:Places & Landmarks, Porto,

Douro Valley: a unique wine region
A tour of the Douro Valley in northern Portugal is a truly memorable experience, even if you’re not a wine expert. The Douro Valley is a place worth remembering, capturing in photographs and filming. In the heart of the Douro Valley The deep blue waters of the magnificent Douro River, the myriad hues of vineyards…
October 10, 2023
Posted in:Tours & Experiences, Douro Valley,

Visit Braga
Discovering the best of northern Portugal involves visiting the beautiful bimillennial city of Braga, where the history of the distant past intersects with modern history and religion with tradition. Concerning infrastructure, Braga is the third city in Portugal, immediately after Lisbon and Porto. However, Braga is the oldest Portuguese city, with the most gardens and…
September 27, 2023
Posted in:Places & Landmarks, Braga,

The Canning Industry in Portugal
The Canning Industry in Portugal has a long-standing tradition and is renowned worldwide, particularly in Europe. Its significance grew during the two World Wars when it played a crucial role in providing food to the troops. Today, the tradition of canned preserves continues, as it offers long-lasting, flavorful products made with high-quality ingredients that are…
September 6, 2023
Posted in:Food & Wine, Portugal,

Visit Guimarães
Touring the North of Portugal will never be complete without visiting one of the most historic Portuguese cities, Guimarães, near Porto and Braga. Feel the fascination and absorb a millennium of history in the city’s path, whose roots stretch back to the Copper Age, between the Neolithic and the Bronze Age (c. 5000-c. 1000 BC)….
August 7, 2023
Posted in:Places & Landmarks, Guimarães,