
Explore Porto & Portugal with Cooltour Oporto
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!

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,

The Rabelo Boat: Barco Rabelo
Rabelo Boat in 1911, at Régua, Douro Valley. Before the construction of the railway or roads, the Port Wine reached Vila Nova de Gaia cellars through the masterpiece of naval carpentry called the Barco Rabelo and through the courage of the men who operated it. These Douro drivers went up and down the turbulent waters…
October 4, 2023
Posted in:Tours & Experiences, Douro Valley,

Port Wine
Port Wine Renowned in the Northern Region of Portugal, Portugal and worldwide, Port Wine possesses an identity often likened to the nectar of the gods. This fortified liqueur wine is produced within the Douro Demarcated Region, historically recognized as the world’s first official designated wine region, established in 1756 by Marquês de Pombal, a significant…
September 29, 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,

Francesinha: Porto’s Most Famous Sandwich
Indulge in the rich and spicy delight of a Francesinha during our Oporto Food Tour Traveling in Portugal also means indulging in the country’s cuisine and immersing yourself in the unique aromas and flavors of each region. Naturally, this experience enriches any traveler. In northern Portugal, the culinary offerings are diverse, ranging from traditional…
September 18, 2023
Posted in:Food & Wine, Porto,

Porto’s Historic Market: Mercado do Bolhão
Mercado do Bolhão Vendor Mercado do Bolhão in Porto, is a market which adds colours, smells, tastes, textures, and sounds to life, sharpens the senses and makes it the perfect place to build memories and socialise. Locals and visitors pass by the stalls, talk to sellers and go into shops and restaurants in a relentless…
September 13, 2023
Posted in:Food & Wine, Porto,

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,

D. Afonso Henriques
Visiting Portugal is getting to know millennia of history and culture, but visiting Guimarães is getting to know part of the Portuguese DNA. Just 50 km from Porto, Guimarães offers historic streets, monuments, religious architecture, old manor houses, palaces and museums. The name Portucale derives from the Latin, which means Portus (port) and Cale (beautiful),…
June 21, 2023
Posted in:History & Heritage, Guimarães,