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Municipality in Norte, Portugal
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5
Vila Nova de Gaia is a city the Douro Litoral region of Northern Portugal, immediately facing Porto across the Duoro river. The two cities form the core of a contiguous metropolitan area. Vila Nova was created out of the need to house the workers of Porto, and is thus much more residential in character. It has become more populous than Porto. Sometimes called "Gaia" in common parlance, the city is home of cellars of port wine, several shopping centres and some of the region's best beaches.
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Small nature reserve for the protection of birds.
Beautiful garden with great views to Porto.
World of Wine
A complex of 6 museums, restaurants, bars and shops, including museums about wine, chocolate, cork, the Porto region, drinking vessels through history, and the Pink Palace (an immersive experience celebrating rosé wine).
Their tour lasts around 20 min and is quite informative for beginners. It is followed by a tasting of two Port wines. They sell their old empty oak casks to Glenfiddich. Calem is owned by Sogevinus, which also owns other well known brands such as Kopke, Burmester, and Barros.
They are further uphill and have a terrace with great views over Porto. You can also enjoy their Port wine in the adjacent garden. You can buy samples by the glass which are cheap, and you get generous portions. Tours are also available and start every 30-40 min. The tour price of €20 includes tastings of two Port wines. Founded in and family-owned since 1692.
A 1½-hour tour and tasting. Reserve online (required). The basic tasting consists of three Port wines. Other types of tastings are available including rarer and more fancy Port wines.
Head down river 3.7 km to the marina. The journey is easy, but not particularly interesting. When you reach the marina there may be some photo opportunities with local fishing men and laundry women. Continue about 1.6 km to the nature reserve for bird watching at the estuary. Continue on from there to begin access to the path that runs south along the Atlantic Coast another 15 km to Espinho.
Located on the other side of the Douro river, is a restaurant that serves generous plates serving one hungry person or two who eat normal.
This restaurant with two Michelin stars offers views of the River Douro and of Porto's historic centre. It features a seasonal tasting menu prepared by chef Ricardo Costa.
This is a bar region in riverfront area. It is a modern zone for bars and clubs, usually priced a little higher than normal bars. You have a great view of the river and the beautiful city of Porto.
Luxury hotel in the heart of the historic port Wine Cellars District, part of the Relais & Chateaux. They have a two-Michelin-star restaurant.
The outlet of the Spanish department store chain serving the Porto region is spread over an impressive total of 10 stories (half underground) and stocks everything from designer clothing to live puppies (sic!), has ample parking and a metro stop next door, as well as gastronomic options including a top-floor restaurant with decently-priced menus, a car rental agency and numerous other services.
By train
Vila Nova de Gaia is located on a railway backbone linking the North to the other regions of Portugal, so it is easy to reach from almost all major cities.
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Porto · International · OPO
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