Portugal is one hot holiday destination in 2010. The cultured, historic city of Porto is one of the most romantic destinations for holidaymakers who are looking for that perfect holiday villa experience. The city is beautiful, and famous for its architecture which reflects its rich history and deep culture, and stands to be tremendously popular this season.
Proudly taking the title of Portugal's second city and northern capital is the city of Porto. Here you will find many lovely apartments to rent in the city or villas skirting the peripheries of the town. With beaches all surrounding and many rentals with their own pools you will find many ways to luxuriate under a Portuguese sun, lounging around or cooling off, in between days of exploring northern Portugal and the city.
Historical references to the city of Porto go all the way back to the 4th century, though findings in the city have shown an even older history, with Celtic remnants found where Porto now stands. The documented history begins with the Romans in the 4th century, flowing through Moorish invasions and Gallicean conquests. As a good porting town, this city has been fiercely fought for, and a rich history flows down the streets, as an amalgamation of distant and diverse cultures.
One of those very Mediterranean waterfront cities, Porto seems to rise from the water, as hillside nestling colorful building appearing as a fjord of constructions, before forming out in to the town. A beautiful view as seen from its neighboring Vlia Nova Gaia. As to be expected from a town with such a diverse, rotating history, Porto has a very distinctive look, though it is most notable for a huge influx of Baroque construction the Torre dos Clérigos, the landmark tower which pierces through the city scape to be seen all over the city. Porto is also a city of boldly modernist architecture, with Rem Koolhaas's 'Casa de Musica', being compared with Frank Gehry's Guggenheim museum in Bilbao. With its starkly sharp edges and surface it seems like some kind of space ship or set from Star Wars, certainly as if stepping in to the future. It is a city of public art and sculpture, with the eyes constantly challenged by something new and strange, Janet Echelman's She Changes sculpture stays suspended as the city's graphic symbol. To really witness this wonderful cityscape you can spend a day floating the Druoro river that stands at the edge of the city.
Of the famous creations of this town, there is one that is instantly recognisable, that is Port wine, produced in the Douro valley. Like the city itself it has a colourful history. Since trade was established between the English in the early 18th century, and a low duty came in to stave off French competition Port wine soon became popular in England. When the process of production became apparent to the English, to counter their dominance a motion was established that all wines of the Douro valley would be received by one firm. Small wine growers revolted, burning down the firm's building in what came to be known as the Revolta dos Borrachos (revolt of the drunks). This has come to be known as a representation of a Portuguese independence of spirit.
With its local wine production Porto is known as a good place to drink. It is also known as a great place to eat. That so very European passion for cuisine is abundantly apparent through these streets, there are many markets here to buy delicacies from, if you think you can do them justice. But also there are many great restaurants serving local food, made the local way.
After a busy day, of exploring an evening of eating and a night of drinking, you can relax in the luxury of your holiday villa. Spend the day lounging by the pool, perhaps try to cook the recipe you had last night.
Martin Wynn
