Porto

Porto is renowned for its exquisite Port wines and the freshest seafood, but it also captivates visitors with a unique blend of modern, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. Its charming cobblestone streets wind through the city, showcasing the rich diversity of Porto’s architectural heritage. This vibrant variety offers endless opportunities to explore and savor, making Porto one of Europe’s most beloved tourist destinations. It’s no surprise that the Old Town, perched along the picturesque Douro River, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Course venue
The course venue Junta de Freguesia de Espinho, is located at Rua 23, n271 4500-141 Espinho, about 20 – 30 minute train ride from Porto and Porto city center.
Please note that the venue address provided is a preliminary location for our upcoming courses. The trainers will confirm the final venue address and provide detailed instructions on how to reach it before the course begins. 

Did you know?

  • Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is the birthplace of port wine, a world-famous fortified wine named after the city and traditionally aged in cellars along the Douro River.
  • The city’s historic center, Ribeira, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its charming narrow streets, colorful buildings, and medieval architecture.
  • Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, is in Porto and is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling while she lived in the city.
  • The Dom Luís I Bridge, an iconic double-deck metal bridge spanning the Douro River, was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel and offers stunning views of the city.
  • Porto is known for its culinary delights, including francesinha, a hearty sandwich made with layers of meat, melted cheese, and a rich beer-based sauce, often served with fries.

Accommodations

You can book accommodations directly with the hotel or through popular booking platforms such as Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Expedia, Trivago, Airbnb, and others. These sites allow you to search for hotels, apartments, and bed and breakfast options.

For those choosing an apartment, it’s often most convenient to book one close to the venue. If you prefer staying at a hotel, we highly recommend:

Exe Praia Golfe

Keep your mind fresh with
local attractions

Experience Porto and its attractions

Porto‘s must-see attractions include the Porto Cathedral, a 12th-century masterpiece, and the UNESCO-protected Muralha Fernandina, the ancient wall that once defended the city in the 14th century. Another highlight is the Viagem Medieval em Terra de Santa Maria, offering a unique journey back in time, complete with delicious food, exceptional wine, and vibrant music to engage all the senses.

Other notable landmarks include the enchanting Livraria Lello, the historic Praça da Liberdade, the iconic Clérigos Church Tower, and many more. Don’t miss the chance to experience the famous “Six Bridges River Cruise,” offering stunning views of Porto and the Douro River.

For a taste of traditional Portuguese cuisine, we highly recommend trying the creamy mountain cheese Queijo da Serra da Estrela, the hearty Francesinha sandwich, slow-roasted Sandes de Pernil, or the classic Bacalhau (codfish) dishes, perfectly paired with Portugal’s world-renowned wines.

Bem-vindo! (Welcome!)

Connections

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, commonly known as Porto Airport, is situated in Maia, approximately 11 km from Porto’s city center. The airport offers reliable public transportation options for easy access to the city. The E (purple) metro line connects the airport to central Porto, with stops such as Lapa, Trindade, and Bolhão conveniently located near the city center. Shuttle services are also available, providing transfers between the airport and the city. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to or from the airport.

The Porto Metro operates daily from 6 am to 1 am, with trains running every 4 to 15 minutes depending on the time of day. Purchasing a Porto Card or an Andante Tour Card grants unlimited access to the metro system, making travel throughout the city seamless.

Buses in Porto run from approximately 6 am until 1 am, and the Porto Card or Andante Tour Card also allows unlimited use of the city’s bus network.

Porto’s historic trams have evolved into a beloved tourist attraction, offering a charming way to explore the city.

The Funicular dos Guindais, or Guindais Funicular, is a unique and scenic way to travel between different parts of Porto, combining elegance with practicality.

Catering options

Your KA1 grant budget covers accommodation, including meals. Many course venues are equipped with school restaurants where you can enjoy nutritious school lunches. If you prefer, you are welcome to bring your own lunch to the venue, and we’ll ensure you have a comfortable space to enjoy it. Vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-free meal options are widely available in most schools, catering to diverse dietary needs.

Each course includes relaxing coffee breaks and tea sessions, offering opportunities to recharge and connect. We also encourage you to bring something from your culture to share, making these moments a delightful cultural exchange experience.