The town:

Porto was elected by the European citizens the Best European Destination 2012, Best European Destination 2014  and Best Destination 2017 and won the title ahead of 19 big European cities.

Porto is the second largest city in the country and the economic and industrial centre in the north of Portugal, the west coast country of Europe. More than a giant museum where a structured inheritance is concentrated, Porto offers the discovery of a magnificent repository of scenic, urban, architectural and artistic values where references to a city with memory persist.

The Douro River is the longest in northern Portugal. It winds its sinuous way past mountains and cliffs until it reaches the Atlantic in the city of Porto. Many dams have been built to make the river navigable, which for the visitor means that plenty of pleasure and cruise boats depart from Porto to the Douro region. Between Mesão Frio and Pinhão lies the stretch where the valley sides are lined with terraced vineyards that produce the famous Porto Wine. But this region is famous for other things besides the wine that is made nowhere else in the world. Signs of prehistoric men are seen in the ancient cave paintings in Vila Nova de Foz Coa.

The Porto City Holidays are held during the month of June and culminate on the night of the 23th June, S. John's evening. The S. John Feasts make up one of the most important Portuguese popular culture expressions. On the evening of the 23th June the whole city goes to the downtown area until the early morning, walking along the decorated streets, hitting each other on the head with small plastic hammers or with the famous leeks. Besides the various other festivities that are held throughout the city in the different neighbourhoods there is also the student's feast: the End of the Year Celebrations in May.

Tips to visit Porto and surroundings

• www.portoturismo.pt
• oportocool.wordpress.com

ESN Porto

The Exchange Students Network of Porto will be a great help during your stay in our city. Make you member that will give you access to exclusive discounts in trips, bars, restaurants and many others for only 15.00 EUR per year.