World Heritage-listed Porto is the gateway to a journey of natural and cultural diversity through the region. Port wine is exported all over the world from here, but it is also known for the ancient churches and monasteries that dot the landscape, such as the Cathedral and the Church of São Francisco, and modern buildings, such as Casa da Música and the Serralves Museum. It has also produced Pritzker-winning architects like Eduardo Souto de Moura and Álvaro Siza Vieira. Fly direct year round with easyJet.
Cycling along the Tâmega
The old Tâmega branch train line provided a scenic approach to Amarante in days gone by, with rattling wooden carriages meandering up a single track. The track, which was long discontinued, now has a new lease of life as Ecopista da Linha do Tâmega, a "green route" that links Amarante to Chapa, over 9km away. Hiking and biking along the river valley, through pine and eucalyptus, over occasional bridges, makes for a delightful day out, at the moment only 22 kilometers from Amarante and 40 kilometers from Arco de Bahlhe.