The destiny of Gaia city is inextricably linked to the great region of Porto in Northern Portugal, where it is in fact located. With over 300.000 inhabitants, the municipality is the most populous in this part of Portugal. Today we suggest a day trip to Vila Nova de Gaia.
Stretching on the opposite side of the Douro River from Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia (or simply said, Gaia) is most known for its cellars (popularly called “caves”) where the notorious Port wine is preserved and put to age.
The most visited part of town is the breathtaking promenade by the river, where colorful boats line up to offer the greatest scenic opportunities for picture-takers. The Port warehouses, some of which have been in town since the 18th century, can be visited and there are wine tastings organized every day.
In summer, Porto and Gaia become very crowded, but as you delve deeper into the heart of the town, you can escape the heat and the crush of people and enjoy the authentic atmosphere of the place.
Apart from wine tasting, there are travel options to explore and dozens of tourist attractions. To name just a few:
The Santo Inacio Zoo is just the sunny happy place to take your family, especially if you have kids, to spend an unforgettable day in the open air. And if you are traveling with your special someone, you will find a romantic spot in Jardim do Morro, close to the beautiful Mosteiro do Pilar.
There are three major museums to visit in town: the Estaco Litoral da Aguda (where you can learn about the local marine life and fishing), the open air Museu Pedagogico Luso Brasileiro and the Memorial House Manuel Teixeira-Lopes.
Transport in the Porto region can be provided by Porto taxi, a service that you can book online even prior to your arrival.