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If you are like me and despair at the hordes of tourists who seem to be quite keen to visit the same destinations over and over again, then you will take heart from this news. Recent interest has been piqued by the Portuguese city of Porto. Internet companies that are more usually concerned with only the main tourist traps are opening up, with the likes of Octopus travel lining up to offer great deals on Porto Hotels. In terms of geography, Porto lies on the Douro River just a few miles in from where the river runs into the Atlantic Ocean. It is Portugal''s second city after Lisbon and is surrounded by a number of smaller cities. Taken as a whole, this conurbation is the largest in Portugal, with some 1.9 million inhabitants. Porto''s history goes all the way back to Celtic times, but it was in the Middle Ages that it truly developed into Portugal''s most important trading city. Later on, in the 18th century it forged a historically important link with the UK in order to import the famous wines from the Douro Valley. Production of port wine became big business, and the wine was transported on rabelos (traditional flat bottom boats) down the river to Porto where it was kept in large warehouses by the riverfront in Vila Nova di Gaia, the city opposite Porto on the south side of the river. From there the wine was shipped out to buyers in other European countries and, increasingly, the rest of the world where it has established itself as a favourite of many the globe over. The historic centre was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, and it is indeed a beautiful part of the city. The area down by the Douro River is particularly striking, with the wine cellars by the riverfront on the southern side, plenty of restaurants, bars and hotels on the north side and the iron bridge (Ponte D Lu?s I) connecting the two sides. The city centre is instantly recognizable due to the distinctive coloured tiles, known as azulejos, that adorn many of the facades of the beautiful buildings here. Some of the finest tile murals can be found on the city churches and inside of the main city centre railway station. When it comes down to it Porto satisfies two of the hardest criteria for tourist destinations. It is close enough to be easily accessible and cheap enough to make it affordable for visitors from the UK, but it has not been spoiled by too many people visiting it. It is still relatively unexplored and exotic, which makes it a must see
Article Source: http://www.shortwriteups.com
Sharee Gstohl is an expert in hotels and lodgings. This article was inspired by Octopustravel.com, a great solution whether you are going on a short trip and need to book Porto hotels or need Alicante Hotels.
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