Holidays in Oporto: Located in Portugal’s Northern Provinces, in the estuary of the Douro River, Oporto is best known for its production of the finest port wines available anywhere in the world. However, Oporto is also extremely well-known for its cultural and historical significance, having been declared by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) to be a World Heritage site in 1996.

Oporto is the most industrialized province and is home to the largest industrial park in Portugal. For the more culturally minded traveler, Oporto offers libraries, concert halls, theaters, cinemas, art galleries and numerous bookshops. The architecture in the city is designed by some of the greatest architects of Portugal as well as around the world.

Offering premium Portuguese gastronomy, the city’s signature dish could be Tripas à Moda do Porto (Tripes Porto style), served in most restaurants there, though other favorite cuisine is also offered, for the less courageous. Given their renown for making fine port, this is the preferred dessert wine in the region. Being in the home of Port Wine affords one the opportunity to travel the area, stopping at vineyards along the way to take part in a tasting in their various cellars.

Oporto, built along the banks of the Douro River, offers relaxing river cruises, some offering dinner cruises allowing visitors to watch the town’s lights twinkle as the sun sets. Due to its proximity to the vineyards and its importance for industry, Oporto has been continuously occupied since the 4th Century. Because of its long history, Oporto sports a variety of architecture; Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-Classic- a stroll through the colorful streets will probably net travelers some educational, as well as entertaining, sites and experiences.

Because of its placement on the westernmost edge of Europe, Portugal receives less tourist traffic than its other Mediterranean counterparts do. Its visitors will be blessed with less crowds and lower tariffs on lodging and food. It is for this reason, Cheap holidays in Oporto, and Portugal, should be an alternative to other parts of Europe. Offering sun, sand, Cheap hotels art, music and some of the best tasting food found anywhere; Oporto, Portugal should be on the agenda of anyone wishing to spend a relaxing, cheap vacation in the Mediterranean.