Leixoes (Porto)

S/V Goldcrest
David & Lindsay Inwood
Wed 15 Jul 2009 13:50

We arrived in Leixoes yesterday, it’s the nearest harbour to Porto, and pleasanter than the information suggested. This part of the coast seems like one long beach and gives you plenty of opportunities to watch the sunset over the Atlantic from a beachside bar.  An excellent and cheap Metro whizzes you into the centre of Porto in about half an hour for only €2.90.  Porto is an education – a World Heritage site, presumably for its faded charm (personally I thing just faded would describe it better).  The maze of late 19th century alleys tower over you, with many buildings threatening to fall down.  However the river frontage is spectacular.  I was here on a school cruise ~43 yrs ago, and remember this bridge quite clearly (but confused it with one further upstream designed by Eiffel).  We had a great visit to Taylor’s Port cellars, a long walk away from the others, but worth every step.  The tour was fascinating and the free tastings delicious of course.  And then one of the great things about this cruising life is that you can return to your own home at the end of a strenuous day’s sightseeing and make a cup of tea!!