What to do in Porto in summer: our top picks

The warmer months are the perfect time to discover new destinations, so why not the vibrant city of Porto, which comes alive all summer long ? Just a few hours' flight away, Portugal's most beautiful city invites you to experience an unforgettable holiday filled with activities, entertainment, walks, and delicious food. Follow the Porto City Guide all summer long!

Participating in a summer festival

The festival season is in full swing in Porto from July onwards! Immerse yourself in the heart of a vibrant city and experience the rhythm of the Portuguese as they take you on a truly festive journey:

• Primavera Sound to kick off the summer on the 1^st weekend of June, a 3-day festival in the Parque de la Cidade de Porto that brings together international and local artists.
• The Festa de São João takes place the day before Saint John's Day with all kinds of street concerts and impromptu dances washed down with a glass of port.
• The Douro-Porto wine festival in early July allows you to discover the know-how of producers through wine tastings, but also food tastings between 2 concerts and entertainment.
• The MEO Marés Viva festival welcomes internationally renowned stars at the end of July, an opportunity to party in Porto to the sound of your favorite music.

Relaxing on the beach under the summer sun

What a pleasure to plunge your feet into the sand with an unobstructed view of the ocean! In Porto, several beaches invite you to relax during the holidays, offering the opportunity to spend a whole day lounging in complete serenity.

• Salgueiros beach has some rocks if you're looking for some shade in the summer.
• Carneiro beach is ideal for walking and relaxing
• Matosinhos beach is perfect for swimming but also for learning to surf with beautiful waves.

Put on your swimsuits but a word of advice, don't forget the sunscreen!

Enjoy water sports in Porto

With temperatures between 25 and 30°C in summer, the urge to jump into the water is strong when you're on holiday in Porto! Get ready to experience moments of pure pleasure on the water aboard a canoe or a paddleboard on the Douro River, while Matosinhos Beach is perfect for surfing the waves or practicing paddleboarding on the salt water.

Take a cruise on the Douro River

Embark on a rabelo, a traditional flat-bottomed boat similar to a barge, once used to transport wine on the Douro River, and let yourself be guided on an unforgettable tour of Porto. This 1.5-hour excursion offers a unique perspective of the city, allowing you to glide across the water under Porto's six bridges and glimpse the terraced vineyards.

Wander through the markets to sample the local specialties.

The city of Porto is dotted with small markets, often open all day, perfect for strolling through the stalls and stocking up on fresh produce. Fish, seafood, cheeses, cured meats, Portuguese pastries, and of course, port wine—there's something for everyone. Take the time to chat with the locals or enjoy a drink on a terrace to soak up the markets' friendly atmosphere. In the summer, some of them host concerts, like the Foz do Douro market.

Visit the old town of Porto

The historic center is a must-see with its pretty medieval houses, cobbled streets and magnificent monuments such as:

• The Stock Exchange Palace ;
• The Cathedral of Sé ;
• The Clerigos Tower (the tallest in Portugal at 76m high);
• São Bento station and its main hall decorated with magnificent azulejos;
• The Lello bookstore that inspired JK Rowling for the Harry Potter series.

And many others that make Porto a city with a rich cultural heritage, whose city center and historic center are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Discover the beauty of the Douro Valley

A short distance from the city lies one of Portugal's most beautiful regions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its terraced vineyards and sun-drenched grapes used to make Port wine, the Douro Valley offers sublime natural landscapes to admire across its three sub-regions: Baixo Corgo, Alo Corgo, and Douro Superior. Several villages are worth visiting, such as Pinhão and Peso da Régua, as well as Lamego, considered the most impressive in the valley. Consider spending several days in the region to fully appreciate the magic of this extraordinary place, or book a complete cruise that includes village visits, vineyard tours, and Port wine tasting.

Visiting a wine cellar in Porto in the summer

It's hard to escape this quintessential city experience: a port wine tasting. More than just a treat for the taste buds, the cellars invite you to discover the history of this iconic wine during a guided tour where all the secrets of port are revealed. Several cellars are open for tours, with many in Vila Nova de Gaia boasting breathtaking views of the Douro River. Some have a terrace, while others offer a delightful combination of gourmet pleasure and enchantment with tapas to nibble on and a fado concert to immerse yourself in the heart of Portuguese culture.

Fly to Porto this summer, you now have plenty of ideas to enjoy the season!

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