An original stroll along the quays of Porto, beyond the city centre

Have you already explored several neighborhoods of Porto? Does the city hold no secrets for you? We suggest expanding your horizons even further by strolling along the waterfront in the less touristy areas ! Whether by public transport, on foot, by electric scooter, or by bicycle, all you have to do is let yourself be guided! Are you ready?

Go for a walk after the Dom Luís I Bridge on the east side

We recommend a lovely walk to admire the bridges and reach the quays where the Douro River cruises depart. You can then continue on to enjoy the river in its more rural setting!

Start at the Dom Luís I Bridge, on the Vila Nova de Gaia side. Everyone else is heading towards the quays where the Porto houses and the cable car are located, but we're going in the opposite direction! Take Rua de Cabo Simão. It's a charming little cobbled street offering a bucolic stroll with lovely views of the historic center and Bonfim across the river. You'll pass the recently renovated Capela do Senhor de Alem. Continuing along the river (don't go up the street, stay right by the river), you'll reach the pier of the Infante Dom Henrique Bridge. Admire its modern design!

You'll pass the Ponte Dona Maria Pia, which dates back to the 19^th century. It was designed in the same style as the Dom Luís I Bridge. At one point, Rua Cabo Simão narrows, becoming a small path, and continues along the river. Keep going until you reach a small café, and you'll arrive at the dock where the cruise ships depart—larger and wider than the Rabelos. It's a nautical center, and a wooden walkway on stilts continues for a few hundred meters. It's idyllic ! There are few tourists here; you'll see families, fishermen… Continuing on, you'll reach a lovely park, and just beyond it, a river beach: Praia de Areinho.

We turned back at this point, but you can continue this walk to Ponte do Freixo. There is no public transport to continue the walk. You can either do the whole thing on foot or rent bikes to enjoy superb views of the Douro!

Beneath the Ponte do Freixo, another small path of the same style continues (Rua Pedra Salgada), then the Passadicos Encosta do Douro, a fairly long hiking trail of about 4km, pleasant on sunny days! You will be 7km from the Dom Luís I Bridge. You can either return to the city by cutting through the interior or by following the river.

From Vila Nova de Gaia to the Ocean!

Another option, in the opposite direction! We'll start again at the Dom Luís I Bridge. We'll walk towards the tourist quays and then continue along the river. There's a cycle path. You can rent electric scooters (make sure you get a fully charged one!) or better yet: a bicycle! Walking works too; we can come back by bus…

Walk along the Gaia waterfront and continue to the Cais da Gaia. Be aware that there are quite a few cars, but it will be quieter after that. A small footbridge allows you to stay comfortably away from the vehicles. Continue on to the Ponte da Arrábida. You might even see people climbing it!

We continue along Rua da Praia, which leads to the charming Afurada district, a former fishing village. Take a stroll through this picturesque little village. There are good restaurants, cozy cafes, and a delightfully slower pace compared to the center of Porto. Continuing on, we arrive at Douro Marina. This is the marina with its water sports activities. You can rent canoes and stand-up paddleboards, and book surfing lessons.

We rejoin the cycle path and pass the Douro Estuary Nature Reserve. Here, there are birdwatching hides and walkways offering lovely views of the city on one side and the estuary and its birds on the other. Rua do Cabedelo leads you to the beach ! On one side is Cabedelo do Douro beach, and on the other, you begin the coastline that opens onto the ocean. A pleasant seaside promenade allows you to stroll for as long as you like. Beaches alternate with small restaurants and cafes… It's a real holiday atmosphere !

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