POST-SUMMER blues are no stranger to most people in Ireland, who are likely to get itchy feet once the drizzly autumn sets in. And while staycationing in Galway or Wexford is fun, sometimes a break to Europe is what's needed before winter truly starts. Luckily, the perfect autumn break can be found just two and a half hours from Dublin, in Porto, Portugal.
The coastal city is located in northwest Portugal and has been called "a cheaper Monte Carlo ". It also won Europe's Leading City Break destination award three times in a row, in 2013, 2020, and 2023. Known for its medieval streets and colourful cityscape, the spot is the perfect place to escape for a weekend that won't break the bank.
And Ryanair are offering flights to the sought after destination for just €55 in October. For those who enjoy the sun but can't stand blazing summer heat, Porto in autumn is perfect, with temperatures averaging 21C each day. Porto is Portugal's second largest city and as such has plenty on offer for visitors.
The best place to start is, of course, at the beach, which lines Porto's gold coastline for miles. Lavadores Beach is the ideal place for families to spend the day. The sandy spot has a blue flag award for cleanliness and environmental standards, making it safe and comfortable.
It's a popular spot for walks on the beach or simply relaxing on a towel and soaking up the sun. Praia da Baía is another one of the city's most popular beaches, known for being a surfing hotspot. The beach has soft golden sand and clear water perfect for taking a dip.
Depending on the weather, the beach is home to dramatic waves, making it the perfect place to take surfing lessons. Instructors can be found up and down the beach, offering lessons for all levels. And the area was a former fishing village, meaning seafood reigns supreme.
Pop into a beachfront restaurant and enjoy a locally sourced fish dish and authentic Port wine. The city is famous around the world for its production of Port wine, a sweet red drink that originated in the area. An ideal way to sample the famous drink is to visit a wine cellar and take a tour.
There, you can find out just how Port wine is made, and most tours include a sample tasting at the end. And the wine isn't the only delicious thing to sample in Porto. There are plenty of tasty foods that locals recommend you try while on a visit, starting with sardines.
Porto is home to shops that specialise in sardines and stock only that, and they will tell you that early autumn is the best time to try them. Another must try is Pastéis de nata, a traditional Portuguese pastry made with egg custard, sugar, and cinnamon. Most bakeries will have them on offer, and they taste great with a cup of coffee.
The beauty of Porto is that even the walk from one place to another is beautiful, and taking a stroll through the cobbled streets is a treat all by itself. But for those who really want to appreciate architecture and history , there are some must see places. Livraria Lello is a stunning bookshop that was once the hot spot of Porto's cultural scene.
Thousands of people visit it every year to admire the stained glass ceiling, wood carvings, and fancy bookshelves. The Dom Luis I Bridge is another iconic spot in the city. Built in 1881, it offers a glimpse into the rich history of the city and is a great way to watch the boats go by on the river.
Speaking of, a popular activity in Porto is taking a river cruise along the Douro river, the third longest river on the Iberian Peninsula. Traditional rabelo boats used to carry wine and people from surrounding vineyards into the city. Nowadays, the river is filled with boats that allow visitors a relaxing way to see the gorgeous city from a totally different perspective.
And a pro tip from locals is that you don't have to stay right in the town centre to enjoy Porto. The city is made up of seven neighbourhoods, Ribeira, Baixa, Cedofeita, Bonfim, Foz, Marquês, and Boavista, and any of them are an ideal place to stay..
