Suggestions

Loja das Tábuas – An expression of nature
9 August, 2018 / ,

Have you visited Loja das Tábuas? It produces boards for most kitchen Chefs and markets traditional Portuguese products with national, raw materials and revitalizes them with a contemporary and elegant touch.

Visit it at the Palácio das Artes in Porto and find dozens of different models of cutting boards or tableware that you can customize with a laser engraving. In addition to the Portuguese pine, you will find, for example, oak wood boards, olive wood and various cork products. There you can find other utensils such as benches, wine boxes or national cutlery products.

At the end, take your boards in a reused litter pack to complete an experience that values tradition and past knowledge whilst creating emotions in the present.

Largo de São Domingos, 20
Palácio das Artes
Porto
+351222080067
https://www.lojadastabuas.pt

 

The suggestions of Maria Miguel
20 July, 2018 / , ,

At 17 years of age, Maria Miguel already walked the runway for brands like Saint Laurent, Chanel and Isabel Marant. Her career – which she tries to reconcile with her studies – makes her travel a lot, but Porto is her home.

Her passion for the city is implicit and she recently said in an interview with a Portuguese newspaper: “To me, of all cities, it is the best to live in. It has the sea, the river, has great food”.

Maria Miguel was born in Braga but lived in the Gerês area. When her father went to work in Angola, she accompanied the family and lived for seven years in the African country. She still spent a year in England but now, despite spending a lot of time in Paris, it’s in Porto that her family and friends live and here she comes back whenever she can.

The love of fashion came by chance in the life of this “tomboy”, who liked to play football and to walk in shorts. She was approached several times by representatives of models agencies but it wasn’t until the age of 14 that she decided to give it a go. After winning the L’Agence go to model contest, proposals for work began to emerge. She travelled to London and later to Paris, where she did a casting for Saint Laurent that changed her life. She has already opened two runways for the brand and worked exclusively for the prestigious Parisian brand for a full year. Despite all her success, she continues to not be dazzled by fame, keeping her tastes simple and normal for a young girl of her age.

RESTAURANT

Puro 4050: It has the best tru e pizza in the world! Largo São Domingos, 84 Porto

STROLL

Baixa do Porto:

Not only is it beautiful but you can also get a good workout in as it is full of ups and downs.

GARDEN

Parque da Cidade:

It has really cool football fields!

 

The Guindais elevator
16 July, 2018 / , ,

Today, we have a funicular but at the end of the 19th century an elevator made the route between the Batalha and the Guindais Pier. Inaugurated on June 4, 1891, it suffered, two years later, an accident that forced it to shut down for more than 100 years.

The lift emerged to link the Guindais Pier, where the boats came with food, and the Batalha which, by its central location, was a point of distribution of these products to other parts of the city. The difference between the highest and the lowest point was 75 meters but there were two different slope levels (7% and 47%). The Porto engineer Raul Mesnier made the project and the works began in 1889. The Guindais quarry was dismantled, the lift built and, after several tests, inaugurated in June 1891.

Transportation was made by three cars – one of balance and two main ones, with 5.6 meters of length and capacity for 40 people. In the central part of these cars there were luxury compartments, with rugs, upholstered seats and blinds. The trips were running every five minutes and cost 40 kings, but the huge investment needed to build and maintain the lift has never been offset by revenue. In 1893, an accident – with only material damages – dictated its closure. The current funicular was inaugurated in 2004.

Source: O Tripeiro 7ª série Ano XXII nº 3 March 2003

Douro Marina – Where excellence lies in the quality of service
16 July, 2018 / , ,

Douro Marina, located on a beach street in Afurada on the edge of Vila Nova de Gaia, is a port of great excitement with incredible views, places for walks, restaurants, shops and cafes.

This infrastructure is one of the emblematic works of the MCA Group that was responsible for the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance. With a capacity for 300 boats up to 20 meters, Douro Marina is the largest port north of Lisbon. It has support infrastructures and services with about 2000m2, spread over 3 buildings, whose architecture reflects and interacts with the surrounding riverside landscape, inspired from the Portuguese tradition of shipbuilding.

In addition to the port, the Marina has welcomed in its complex space, leisure events, sports, corporate events, conferences, training and presentations, benefiting from the extraordinary views and logistic conditions, which includes catering and meals.

Douro Marina is a new concept where sports, leisure, tourism, gastronomy and nature combine in a sustainable, innovative and full service concept.

For those who simply want to relax and watch one of the best sunsets in the world the esplanade is the ideal place. Nonetheless, you can also enjoy the 3 restaurants, nautical charters, nautical products shop, sailing academy, SUP gym and kayaks and bike rental, as well as spaces for group or private events.

Since its creation, the MCA Group / Douro Marina aims to achieve recognition in terms of sustainability and preservation of space as an indicative example where the intervention of man adds value and preserves its surrounding nature.

 BLUE FLAG HOLDER 2018 IN THE DOURO MARINA

The national ceremony to raise the first Marina Blue Flag in 2018 took place on June 19. This event took place in the Douro Marina in Vila Nova de Gaia, being the first Marina awarded the Blue Flag in the north of Portugal in the last 9 years.

Eduardo Vitor Rodrigues, Mayor of Vila Nova de Gaia, José Archer, president of the Blue Flag of Europe association and Manuel Couto Alves, president of MCA Group / Douro Marina, presided over the ceremony which also included representatives of public entities and tourism in Northern Portugal.

According to the National Blue Flag jury, the choice of Douro Marina to host the ceremony was recognition of the commitment shown and the work carried out in favour of sustainability. More so, seeing that there weren’t any Blue Flag awards since 2009 in a Marina or Recreational Port in the northern region of the country.

The beaches of Porto
17 May, 2018 / , ,

The sunny days and heat encourage you to go to the beach and in Porto youdo not have to go far to nd a quietplace by the sea to sunbathe, stroll, savour a delicious meal or a cool drink.

Being in a city by the beach is an easy dream to ful-l for those who are in Porto. Visit the nine BlueFlag beaches where you can enjoy the summer without giving up the city life.

PRAIA DO OURIGO

The bathing tradition dates back to the 16th century, when it was said that these waters healed diseases.

PRAIA DO HOMEM DO LEME (HELM MAN BEACH)

It’s ideal for those who have children, since it has two playgrounds. It is a rocky beach, with an area of 374 sq meters. The name comes from the bronze statue, placed on Avenida de Montevideu, which pays homage to theshermen.

PRAIA DO CARNEIRO (RAM BEACH)

It has an extensive beach and has been very popu- lar since the 19th century. Some centuries ago it was a grazing area. A folk tale tells that it was here that one of those sheep strayed from its fold. The image of the sheep was eternalized on top of the Chalé Suíço (a kiosk that still exists today in Rua do Passeio Alegre).

PRAIA DAS PASTORAS (SHEPHERDESS BEACH)

The beach is delimited by two piers, which protects itfrom the wind. It is here that the Douro River ows intothe Atlantic Ocean. It has this name because it was cus- tomary for the shepherdesses to bring their sheep here to graze on the herbs and smell the seaside.

PRAIA DE GONDARÉM

A beach with 115 meters of extension. The name of this beach derives from the Latin and means something like “rest in the battle”. It has a stone wall that is covered because of high tides, making it safer for children.

PRAIA DO MOLHE (QUAY BEACH)

It has an extension of 168 meters and it is named after the coastal structure, similar to a pontoon that advances into the sea and limits the bathing zone. The landscape is embellished by the Pérgola da Foz, a cement balus- trade built in the 1930s that functions as a privileged gazebo over the sea. The staircase and the surrounding area make it one of the most beautiful beaches in Porto.

PRAIA DOS INGLESES (BEACH OF THE ENGLISH)

As the name implies, it was a beach preferred by the British community of Porto. An 86 sq meters sandbank,an area of very smooth slopes and ne sand.

PRAIA DA LUZ

A small beach framed by rocks and a garden area on Avenida do Brasil. When the tide is low you can see two pontoons supporting the baths of the 19th century.

PRAIA CASTELO DO QUEIJO

Located next to Castelo do Queijo. It is a rocky area,much sought after by shermen and people seeking totake advantage of the medicinal properties of rocks.

Photo credits: Marisa Pinheiro

The Pharmacy Museum of Porto – The History of Humanity through Health
19 March, 2018 / ,

It is one of the lesser-known museums in Porto, but the stories it tells begin millions of years ago. Until March objects that have never been exposed will be shown.

Although situated off the usual tourist circuit, this museum exhibits and displays pieces that will arouse the interest of visitors of all ages. Until March 31, and to commemorate the 21 years of this museum, take advantage of the opportunity to visit the exhibition “Global Museum 20 + 1”, with objects that are now being shown for the first time to the public, as are the packaging of the first penicillin taken in  Portugal in 1945.

An iron mask, used in the seventeenth century to treat psychological or moral illnesses, or the backpack of medicines used by mountain climber João Garcia when he climbed the Everest are some of the articles you can see in this exhibition.

The Museum of Pharmacy shows objects used in ancient civilizations and different cultures, such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Incas, the Aztecs, Islam, Africa, Tibet, China or Japan amongst others. A reconstitution of an old Portuguese pharmacy shows the patrimony of the Portuguese pharmacy.

Information:

Rua Engª Ferreira Dias, 728, Porto

Hours: Monday to Friday, from 10 to 18h00 and the last Saturday of each month from 14 to 18h00.

Tickets: Adult € 5.00; Student € 3.50; 65 years and over, € 3.50; 50% for holders of Porto Card

The suggestions of João Espírito Santo
15 February, 2018 / , ,

One of the most famous Portuguese dentists, frequent TV show guest and a with a charitable mission: make people smile and care of their oral health regardless of their economical standing.

In Portugal, he’s mainly known as “Senhor Doutor” (Mr. Doctor) or “Doutor João” (Doctor João), thanks to a television show that offers dental treatment to the less fortunate. Besides his appointments and investigation, he teaches at Portuguese and Spanish schools.

Born in Porto in 1979, João Espírito Santo studied and worked most of his time in the city, where he founded and runs the Medical Art Center clinic. Porto, and mainly Foz, are his base despite having to travel frequently the past few years for academic and business reasons. Here is where he lives and where he has his clinic as well as some of his favorite spots. João Espírito Santo, married and a father of three, enjoys traditional dishes and restaurants, but doesn’t pass up a family stroll along the ocean or close to the Rio Douro.

 

  • Bar 

Casa do Livro (R. da Galeria de Paris, 85 Porto)

Fé Wine & Club (Praça D. Filipa de Lencastre nº1)

  • Restaurant

Cepa Torta

  1. de Gondarém 843, Porto
  • A stroll

The gardens of Serralves

Or a bike ride from Foz to Afurada, crossing by boat and coming back through the ponte D. Luís (D. Luís bridge)

  • Romantic place

Jardins do Museu do Vinho Porto –  Rua de Monchique 94

  • A city secret (a place that is not well known)

Ham rolls at Casa Bacelar (Praça Dom Afonso V, 55, Porto) Hake fillets or Arroz de Cabidela (Cabidela rice) at the Restaurante A Capoeira (Esplanada do Castelo 63, Porto) Capela de Santa Teresinha (Chapel Santa Teresinha)

 

Galeria da Biodiversidade – Centro Ciência Viva
6 February, 2018 / , , , ,

Entirely dedicated to biodiversity, the Galeria da Biodiversidade – Centro Ciência Viva is so much more than a museum. This modern space, which combines science and art, is made to create unforgettable memories.  It hosts the photographic exhibition Photo Ark up until the end of April

The center integrates the Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do Porto (MHNC-UP) (Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto), which along with the Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden) represents one of the hubs connected to the University of Porto.

Located in the legendary Casa Andresen – which inspired the renowned Portuguese poet Sophia de Mello Breyner – the Galeria da Biodiversidade is also surrounded by the Botanical Garden, an equally mandatory stop for science lovers, It is a place where art meets biology and natural history, stimulating interactivity and sensorial experiences. The permanent exhibition integrates 49 very unique narrative modules and installations, organized by 15 main themes that approach several aspects within biological and cultural diversity. From mechanical models to multimedia platforms, there are several ways of bringing together the visitor and the stories told through science, literature and art.

 

 

Photographic Noah’s Ark

Until the 29th April, the Biodiversity Gallery hosts the National Geographic Photo Ark, based on a project from Joel Sartore.  This photographer set a goal 10 years ago: photograph all existing species held in captivity, to create one of the largest archives of biodiversity in the world. This “Photographic Noah’s Ark” is intended to create public awareness towards the conservation of vulnerable animals. The exhibition already pictures over 7000 species and you do not want to miss on seeing its greatest pictures here.

 

Information:

Galeria da Biodiversidade (Gallery of Biodiversity)

Rua do Campo Alegre, n.º 1191, Porto

Schedule: from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm

Regular Ticket: 5€

 

 

 

 

The Porto of Catarina Beirão
15 January, 2018 / , ,

She is 17 years old and the beaches of Porto and Matosinhos are almost a second home for this promising Portuguese surfer and female regional champion in the U-18 category. Her passion for surfing surfaced five years ago and has already led to many national and foreign beaches, but it is in Porto that are some of her favorite places.

The athlete of Porto Surf Club does not hide her passion for the sea and the beaches of Porto, and shares with the readers of Hey Porto some of her suggestions for days well spent in the city.

Bar: Bonaparte, Avenida Brasil

I like the environment. I like it because it is a traditional bar in the area where I have always lived, because there are great “pregos” (pork steaks), and because I go there with family and friends.

 

Restaurant- Picaba – Edifício Transparente – Healthy food, in front of the ocean and the beach where I started to surf. The employees know us and make us feel at home. It has a Surf menu and because, no matter how many times I go there, I never get tired of it.

 

Stroll:  seaside walkwayl from the mouth of the Douro River to the Ribeira – walking for me has to be on the shore with the ripples caressing my feet. I am fortunate to live in a unique area of ​​Porto, almost in front of the sea, where I can take this particular stroll very regularly. A walk that is never the same, because the uniqueness of the sea is what makes us always see it differently. There is an unmistakable scent of the sea, and even on foggy and cold days the “whistle” sound (sound coming from the lighthouse to warn the boats on foggy days) makes this tour unique.

 

Ideal place for surfing: Maceda beach (Ovar, Aveiro)

I love the access through the middle of the forest, dunes and cliffs that constitute the beach. Looks like a dream surf spot!

 

A secret of the city: Jardim das Virtudes (Garden of Virtues) – has been less known … but remains a place with some magic. I remember the first time I went there and realized the wonderful view that this garden has. A view to our river Douro and, at the same time in the middle of Baixa, with the court and the garden of Cordoaria at the back. I have no doubt that whenever someone goes there for the first time they will be surprised to have one of the most beautiful views of our city.


Walking – Chapel of Fradelos
7 November, 2017 / , , , ,

 

“O Porto a penantes” – Penantes is a typical Porto expression that means “walking” – it is a personal project of Joaquim Lino, who likes to walk and photograph some of the corners of the city. He will be sharing with Hey Porto! readers every month some of these tours, leaving suggestions so that those who visit the city can discover secrets that often, not even the people of Porto know.

Recently, in one of these walks through the city, he entered the Chapel of Fradelos, a small late-19th-century church, located at the intersection of Guedes de Azevedo and Sá da Bandeira streets, which is generally off the main tourist routes but deserves to be known. On the main façade and in the interior there are tiles by Jorge Colaço, the same author of the tiles that decorate the Station of St. Benedict and the Church of St. Ildefonso. The stucco ceiling decorated by gold center medallions stands out.

PortoaPenantes