5 Most Romantic Places in Europe for a Valentine’s Day Getaway

Planning a trip for two on Valentine’s Day? There are certainly a lot of lovers’ destinations in the beautiful countries of Europe. Find hotspots with great views, oceans perfect for long walks on the beach, and so much more. Take your loved one on a getaway they will never forget. Check out the 5 most romantic places in Europe to visit for this special occasion.

 

Valentine Travels: 5 Most Romantic Places in Europe 

 

1. Santorini, Greece

Source: Wikimedia Commons

The city of Santorini sits atop a mountain overlooking a scenic view of the ocean. It is most known for its beautiful Greek architecture: dome-structured buildings painted all in white and blue. This is the romantic destination of choice for weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries, and more.

2. Barcelona, Spain 

Source: flickr.com

Barcelona is one of the most beautiful cities to take a stroll through and feel the romantic culture. This city is filled with tall and picturesque art structures, good food, and stunning architecture. Go on the romantic Las Golondrinas boat tour. Try biking around the city. And if you’re up for it, attend a cooking class with your loved one. That way, you get to bring home a piece of the journey with you. 

3. The Calanques, France

Source: Wikimedia Commons

You could go fly to Paris for Valentine’s Day, but that’s too common of a place. If you’re set on going to France, then why not explore the other parts? The Calanques in Provence, France, is a mesmerizing natural wonder. This hotspot is a series of cliffs and bays where couples can unwind in the sun. It is a designated National Park perfect for a dip out on open waters.

4. Verona, Italy

Source: flickr.com

Verona, Italy is the home of Romeo and Juliet, one of the most romantic love stories across all generations. You can wander all day in this city, admiring its old-town charm. There are plenty of Basilicas, tower structures, and shops you can go through together. Check out Arena di Verona, a  very well preserved colosseum. It is a definite sight to see. 

5. Porto, Portugal

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Looking for intimate shared activities to do? You will find plenty in the coastal city of Porto, Portugal. The must-try activity is wine tasting. There are several wine cellars where you can schedule one with many other couples. Do other romantic activities like joining arts and craft classes, cooking classes, and strolling across the shoreline. And don’t forget to try the Tapas in any restaurant who has it on the menu. 

Wherever you choose to spend your Valentine’s Day is a special place to be. As long as you continue to celebrate the love you’ve built, you to can go places far and wide. 

ALSO READ: Quick Facts About ETIAS Countries in Europe you can Visit in 2021

These destinations will soon be part of the ETIAS visa waiver scheme, which will be implemented by 2021. Etiasvisaschengen.com is a visa assistance travel agency that uses its platform to keep you updated on the latest news of the ETIAS scheme. Contact Us to help you with your visa assistance needs to European countries. 

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The ETIAS Profile: 4 Non-Schengen Countries That Allow ETIAS Visa Waivers

The European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS for short, is a visa waiver that allows entrance to 26 countries across Europe. While this authorization will still grant access to European countries that are part of the Schengen agreement, there are a few countries that will be added to the ETIAS scheme by 2021. 

The Schengen agreement was made so that nationals of these countries could cross borders for the trading of goods or migrating from their country to another without the hassle. It is important to note that not all EU members are part of this agreement, and not all Schengen countries are part of the EU. 

So before heading on that cross country trip through Europe by 2021, you have to know which borders you’re allowed to cross with this visa waiver. Here are the 4 non-Schengen areas that the ETIAS visa waiver covers.

 

The 4 Non-Schengen Countries that Will Be Part of the ETIAS Scheme

 

1. Croatia

Croatia is located in central Europe on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The nearest ETIAS countries around it are Hungary, which is in the northeast, and Montenegro to its southeast. Croatia is on its way to officially be part of the Schengen agreement, meeting all technical conditions to join these areas. 

With its scenic ocean views and beautiful historical sites, this country may be familiar to fans of the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, where the country’s capital and surrounding cities were used as one of its main settings, King’s Landing.   

Quick Facts

• Capital: Zagreb
• Official Language: Croatian
• Currency‎: Kuna (HKR)

Places to See in Croatia

• Diocletian’s Palace, Split
• Rector’s Palace, Dubrovnik
• Plitvice Lakes, Zagreb

2. Romania

Romania is located near east-central Europe, with Hungary being the nearest Schengen country to it. It is a sovereign state and part of the European Union. And while it still isn’t part of the Schengen agreement, it is set to become a member, thus the ETIAS scheme.

This destination is less known to international tourists and is mostly visited by other European citizens. Interested travelers would know this as the country famous for the tales of Dracula, with Transylvania being part of its many regions. Bran Castle, situated atop a cliff, is most associated with this legend.

Quick Facts

• Capital: Bucharest
• Official Language: Romanian
• Currency‎: Romanian leu

Places to See in Romania

• Bran Castle, Transylvania
• Clock Tower, Sighișoara
• Corvin Castle, Hunedoara

3. Bulgaria

Located in Southeast Europe, Bulgaria has one neighboring Schengen country: Greece. It is also close to Romania, which is north to this country. Joining the EU in 2007, Bulgaria is expected to be part of the Schengen agreement soon.

This Balkan nation is a melting pot of cultures with Greek, Ottoman, Slavic, and Persian influences around the country. Bulgaria is also known for being the Land of Roses, with the town of Kazanlak producing 85 percent of the world’s rose oil. It is also very diverse in mountains and terrains.

Quick Facts

• Capital: Sofia
• Official Language: Bulgarian
• Currency‎: Bulgarian lev

Places to See in Bulgaria

• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia
• Seven Rila Lakes, Rila Mountains
• Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak

4. Cyprus 

Being the third largest Mediterranean island, Cyprus lies 480 miles southeast of mainland Greece. This island had recently become a member of the EU in 2004, and will soon follow the Schengen Agreement by the time ETIAS is fully implemented.

Cyprus rarely meets other weather conditions other than sunny, shining an estimated 300 days per year. This makes it an ideal beach destination in the summer.

Quick Facts

• Capital: Nicosia
• Official Language: Greek, Turkish
• Currency‎: Euro

Places to See in Cyprus

• Tombs of the Kings, Chloraka
• Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa
• Cape Greco, Ayia Napa

 

Because these countries opt to be part of the ETIAS scheme, they will all soon be part of the Schengen agreement. So by 2021, you can very well put these 4 countries in your itinerary. The ETIAS countries will comprise of 26 countries, all of which you can visit for 90 days. 

ALSO READ: EU Schengen – Complete Information and New Policy Updates

With ETIAS soon to be implemented for visa-exempt countries to improve European borders, there will be some extra steps taken to travel across Europe. Etiasvisaschengen.com is a visa assistance service that makes European travels simpler by taking care of all your document requirements needed to travel to the ETIAS-approved countries. Contact Us now and let us assist you with your trip.

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Quick Facts About the ETIAS Countries in Europe that You Can Visit in 2021

If you’re planning a trip to Europe anytime soon, then you’ve probably heard that by 2021, there will be a new visa waiver for you to apply for. The European Travel Information and Authorization System or ETIAS is an authorization that grants entry for visa-exempt nationals in Schengen countries for a period of 90 days. So instead of visiting one country, you can visit different countries all on one trip with this visa waiver. But hold on. Not all countries are part of the Schengen area, which means this waiver isn’t necessarily an all-access pass to the entirety of Europe. 

Before you start picking what sites to see, you need to know the countries covered by ETIAS to know where you’re allowed entry. Here is a list of ETIAS-covered countries and a couple of facts about the places you could visit.

 

ETIAS Map: A Quick Tour through the European Countries to Visit in 2021

 

22 European Union Schengen Countries

There are currently 22 EU countries that are part of the ETIAS-required countries, all of which are most frequently visited by tourists. Here is a quick look into these countries and the region of Europe that you can find them in.

Northern Europe

• Countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden
• Diverse in nature, climate, and vegetation, Northern Europe generally has a high quality of living. 
• Low population densities, urbanization is booming

Unique Places to Check Out

• • Malmo, Sweden
    • A city with a mix of old and new 
    • Filled with cafes, fashionable bars, and Dutch Renaissance buildings
  • Faroe Islands, Denmark
    • Volcanic islands part of Denmark connected by road tunnels, bridges, and causeways, 40 percent of the population is a self-governing territory.
    • Ideal for hiking and birdwatching
  • Lapland, Finland
    • A snowy region that is known for skiing and the infamous Ice Hotel
    • Perfect place to catch a glimpse of the Northern lights

Southern Europe

• Countries:  Italy, Greece, Malta, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia
• Also known as Mediterranean Europe 
• The Romance languages are spoken here–Italian, Spanish, and Greek being the most widely used

Most Popular Places to Visit

• • Barcelona, Spain
    • The second-largest city in Spain known for its charm and rich culture
    • Features stunning architecture and several historical attractions 
  • Rome, Italy
    • One of the most visited places in Europe by tourists
    • Full of history with the Roman Colosseum standing as a UNESCO Heritage
  • Santorini, Greece
    • A volcano island more than 120 miles away from mainland Greece
    • Known for its amazing views and has become a popular destination wedding venue of choice. 

Eastern Europe

• Countries:  Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia
• This is a part of Europe that is very diverse in cultures, languages, and ethnicities and rich in history.

Popular Destinations of the Region

• • Prague, Czech Republic
    • A picturesque city shrouded in mystery, dark history, and breathtaking architecture
    • The Prague castle is a famous destination for tourists year-round
  • Budapest, Hungary
    • The capital city of Hungary known for its commercial and cultural charm
    • Thermal baths and nightclubs (optional) are a must-try in the city

Western Europe

• Countries: Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, France
• A region with high living standards, a successful tourist trade, and rich agriculture

Must-See Underrated Destinations 

• • Rugen Island, Germany
    • Island in the Baltic Sea filled with romantic seaside resorts and beautiful beaches
    • Known for the Jasmund National Park, a chalk cliff 528 feet over the sea
  • Annecy, France
    • Also called “Pearl of the French Alps”
    • Skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer
  • Vianden, Luxembourg
    • Home to the Vianden Castle near the River Our
    • The Victor Hugo museum is located here

4 Non-EU Schengen Countries

These 4 countries are not part of the European Union but are included in the countries you can visit with ETIAS.

• Iceland
  • Known as the “Land of Fire and Ice,” this country born from volcanic eruptions is known for its glaciers and majestic nature of both greenery and ice
• Liechtenstein
  • A small country filled with castle tourist spots, mimicking a fairytale-like ambiance   
• Norway
  • Scandinavian Country that is known for its Viking history, interesting historical architecture, and breathtaking landscapes
• Switzerland
  • A mountainous country rich in beautiful natural attractions and peaceful cities and villages 

3 Micro-States part of the Schengen Area

The 3 Micro-states that are de facto part of the Schengen area can be found within some of the European countries above.

• Monaco
  • An independent state in France filled with upscale modern institutions such as casinos and yacht harbors
• San Marino
  • A mountainous state within Italy that is part of the world’s oldest republics, keeping many of its historic sites
• Vatican City
  • This is the Roman Catholic headquarters ran by Rome and home to the Pope

Travel Guide on European Countries that ETIAS Doesn’t Cover

Places that weren’t listed in the ETIAS Countries list above have different requirements to be filled, so make sure you don’t cross their borders on your trip. 

Here is a list of countries you probably know that have different visa requirements.

• United Kingdom
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Ireland
• Romania

 

With the ETIAS soon to be implemented in 2021, it is important to know where you can and cannot go so that you don’t overstep boundaries. It can also help you set up your ideal itinerary of places to visit and sites to see to make the most of your 90-day stay. And if you can’t get the opportunity to see them all in one go, you can always save them for the next trip.

ALSO READ: Places to Visit in France and the Eiffel Tower isn’t One of Them!

If you have some inquiries about ETIAS that you want to be answered directly, then

Etiasvisaschengen.com is an independent platform that can help you understand its fundamentals. This company also provides visa waiver assistance service that can guide you through the process by the time it is implemented in 2021. Contact us directly for inquiries and other visa-related services we offer.

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7 Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve in Europe When Traveling to ETIAS Countries

New Year’s Eve celebrations are on a whole other level when you head to Europe. With people crowding the streets to take part in the community’s NYE traditions, it’s hard not to want to immerse yourself in their festivities.  

Take the chance to spend the end of 2019 this year in a whole new way. Here are 7 of the best places to spend the New Year in ETIAS countries with celebrations like no other.

 

 

7 Best Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe

 

Whether you want to stay up past midnight having some New year fun or want to spend the New Year’s with family, these destinations surely have what you’re looking for.

1. Madeira, Portugal

Watch one of the most spectacular fireworks shows on the isolated island of Madeira. The amazing 10-minute pyrotechnical show shoots from the sea, so you can enjoy the show in a boat or witness it from the bay of Funchal or the hills around it.  

2. Madrid, Spain

Nochevieja, or New Year’s Eve, is a giant and lively event with people flocking to Puerta del Sol to watch the countdown, the biggest broadcast event of Spain. The real fun starts after midnight when the pubs open up to locals and tourists looking for some fun.

Try this out: Take part in the fun Spanish NYE tradition to put on lucky red underwear, grab a bottle of cava, and eat 12 grapes of luck that you have to finish at midnight and finish before the bell stops ringing. 

3. Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland can be pretty cold this time of year, which explains why there are the traditional bonfires around the city on New Year’s Eve. These bonfires aren’t your typical campfires. They’re gigantic and there are 10 of them you can check out around the city! 

Try this out: Watch the enamoring fireworks show from Hallgrímskirkja church, which not only provides a good view but is also relatively close to a lot of bars for a post-new-year celebration.

4. Vienna, Austria

Vienna celebrates the new year in one of the most classy and elegant ways, hosting extravagant gala dinners and grand balls on NYE. But if you’re looking for a less formal (and free) event, the streets are filled with live music of different genres for you to enjoy.  

5. Dresden, Germany

If you’re planning a fun family New Year’s Eve, then skip Berlin and head on over to Dresden, Germany, where there’s live music in the streets to dance to, warm mugs of glühwein for the adults to enjoy, and piping hot sausages served in Theaterplatz Square. 

Try this out: If you’re traveling with young children, go to the square early to watch the kiddie fireworks display, which they’d surely enjoy.

6. Dubrovnik, Croatia

This destination is less crowded at this time of year compared to the famous NYE cities in Europe. Still, the streets are filled with music from Croatian musicians and a taste of great food and wine.

Try this out: Oysters and sparkling wine are on the menu for a Croatian New Year’s celebration, so save some room for this before midnight comes.  

7. Tornio, Finland and Haparanda, Sweden

Experience New Year’s twice in a row by counting down the first NYE in Tornio then crossing the Torne River Railway Bridge to Haparanda to do it all over again! These two countries have slightly different time zones, which makes for a double midnight celebration.

 

What to Expect in a European New Year’s 

 

Different places in Europe have so much to offer. Here is a glimpse of what you could experience this NYE celebration.

Amazing Fireworks Displays

The pyrotechnics in Europe are absolutely insane, filling the night skies with bright colors and impressive forms and movements. When it comes to fireworks, these European countries never fail to put on a really good show.  

Heartfelt Entertainment

The communities in most European countries love to come together with singing and dancing parading in public spaces. You would see the passion that people have for the performing arts just by heading out on the streets. 

Mouth Watering Food

The best European eats come out at New Year’s Eve, which you wouldn’t want to miss out on even if you’d skip the alcohol. But for the love of NYE, try not to miss out on European’s finest alcoholic drinks.

Fun and Inviting Locals

People know how to throw an awesome NYE party in these European countries. There’s never a dull moment here when the clock strikes midnight, so don’t miss out on the celebrations.

Traveling to any European country this year will be something worth your time, no matter where you choose to celebrate it. Just make sure to start off the year right by welcoming it with the right people and the right mindset to prepare yourself for the next decade ahead.

 

ALSO READ: What do I need to Do to Travel to Europe with my Pet?

 

This new year brings things closer to 2021, the year when the European Travel Information and Authorization System or ETIAS will come into effect for non-Schengen visa-exempt countries such as the US. Etiasvisaschengen.com is an independent platform that keeps you updated with the latest information and updates on this visa waiver. We also provide visa assistance on the current travel system to Schengen countries. Contact us now and let us help you get your trip to Europe ready.

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The ETIAS Guide: What You Need to Know About Traveling to the UK After Brexit

Brexit has been quite a heavy subject in British politics, maybe even to the point of interest to other countries as well. With Britain leaving the European Union, a lot of people wonder if it would affect travel to the UK post-Brexit. If that’s an area of concern right now, you would be glad to know that there may be not much that will be different as of now.

This, of course, all depends on the reason for your travel to Britain. Some things have changed in the new system and others have and will probably remain the same. Here is a quick guide on Brexit and what it means for your UK travel plans.

 

A Guide through Traveling to the UK After Brexit

 

Brief Brexit Background 

If you aren’t really sure how Brexit could complicate some travel plans to the UK, then you have to know just the basics of what it is. 

Brexit comes from the two terms “Britain” and “Exit,” which technically explains it all. The back story is that Britain was part of the European Union, or EU, for the longest time until they made the close split decision vote to leave with a 52 percent majority vote. Brexit was originally scheduled to happen last March 29, 2019, but was extended with a new deadline of January 31, 2020. 

Leaving the EU could spell out a lot of changes for UK citizens. It ultimately affects their trading system, which means they will no longer be tariff-free when dealing with EU members. This increases the price of commodities such as food, of which one-third of the supply of the country is imported from EU countries. It could also affect their currency negatively, though much of this is still not certain or can only be proven when the time comes.

 

The Good, the Neutral, and the Unknown: Post-Brexit Effects for Travelers

 

The Good

As of this writing, Brexit claims that it won’t affect travel to the UK as far as vacations are concerned. US citizens can still enter Britain for the holiday seasons and the application process remains the same. If you are a US passport holder, you won’t need a visa for any purpose that you’re there unless you plan to work or study there for the long term. If you’re coming in from the US but aren’t a US passport holder, then you would need a visa. Tourist visas are still granted upon entry and are valid for a six-month stay. 

Pet travels will also still be allowed when you board a plane to the UK. As long as the necessary requirements are filled, then your animal friend would be allowed entry.

The Neutral

As for your travel budget is concerned, the conversion from dollars to pounds is said not to change drastically. You may get just a little bit more squeezed from your dollars compared to 2016, but don’t expect it to bump up your travel budget. 

The Unknown

There are still a couple of things that people are uncertain about in regards to Brexit moving forward. It is not certain what steps EU citizens have to take to visit the UK. 

In fact, little is know if the EU citizens who have settled in Britain have to go back to their countries or if their jobs secure them a place in the UK. This was one of the concerns of many opposing the leave. 

 

ETIAS “Vis-a-Visa” Brexit 

 

Brexit has relatively no direct effect on the implementation of ETIAS. The United Kingdom has never been part of the Schengen agreement, which means it wouldn’t need this requirement.

US citizens who want to both visit the UK and Schengen area have to go through different processes for entry in these places. So if you were planning for a cross-country trip around Europe that had both Schengen areas and the UK in your itinerary in 2021, you’d have to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver online to go to ETIAS countries. 

If you are part of the countries that require UK visas, note that this visa won’t be the same as a Schengen visa.   

Other reasons for travel such as for work and for study longterm do require visas. For these special cases, you may contact the employer/school or embassy to know how it works. It is still not certain if Brexit will directly affect employment or study grants.  

Brexit will take a toll on a lot of different aspects in the UK’s system of government, though there’s no real telltale sign of how it will turn out for travelers. At most, there is some speculation that flights may jack up in price. Of course, things can always change after its implementation, which is set to happen very soon.

ALSO READ: Dual Citizenship

Planning a European vacation by the year 2021? As said earlier, the European Travel Information and Authorization System or ETIAS will come into effect by this time. But until then, entry to Schengen countries for US passport holders remain visa-free. But for non-US passport holders, Schengen visas are still required to go on these trips. 

Etiasvisachengen.com is a visa assistance service that can take care of your travel documents to Europe for you so you can go on your trip hassle-free. And when the implementation of ETIAS comes, part of the company’s service is to assist US nationals in the process as well. Contact us to get started.

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How ETIAS Visa Waivers Make Traveling to Europe Easier for Americans

The European Travel Information and Authorization System or ETIAS may sound like it’s going to be an extra step that requires a lot of work. Well, it really isn’t at all. In fact, the process of acquiring this authorization form won’t take more than a few minutes and some extra bucks. But because of the lack of emphasis on this information, many U.S. Citizens have confused it with a new form of visa they have to apply for from 2021 onwards. 

A survey shows that almost half of Americans think it is a visa. Close to a quarter percent of the participants don’t know what it is at all. Get the facts straight by checking out this quick overview of how ETIAS will work for U.S. citizens.

 

How the ETIAS VISA Waivers Work for U.S. Passport Holders

 

First of All, It’s Not a Visa 

ETIAS is a visa waiver, which is completely different from a visa to Europe. It is similar to America’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization or ESTA for short, which is a waiver other visa-exempt countries have to apply to enter the U.S. 

Young American citizens under the age of 18 and senior citizens over the age of 70 would still have to apply for an ETIAS, though they would be exempted from paying the fee. The ETIAS is valid for 3 years until renewal.

 

Application is Done Online 

It won’t take a lot of work to apply for the ETIAS. In fact, all of it is done online. The application process is straightforward and easy to understand for even the least online savvy person out there. You can also ask for assistance with the application process.  

The application will only ask for some personal information such as your name, health background, travel background, security background, and other standard requirements in order to clear you for entry to Europe. Around 95 percent of applicants can expect automatic approval soon after application.

 

Why ETIAS Makes Travel Simpler 

ETIAS was signed as a solution to strengthen European border security by screening visa-exempt travelers. And in this time of age, security is what countries and travelers alike need the most. 

What you’re basically applying and paying for is the peace of mind when you’re traveling to Schengen countries. With a simple process like this, it can reassure you that when you get on that plane to Europe, everyone there was screened and are by no means a threat to your trip. It also makes security checks much faster, more accurate, and better for both the country you’re visiting and the people with you traveling there. 

ETIAS may be an extra step that you have to take, but with a process so simple it’s almost unjustifiable to complain. It should be respected that these ETIAS countries are kicking their security up a notch for the safety of their people and their tourists alike. So don’t hesitate to plan a trip to Europe on or after 2021. Europe couldn’t possibly be less of a beautiful destination for travel by then.  

ALSO READ: EU Schengen-Complete Information and New Policy Updates

While 2021 will take some time to come along, there is still more about the ETIAS visa waiver that you can learn about and how it works. Etiasvisaschengen.com is a platform that can update you with the news about ETIAS and even help you out with the process by the time it comes. But as of now, this company can help you with the current travel system to Europe by professionally completing all the required documents and passing them on for you with no hassle. Contact us now to get started.

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Everything you need to know about Oporto, the Portuguese city of wine

Oporto is a Portuguese city that started out as nothing more than a small settlement on the shores of the River Duoro. Due to its geographical position, during the period when the Romans governed the city, it was a strategic point of the trade route between Braga and Lisbon. The city’s original name was Portus Cale and this is where the country got its name.

Oporto is marked by an exciting history and traditions dating back to when the city was founded, around the 1^st century B.C. Since so many people are interested in experiencing the charms of this magnificent place, it is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

If you would like to go on holiday to Oporto, this article will tell you everything you need to know about this wonderful city.

Portugal’s second capital:

Oporto is considered to be Portugal’s second capital city and, it is also the second biggest in terms of the number of inhabitants and size, after Lisbon, with which it has always competed for economic power.

Since it is the main commercial centre in this region of the country, Oporto is known as the Capital of the North. It is also a highly industrialised area, and the headquarters of many of Portugal’s most important business groups are located there.

The main offices of the main Portuguese newspaper groups are also located in Oporto, including the largest national daily, Jornal de Notícias.

The Portuguese city of wine:

The history of wine in Portugal goes back centuries. It is said that the Romans, who ruled the country for 500 years, grew vines and produced wine on the banks of the River Duoro, where the city of Oporto is now located.

The area’s wine gained its international reputation during the commercial boom between England and Portugal, in the second half of the 15^th century.

Port wine is classified as one of Europe’s classic wines, offering a great variety of production styles. One of the most distinctive national wines, ¨Vintage Port¨, is always placed among the best wines in the world.

This wine is normally served with cheese after meals, as a digestive, although it can also be served as an aperitif.

The city of bridges:

As I have already mentioned, Oporto is a fascinating city, steeped in history and tradition, although the signs of modernisation are also evident.

Oporto has been christened as the “ City of Bridges”, making it a truly attractive place for visitors wishing to visit to observe the various architectonic styles reflected in their designs.

One worth highlighting is the Don Luis I Bridge, considered to be one the city’s most emblematic sites. Built in 1886, this project was the work of one of Gustave Eiffel’s disciples. It is one of the bridges found along the River Duoro and connects Oporto with the city of Vila Nova de Gaia.

The old quarter:

The city’s old quarter was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. This part of Oporto is home to its most emblematic buildings and is the perfect place to get close to the region’s history.

During your visit to the old quarter, you can see the Palacio de la Bolsa, an important national monument built in the 19^th century that is distinctive due to its exquisite, neoclassical-style architecture.

You can also visit Oporto Cathedral, which is one of the city’s oldest buildings, or the Clérigos Tower, declared a National Monument in 1910.

Other buildings of great heritage value in the old quarter include the Episcopal Palace and the Town Hall.

Traditional dishes:

It goes without saying that such a special place also has a centuries-old culinary culture. The gastronomy of Oporto is also unique in comparison to other cities.

One of the most popular traditional dishes is ¨ Tripas à Moda do Porto¨. This dish consists of tripe and meat fat accompanied by bread or white beans.

Another typical recipe of this region is ¨Bacalhau à Gomes de Sᨠand, although this dish originates in Oporto, it is a popular dish throughout the country. Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá is made with cod, potatoes, eggs, olives, onion and olive oil.

As you can see, all these reasons make Oporto an exciting city to visit, meeting all the requirements to put it at the top of your list of future trips.

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