Porto: A hidden gem for everyone looking for a hassle-free travel

Travelling is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and to create great memories for life, combined with learning about new cultures and exploring new sites and activities. However, as much as travel is great for creating memories, for many, travel is also about convenience, as travelling should contrast the stress of the daily life. To meet the convenience element, many travellers have started to realise Porto as a destination, as the city offers a hassle-free location. Combining historic charm, rich culture, and world-class gastronomy, this city is worth a visit. The convenience and hassle-free nature of the city will be experienced the second your aeroplane lands on the runway. 

Why Porto’s airport shines in Europe

Out of the best ranked European airports, Porto stands out. Accompanied by airports in Istanbul, Athens, Prague, and Zurich, Porto places itself as the second-best airport in all of Europe. The reason Porto airport is Europe’s second best is due to the airport’s exceptional service. Porto airport more famously called Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) is regarded as a hassle-free experience due to high level of customer service, cleanliness inside the airport, and the traveller-friendly amenities which the airport offers. Based on Google rating, the airport got a baffling 4.4 rating out of 5, based on over 26,000 comments. It was only Istanbul Airport that placed higher, with more than 100,000 comments. 

Efficiency and comfort are the best way to sum up why this airport has made the top of the list. The airport is easy to navigate, offers short waiting times, and the airport is filled up with modern facilities. The overall design of the airport is to minimize stress by offering quick transitions through security, while also boosting of various dining and shopping options and comfortable lounges. In addition to this, the location of the airport is also a plus. The airport has strategic connections to the city, as it is located only 11 kilometres from the city centre. The city and airport are easily connected by metro, bus, and taxi. 

Why Porto is a must-visit destination

As mentioned earlier, the hassle-free nature of your travels will start the second you land in Porto. However, Porto is not just a city worth visiting due to its airport. The city is renowned for its picturesque riverside views, colourful buildings, and its historic architecture. The old town of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and consists of a maze of narrow, cobbled streets telling stories of past centuries. The city also has several medieval landmarks such as the Dom Luís I Bridge and the São Bento railway station, which are all iconic sites to visit. Furthermore, the city is also famous for its port wine, which in itself is a reason to visit this city. 

You can also go to the Ribeira district, which is lined with quaint restaurants and cafés, where you will get stunning views of the Duoro River. From here, you can take a short boat ride and go through the vineyards where the famous port wine of Porto is produced. Another gem worth visiting is the Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. While being in the city, you should also not miss out on the amazing food scene of Porto, which offers traditional Portuguese dishes like bacalhau (salted cod) and modern gourmet dishes. 

Porto is the gateway to northern Portugal

The location of Porto is the perfect gateway to explore the northern Portugal. Porto is the perfect hub for travellers wanting to visit the nearby Douro Valley, which is an area famous for its terraced vineyards and river cruises. You can also visit some nearby historic towns such as Guimarães and Braga. From Porto, there are also travel connections to other European cities, if you are trying to go on a combined trip. Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport has numerous European routes such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam. 

As more and more people are realising the benefits of visiting the gem that is Porto, the city is growing in international appeal, resulting in new flight routes being added constantly. This is making Porto more accessible than ever. 

Why a smooth experience in the airport is important

After reading through this article, one might wonder “Okay, so why this focus on airports?”. But this question takes us back to the beginning of this article: The hassle-free aspect of convenient travel. To really getting the relaxed component into your travels, to outweigh the stressful nature of normal life, convenience should be sought out in all perspectives of your travels. Going through an airport is already a stressful environment, so by planning your travels around the best airports in Europe, you can make this experience better for yourself. 

With long security lines, many people, queues to amenities, and the stressful environment of airports can give many people a bad start on their travels. This is avoidable if you make sure to plan your travels around the best airports in Europe and choose destinations that will bring you the experiences that you are looking for in your travels. 

The editorial unit