03-05-2025
I visited Porto – the city in the hills with delicious wine, mouthwatering food and so much more
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IT'S easy to be a glass half full person when wine is involved.
And, luckily for me, there were plenty of reasons to be optimistic on my first trip to Porto.
I had heard great things about the city from friends, but my experience up until now had started and finished with watching their football team.
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The Yeatman was a spectacular hotel nestled in the hills
Credit: Yeatman Hotel
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The rooms were comfortable, spacious and modern
Credit: Yeatman Hotel
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Stephen was gobsmacked when he arrived at the hotel
Credit: Yeatman Hotel
When I arrived, late afternoon temperatures had soared to 26°C, which apparently was unseasonably warm for early April, so things were off to a good start.
After a short journey from the airport, where my friendly taxi driver told me my hotel was the best in the city, I arrived at The Yeatman.
It's nestled on the hills in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto itself, surrounded by world-famous port cellars like Taylor's and Fonseca.
As soon as I stepped into the lobby, it was easy to see why my driver had given it his seal of approval.
It's hard not to be over-awed when you are surrounded by opulent marble, a grand staircase, and a statue of the Roman God of wine Bacchus — of course!
The Yeatman opened in 2010, with more than 100 rooms, and markets itself as one of Europe's prime destinations for wine lovers — an ideal spot for me, then.
And my room didn't disappoint either. It was spacious and luxurious with its own terrace overlooking the stunning infinity pool, with a view across the Douro River.
The decor was a nod to Portugal's history and the local area's wine and port heritage. The bathroom had a huge tub which I could have happily sank into for hours, and a spacious shower for a quick refresh after a day in the sun.
And the vast and comfortable bed was the perfect spot to sink into after a day of sightseeing.
Holiday heaven for kids (and you!) just two hours away
The Yeatman even has its own cellar with a vast collection of wines from local vineyards, and those further afield, which is open to hotel guests and the public.
And there was also a shop that sold wine and port as well as locally-produced chocolate and other souvenirs.
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The infinity pool at the Yeatman was perfect for an early-morning swim
Credit: Supplied
The hotel has two incredible restaurants — The Orangerie and the Gastronomic, with an impressive two Michelin Stars.
I was lucky enough to have a meal in the Orangerie on my first night, where I enjoyed a tasting menu with various wines for accompaniment.
From succulent seafood to mouthwatering pheasant — it was the perfect way to begin my trip. It was also where the hotel serves a wide range of continental breakfasts in the morning as well as more British-style options.
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The World of Wine offered a wide range of experiences
Credit: Alamy
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The WOW Easter bunny was lit up at night
Credit: Supplied
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The Wine Experience is an interactive museum
Credit: Adele Bilotta - PR Supplied
The hotel is linked to the World of Wine (WOW) cultural district, just a short walk away. It has echoes of a traditional European town square with incredible restaurants, contrasting with the modernity of the WOW complex of museums and attractions surrounding it.
When I visited the Wine Experience I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, having endured some dull museums on this subject on childhood holidays to France.
But I was pleasantly surprised to find a modern, interactive tour where you can guide yourself, not unlike the Guinness Brewery in Dublin.
GO: PORTO
GETTING THERE: EasyJet fly from Glasgow to Porto up to twice a week through the summer, from £26.99pp one-way. See
STAYING THERE: For the best prices at the 5H The Yeatman, see MORE INFO: For more on visiting WOW, the cultural district in Gaia, see
Across the way is Planet Cork — again, the idea of a museum about cork wasn't one that got my adrenaline pumping.
But I was surprised to find dozens of schoolchildren on trips when I arrived, and once I got in I could see why.
Every exhibit had some sort of interactive element, with great attention to detail and plenty to keep kids occupied.
When I delved further into WOW, I discovered there was also the Chocolate Story and Planet Pink, which celebrated the region's rosé wine. Double yum!
The Art of Drinking had an amazing collection of drinking-related artefacts dating back to the ancient world
Down the hill was the Wine School, where professional qualifications can be gained, while the public can book tastings.
I opted for the tasting with specialist Diego quizzing me on what types I preferred before then offering me two reds and a white to try. He gave simple explanations of each, where it was from and an idea of what to expect from its taste.
Needless to say each was delicious and I made sure to take a picture of each label for future reference. Of course a major part of WOW's pull is the number of restaurants it has to offer — and I did my best to try as many as possible.
There's a full spectrum of cuisine on offer — Golden Catch and T&C were absolute musts for seafood lovers.
1828 is a Portuguese civil war-themed restaurant which perhaps rather modestly is described as a steak house, but offered an incredible tasting menu that would have cost double the price back home.
Pip offered a more casual dining experience and an incredible view of across the river from its roof terrace.
A short walk across the bridge took me to Porto itself, and in contrast to the sedate surrounds of Gaia, it was buzzing with activity.
Locals and tourists sat down by the river enjoying the sunshine and a cold beer, where I soon joined them.
The city is easy to get around, most places are walkable though it is quite hilly so there's also the efficient metro option.
The towering Porto Cathedral is one locals had recommended as a must-see.
After climbing a number of staircases I reached the top of the Torre dos Clerigos landmark and the view did not disappoint with its panoramas of the city.
I even spotted my hotel in the distance alongside the giant rainbow coloured WOW rabbit in celebration of Easter.
The great thing about Porto is you're never far from a cafe or bar where you can sit and people-watch, and that's how I spent my last hour or two there, before it was time to make my way back to the hotel and I decided to walk along the upper deck of the Louis I bridge to do it.
Unlike the lower deck, there are only trams and pedestrians allowed on this level — meaning you can walk across the middle when it's clear.
I took my time wandering along and crossing from one side to another to drink in the amazing views down the river which sparkled in the late afternoon sun.
For what seemed like a compact place, I felt by the end that I'd barely scratched the surface.
But I didn't leave with a feeling of disappointment — more anticipation of the next time I can visit — and I'll definitely be going back soon. Told you I was a glass half full type of guy!
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1828 was one of the culinary highlights of the trip
Credit: Adele Bilotta - PR Supplied
