
Explore Porto & Portugal with Cooltour Oporto
Welcome to Cooltour Oporto's blog – your guide to the heart and soul of Portugal! Embark on an exciting journey through the beauty, culture, and heritage of our country. Discover hidden gems, must-visit landmarks, and off-the-beaten-path experiences recommended by our expert guides. From Porto’s historic center to the Douro Valley, uncover the essence of Portuguese life, including local festivals, ancient tales, and authentic food. Learn insider tips to navigate like a local. All content is prepared with love by Cooltour Oporto, ensuring you experience Porto and Portugal like never before!

Discover Lisbon: What to Visit, Where to Eat and What to Do
Discover Lisbon in its entirety: explore historic neighbourhoods, breathtaking viewpoints and savour the city's typical cuisine. Discover the best restaurants, enjoy Fado experiences and follow 1, 2 or 3-day itineraries. Book exclusive tours with Cooltour Oporto and enjoy excursions to Sintra, Cascais and Ericeira for an unforgettable trip.
August 29, 2025
Posted in:Travel Tips & Transportation, Lisbon,

Discover Northern Portugal: Minho Region, Braga, Guimarães & Vinho Verde
Discover Northern Portugal on a day trip from Porto, exploring the Minho region’s rich history, faith, and traditions. Visit Guimarães, Braga, and charming towns like Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, and Viana do Castelo, or taste authentic wines on a Vinho Verde tour. With Cooltour Oporto, enjoy small-group or private guided experiences that bring the birthplace of Portugal to life.
August 22, 2025
Posted in:Travel Tips & Transportation, Braga, Guimarães, North of Portugal,

Douro Valley from Porto: Which Is Better – Guided Tour or Train?
Discover the best way to explore the Douro Valley from Porto — by scenic train or guided wine tour. This guide compares both options with updated prices, pros and cons, and insider tips, helping you choose the experience that suits your travel style.
August 14, 2025
Posted in:Travel Tips & Transportation, Douro Valley, Porto,

Eco Hotels and Sustainable Stays in Lisbon, Sintra & Ericeira
The Lisbon region is where history meets innovation — and sustainability. From eco-certified city hotels in Lisbon to forest retreats in Sintra and surf-friendly eco-lodges in Ericeira, this area blends urban charm, cultural heritage, and coastal nature with a growing commitment to conscious travel.
August 5, 2025
Posted in:Travel Tips & Transportation, Portugal, Lisbon,

Eco Hotels, Vineyards & Mountain Escapes in Northern Portugal
Northern Portugal is where the country’s deepest roots still thrive — from the green wine traditions of Minho to the rugged beauty of Peneda-Gerês National Park. In this unspoiled region, eco hotels, sustainable vineyards, and off-grid retreats offer travelers an authentic, low-impact way to explore mountains, rivers, and centuries-old villages far from mass tourism.
July 30, 2025
Posted in:Travel Tips & Transportation, North of Portugal, Portugal,

The Best Eco Hotels and Green Wine Estates in the Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is emerging as a model for sustainable tourism, where eco-friendly hotels, boutique wine estates, and nature retreats are deeply connected to the region’s landscape and heritage. From regenerative farming to solar-powered design and organic vineyards, these stays offer conscious travelers a low-impact way to experience the beauty, culture, and wine traditions of Portugal’s most iconic valley.
July 22, 2025
Posted in:Travel Tips & Transportation, Douro Valley, Portugal,

The Ultimate Guide to the 14 Official Wine Regions of Portugal
Although Portugal is small, it offers a remarkable diversity of terroirs, indigenous grape varieties, and winemaking heritage. With landscapes ranging from mountains to sunlit plains and climates influenced by both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, it encompasses 14 officially designated wine regions.
July 4, 2025
Posted in:Food & Wine, Portugal,

Best Places to Stay in Porto and Gaia
Tourism plays a key role in Portugal’s economy, with a thriving hotel industry and a steady influx of international visitors fueling growth. This guide highlights top accommodation options in Porto—from luxury hotels to charming apartments—to help travelers enjoy their stay to the fullest.
June 17, 2025
Posted in:Travel Tips & Transportation, Porto,

Rabelo Boats Regatta: A Tradition of Port Wine and River Heritage
Every year on June 24th, the city of Porto hosts the Rabelo Boats Regatta, a unique event that honors the heritage of Port wine and the iconic vessels that once transported it along the Douro River. This lively competition, organized since 1983 by the Port Wine Brotherhood, draws crowds to the riverbanks from near Cabedelo to the Luís I Bridge, offering a vivid spectacle as traditional rabelo boats race along the Douro River through the heart of Porto.
June 14, 2025
Posted in:Events & Festivals, Porto,

Saint Peter Festivals: Living Traditions of Portuguese Culture
In Portugal, the month of June is filled with vibrant and traditional Popular Saints Festivals, deeply rooted in national culture and originating from ancient summer solstice rituals. These festivities, rich in symbolism and devotion, honor three beloved Catholic saints: Saint Anthony (June 13), Saint John (June 24),Saint Peter (June 29).
June 13, 2025
Posted in:Events & Festivals, Portugal,