Vila Nova de Gaia, colloquially known as Gaia, faces Porto on the opposite bank of the mighty Douro River. Gaia is a separate municipality but intrinsically connected to Porto by the many bridges that span the waters. Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto also share a common history of Port production. Although most visitors will only visit the riverfront, there are many points of interest found within the maze of back streets that clamber up the hill and beyond. The area can be easily reached on foot or by public transport and rewards the visitor with excellent views of Porto's riverside facing Gaia.
TOP ATTRACTIONS OF VILA NOVA DE GAIABeautiful eclectic architecture and landscaped gardens.
A mighty 10th Century fortification dating from pre-christian times.
One of the most iconic and eccentric Portuguese buildings.
Portugal's oldest palace which pre-dates the country itself.
| Teleférico de Gaia cable car
The Cais de Gaia, or riverfront, faces Porto's Ribeira and has spectacular views of the colourful hodge-podge city ascending the opposing hill. Traditional Port boats (Barcos Rabelos) are moored along Gaia's quayside emblazoned with the Port company's logo. Here too you'll find a vast selection of cafés and restaurants, ideal for taking in the breathtaking views and for a bit of people watching.
Recently Cais de Gaia has undergone some tasteful renovation to cater for the increasing number of visitors the riverfront area attracts. To avoid the tour-coach hoards it's best to visit here after lunch and early evening. It is from here most cruise companies operate. Their representatives are not difficult to find. Boat trips range from short excursions to longer-duration cruises up the Douro river.
One great way to get to the Cais de Gaia is to walk along the top tier of the Ponte Luís I bridge from Porto or take the Metro to Jardim do Morro station and descend the hill using the Teleférico de Gaia cable car. Construction on the Teleférico de Gaia began in March 2009. Public operations started two years later in April 2011. It's since become a popular way to enjoy the views over both banks of the river.
25 Oct. - 23 March: 10h00 - 18h00, 24 March - 24 April: 10h00 - 19h00, 26 April - 24 Oct.: 10h00 - 20h00
Adult: €6.00/€9.00 Return, Child: €3.00/€4.50 Return
Teleférico de Gaia, Calçada da Serra 143, 4430-236 Vila Nova de Gaia. Portugal
41º 08' 17.7" N | 08º 36' 34.1 W | +351 223 741 440 |
geral@telef.pt | Website
| Barcos Rabelos (Port Boats)
For centuries goods, barrels of Port wine was carried on these beautiful cargo boats up and down the Douro river. They now enjoy happy retirement moored up on the quayside at Vila Nova de Gaia. First, the railways and then road tankers replaced the tradition of bringing the Port to the cellars by boat. Their form is unique and only found in the Douro area. It's thought to have derived from a Fifth century Suebi design. Flat bottoms with high sterns and bows with long steering oars. They were fashioned to navigate the terrifying rapids of the Douro that existed before the river was first damned in the 1970s.
Capable of transporting an average of 30 - 45 casks of Port it took a crew of twelve brave and strong men to take on the treacherous deed of navigating the then fast-flowing river. The boats can be either rowed, towed or sailed depending on favourable winds. Devine help was also welcomed and the Rabelos were given religious names. At their height, 3000 Rabelo boats navigated down the river. Without the Rabelos and their courageous crews, the port industry would never have been able to flourish. So it seems only right that the Port houses have now joined together to save the Rabelos from extinction. Every year on the 24th of June, St. John's Day, a race of Rabelo boats is held as part of the festivities in Porto.
In a class of its own, Port is a unique fortified wine style hailing from the spectacular terraced vineyards of Portugal's Douro Valley. It has inspired imitations from many of the world's wine regions, but much as with Champagne, none of the competitors can match a top vintage Port from a good producer.
Port is a unique wine style that derives its flavour, strength and sweetness from the process of adding spirit to still-sweet part-fermented grape must. Actually, it would probably be more accurate to say that Port represents two rather different wine styles, depending on whether the wine is primarily aged in bottle or in cask. Most readers will probably be familiar with the sweet, dark, tannic, richly fruited style of Vintage and ruby styles. Less commonly appreciated are the cask-matured Ports known as Tawny or Colheita (these are vintage-dated tawnies), which are typically lighter in colour, with soft, spicy nutty flavours and less overt fruitiness. Both styles are worthwhile.
Right up until 1987 a wine could only be called Port (or Vinho do Porto) if it had been aged here at Vila Nova de Gaia. The EU had a hand in extending the demarcation through the Douro wine region. However, Port wine is Gaia's heritage and some 60 Port lodges still clamber up the steep hill and is a mecca for Oenophiles. About two dozen lodges are open for tours and tastings on weekdays and Saturday.
[ More About Port Lodges ► ] | [ More About Port Wine ► ]
| Sandeman Port cellar
| Convento Corpus Christi
The present convent just off the Cais de Gaia replaces the original church located closer to the river and suffered successive flood damage. Since the construction of the chapel in the 17th century, it has undergone various alterations. The complex's octagonal chapel is outstanding, it's topped by a stone cupola. With a four-sided altar and an upper choir, the ceiling consists of 49 panels festooned with oil paintings. The choir stall dates from the first half of the 17th century and is richly adorned with spirals and masks.
Tuesday - Sunday: 10h00 - 18h00, Monday: CLOSED
Largo de Aljubarrota 13, 4400-012, Santa Marinha, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
41º 08' 12.33" N | 08º 37' 03.34" W | +351 223 773 190
corpuschristi@cm-gaia.pt
Dating from the early 20th century Casa Barbot is a fantastic example of Art Nouveau. It is attributed to the sculptor Alves de Sousa, a native of Gaia, the painter Veloso Salgado and the master craftsman of plaster Baganha. Look out for the lovely periodic motifs found on the tile work grills, plasterwork and glass. This elegant villa comes with a garden, conservatory and a belvedere. Since the 3rd of February 2007, the Casa Barbot has housed the municipality of Gaia's department of culture. The Casa Barbot hosts various cultural events such as book launches, exhibitions, musical gigs and seminars. The house is located in an urban area on the Avenida da República, close to the General Torres metro and train station.
Mon - Fri: 09h00 - 17h00, Weekends: 09h00 - 17h30
Avenida da República 590, 4400-017, Santa Marinha, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
41º 08' 10.7" N | 08º 36' 29.9" W
+351 223 774 250 | presscasadacultura@cm-gaia.pt | Website
| Casa Barbot
Delve into the rich history of Porto alongside a professional guide on this immersive Porto walking tour. Experience northern Portugal’s historic city of Porto, known for its winding, narrow streets and blend of Moorish and Roman influences. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic city centre, explore Porto Cathedral and baroque churches, and learn how grapes travelled the Douro River to the coast where winemakers make famous Port wine.
Book Online ►
Zip along the UNESCO-listed Ribeira neighbourhood during a guided Segway tour of Porto. Select a small-group or private tour in the morning or afternoon and glide along cobblestone paths lined with historic monuments and attractions such as Ponte de Dom Luis I, Porto Cathedral, São Bento Station, and Clérigos Tower. With your local guide, appreciate architecture and uncover Roman legend all on a sleek electric Segway.
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Get your adrenaline pumping while seeing Northern Portugal on this small-group Porto extreme city bike tour. Cycle through the city and see its history, architecture, culture, and gardens. An expert guide leads the way past historic landmarks. Along the way, break for lunch at a traditional Portuguese restaurant (additional expense). Travellers on this small-group tour are limited to ensure a quality experience. Private tours are available.
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| Quinta do Fojo Golf
The Quinta do Fojo Golf club was established in 1997 and is located close to the centre of Vila Nova de Gaia on the grounds of a historical manner house. The six holes par 20 course was built in 2002, offering great flexibility for golfers to play 6, 12 or 18 holes and includes a Pitch & Putt course. Minimum handicap requirements: Men 36 - Ladies 36.
Weekdays: 10h00 - 19h30, Weekends: 09h00 - 19h00
Contact Details
Quinta do Fojo, Canidelo 4400-232, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. |
41º 07" 33.6' N | 08º 38" 09.8' W
+351 227 727 070/80 |
geral@golfojo.com | Website
Inauguration year: |
2002 |
Holes: |
18 |
Par: |
60 |
Distance: |
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Architect: |
- |
Practice Areas: |
Driving Range, Putting Green, Golf Academy, Pro Shop, Practice Bunker |
Hire: |
Clubs, Buggies, Trollies |
Lessons: |
Individual, Group |
Club House: |
Shops, Restaurant |
Main Events: |
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This four-star hotel is ideally located a short walk from the Dom Joao metro station allowing easy access to the tourist areas of Gaia, Porto, railway stations and the Airport. Modern, uncluttered and clean with friendly staff. Each room is fully equipped with a flat-screen cable TV, air conditioning and a desk. The private bathroom comes with a bath, free toiletries, and scales. Breakfast is served daily and is included in the room rate. The restaurant offers a selection of dishes at reasonable prices.
Avenida da Republica, 2038, Vila Nova de Gaia 4430-195, Portugal.
41º 07' 13.5" N | 08º 36' 23.1" W | +351 223 748 020
Check Availability
A friendly hostel centrally located in Gaia able to cater for large groups and couples equally in a relaxed environment. Full kitchen and laundry facilities available to all guests. Also a communal room with TV & DVD player. Free wifi is available in designated areas, including in the garden.
Rua Candido dos Reis 374-376, Vila Nova de Gaia, 4400-070, Portugal.
41º 08' 02" N | 08º 36' 41" W | +351 224 968 282
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Mercure Porto Gaia hotel is in the centre of Gaia and alongside Arrabida bridge. The hotel enjoys a privileged location, only five minutes from port wine cellars and 7.5 miles (12 km) from Porto international airport and the Exponor exhibition centre. The hotel is decorated with a port wine theme and offers a restaurant, bar, meeting rooms, WiFi Internet and parking. Next to Arrabida shopping centre and the Holmes Place health club, the hotel is perfect for your business or leisure trip.
Rua Manuel Moreira de Barros 618D, Vila Nova de Gaia 4400-346, Portugal.
41º 08' 33.5" N | 08º 38' 09.6'' W | +351 22/3 740 800
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This esteemed restaurant has an ideal location close to the Gaia end of the Ponte Luis I bridge on the riverfront, alas lacking in outside seating. Step inside however and you're be warmly welcomed by friendly and helpful waiting staff. The place has a wonderful atmosphere and an open kitchen. Choose tapas or a full meal from a well thought out menu and enjoy a glass of wine from a good selection.
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Daily: 12h00 - 23h00
Avenida Diogo Leite 454, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
41º 08' 19.3" N | 08º 36' 35.7" W
+351 220 917 910
restaurante@dourum.pt | Website
A charming establishment with an interesting décor with wine barrels and crates dotted about the restaurant. The welcoming and very friendly will direct you to your table on the second floor. With luck, you'll have a window seat that has views over the Douro and Louis I bridge. This family-owned restaurant has a strict ethos that stipulates all ingredients must be sourced from local farms ensuring a delicious and fresh dining experience. Diners need to allow time for their meals to be made to order, a great opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine from their extensive list and enjoy the atmosphere.
Monday - Saturday: 12h30 - 15h00/19h30 - 23h00, Sunday: 13h00 - 15h30/19h30 - 23h00
Rua do Choupelo, Santa Marinha, Vila Nova de Gaia 4400-088, Portugal.
41º 08' 07.6" N | 08º 36' 51.6" W
+351 220 133 100
reservations@theyeatman.com | Website
A warm and homely atmosphere awaits you at the Taberninha Do Manel, good unpretentious yet hearty dishes at reasonable prices.
Tuesday - Sunday: 11h00 - 22h30, Monday: CLOSED
Avenida Diogo Leite 308, Vila Nova de Gaia 4400-111, Portugal.
41º 08' 16.9" N | 08º 36' 41.3" W
+351 223 753 549
geral@taberninhadomanel.com | Website
Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport Porto is 21.1km (13.1 miles) North of Vila Nova de Gaia. Website GET A GREAT DEAL ON YOUR FLIGHT HERE:
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From Lisbon and south: Take the A1 in the direction of Ponte do Freixo. GET A GREAT DEAL ON YOUR CAR HIRE HERE:
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Linha do Aveiro |
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Metro do Porto. The southern end of the D metro line services Vila Nova de Gaia, the General Torres station has rail connections. Alternatively travel northbound to Trindade to connections of all other metro lines, including routes to the Airport and Campanhã train station. Website |
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STCP (Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto) is the company who run the bus and what's left of the tram service in and around Porto. Website
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