Our spacious apartment is located in on the third floor of a quiet building in Pinhais de Foz, only a short walk from Oporto's beaches and the Atlantic ocean, and within easy reach of all of Oporto's main attractions. With 3 large bedrooms and 2 bathrooms it can accommodate six adults, and is accessible by both lift and stairs. Shops and restaurants are less than a minute's walk, and public transport is available directly in front of the door. A perfect base for exploring Oporto and the north of Portugal.
A bakery, several cafe's, a cosy and very affordable restaurant, large supermarket, wine shop and even gentleman's tailor are all less than a minute's walk from the apartment. Buses which stop directly outside the apartment will take you to the atmospheric world heritage centre of Porto, the famous Ribeira and the Port houses, and also to other attractions such as the Casa da Musica, the river and beaches, Parque de Cidade, Foz village, Palacio Cristal and all museums.
Less than 5 minutes walk is the Fundacao Serralves, Oporto's contemporary art museum and one of its best kept secrets, with its extensive botanical gardens, teahouse, very chic restaurant and concerts in summer .
Foz is an old and charming suburb situated where the river Douro meets the Atlantic ocean. The ocean is only 8 minutes walk (downhill, and there is a bus too), and there are plenty of beaches with cafe's and restaurants from which to watch the waves and the daily sunset. In the opposite direction the river is only 8 minutes walk, and you can take an ancient tram all the way from Foz to the old centre attractions of Oporto.
The city has recently constructed a number of cycle tracks that cross the city and run along the river and seafront, and one of these passes right by the apartment - you can rent bikes on the seafront. For bird watchers there is even a new conservation area on the river Douro with a viewing point.
For kids there is a new Sea life centre (bus from outside apartment), many play places directly on the Foz beaches, rickety old trams (a tram museum too), surf school, and plenty of child-friendly parks, including the enormous Parque de Cidade, and the very old Palacio Cristal with its views over the river. Portuguese restaurants are very family friendly and eating out with children is not only affordable but remarkably stress free.
Inside the apartment is extensive information on where to eat, how to get around and what to see.
Pinhais de Foz is a privileged and safe area of the city, and the seaside suburb of Foz has a nostalgic old-world character with many cosy restaurants and interesting corners to explore.
The apartment is also ideally situated as a base for exploring the north of Portugal, including such places as the Peneda Geres national park, historic centres of Guimaraes (40 mins drive) , Braga (35 mins) , Viana do Castelo (40 mins), Coimbra (1 hour) and the Douro Valley. Even Santiago de Compostela is only an hour and a half by car. There is easy access to motorways and parking both on and off road directly outside the apartment.
For seafood lovers, Matosinhos - the next suburb to Foz - has some of the best seafood anywhere in Europe.
For the fitness fanatic there is are two gyms within a 1 minute walk (one with pool) which offer short memberships. The fluvial swimming pool (olympic size) is 15 minutes walk.
A car is not necessary in Porto (especially the centre since parking is impossible), but can be very useful for exploring further afield.