If somebody mentions a holiday in Portugal, chances are that you’ll immediately think of the Algarve – where the sun-kissed beaches and laid-back atmosphere have made it a favourite of Irish holidaymakers for decades.
This year though, it will be easier than ever to explore another attractive part of Portugal, as Aer Lingus is about to launch direct flights between Dublin and Porto for the first time.
The services will begin at the end of March, and will operate three times a week, making a short break to Porto a more realistic option than before (the other carrier that operates Dublin-Porto direct flies just once per week in each direction).
Porto sits in the north-west of Portugal, and has much to recommend it. The city has a long and proud history and this is reflected by its World Heritage protected old town, its baroque churches, and its distinctive winding streets. There is also a developing contemporary air, evidenced by daring restaurants and an exciting nightlife.
The city itself can be explored in two days – giving one to meander around the Ribeira (the old town), and another to explore the southern side of the scenic River Douro and also to learn about (and sample!) the Port from which the city takes its name. It is still matured and bottled in vast cellars along the riverside, and many are open to visitors.
There are then several recommended day trips from the city, for longer stays. Suggested destinations include Guimarães (the birth place of the nation of Portugal), Braga (a deeply religious town), Aveiro (a pretty canal town) or a cruise along the Douro River to the heart of the vineyard growing region. Those looking for more of a relaxing holiday could spend time on some of the great beaches surrounding Porto at either Espinho or Matosinhos.
Porto offers great value for money too, with the cost of accommodation and eating out typically being far less than you would expect to pay in other European destinations.
It has all the ingredients for a great holiday, but remember, if bound for Porto or anywhere else, you need to be sure you have full and comprehensive travel insurance for the event of anything going wrong.
With Insuremyholiday.ie, you can rest assured that you will have all the cover and benefits you need, including:
- Round-the-clock medical assistance hotline, 365 days per year
- Lost, stolen, or damaged baggage cover, up to €3,000 per person
- Emergency medical and/or transportation cover, up to €10 million per person
- Luggage loss/delay insurance
- Flight cancellation/delay insurance
- Personal accident insurance
- Third party personal liability insurance
We provide single trip travel insurance, annual multi-trip travel insurance, family travel insurance, and indeed, travel insurance for all types of holiday-makers of all ages, all at great rates and with some of the best benefits of any insurance provider in Ireland.
Just get a quote now to make sure you can enjoy your holiday without worrying about what will happen if something goes wrong.
