PORTO WHERE EUROPEAN HERITAGE MEETS A GLOBAL FUTURE
To some, Portugal might not be the first destination that comes to mind when the words ‘vacation’ enter your head. But the land that gave birth to Vasco Da Gama and Cristiano Ronaldo is one that is rich in historical and cultural marvels that will provide you enough joy to last several lifetimes over. The city of Porto is currently on something of a cultural and economic recovery, and is a must-visit at this time of the year.
In 2013, Porto Airport transported six million passengers. Five
years later, this figure doubled and now exceeds 12 million, attracting major airliners worldwide. Emirates was the newest airliner to announce its first destination to Porto with non-stop flights. The first route between the second city in Portugal and the Middle East will soon be established.
The United Arab Emirates announcement comes in addition to other announcements by airlines such as Turkish Airlines, British Airways, United Airlines, TAAG, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Swiss Air, Iberia and a good many others that saw this UNESCO World Heritage city as an emerging destination.
But before inviting you to check out this special city, one must ask the question, what is so special about Porto?
Well, firstly, tourism, which burst through from the city about five years ago and massively boosted the areas of urban regeneration and of the small economy has made the once derelict parts of this ancient town turn into renovated areas in a matter of few years with increased outside interest in local businesses and inhabitants.
Still, the thrust of short-break tourism and cultural tourism are not the only reasons why Porto emerged as a must-go destination. The city of Porto was recognised as the Best European Destination in 2012, 2014 and 2017.
The standards of excellence of universities in Porto and the technology companies’ growing demand to settle in the city are the clear sign of the potential of Porto, which offers unique factors of attraction, such as quality of life, mild weather, safety, affordable housing and office prices lower than those applied to other European metropolises.
A city of 42 square kilometres, Porto is the only city in the world that is home to two winners of the Pritzker Prize. Siza Vieira and Souto Moura were born in Porto, where they continue to live and work. The work of these two renowned architects is joined by other famous projects and works, including the extraordinary House of Music by Rem Koolhaas, the historic Clérigos Tower by Nicolau Nasoni or the historical metallic bridges designed by Gustav Eiffel.
Finally, Porto is the leading city of the Northern Region of Portugal, home to more than two million people and where the main productive and industrial centres of Portugal are headquartered, namely the footwear industry, the textile market and now the technological sector as well.
—lifestyle@timesofoman.com