Algarve is great, but Porto’s perfect

I’VE LONG held the view that Portugal is one of the most underrated holiday places in Europe. It’s best known, of course, for the golden beaches of the Algarve, where the splendid stretches of sand washed by the waters of the Atlantic far exceed anything to be found in neighbouring Spain, writes FRANK BARRETT.

I’ve enjoyed trips to Lisbon, especially to the old royal summer palaces in nearby Sintra, and spent some time in the far north – the Minho region – which borders Spanish Galicia. Again, it’s a perfect place for a break at any time of year.

I had long wanted to visit the city of Porto but didn’t until the end of 2014. And it was worth the wait.

It would be hard to imagine a more perfect place for a short break.

Porto is a treasure trove of narrow, cobbled streets that lead up from the river front to the higher part of the city where the main railway station is an architectural gem. Like many buildings here, it is covered in beautifully patterned ceramic tiles.

Another architectural gem is the Yeatman Hotel, which has 82 large rooms, a wonderful Caudalie Vinotherapie spa and a pool with a panoramic vista of the city.

To get your bearings in this amazing city, take a ride on the Teleferico de Gaia cable car which links the riverfront of Vila Nova da Gaia with the top level of the Dom Luis bridge: this trip offers a grandstand view of the famous port lodges, including Taylors and Sandeman.

In the heart of the old city you will discover narrow streets crowded with all manner of restaurants, bars and shops selling everything from bathroom fittings to bedspreads. Here you will also find Levraria Lello, which is probably the world’s most beautiful bookshop.

The real charm of Porto is that it is surprisingly compact, meaning you can enjoy it all on foot – though be prepared for some stiff uphill hikes.

Prices are also surprisingly affordable. Come for a weekend and you may find yourself wanting to stay a fortnight…