The benefits of planning your trips according to the best airports
We have all been there: The airport is full of people, the queues are growing bigger and bigger, your plane is about to take off, you forgot to take the liquids out of your suitcase, and you want to have time to shop before boarding your flight. In other words, we all known how the airport can be a stressful environment, which can impact the overall travel experience. To avoid such scenarios, it can be beneficial to plan your travels according to the ranking of the best and worst European airports, as travelling through the best airports can give you an enhanced travel experience.
In the top of the list, you will find Istanbul Airport, which has a Google rating of 4.4 with over 100,000 comments. This is a strong indication of just how well travellers like travelling through this airport, which also means you are guaranteed the experience of enhanced customer service and top-modern facilities and amenities at the airport. The second place goes to Porto Airport, which is one major reason why you should consider this city as your next travel destination. Other airports at the top of the list includes Athens, Prague, and Zurich.
Porto Airport and Porto city
The airport has a modern design with well-organized terminals and efficient security protocols, making travelling through here an ease. Furthermore, the location of the airport is convenient, as it is only located 11 kilometres from the city centre. Both buses and metro is well connected to the airport, making public transportation a great way to get from A to B. The metro takes under 30 minutes in bringing travellers from the airport to downtown Porto.
All in all, you will feel at ease once you arrive in Porto, as this hassle-free airport makes it a calm experience to arrive in Porto. In most cases, you can get started on exploring the city without any delays, as the airport connectivity is so well-established.
What makes Porto visit-worthy
There is no way to make an exhaustive list of reasons why Porto is worth visiting or listing all the things and places to consider during your visit. But the "Invincible City", which Porto often is referred to, has a good mix of old-world charm and modern sophistication. If one were to sum up what to expect from Porto in one sentence, it would be: stunning architecture, historic sites, and port wine.
History and architecture
Porto, or more specifically the Historic Centre of Porto, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to the historical significance of the city, which is visual in the city's many landmarks. Take for example the picturesque Riberia district, which consists of narrow and winding streets, colourful buildings, and riverside cafés, making it the perfect area to stroll around. The city also contains the landmarks of Clérigos Tower and the Dom Luís I Bridge, which are both offering stunning views of the city's landscape. Furthermore, you can visit the São Bento train station, which is unique with its intricate azulejo (tile) artwork which depicts important moments from the history of Portugal.
If you are fascinated by architectural grandeur, you should visit the Livraria Lello bookstore, which is referred to as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Overall, in Porto, you will witness a mix of gothic, art nouveau, and modernist styles, which is a testament of the city's rich cultural heritage.
The culinary scene
The culinary scene in Porto is a dream for all food enthusiasts. As a foodie, you can indulge yourself in anything from traditional Portuguese dishes like francesinha (sandwich in a rich beer--based sauce) to fresh seafood and various pastries. In other words, the city offers a wide array of gastronomic delights.
Probably the most important and most unique part of the Porto culinary experience is the city's namesake port wine. You can visit wine cellars where you can taste and learn about the world-famous port wine. Porto is also gaining recognition as a burgeoning destination for fine dining. In the city, you can find several Michelin-starred restaurants.
The natural beauties close to Porto
Although there is plenty to do in Porto itself, the city is located in a way that makes it the perfect base for day trips. Close to the city you will find the Duoro Valley which has breathtaking landscapes and vineyard tours. It is especially popular to go on river cruises to enjoy the valley views from the water.
Close to the city you can also find nice beaches along the Atlantic coast. There are several beachside suburbs known for golden sands and amazing seafood restaurants, making it the perfect destination for a relaxed day by the water.