Porto's beautiful neighbourhood: exploring Foz do Douro

Foz do Douro, just a 20-minute tram journey away from central Porto, blends natural beauty and high-end living.

Offering up trendy restaurants and bars, upmarket housing, and views over the Atlantic Ocean, this seaside destination has already caught the eye of many expats.

Those coming to the area can expect an abundance of leisure activities, with 10km of scenic trails through Parque da Cidade, just north of the main town, and sprawling beaches for water sports or just kicking back and basking in the sun.

The neighbourhood is renowned for its upscale boutiques, designer stores and popular cafes. Additionally, the proximity to central Porto allows residents to enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife and rich culinary heritage.

Braga is only a short train journey from Porto, where the Castelo de Guimarães stands out as a perfect sightseeing tour location.

Despite being close to central Porto, the town boasts its own key infrastructure, with schools and a hospital to support its own bustling community.

Just north of the neighbourhood is the city of Matosinhos, a thriving resort city on the seafront, perfect for a day trip.

Michelin star restaurants are dotted throughout the neighbourhood. The renowned Pedro Lemos restaurant was the first to receive a Michelin star in Porto, providing fine dining with a focus on fresh seafood to sate the appetite.

You can also enjoy wine tasting tours on the Douro River, sampling port wine and Pastel de Nata as you pass some of Porto's most famous sites including the renowned Porto Cathedral.

The town is home to several notable cultural landmarks that showcase the neighbourhood’s heritage and artistic flair. One such landmark is the Farol de Felgueiras, an iconic lighthouse that has guided sailors since the 19th century. Its picturesque location offers panoramic views of the coastline, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Another prominent attraction is the Jardim do Passeio Alegre, a beautifully landscaped garden that features a stunning gazebo, fountains, and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful moment of reflection.

Heading into central Porto will open up a host of botanical garden options to explore within walking distance of one another along the Douro.

Like many of Portugal’s flagship destinations, Foz do Douro traces its origins back to a humble fishing village;

The Forte de Sao Joao Baptista was built in 1647 to guard the entrance to the River Douro and stands to this day, a reminder of the area’s rich history.

The town offers a plethora of luxury housing options that cater to the refined tastes of its residents. High-end apartments in the area start at around €500,000, whilst villas and estates will typically set you back over €1,000,000.

There are also a wide range of grand hotels to unwind in. A stay at a 5-star hotel, such as the Vila Foz Hotel and Spa will set guests back around €300 a night.

Portuguese Visa Options for wealthy investors

Unsurprisingly, the success of such schemes as Portugal’s Golden Visa and other tax beneficial routes to moving to the country, such as the D7 visa, Digital Nomad Visa (D8), or Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) program, has seen an influx of new residents.

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Whilst the town has developed into a popular destination for tourists and expats alike, preservation and restoration of its green spaces and wildlife, such as in its Urban Park, pay homage to the conscious sustainability effort which exists throughout Northern Portugal and the nation as a whole.

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