Extended summer stays in Porto: living like a local

There are many ways to get to know a city. But without a doubt, the best way is to visit at your own pace and let yourself be carried away by the little gestures and habits that usually only those who live there know how to do.

Porto, and Foz do Douro in particular, is one of those destinations that deserves to be savoured at a leisurely pace. The walks along the Atlantic coast, the unique flavours and the evenings that draw out without haste – everything is an invitation to relax and enjoy the very best that life has to offer.

Small rituals, great experiences

Living like a local starts with the simplest of gestures. Having a coffee by the sea in Foz and going for a morning stroll.

Visiting Matosinhos Market, for example, where you can choose fresh fruit and vegetables amongst the market stalls and the enthusiasm of the sellers. And when lunchtime comes around, why not make the most of it by having lunch at Bistrô by Vila Foz, a restaurant that moves to the rhythm of the market, with the quality that characterises Vila Foz, and where you can delight yourself with some of the house specialities: fish cataplana, prawn moqueca, fried squid or seared sea bass. A unique culinary experience.

And then, slow down. Set aside some time to read by the sea, or simply allow yourself some time with no plans. Because it’s often those unexpected moments that define the experience. Of course, you can always take the opportunity to go for a stroll through Parque da Cidade or visit the latest exhibitions at the Serralves Foundation. Or walk the distance between Foz do Douro and Ribeira do Porto, stopping off along the way for a dip at one of Foz’s many beaches.

In the evening, take the chance to discover the flavours of Portuguese cuisine and try one of its most traditional dishes at one of the city’s many restaurants.

Experience Vila Foz

This way of experiencing Porto flows naturally into the Vila Foz Hotel & Spa, where comfort, fine dining and wellbeing come together with experiences crafted down to the last detail.

With the Vila Foz and Flor de Lis restaurants, moments of relaxation at the spa and a range of exclusive activities, the hotel invites you to discover the destination in its fullest. From a private cruise on the River Douro to a cocktail experience, from an urban picnic to tastings of Portuguese wines or Port, each offering adds a new dimension to your stay.

For those wishing to explore the city in a more immersive way, experiences such as discovering Porto with a local guide or a guided bike ride offer fresh perspectives on the destination.

To stay, to live, to return

In Porto, living like a local isn’t just about what you do, but about how you experience every moment. And when life slows down, the city reveals its true character, creating memories that last long after the trip is over.