Porto and the North

With its pretty name, Rua Bela runs up from the riverside park of Passeio Alegre in Porto's Foz district.

It's a quaint little cobbled street like many in the old part of Foz. The point of interest here is the "Passos de São João da Foz do Douro" - that is the elaborate window you can see. It is actually a baroque styled granite cabinet of sorts and inside is a shrine to St John.

There are around ten, almost identical, shrines scattered around the area, which I gather form stations on religious processions. Whether this tradition is continued I couldn't say.

This is the breakwater that shields the mouth of the River Douro from northerly swells. Known as the Pontão da Barra do Douro - Molhe Norte (the last part meaning north pier).

As far as I can tell this pier is relatively new, possibly dating back to 2009. It is generally open to the public, except when it gets stormy, and it's a popular 600 metre stroll to the little lighthouse at the end.

This little stretch of sand sits between the two breakwaters on the northern side of the mouth of the River Douro. I'm not entirely sure why there are two breakwaters in such close proximity, but my guess is the shorter one (left side) is older, and wasn't long enough. However, it would seem easier to extend it rather than build a completely new pier alongside.

The beach here is Praia das Pastoras (I think). There is a further stretch of beach along the river mouth on the other side of the breakwater that is also referred to by this name.

Looking towards Porto's coastal district - Foz. Beyond the beaches is Avenida do Brasil which is a mix of some interesting old grand villas, and not so interesting seafront apartment blocks.

This is all most people see of the Foz district, and it's a popular spot for a leisurely seaside stroll. To me the nicest part of the area is the older part, by the river. Here you'll find some pleasant gardens and a maze of narrow, cobbled street behind the main road.

The diminutive Capela de Nossa Senhora da Lada sits on the riverside at the foot of the Dom Luis I bridge in Porto. Dating back to the 18th century this simple chapel sports a predominantly Baroque exterior. Today it still place a part in Porto's ecclesiastical calendar with the Stations of the Cross procession departing here just before Easter.

The small park of Jardim do Morro occupies a prime hilltop position in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the Bridge from Porto. Whilst there isn't anything remarkable about the park itself the view from here is one of the best in Porto.

The best view is westward, following the snaking path of the river Douro towards the coast. The best time is around sunset as the sun ducks down behind the Arrabida Bridge and the sky lights up red.

Looking across the Douro River towards Porto's Ribeira district. This shot is from the foot of the Dom Luis bridge on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river. Hardly original, but probably because it is one of the best views of the city.

This viewpoint (miradouro) is on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river, right next to the famous Ponte Luis I bridge. Bang for buck this is probably the best view of Porto as it takes in so many of the key locations. 

This pretty little chapel sits within the grounds of the Crystal Palace Gardens (Jardins do Palácio de Cristal) in Porto. The chapel actually predates the park and was built in honour of the "King of Sardinia", Carlos Alberto.

After being defeated by the Austrian army at the Battle of Novara, Alberto went into exile in Porto. He later died here and his half sister had the chapel built in his memory.

The view out over the little beach in front of Porto's Castelo do Queijo. Yes, that name does translate to "cheese castle"! It's actual name is Forte de São Francisco Xavier with the nickname coming from the rocky, wedge-shaped headland it sits on.

Beyond the little turret is the Praia Castelo do Queijo, a sandy little patch which can offer an escape from the summer crowds that flock to Matosinhos beach on the other side of the castle.