Escape to Porto

Porto's Azulejo covered Capela de Santa Catarina

Feeling the early chill of winter, and craving some sun, I took off for a few days to Porto, one of my favorite cities in Europe. From Dole airport, it takes less than 2 hours to get there, and since I was flying in the low season, I was able to snag a €20 round trip ticket on Ryanair. A low-cost hotel room at the Hotel Santa Clara, and Porto’s budget-friendly food and drink prices makes this an easy, affordable getaway. Some new discoveries on my third visit to the city include the rugged beaches across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, and the strangely beautiful Museu de Marionetas. There’s so much to discover in Porto, it won’t be long before I’m back for more.