Porto, Portugal is a popular destination for cruise ships with its rich history and beautiful scenery. If you’re planning a cruise to Porto, one of the first things you may be wondering is where the cruise ships dock. In this article, we’ll explore some of the main ports of call in Porto for cruise ships.
Leixões
Leixões is one of the most important ports in Portugal and is located just a few miles north of Porto. It has two terminals, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões and Terminal de Passageiros de Leça da Palmeira. The latter is mainly used for ferries but can also accommodate smaller cruise ships.
The Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões was inaugurated in 2015 and can accommodate large cruise ships up to 300 meters in length. This terminal offers passengers a range of services such as tourist information desks, shops, cafes, and restaurants. From here, it’s easy to access the city center by metro or taxi.
Douro River
Another option for docking in Porto is along the Douro River. Smaller river boats and luxury yachts often dock in this area. The Douro River runs through the heart of Porto, so docking here gives passengers easy access to many of the city’s popular attractions.
Ribeira Pier
The Ribeira Pier is located on the banks of the Douro River in the historic Ribeira district. This pier was once an important commercial port but now serves mainly as a tourist attraction with its stunning views of the river and famous Dom Luís I Bridge.
Vila Nova de Gaia
On the opposite side of the Douro River from Porto lies Vila Nova de Gaia, which has several docks that cater to river cruises. From here, passengers can enjoy panoramic views of Porto and its famous wine cellars.
Conclusion
Porto has several ports of call for cruise ships, with Leixões being the most popular for larger vessels. The Douro River also offers several docking options for smaller river boats and luxury yachts. Whether you dock at Leixões or along the Douro River, you’ll be able to experience all that Porto has to offer from its rich history to its beautiful scenery.