How Vila Nova de Gaia became Porto’s crowd-free little sister

And while Gaia’s proximity to Porto earns it extra Brownie points, it amounts to so much more than that. The city spans far further than its famed wine lodges – and since it’s the third most populous city in Portugal, you’ll find yourself mingling more with locals and finding authentic, untapped gems if you venture out of the tourist spots.

Where to stay in Vila Nova de Gaia

Tivoli Porto Kopke Gaia

Converted from the former warehouses of the region’s oldest Port house, the Tivoli Porto Kopke Gaia is perhaps Gaia’s most talked-about new opening. Built up from the historic brand’s cellars, which have sat along the river since the 1600s, it is the first time Kopke has offered visitors anything more than a small tasting room – now, you can walk above the barrels along most of the hotel’s corridors. But a cliché wine hotel this is not – modern art fills the halls, and the bedrooms are mid-century inspired with cosy caramel tones. Book a room with a terrace if you can, to maximise those Douro views.

The Rebello

Just a little further down the river, you’ll find The Rebello. Another property capitalising on Gaia’s industrial real estate, the hotel was once a kitchen pan factory – now inspiring the name of its in-house restaurant, Pot&Pan, which serves traditional Portuguese dishes with an elevated twist. Here, the rooms are modern and multi-functional with tactile textures; each even has a well-stocked kitchenette. Head to the rooftop for bang-on views of the Dom Luis I bridge, where the hotel hosts sundown sessions and barbecues throughout the summer.

Origine Porto Gaia

Gaia’s newest hotel offering is Origine Porto Gaia, a boutique spot with bold interiors and – you guessed it – beautiful river views across the port caves. Arguably, it has one of the prettiest swimming pools in the area, which, though small, is perfect for dipping on a warm day above the buzzing riverside below.

Where to eat in Vila Nova de Gaia

1638

Asturias-born chef Nacho Manzano (of three-star Casa Marcial fame) has officially brought fine dining to Vila Nova de Gaia with 1638, where diners are treated to a sensory multi-course tasting menu combining the chef’s culinary heritage with traditional Portuguese flavours (an Iberian blend, if you will). Housed in the aforementioned Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia hotel, you’d be remiss to skip the accompanying wine flight, which features local wines and rare Ports from Kopke’s own cellars.

Porto Ibérico

A 15-minute walk away from the river (or a short taxi ride, if Gaia’s narrow hilly streets don’t appeal), the unassuming Porto Ibérico is one of the unsung heroes of the city’s food scene. The octopus with chestnut and pistachio risotto is a menu highlight (though, regardless, you must always seek out octopus when in Portugal), while all mains are served with the traditionally unctuous rice and black beans. For local, cosy fare, you can’t go wrong, though it’s probably worth noting that the restaurant only accepts cash.