Any Trip to Europe is simply not complete without a trip to Portugal, which is an often overlooked yet hidden gem full of great places to see. Portugal is located on the Western border of Spain and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on most of its Western border, meaning that there are plenty of waterfront and beach spots on this small territory. One of the most popular places to visit in Portugal is the northern capital Oporto, and as such is in the Northern region of Portugal. Oporto is the 2nd largest city in the country and is full of great things to see and do, so keep reading to see if Oporto is the type of place you'd like to add to your vacation plans.

Oporto is very well known for its port wine and the procedures that they use to make it. Many of the winemakers are located right on the banks of the Douro River, which is a huge and beautiful river that flows through many parts of the country. Many people opt to take a river cruise on the Douro, while others may prefer to walk along the coastline and enjoy its simple and pristine beauty.

One of the most ancient traditions in Oporto is the sailing of the Barcos Rabelos, which are sailboats used to ship the port wine upstream. In the past, this was actually a dangerous undertaking, however now the process has been changed for the sake of safety and the sailboats mostly are used for show rather than function. Thanks to the Oporto sea line, there are many fisheries and boats out on the coast that bring in fresh seafood daily. As a result, seafood lovers will be happy to know that there are huge assortments of different seafood restaurants in much of the city.

The best time to visit Oporto is in late February when the flowers have started to bloom, which creates lush and beautiful scenery across the country. Summer is also very beautiful; however you might experience some rain during that time. Should you choose to visit Oporto, you will want to take the time to visit some of the ancient cathedrals, towers, and other buildings that have aged so beautifully and remain treasures of a beloved past. Last but not least, don't forget to visit one of the various port tasting sessions, as you may as well taste the most famous wine in the land.

Oporto is a busy city in Portugal, but compared to the rest of Europe it is bare and less crowded, meaning that you can travel for cheap and not be harassed by large crowds in the process. There are many fine places to stay and many great restaurants to visit, especially if you are a seafood adventurer. I highly recommend scheduling a trip to Oporto to enjoy the beautiful scenery, architecture, and port wine to truly get a taste of Mediterranean culture. Portugal truly is a hidden jewel of the Mediterranean and I don't think you will be disappointed.