Vila Nova de Gaia, or Gaia for short, is a city in Portugal that tourists usually do not recognize as a city in its own right. Many city visitors to Porto mistakenly think that Gaia is still Porto when they cross the Douro to the other side of the river
Vila Nova de Gaia with its associated counties is the third largest and one of the most populous counties in Portugal. The center of port wine production is located here and countless liters of the wine are stored in large warehouses on the south bank of the Douro River.
Today, tourism is an important economic factor in Gaia. The port wine cellars and the touristically developed shore area of the Douro with the anchorages for river cruise ships and the departure points for excursion ships attract the vacationers. However, many are not aware that they are actually no longer in Porto.
Excursion destinations in Vila Nova de Gaia
Our hike along the Douro begins below the Ponte D. Luis I directly on the banks of the river. The weather is just too nice for a city tour - we want to get to the sea!
The World of Wine is located in the new cultural quarter in Porto / Gaia. Here, in the old warehouses of the wine producers, a modern complex with museums and restaurants has been created.
In Vila Nova de Gaia, in the middle of the old warehouses of the port wine merchants, the WOW Porto has been created. A cultural center that with museums and restaurants is a popular destination in the city.
Travel information about Vila Nova de Gaia
Arrival
By plane
The nearest airport is located about 20 kilometers away at the neighboring city of Porto.
By train
The city’s train station is regularly served by trains of the Linha do Norte, which runs between Lisbon and Porto.
By car
The A1 highway from Lisbon to Porto passes by Gaia. In addition, there is the possibility of connecting with the A20 highway.
On the way in ..
By public transport
The Metro do Porto connects Porto with Gaia via the Ponte Dom Luis I bridge. The suburbs are served by the CP Urbanos do Porto trains.
By cable car
The Teleférico de Gaia connects the Cais de Gaia with the upper level of the Ponte Dom Luís I and the Monastery of Serra do Pilar.
On foot
The tourist area of the city on the banks of the Douro River can be easily explored on foot. It goes partly quite steeply uphill and downhill.