The towns surrounding Porto have qualities of their own, and we have a chance to explore them with our new friend Ruy. We start in Matosinhos, which is to the north of Porto, along the Atlantic coast. They have built a big a quirky-looking cruise terminal here, built a breakwater, and installed a deep sandy beach. Until recently, it had been, in part, industrial, but it is being converted to tourism and residential development, as Porto continues its renaissance.
Also feeling the benefit of being close to Porto is Gondomar; similar to Matosinhos, but east, down the Douro River. Here, old, gutted riverside buildings are being torn down for modern construction; it's a shame, but the old structures are likely beyond being salvaged.
We finish the day across the Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia at The Orangerie in the Yeatman Hotel. We dine on fine food while the sun sets over the city. I have the goat meat and rice entree - really superb. The lofty deck was cool, quiet, and relaxing.
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