10- Northern Portugal. 18th March 2018 (Porto)

Photos 18th March 2018. Sunday. Porto

Banks of the river Douro, with its many bridges and a beautiful place for walks... Relaxing time in the gorgeous environment on a Sunday morning... We decided to visit Palácio de Cristal... It was just 15 minutes walk from the hostel. Maybe you think it's just a park. I thought that too, but it was a huge surprise!

The Crystal Palace Gardens is one of the Best City parks in Europe according to European Best Destinations. The Romantic Gardens of Palácio de Cristal occupy an area of 8 hectares in Porto's centre. These gardens have a privileged panoramic view over the river, making them a good option for a nature walk. Designed in the 19th century from a project by the architect Émile David, in a romantic style, they were part of the now non-existing Crystal Palace, a Palace that was built in the area where nowadays you can see the Rosa Mota pavilion, an oddly shaped building projected in 1956, where events and concerts take place all year. They still preserve their original appearance... 

The Crystal Palace is a wonderful park where you can go and watch the peacocks, walk through the rose gardens and admire different varieties of trees, the fountains… Go there for the most impressive and breathtaking views over Porto, Gaia and the Douro. The Crystal Garden has definitely got one of the best views on Porto

Adorable seagull

Relaxing stroll along the gardens

 The gardens have plenty of beautiful bird species to photograph

Peacock is one of the most beautiful forest birds...

Cocks!

These flowerly gardens are just beautiful! 

The seagulls around here are accustomed to people

Gorgeous view of Porto and the Douro river

Fountain and alleys of Crystal Palace Gardens

Fonte da Rua de S. Jeronimo (actual Rua de Santos Pousada)

Visiting these gardens is a great way to relax, take a moment, 

and enjoy some incredible views of the city... 

Extremely tall palm trees

This diverse park is the perfect place to spend some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre without having to travel out of your way. Whether you are attracted by the prospect of a gentle stroll, a chance to see the panoramic views provided over the river Douro or an afternoon spent relaxing in the sun, the gardens offer something for everyone... 

Casa do Roseiral

Fauna and Flora fountain. Women bronze sculptures in a small pond

Fountain - Fonte da Quinta do Mitra

Narrow alleyways in Porto's Ribeira old town

Yellow building on the Berlengas in the Historical old town of Porto 

Replica of a boat

Streets always filled with people... 

Excursion boat on the quayside of the river

Tram crossing the bridge over the Douro

Rua das Flores (Flowers Street)

Really quaint and charming! One of the most popular streets in Porto

The Dispatch House of the Third Order of St. Francis (Casa do Despacho)

Armazén (warehouse in English). A place shop full of treasures... It's an antiques shop,  a fashion store…. an art gallery… and even, a tapas bar! It's a little bit urban… somewhat vintage… and a whole lotta cool. It’s a great cultural spot to hang, do a little shopping, enjoy some art and take a break