One of two global cities in Portugal, Porto is considered the economic and culutral heart of the northern part of the country. Porto is located along the Douro River estuary. The city has an estimated population of 220,000 making it the most populous area in the Greater Metropolitain Area of Porto. The area may be best known for Port Wine as the wine is produced here and shipped internationally from Porto.

 

Transportation

 

Porto is well connected through a system of roadways, airways, and public transit options including subway, light rail busses, and trams.

Road ways exist connecting the city to Lisbon, the Atlantic Shore, Estarreja, and Braga. There is also an outer loop called "A41" which connects all of Porto's main cities. Several major bridges connect the city as well.

 

By air, Porto is serviced by the Francisco de Sa Carneiro Airport. The airport is locted about 15 km outside of Porto in the municipality of Maia.

 

Rail is a major mode of transportation within the city. The main rail station, Sao Bento, offers connections to the light rail and suburban rail systems. The Sao Bento station itself is known as a worthy tourist stop.

 

Proto is continuing to develop the light rail system. It currently covers about 37 miles (60 km) and is the largest metro system in Portugal. There are five lines open at present.

 

Bus lines and tram systems also serve as modes of transportation in Porto.

 

Cuisine

 

Aside from being known as the home for Port Wines Porto lays claim to several other portugese dishes enjoyed worldwide. These dishes include Tripas a Moda do Porto, a codfish dish called Bacalhau a Gomes de Sa, and a sandwich snack called Francesinha which features a sauce made from beer.

 

Climate

 

Porto has a Mediterranean climate. Cool winters with a lot of rainfall are very common here. In contrast the summer season is marked by sunny and often dry weather with temperatures ranging from fifteen to twenty-seven degrees Celsius. Winter temperatures range from five to fifteen degrees Celsius.

 

Languages Spoken

 

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. Arabic, Galician, Mirandesa, and Calo are other languages often heard around the country.

 

Currency

 

The Euro is the form of currency in Porto and Portugal.

 

Tuberculosis

 

Tourists in the area should be aware that Porto consistently has the highest levels of positive Tuberculosis tests in Portugal. In 2004 public health officials revealed that 53 of every 100,000 people tested positive for T.B.