When in the must see parts of the city of Porto one will quickly note that walking around it isn’t necessarily a mere “walk in the park”. Depending on your preference for parks, Porto has a rather harsh topography, making it rather ill-suited or a huge difficulty heightener for many leisurely activities. However not all of the city today is like that.
Such it is, physical exertion was very much the point of Porto’s early settlement; an easily defensible position, easier to defend still against exhausted opponents. But these days Porto has expanded its boundaries far and wide in all directions (except southwards), and towards flatter lands. Namely among them is a rather popular one: the seaside. The Porto seaside is just as remarkable an area as downtown, and most popular among them is the Brazil Avenue (Avenida do Brasil). This rather flat, trendy area of the city is peppered with gardens, the fresh (or chilling) breeze of the Atlantic Ocean and blessed with a rather flat topography of a relatively smooth coastline. In days of extreme heat, a not so uncommon occurrence in summery days, the colder Atlantic northwest winds become a rather welcome feeling. Brazil Avenue is also peppered with all manner of habitations; modest fishermen’s row houses, to opulent lordly manors, to late 20th century apartment blocks, as well as seaside gardens and pergolas. Its pleasant scenery, fresh winds, flat terrain, seaside coffee shops and restaurants make it one of the go-to leisurely areas of the city: to do anything from running or cycling, to simply chill out with a refreshment, as the ocean’s waves crash onto the rocky beaches a few metres away, and seabirds of quite a few varieties go on about their lives. Facing west, this area of town is fantastic for late afternoon exercise and relaxation, and many of the city’s denizens adopt it for just that. Bike lanes and wide sidewalks encourage coexistence between the many joggers and cyclists one will find there.
When devoid of a car and in need of transport, the best way to reach Brazil Avenue is by bus. Assuming one stands in the central Aliados Avenue, the best lines to get there are the 500 (a very scenic line in which STCP’s double deckers are often employed), 202, and 207, in that order. At any rate, if you stumble upon 203 or 204, they will take you near there all the same.
Be it for exercise or relaxing, (or both, who knows), Brazil Avenue and the surrounding seaside make for some of the best, freshest and loveliest areas to do so in the city of Porto. It is nice to breathe in a different air every once in a while and it is quite fortunate to find such a different one within the city itself.
If you want to know more or explore different areas with some friendly locals give us a call or send us an email!
