Vila Nova de Gaia

A 60-metre-high bridge over the Douro has connected the metropolis of Porto with the neighboring town of Vila Nova de Gaia since 1886. The Ponte Dom Luis I has always been one of the postcard motifs of the region on the Atlantic. Vila Nova de Gaia is the center of Portuguese wine production; the first bodega was founded here as early as 1790. Many holidaymakers rave about the atmosphere of the fishing district of Sao Pedro da Afurada after their tour of Portugal. Laundry is almost always blowing on the second floor in front of the tiled facades of the houses, and grilled sardines are served at the market stalls and in the restaurants. Ferdinand Magellan, navigator and explorer on behalf of the Spanish crown, was born in Vila Nova de Gaia.