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The Douro Valley is a historic wine region known for its terraced vineyards that stretch along the Douro River. It is one of the oldest officially demarcated wine regions in the world, established in 1756. The landscape is characterized by steep hillsides that have been carefully shaped by human hands over centuries to grow grapes.

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The Douro Vinhateiro has a culture that is closely linked to vineyard life and old traditions.

One important moment is the grape harvest, called "vindima," when families and workers gather to pick grapes by hand. In some places, people still stomp grapes with their feet in large stone tanks, following very old methods.

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The Douro’s global fame is closely tied to the British. In the 17th century, frequent wars between England and France led the British to look for alternative wine sources, so they found the solution with and old allie, Portugal. They found the robust wines of the Douro, but there was a problem: the wine often spoiled during the long sea voyage.
To "fortify" the wine for travel, merchants began adding a small amount of grape spirit (brandy), which stopped fermentation and left the wine sweet and strong. Thus, Port Wine was born.

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Individual work of presentations

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Orange and White Modern Spain Presentation

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Check out this Presentation designed by Said Najib El Souki Morales.

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The Ferreira caves in Vila Nova de Gaia are traditional cellars where Port wine is aged in barrels. They’re closely tied to Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, a key figure who built the brand.

Visitors can tour the caves, learn how Porto wine is made, and taste different styles. The location near Porto provides ideal conditions for aging wine.

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On Tuesday, April 21st, we went straight to São Bento train station and headed to Régua, where we could observe the Douro River during the trip.
When we arrived at our destination, we went for a boat trip on the Douro River. Afterwards, we had lunch and returned to Gaia. After lunch, I attended a class at the conservatory, and when it ended, I met up with the rest of the group for dinner at the Offline restaurant.

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On Wednesday we all met in the garden of the hill and went for an activity along the riverfront of Gaia and Porto, we also went to the Ferreira cellars and to WOW.
In the afternoon I went with Simon to Porto to see clothing stores because we both have this interest in fashion and in the middle we took the opportunity to go for a coffee.

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The Douro Estuary is located in the north of Portugal, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean, near the city of Porto.

This area is a transition zone between freshwater from the river and saltwater from the sea. Because of this connection, the estuary (estuari) has a mix of environmental conditions, which makes it a unique and dynamic ecosystem.

Estuaries are influenced by tides, which means that water levels and salinity change regularly. The Douro Estuary has muddy banks, shallow waters, and areas with aquatic vegetation. These conditions create a rich habitat where many organisms can live. Nutrients carried by the river also make the area very productive.

The Douro Estuary plays an important ecological role. It provides shelter, food, and breeding areas for many species. It is especially important for migratory birds, which use the estuary as a resting and feeding place.

Joana Samagaio

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An old train model and roads that have been used on the past and forgotten, but now is completely remodeled and working right now. With stunning views of the Douro River and Lake, and some parts of the trip really really close!

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And stunning tower that also worked has a lighthouse in the past, to guide fellow travellers to Porto.

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First day starting to explore Porto right at the afternoon!

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First day starting to explore Porto right at the afternoon!

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Welcome of our fellow Spanish Students, has also an small trip of Porto and walk around.

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by sixseven

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A unique trip along the Douro River, from Porto to Pinhão, showcasing the region’s breathtaking landscapes and timeless winemaking heritage.

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Environmental challenges in Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia

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Environmental challenges in Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia

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River & Urban Pollution: The Douro River faces contamination from domestic/industrial wastewater and plastic runoff. Efforts focus on upgrading treatment plants (ETARs) to protect aquatic biodiversity.

Tourist Pressure: High visitor numbers lead to excessive waste production and traffic congestion, straining public services and urban mobility in historic centers.

Climate Change: Both cities are experiencing the "Urban Heat Island" effect (rising temperatures in concrete areas) and more frequent extreme weather events, such as torrential rains.

Flood Risks: Due to their geography, the riverside areas (Ribeira and Gaia Quay) are highly vulnerable to Douro River floods and rising sea levels, which threaten coastal infrastructure.

City Actions: Municipalities are implementing Climate Adaptation Plans, including building drainage tunnels to prevent flooding, expanding green spaces to cool the air, and investing in electric public transport.

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The tradition of Arraiolos finds a unique and sensory home at Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau - Rua das Flores, in Porto. This establishment harmoniously blends two pillars of Portuguese identity: the meticulous art of embroidery and the iconic flavors of the sea.

In the historic Rua das Flores, this venue offers a rare opportunity to see artisans actively working on Arraiolos rugs. This specialized cross-stitch technique, which has adorned Portuguese estates since the Middle Ages, is kept alive here through live demonstrations. Visitors can admire the vibrant colors and complex patterns of the finished pieces displayed throughout the space while appreciating the quiet dedication of the weavers.

The experience is further enriched by the house specialty—codfish cakes (pastéis de bacalhau) served with Serra da Estrela cheese. This fusion of artisanal craft and culinary excellence creates a cultural sanctuary, where the legacy of Arraiolos is preserved not just as a museum artifact, but as a living, breathing part of Porto’s urban fabric.

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The Afurada Heritage Interpretive Centre: A Gateway to Maritime Tradition

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The Afurada Heritage Interpretive Centre: A Gateway to Maritime Tradition

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Located in the heart of Vila Nova de Gaia’s most iconic fishing village, the Centro Interpretativo do Património da Afurada (CIPA) serves as a vital cultural institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the local community’s unique identity.

The centre is housed in a thoughtfully restored building that once served as a local warehouse, blending industrial memory with contemporary museology. Its primary mission is to safeguard the intangible heritage of the Afurada people—a community whose history is inextricably linked to the Douro River and the Atlantic Ocean.

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The Douro Estuary is located in the north of Portugal, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean, near the city of Porto. This area is a transition zone between freshwater from the river and saltwater from the sea. Because of this connection, the estuary has a mix of environmental conditions, which makes it a unique and dynamic ecosystem.

Estuaries are influenced by tides, which means that water levels and salinity change regularly. The Douro Estuary has muddy banks, shallow waters, and areas with aquatic vegetation. These conditions create a rich habitat where many organisms can live. Nutrients carried by the river also make the area very productive.

The estuary is home to a variety of species. Among birds, we can find herons, seagulls, and cormorants. In terms of fish, species such as mullet and sea bass are common. The area also includes riverside plants like reeds and other salt-tolerant vegetation. These species are adapted to the changing conditions of the estuary.

The Douro Estuary plays an important ecological role. It provides shelter, food, and breeding areas for many species. It is especially important for migratory birds, which use the estuary as a resting and feeding place. The ecosystem also helps maintain water quality by filtering pollutants naturally.

Human activities, such as pollution, urban development, and tourism, can negatively affect the estuary. These actions may damage habitats and reduce biodiversity. However, there are conservation efforts in place to protect the area, including environmental regulations and awareness programs. Protecting the estuary is essential to preserve its biodiversity for future generations.