Every year, on the night of 23rd to 24th of June, the inhabitants of Porto and visitors, domestic and foreign, go to the streets to one that is known to be the longest night of the year in Porto.
The evening begins in Ribeira, because there are fireworks, usually launched from Bridge Luís I and boats anchored in the river where the banks of the Douro are the best places to see the show. If you do not like confusion, there are places that do not come in the guides where you can watch with the same emotion, such as the viewpoint of Bataria da Vitória at the bottom of S. Bento da Vitória Street and very close to the monastery of the same name.
You can also see the fireworks, on board of a tourist boat – the companies operating in the Douro normally have special programs for the evening of S. João, which may or may not include dinner. What is promised is always a lot of revelry and excitement!
And finally you can take your a plastic hammer (you can buy them everywhere on the streets)!. One of the traditions of São João festival in Porto is to lightly pound the head of everyone you meet on the street with a plastic hammer! 🙂
If you have possibility, stay one more day in Porto! On 24th of June regata of rabelo boats starts. And you can watch parade of rabelo boats. They were used in ancient times to transport Port wine.
You can use direct flight to Porto from Dublin, just check available time and price level (don’t expect cheap tickets on days of São João, as it is very popular festival in Porto): ryanair.com or skyscanner.net
Hotel Moon & Sun Porto has one of the best-rated locations in Porto! The property is around 1.8 km from City Market Bolhao, 2.3 km from Ferreira Borges Market and 2.3 km from Oporto Coliseum. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk and room service for guests.
You can find more hotels in this area here>>
The typical dishes of São João festival in Porto are grilled sardines, grilled peppers, caldo verde (the green broth soup) and fresh salads. The meat lovers usually go for grilled spare ribs, or for some beautiful bifanas (pork sandwiches). Everything served with red wine or with the local beer Super Bock.
As São João festival in Porto is a very busy night, you should definitely book a table in a restaurant. You can use thefork.com services for that.
Middle of summer in Porto usually is very warm and it’s good time to visit Porto!
More weather information from WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION.
You will find here much more cheaper beer and wine! Meals as well. 🙂
Prices estimated based on www.numbeo.com data.
