If you are lucky enough to find these apartments free when you book, then you have hit the jackpot. From the minute we arrived (two couple's) to the minute we left, Fred and Maria helped make our stay in this beautiful city an amazing experience.
On our arrival we were greeted by Fred, first taken through to the long, very peaceful, rear garden where the view is breath-taking, looking down over the Douro and across to the port warehouses and caves of de Gaia. And then when we were taken to the apartment, this was also the same view from the windows of the living area, the dining area and the kitchen, just stunning.
The kitchen area has everything you need including large fridge, freezer, dishwasher, microwave, cooker, ironing board etc and was spotlessly clean, as was the whole apartment, you can feel the love and attention to detail in each room. The bedrooms, both very good sizes have a lovely homely feel about them, lots of hanger space, and most importantly, the beds are so comfortable, we all slept very well. The living area is a real chill-out area with a comfy L-shaped sofa and the patio doors looking out over the river, topped off with a balcony with table and chairs for those relaxing moments.
There were some lovely little touches all around the apartment but that's for you to discover should you stay here.
Location is perfect, it sits in the heart of the historic district in a characteristic street. When i checked it out on Google maps it appeared that the apartment sat outside of the main tourist areas but you can be assured the apartment is 5 minute walk to Parc de Cordoaria which then opens up to so many of the main attractions. Its also a 5 min walk to the river and then a 10-15 walk through the stunning Ribeira river front to the Luis 1 bride. The nearest large supermarket is a 10 minute walk, bars, restaurants, 10 minute walks in various directions, but we walked everywhere as there are so many beautiful old buildings, and small family bars tucked away en-route to the main areas.
I could keep writing but to sum it up, if this apartment is free, just book it, the apartment, view, location and amazing hosts, you will have everything you need to make your break to Porto everything you want it to be. And finally, on arrival ask Fred for a map tour, he knows Porto inside out and gave us enough tips and places to visit to last the whole four days.
Big thank you to Fred and Maria, will definitely be coming back to Porto for a 2nd visit as its a beautiful, friendly, city and will definitely be staying with you.