Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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Portoroz
Portorož, which means "Port of Roses," is a city for those looking for a relaxing escape on the beautiful Gulf of Trieste. Enjoy the lovely beaches during the day, and then delve into Portorož's extensive nightlife in nightclubs, discotheques, casinos, and pubs.
Good music is always to be found in Portorož, as it is a cultural center of the Slovene coast. Another cultural asset is the International Sculpture Symposium Forma Viva, where the public can view artists creating their work right before their eyes.
The city is most famous for its health and wellness spas and thermal pools, making your Portorož experience one of pampering and well-being. Being a part of one of the biggest saltpans in the world, the natural elements of salt, brine, and fango mud make Portorož an ideal place for a spa, and is known as one of the most comprehensive spas in all of Europe.
If you're one for adventure, there are daily boat excursions into the Gulf, as well as diving, sailing, and windsurfing opportunities.
Good music is always to be found in Portorož, as it is a cultural center of the Slovene coast. Another cultural asset is the International Sculpture Symposium Forma Viva, where the public can view artists creating their work right before their eyes.
The city is most famous for its health and wellness spas and thermal pools, making your Portorož experience one of pampering and well-being. Being a part of one of the biggest saltpans in the world, the natural elements of salt, brine, and fango mud make Portorož an ideal place for a spa, and is known as one of the most comprehensive spas in all of Europe.
If you're one for adventure, there are daily boat excursions into the Gulf, as well as diving, sailing, and windsurfing opportunities.
Practical Info
Portorož has a very small airport, but it is used mostly for charter flights. The nearest airport is Trieste, about 30 minutes away by shuttle, or Ljubljana, about an hour away.
If you'd like to take a bus in, all routes in and out of Piran stop in Portorož. There is also a free shuttle to and from Piran. The nearest train station is the Koper Railway Station, about 15 km out of the city.
If you're coming from Italy, there is a boat service out of Venice.
If you'd like to take a bus in, all routes in and out of Piran stop in Portorož. There is also a free shuttle to and from Piran. The nearest train station is the Koper Railway Station, about 15 km out of the city.
If you're coming from Italy, there is a boat service out of Venice.
Address: Portoroz, Slovenia
Admission: Free
From $ 86
Port of the Moon
Bordeaux in southwest France was once a vibrant port city. The port itself was known as the Port of the Moon because it sat on a semi-circular part of the Garonne River. Historically the left bank of the port has been the center of commerce and culture. Throughout the past 2,000 years, the port has played an important role in shaping the city's history and its place as a world city of wine.
When the automobile became more prominent, the historical buildings in this area began to degrade and turn black. The roads were not meant for cars, and traffic jams clogged up the port area. The port's importance declined, and it was eventually moved downstream to the northern suburbs. In the 1990s great efforts were made to clean up the area, including the buildings, and the waterfront is now lined with pedestrian walkways, bicycle paths, shops, and museums. In 2007 the Port of the Moon waterfront was named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Practical Info
The Port of the Moon waterfront is located along the northwest banks of the Garonne River. The road changes names from Quai Louis XVIII to Quai des Chartrons.
Address: Bordeaux, France
From $ 14
Port Aventura Park
This is a serious theme park, Spain's biggest and baddest, with a collection of wild rides - like Dragon Khan and Furios Baco, both clocking in at well over 100kph (65mph) - that will keep thrill junkies coming back for more. Port Aventura is the flagship park, divided into several "lands," such as the Wild West, Mexico, and China, with themed shows, restaurants, and gift shops. Though it could keep a family busy all day (or week), that's just the beginning.
In addition to Port Aventura, you could also visit several other parks - Port Aventura Aquatic Park, with dolphin shows and water slides; the Beach club, right on the Caribbean; and Golf PortAventura, with three premium golf courses. Savvy travelers can find packages that include several parks, special shows, and even discounts on hotels.
Practical Info
The closest airport to Port Aventura Park is Tarragona's Reus Airport (REU), with just handful of year-round direct flights to major European cities from April through September. It's about 15 minutes by bus or taxi between the airport and the park.
Renfe trains stop at the Port Aventura station, right at the park, while the AVE line's Camp de Tarragona station has regular bus service to the park. There are several hotels right next to Port Aventura, catering to park goers.
Address: Avinguda de l'Alcalde Pere Molas, Vilaseca, Spain
Hours: Open Mar - Sept, 10am - 7pm or later in the summer
Admission: Adults: €26 - 44, Children: €22 - 52
From $ 75
Portela
The Miradouro Portela, or Portela Lookout Point, situated between Porto da Cruz and Machico, allows visitors to observe one of the most beautiful landscapes in Madeira. The coastal lookout point boasts a panorama of mountains, villages and the sea as well. Time spent here is worthwhile, especially with a lunch at Restaurante Miradouro da Portela right on the road.
Many choose to take the bus or to drive to Portela from Funchal, while others take the hiking trail from Ribeiro Frio in Santana. In fact, the Ribeiro-Frio-to-Portela walk is one of the most popular levada routes, and in fact can be quite crowded in the high season as its medium level of difficulty is attractive to a wider variety of hikers.
Practical Info
Portela is reached by SAM bus no. 53 or 78 from Funchal; for those wishing to end at Portela via the levada walk, take the bus no. 56 to Ribiero Frio.
Address: 3700, Portugal
From $ 38
Portobello Road and Market
Home to one of London’s most famous street markets and some of West London’s trendiest eateries, Portobello Road has earned itself legendary status among Londoners, running through the trendy West London districts of Notting Hill, Westbourne Park and Ladbroke Grove.
Portobello market is world renowned for its antiques market with over 2,000 specialist dealers and vast crowds of bargain hunters, but the two-mile long sprawl includes a plethora of other goods. Vintage clothing, local designers and handcrafted accessories make up the fashion section of the market, with an array of unique and trend-setting pieces on offer, and plenty of incognito celebrities scouring the clothing racks. Hoards of eccentric retro memorabilia, one-of-a-kind furniture and second-hand household items, a wide range of bootlegged music and vinyl and a sprawling fruit and vegetable market, make up the rest of the stalls.
The street market is open six days a week but the Saturday market (which includes the main antiques market) is the most popular and crammed with vendors. There’s plenty to keep you occupied when you’ve finished shopping too – a number of independent art galleries, vintage clothing boutiques, bars and chic cafés (don’t miss the cupcakes at the renowned Hummingbird Bakery) are dotted along the main drag and side streets. Alternatively, film buffs can spot landmarks from Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts’ Notting Hill, much of which was filmed on Portobello Road – look out for that famous blue door, the location of the Travel Bookshop (actually a shoe shop) and the coffee shop where the romantic leads first meet.
Portobello market is world renowned for its antiques market with over 2,000 specialist dealers and vast crowds of bargain hunters, but the two-mile long sprawl includes a plethora of other goods. Vintage clothing, local designers and handcrafted accessories make up the fashion section of the market, with an array of unique and trend-setting pieces on offer, and plenty of incognito celebrities scouring the clothing racks. Hoards of eccentric retro memorabilia, one-of-a-kind furniture and second-hand household items, a wide range of bootlegged music and vinyl and a sprawling fruit and vegetable market, make up the rest of the stalls.
The street market is open six days a week but the Saturday market (which includes the main antiques market) is the most popular and crammed with vendors. There’s plenty to keep you occupied when you’ve finished shopping too – a number of independent art galleries, vintage clothing boutiques, bars and chic cafés (don’t miss the cupcakes at the renowned Hummingbird Bakery) are dotted along the main drag and side streets. Alternatively, film buffs can spot landmarks from Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts’ Notting Hill, much of which was filmed on Portobello Road – look out for that famous blue door, the location of the Travel Bookshop (actually a shoe shop) and the coffee shop where the romantic leads first meet.
Address: London, England
From $ 12
Porte Cailhau
Built in 1495, this dramatic Gothic Revival 35-meters tall city gate was built to commemorate King Charles VIII's victory at Fornovo in Italy during the Italian War of 1494. At the time, it was the main entry point to Bordeaux from the port. It faces Place du Palais and features several ornamental sculptures and towers, something that is very typical of architecture built under the reign of Charles VIII; indeed, the monarch wanted this gate to showcase his power and affluence. The gate, which was once part of the Bordeaux city wall, was later on used as a defensive tower (the multitude of portcullis, murder holes, and machicolation features are there to prove this), and as a salt scale and storehouse.
Nowadays, it houses an informative exhibition dedicated to the tools and materials with which the tower was built as well as the urban development of Bordeaux. There is a wonderful view of the old town center, the Garonne River, and the Pont de Pierre Bridge from the top floor.
Practical Info
Porte Cailhau is located on Place du Palais in central historic Bordeaux. It can by reached by public transit from Place du Palais tram station on line A and Porte de Bourgogne on line C; although it is not advised to get to the historic center of Bordeaux by car, there is paid underground parking at Bourse-Jean Jaurès. The entrance is on Quai du Maréchal Lyautey. The small exhibition is open daily (except January 1st) from 10am to 12pm, and from 1pm to 6pm.
Address: Porte Cailhau, Bordeaux, Aquitaine-Limousin-Poitou-Charentes 33000, France
Hours: Open daily from 10am to 12pm, and from 1pm to 6pm. Closed on January 1st.
From $ 35
Porta Maggiore
The impressive Porta Maggiore is one of the gates in the Aurelian Walls that circled the ancient city of Rome.
Historic city walls often have well-preserved gates, which were once the only entry and exit points to the city. Porta Maggiore is a particularly good example of an ancient gate, as it’s not just an old doorway but also an aqueduct.
There are two large arches through which two ancient roads once ran, connecting Rome with the outside world. It was built into the existing Aurelian Walls in 52 AD, and the upper part of the gate contained channels for two aqueducts bringing water into Rome.
Tours don’t tend to make the Porta Maggiore a highlight, but it’s sometimes on itineraries as a drive-by - it’s on a large intersection with quite a bit of traffic.
Practical Info
The Porta Maggiore isn’t far from the main entrances of Rome’s Termini Station, so if you’re leaving the train station by taxi or bus and head back along the tracks to the right of the station (if you’re facing it), keep an eye out for the Porta Maggiore.
Address: Piazza di Porta Maggiore, Rome, Lazio 00182, Italy
From $ 69
Porto Calem
Founded in 1859 by António Alves Cálem, Porto Calem is one of the most celebrated wineries in the Porto region. Located at the heart of the Douro Valley, the family-run winery produces some of Portugal’s finest port wines, using centuries-old production methods and offering a completely unique tasting experience for wine lovers.
The Basics
Visitors can discover Porto’s history on a guided tour of the winery, peek into the wine cellars, and visit the winery museum. The highlight of a visit is a guided tasting at the wine bar, overlooking the Douro River, where you can sample varieties including white port and tawny port. For the full experience, sign up for a thrilling 5D wine tasting journey or enjoy a traditional live fado (local style of folk song) show, followed by wine tasting.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tours are available in English, Spanish, and French, and multiple departure times are available throughout the day.
- The legal drinking age of 18 applies for all wine tasting at Porto Calem.
- Porto Calem is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Porto Calem is a 15-minute drive from central Porto, located on the riverside of Vila Nova de Gaia, where it is the closest cellar to the Dom Luiz I bridge. Vila Nova de Gaia is easily reached by metro from Porto—hop off at Jardim do Morro station and the wine cellar is just a few minutes’ walk west along the waterfront.
When to Get There
Porto Calem is open for tours and tastings year-round, but the busiest times are in July and August, when it’s best to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
What Is Port Wine?
Produced exclusively in Douro Valley, port wine is a sweet fortified wine that has been produced in the area since the 12th century. Today, the traditional wine is preserved on the UNESCO World Heritage Site and exported all around the world. Port wine is typically a red dessert wine, but other varieties to look out for include tawny ports (wood-aged red port), rose port, and white port, which is a popular ingredient in local cocktails.
Address: Av. Diogo Leite 344, Vila Nova de Gaia, Norte 4400-111, Portugal
From $ 14
Port de Barcelona
Down the centuries the Port de Barcelona has played a strategic role in the development of the city it serves; its geographical location on the Mediterranean Sea made it an important trading port that brought great wealth into Catalonia. Today it is a major stopover on cruising itineraries as well as the base for ferry services to the Balearic Islands and Mediterranean ports such as Rome, Genoa and Algiers; it is currently being extended in a development that will see it double in size and capacity.
Port Vell is adjacent to the ferry port, an historic area of fishing fleets and marinas into which new life was breathed in 1995; it is Barcelona’s number-one spot for destination shopping and dining, strolling along the seafront promenades and taking boat trips out onto the Med. It’s also the place to learn about Catalan history in the sprawling 19th-century Palau de Mar and travel by cable-car high above Barcelona to the museums and Olympic stadium at Montjuïc; to enjoy wrap-around movies at the IMAX; and to catch the sharks and rays in Europe’s largest aquarium.
Practical Info
Plaça Portal de la Pau, 6.
Address: Plaça Portal de la Pau, 6, Barcelona, Spain
From $ 78
Porto Cathedral (S e Cathedral)
Watching over the city from its hilltop spot, the imposing fort-like Porto Cathedral is a reminder of Porto’s diverse history. Featuring Romanesque, Gothic, and baroque architecture, this is Porto’s oldest and largest church, a must-visit for architecture and history aficionados.
The Basics
A visit to Porto Cathedral is essential to understand the history of Porto, one of Europe’s oldest populated centers. The church dates back to the 12th century and work continued into the 16th century (not counting later baroque and 20th-century additions), accounting for the varied architectural influences. Travelers can take a half-day river cruise tour stopping at the cathedral and many other main city monuments. A tuk tuk tour of Porto is another way to avoid uphill walks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Porto Cathedral is a must-visit attraction for history and art lovers.
- Set aside an hour or two to explore the cathedral’s façade and remarkable interior.
- It is free to visit the cathedral, but an entry ticket is required to visit the cloisters and the small Sacred Art museum.
- The cathedral is one of the departure points for the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage in Spain.
How to Get There
Situated in the heart of the city, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed cathedral is in a great location near the Douro river. Porto Cathedral is in Terreiro da Sé, the oldest district in central Porto, which is a short walk to Sao Bento station. Using the city's metro system, take Porto’s D (yellow) line and disembark at the Sao Bento stop.
When to Get There
From April to October, the cathedral is open from 9am to 12:30pm and from 2:30 to 7pm (the cloister is open 9am to 6:30pm). Between November and March, the cathedral closes at 6pm and the cloister closes at 5:30pm. The cloister is only open in the afternoon on Sundays and religious holidays, and it is closed to the public on Christmas and Easter.
Where to Find the Best Panoramic Views of Porto
Situated at the highest point of the city, the cathedral is famous for its stunning views and is a must for photographers. For the best vistas of the city, head to the terraces on the north and west sides of the church to capture panoramic scenes of Porto’s ancient labyrinthine streets and the red-roofed dwellings below.
Address: Oporto, Portugal
Admission: Varies
From $ 6
Porta Napoli
The Porta Napoli in Lecce is a triumphal arch that once served as one of three entrances into the historic city center. These gates were built into the city walls, and though the walls no longer exist the Porta Napoli still stands.
The gate was built in 1548 after a commission by the Habsburg Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Charles V, to fortify the city. Because of this funding, Lecce thanked the Emperor by decorating the Porta Napoli with the Habsburg family emblem.
Porta Napoli is a stop on many tours through Lecce. Because it doesn’t have open hours or an entry fee, it’s easy to admire at any time of day. For more explanation of the symbolism on the arch or the history behind it, however, a tour guide is useful.
Practical Info
The triumphal arch in Lecce bears the name of another Italian city because the road that once led from the Porta Napoli was the one people would travel to reach Naples.
Address: Piazzetta Arco di Trionfo, Lecce, Italy
From $ 35
Porta Borsari
Porta Borsari is a white limestone gate that once marked an entrance point into the Italian city of Verona. With two arched entrances and two sets of windows above, it’s a lasting example of the impressive scale of Roman monumental architecture.
The Basics
In Roman times, this city gate was part of a larger structure with fortified towers, one known as Porta Jovia in reference to a temple to the god Jupiter that stood nearby. The name changed to Porta Borsari when the gate became the main tax-collection point for goods heading in and out of Verona. Built in the first century AD by Emperor Gallieno, the gate stands at the top of Corso Porta Borsari, one of Verona’s best shopping streets. It’s a popular stop on guided walking tours and hop-on-hop-off bus tours of the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- For the best view, approach the city gate from the pedestrianized Corso Porta Borsari for the best view.
- You’ll find numerous cafes nearby—they’re perfect for lunch or a snack.
- Wear comfortable footwear if you’re planning to join a walking tour of the city.
How to Get There
Porto Borsari is located at 59 Corso Porta Borsari in downtown Verona. It’s easy to access on foot from other points in the city center, and hop-on-hop-off tour buses stop nearby.
When to Get There
Porta Borsari is a public monument accessible 24 hours a day year-round. Located on a busy shopping street, if you’re planning to take photographs of the gate, try to visit early in the day when there are fewer people.
Visit Juliet’s Balcony
William Shakespeare set one of his most famous works in Verona—that’s right, Romeo and Juliet. Down a narrow street in the city center, you’ll find the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s house) and its romantic balcony that’s believed to be the inspiration behind the play’s most famous scene. Although Shakespeare never visited Verona, and the balcony was added in the last century, the house did once belong to the Capellos, a precursor of the Capulet family that’s immortalized in the tragic love story.
Address: Corso Porta Borsari, 59, Verona 37121, Italy
From $ 23
Port of Hamburg
Trade has always been Hamburg’s raison d’etre, and today the Port of Hamburg is the largest in Germany.
The sprawling port takes up more than an eighth of the city, with around 12,000 ships a year delivering and picking up goods.
A river cruise is a good way to get an idea of the port’s size and activity, or step aboard the Rickmer Rickmers windjammer to learn more about Hamburg’s rich maritime history. The nearby Cap San Diego is another museum ship well worth stepping aboard.
Practical Info
The Port of Hamburg is south of the raffish St Pauli area. River cruises leave from the St. Pauli Landungsbrucken jetties along the river.
The closest metro stop is Landungsbrucken.
Address: St. Pauli Landungsbrucken, Hamburg 20459, Germany
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Port Olímpic
Facing the Olympic Village of the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, the Port Olimpic was built as a part of the redevelopment of the area in preparation for the event. With its proximity to the beach area and its iconic art and sculpture, it has become one of the most popular leisure areas in the city.
Surrounded on both sides by skyscrapers such as the prominent Torre Mapfre and the Hotel Arts, the port is a marina for over 700 boats. The view of the many yachts on the water is something to see, as is the masterful copper ‘Peix’ or fish sculpture by architect Frank Gehry. This is also the jumping off point for many sailing trips on the Mediterranean Sea.
There are dozens of dining and shopping options along the area, as well as that famous Barcelona nightlife once the sun goes down. The Barceloneta and Nova Icaria beaches can be found on either side.
Practical Info
To reach Port Olympic, take the metro (yellow line) to Ciutadella Vila Olimpica.
Address: Edificio Capitanía, s/n, Barcelona 08005, Spain
From $ 12
Porte de Hal Museum
The Porte de Hal, or Halle Gate, is what remains of the city’s second fortified wall, making it one of the most historic structures in Brussels. Built to defend the capital city in 1381, it guarded the interior with a medieval drawbridge and moat. Though many of the other structures from this time period have since been destroyed, the Porte de Hal was used as a prison, thereby still standing and recalling an earlier age. The stonework and style of the gate’s tower still looks like it was lifted straight from the Middle Ages.
The museum goes into detail about the city’s fortification, history, and folklore. Various weapons and armor are on display, including the parade armor of the Archduke Albert of Austria. Here visitors can learn in depth about the trade guilds and battles that make up the history of Brussels. Three stories up a winding staircase take you to the Battlement, with panoramic views of the city.
Practical Info
The Porte de Hal is located in the city center, open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 am to 5 pm and on weekends from 10 am to 5 pm. Adult admission costs €5. The closest metro stop is fittingly called Porte de Hal.
Address: Porte de Hal, Boulevard du Midi 150, Sint-Gillis, Belgium
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:30am-5pm
Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm
Admission: Adult €5
From $ 8
Porta Nuova
The Porta Nuova neighborhood in Milan was named after an historic monument in the area, the "new gate" built between 1810 and 1813. When compared to the ancient Roman gates that were once the entry points to the city of Milan, the Porta Nuova is considered quite new.
Located to the north of the city center, the Porta Nuova district underwent a revitalization after 2009 and today is used mainly for business. The skyline features several modern buildings and a large public park.
Practical Info
The Porta Nuova district is north of the historic center, with Stazione Garibaldi just to the west of the neighborhood. The Napoleonic gate is just south of the district on Via Monte Santo.
Address: Piazzale Principessa Clotilde, Milano, Italy
From $ 75
Portico of Octavia
Portico of Octavia was a large courtyard with many columns originally built in the 2nd century BC. It was rebuilt about 100 years later by Emperor Augustus and dedicated to his sister, Octavia. It once covered an area of almost 445 feet long and almost 380 feet wide, larger than a football field, and it had
more than 300 Corinthian columns. The Temple of Juno Regina and the Temple of Jupiter Stator stood in the middle. Today not much remains of the structure compared to what it once was. Visitors can still see five columns and the ruins of the entrance gate.
In the Middle Ages, the ruins of the Portico of Octavia became the site of a fish market. A stone to the right of the portico's great arch still marks the location. Nearby you can find the Teatro Marcello, the Tiber River and Tiber Island, the Temple of Apollo Sosiano, and it's not far from the Roman Forum.
Practical Info
Portico of Octavia is located at Via del Portico D'Ottavia, 29. To get there, take tram 8 to Arenula - Cairoli and walk east.
Address: Via del Portico D'Ottavia, 29, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
From $ 45
Porto Moniz
Draped across the volcanic cliffs overlooking the sea, pretty Porto Moniz is most famous for its sapphire swimming pools, protected from the Atlantic by photogenic rock formations and a few artificial barriers.
When you've finished working on your tan, however, there's much more to see and do in this appealing little city. The Aquário da Madeira, or Madeira Aquarium, offers a closer look at some 70 native species and 1730 São João Baptista Fort, built to protect Porto Moniz from pirates.
Next door, the Living Science Center has family-friendly exhibits that explore Madeira's unique ecosystems, while the Achadas da Cruz cable car offers access to less populated beaches.
Porto Moniz is located at the northwestern-most point of the Madeira, almost diagonally opposite Madeira Island's Funchal (FNC) airport, a scenic 42km (26mi) drive through the laurel-forested highlands. If you hire a private car, the 16km (10mi), waterfall-streaked drive between Porto Moniz and São Vicente offers amazing ocean views.
Taxis are widely available, while public buses 80 and 139 run make the 3-hour trip between Funchal and Porto Moniz twice daily, stopping in Ribeira Brava, Serra D'Água, Encumeada, Lameiros, and São Vicente. Car and passenger ferries also connect Funchal and Porto Moniz several times daily.
Address: Madeira Island, Vila de Porto Moniz, Portugal
Admission: Free
From $ 46
Porta Palio
Built in the 1550s, Porta Palio is a monumental city gate in Verona. It stands on the site of a former gate in the Medieval walled city. While the gate is now closed to traffic—whether horse, car, or pedestrian—it stands a reminder of 16th-century Verona.
The Basics
Porta Palio was designed by the Venetian architect Michele Sanmicheli to celebrate the ancient Roman road Via Postumia, which once crossed much of northern Italy. With Doric columns and regularly spaced arches, the design was influenced by Roman architecture. A horse race (palio in Italian) used to be held at the former Medieval gate, hence the monument’s name. The gateway has been closed to traffic for much of its life, which has led to it being nicknamed “Porta Stupa” or “closed gate” by locals.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The gate can only be viewed from the outside.
- The interior spaces are often used for events performances and exhibitions.
- Find out more about the gate and its history with a guided walking tour of the city.
How to Get There
Porta Palio is located at the edge of the Centro Storico (historic center), linked to Castelvecchio by Stradone Porta Palio. It’s approximately a 20-minute walk from the city center and is also accessible by bus or taxi. Hop-on-hop-off tour buses pass by the gate for those who want to see the monument without the walk.
When to Get There
A public monument, Porta Palio can be seen all year round. As only the outside of the gate is accessible to visitors, many people stop here while on a larger walking tour of the city.
Walk the City Wall
From Porta Palio, you can see a length of the Medieval city wall built in the 1200s. These walls were built upon the foundations of pre-existing Roman structures. Like many European cities, Verona was once encircled by defensive walls—and large sections of them remain. In fact, some sections were in use as late as the 19th century, when the city was occupied by Austrian forces. Walk down to nearby Castelvecchio to see the fortified bridge across the river.
Address: Stradone Porta Palio, Verona, Veneto, Italy
From $ 52
Port Grimaud
Just along the coast from St. Tropez, Port Grimaud is a chic village purpose-built in the 1960s by architect François Spoerry. The town was designed to resemble a mini Venice with its network of canals and brightly painted buildings, and today it is a popular destination for visitors to the Côte d’Azur.
The Basics
Port Grimaud is a unique place, arranged over four islands surrounded by canals and connected by bridges—hence it being known as the Venice of Provence. The whole village was designed and built in the 1960s on former marshland west of the glamorous town of St. Tropez. The majority of homes are simple in structure and resemble the traditional fisherman’s cottages of the area.
The virtually traffic-free village attracted controversy for being a “fake” version of a Provencal town when it was first built, but now it’s a popular destination for both homeowners and visitors. The modernist church dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, with stained glass by Victor Vasarely, is on most people’s must-do list, as is a boat trip along the canals to see the many different watercraft—every house in town has its own private mooring.
For many travelers, Port Grimaud—often as part of a small-group or private guided tour out of Nice, Cannes, Monaco, or St. Tropez—is a highlight of their Provence visit.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The town hosts a weekly produce market on Thursday mornings and a flea market on Sunday mornings. On Mondays during high summer, the town also holds a popular night market.
- You’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafés here.
- Get a unique perspective on the homes in Port Grimaud with a boat trip along the canals.
How to Get There
Port Grimaud lies along the Côte d’Azur, 7 miles (12 kilometers) southwest of St. Tropez. The closest airport is in Nice, 55 miles (88 kilometers) away. Cars are not permitted inside the town and must park on the outskirts. You can use local water buses to get around town, or explore with a guided tour.
When to Get There
Port Grimaud is lovely year-round, although it’s busiest during the summer months. Opening times differ for the different stores, cafés, and restaurants in town.
Stroll the Streets in St. Tropez
Known the world over as a favorite vacation spot for the rich and famous, the French Riviera town of St. Tropez has everything you could want for a day on the Côte d’Azur—gleaming white superyachts, very chic boutiques, stylish beach clubs, and bistros offering glasses of ice-cold rosé with stunning Mediterranean views.
Address: Port Grimaud, France
From $ 161