Three Days of Flavour: Exploring Vigo and Porto in a Weekend

Hello Hungry Tourists,

Welcome to my travel diary from a whirlwind weekend adventure to Spain and Portugal! Join me as I recount the culinary delights and memorable experiences girlfriend and I enjoyed during our three-day break.

Day 1: The Journey Begins

Our trip kicked off with a flight to Vigo, Spain, departing from Stansted Airport. To save money and hassle, I drove us there, parking at a cheap spot near a train station that offers direct access to the airport for about £2. Unfortunately, with our early flight, the train station wasn't open. We called a taxi, but finding one that was available and local at that hour proved challenging. We ended up spending £25 on a taxi, which initially frustrated me. Girlfriend's attempt to be frugal seemed counterproductive. However, I later realised the return journey would indeed be cheaper and more convenient, just £2 and a quick five-minute train ride.

After a rushed and early start with no time for breakfast, we arrived in Vigo and immediately took a bus to Porto, Portugal. Navigating the bus stop was tricky since most locals didn't speak much English. I discovered that many Spaniards do speak French, though my French is a bit rusty. Thankfully, no passport control was needed between Spain and Portugal because both countries are part of the Schengen Area, which allows for passport-free travel across most European countries.

Day 1: Culinary Delights in Porto

Upon arriving in Porto, we sought out some much-needed food at "Cafetaria Restaurante Jose Rela," recommended by a friendly taxi driver. The food at "Jose Rela" was incredible—large portions, delicious flavours, and budget-friendly. Every staff member was friendly and accommodating.

Given our hunger, we indulged in two meals in one sitting, though we couldn't finish the enormous portions. After eating, we spent the day sightseeing, soaking in the beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere of Porto. We then checked into "Down2Town B&B" for the night. The B&B was comfortable, with good Wi-Fi and pleasant staff, though the "aircon" was merely a warm-air fan.

Day 2: More Porto and Back to Vigo

The next morning, we had breakfast at "Flor De Braganca," drawn in by its inviting atmosphere and convenient location near the bus stop. I tried Francesinha, a traditional Porto sandwich with layers of meat, topped with cheese, and covered in a rich beer sauce with a fried egg on top. It was delicious, and the staff were cheerful and eager to assist.

With some time to spare before our bus, we went for a second breakfast at "Magnólia Porto-restauração Lda." The staff recommended another Francesinha, but I decided to try something different this time. Although the meal wasn't as enjoyable, possibly because I was already full, the service was quick, allowing us to reach the bus on time.

My favourite meal in Porto was definitely the Francesinha at "Flor De Braganca," a true gem of Porto cuisine recommended by locals. This is shown in the last photo on this post.

Day 2: Exploring Vigo

The bus back to Vigo seemed to take longer than the journey to Porto, but eventually we made it and headed to "Restaurante Rias Baixas 2" as t looked inviting. Although my Spanish is limited and my French not much better, the staff were kind, and the food was good. Girlfriend's multilingual skills put me to shame, though none of her languages are European. As both Porto and Vigo are coastal cities, seafood is prominent. While not a seafood fan, I decided to try calamari, thinking it would be tolerable, but it turned out to be really enjoyable. Girlfriend had crab, and we shared our meals, as we had been doing throughout the trip, to experience as much of the local cuisine as possible.

We spent the night at "B&B Hotel Vigo." The room lacked a view and adequate lighting, but we weren't there for the hotel experience. For dinner, we opted for snacks at "Bar Carballo," ordering calamari in bread, which was more filling than expected. Later, we enjoyed a dessert and drinks at a bar, where my rusty French came in handy for ordering.

Day 3: Final Day in Vigo

The next morning, we tried "Restaurante O Rincón" for breakfast. Although not officially open, they kindly let us wait inside and served us drinks. To our delight, the waiter brought out freshly fried sardines, which, despite my aversion to fish, were incredibly delicious. We then ordered a more substantial breakfast, sharing steak strips on fries, prawns in a rich sauce, and more calamari. Although I didn't touch the prawns, the rest of the food was excellent.

We spent the rest of the day sightseeing before catching our flight back to England. The return journey was seamless, with a quick £2 train ride to the car and an easy drive home.

This trip to Spain and Portugal was a delightful blend of culinary exploration and cultural immersion. From the warm hospitality of the locals to the mouth-watering dishes, every moment was memorable. I hope this recount inspires you to embark on your own culinary adventures.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Gracias por leer mi blog. Obrigado por ler o meu blog.