Porto

Porto(also known asOportoinEnglish),is thesecond largest cityinPortugalafterLisbonand one of the major urban areas of theIberian Peninsula. The urban area of Porto, which extends beyond the administrative limits of the city, has a population of 1.4 million(2011)in an area of 389km2(150sqmi),making it the second-largest urban area in Portugal.

Located along theDouro river estuaryin Northern Portugal, Porto is one of the oldestEuropeancentres, and its historical core was proclaimed aWorld Heritage SitebyUNESCOin 1996. The western part of its urban area extends to the coastline of theAtlantic Ocean. Its settlement dates back many centuries, when it was an outpost of theRoman Empire.

One of Portugal's internationally famous exports,port wine, is named for Porto, since the metropolitan area, and in particular thecavesofVila Nova de Gaia, were responsible for the packaging, transport and export of the fortified wine.In 2014, Porto was electedThe Best European Destinationby the Best European Destinations Agency.