Porto – May 2025

Returning to a Western European country such as Portugal reminded one just how much of an impact accessibility has both in terms of cost and movement around the chosen place. For example, one was able to book a ‘budget’ hotel in the knowledge that it would be up to a high standard in terms of accessibility. This simply would not be possible in countries such as India.

The central area of Porto is very hilly indeed (on par with Valletta) hence it is prudent to plan your walking route carefully to minimise said hills, especially for wheelchair users. The great thing about Porto is the fully accessible transportation system whether it be the Gaia cable car, metro or the funicular. As a result, a wheelchair user should use it to their advantage. For example, after trekking up the hills of Vila Nove de Gaia, Superbunnys battery began to drain rather quickly whilst we were still 40 minutes walk from the hotel (excluding the gradients). One was able to head down to the Gaia cable car and then swiftly hop onto the Porto Metro taking us within 10 minutes of the hotel.

In regards to general accessibility, drop curbs are present for the majority making for a smooth roll.

After a little sense of normality in terms of accessibility in Portugal, one steps off the beaten track once again with a trip to the Azerbaijani capital of Baku. From here, the plan is to head into the Caucasus Mountains once more and to the country tourist hotspot of Gebele. The main hurdle for this trip is the lack of accessible transportation from Heydar Aliyev International Airport to the centre of Baku.

The flight back to the UK being at 8:45pm meant that, essentially one had another day in Porto. One of the top things to do whilst in the city is to cruise the River Douro. Although there are a few companies offering this service, none are fully wheelchair accessible. Saying that, if one wishes to go sailing, there is a company offering wheelchair accessible experiences along said river, this is provided by BBDouro.

Anyway, one braved the multiple hills from the Stay Hotel down to Ribeira Square. From here, boats depart every 30 minutes during the day. The most popular cruise is the ‘6 Bridges’ which lasts around 50 minutes. It is possible to take a wheelchair down onto the pontoon, however, due to the width of the gangway (and the large gap between that and the boat), it is not possible to traverse any further without walking.

Once onboard, comfortable seating is available both inside and outside or opt for benches along the sides…

Although the cruise covers a relatively short distance, it still provides an unique view of Porto including the Luís I Bridge…

The cruise also takes one past Funicular dos Guindais which is another transportation method taking one, effectively from the bottom to the top of the Luís I Bridge. Of course, one had to try this on the way back to the hotel. As with most modern funiculars, it is fully wheelchair accessible i.e. ramps and level boarding.

As mentioned yesterday, one of the aims for today was to seek out a wheelchair accessible Port Lodge. In addition, one wanted to explore at leisure rather than part of a tour. The place that ticked both of these boxes was Taylor’s Port Lodge.

Aside from being located at the top of a rather steep hill, the site is fully wheelchair accessible. As a result, disabled individuals do not receive an entry discount. However, the 25 euro fee includes a self-guided tour around the site plus a wine tasting session located in the gardens.

Wheelchair users should note that, although the site is wheelchair accessible, a few ramps are on the steep side. In addition, surfaces within the cellars compromise of gravel with a risk of getting stuck if one decides to venture off the main path…

Tomorrow, one heads out of Porto without Superbunny to explore Bom Jesus do Monte located near Braga.

Although Porto is a very walkable city, one must say that the centre is rather hilly hence it is prudent to plan around this. Coincidentally, the Stay Hotel is located atop of a hill hence it was possible for one to take in some of Porto’s famous landmarks whilst on the descent towards the River Douro…

Although Porto’s São Bento station is a mainline railway station, it is also a prime example of ajulejo architecture. As of May 2025, the exterior is under renovation, however, it was delightful to see the ‘accessible’ entrance clearly signposted…

One of the icons of Porto is the Luís I Bridge which spans the River Douro connecting the city with Vila Nove de Gaia. In addition to a roadway, the bridge also carries a section of the Porto Metro and a pedestrian walkway providing panoramic views of the city…

As the images above suggest, the walkway may be a little narrow for wheelchair users, however, it is possible to use the metro tracks when no vehicles are present.

When one crosses over to Vila Nove de Gaia, the quickest and easiest way to its centre is to use the Gaia cable car. It is worth noting that the area also contains unassuming steps hence the system is a great avoidance tactic.

The Gaia cable car is fully accessible for wheelchair users equipped with ramps, elevators and cabins wide enough for the majority of wheelchairs…

N.B. It’s also necessary for the system to stop completely before one can board, much safer than this running and jumping business!

A mere 8 minute walk from Trindade Metro station can be found the Stay Hotel (Centro Trindade) where one is staying for the next 3 nights. As mentioned previously, one of the benefits of visiting a Western European country such as Portugal as a wheelchair user is that accessibility is of a greater importance, particularly in hotels. As a result, one was able to book a ‘cheap’ hotel without any concerns over accessibility.

Granted, the room does appear to be a little basic, however, it has what is needed i.e. ample space for Superbunny and an adequate accessible wet room…

The only thing to note is all the accessible rooms are located on the ground floor away from all the other guest rooms located on various levels.

The plan for tomorrow is to explore the historical centre and the famous Luís I Bridge before catching the Gaia Cable Car to Vila Nove de Gaia. This area is known for its numerous Port Lodges/Cellars hence the hope is that one of these will be wheelchair accessible.

After nearly a year of travelling to countries where accessibility is to be desired, one has returned to Western Europe. This adventure takes place in northern Portugal in the city of Porto. Although Superbunny is making a return after Romania, it has to be said that it’s not in the best shape. This means that one will be ‘limping’ the thing around Porto and, indeed Azerbaijan next month until Superbunny2 is released into the wild!

One of the great things about visiting Western European countries as a wheelchair user is that accessibility is almost guaranteed. The cheapest and most efficient way of getting from Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport to the centre is via the Porto Metro (Line E) located opposite the main terminal building. However, in order to access said station, one must descend a level to an underpass rather than simply crossing the road.

The Porto Metro rolling stock can be likened to a conventional tram vehicle hence allowing for level boarding for individuals using wheelchairs. Once inside the vehicle, the designated wheelchair space is located at the very front, however, as the metro it is quite roomy, it is possible to sit by the majority of the doors (unless it’s rush hour in which case the designated space may be a better option!)…

As the Porto Metro runs straight to the airport, it seemed appropriate for one to book a hotel within walking distance of the network.