There’s something magical about seeing a city from above, and Porto is no exception. Known for its historic charm, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, Porto offers a unique perspective when viewed from the sky. In this article, we’ll explore the incredible experience of taking a helicopter tour over Porto, highlighting the breathtaking views, key landmarks, and what you can expect from this unforgettable adventure.
In recent years, helicopter tours have become an increasingly popular way to explore Portugal. Offering a bird’s-eye view of the country, these tours provide a new and exciting way to appreciate the country’s beauty and complexity. As urban mobility evolves, helicopters are making it easier for both locals and tourists to experience iconic sights from a unique vantage point.
What to Expect from Your Helicopter Tour
Helicopter tours in Porto typically last between ten minutes and one hour, giving you ample time to soak in the panoramic views. Most tours depart from the heliport near the Douro River, offering a convenient starting point for your aerial adventure.
Why Choose a Helicopter Tour?
Helicopter tours offer several advantages over traditional sightseeing methods:
- Unique Perspective: Viewing Porto from above allows you to see the city in its entirety, appreciating the layout and how different neighborhoods connect.
- Time-Efficient: In just a short amount of time, you can cover a vast area and see multiple landmarks, making it a perfect option for those with limited time.
- Memorable Experience: The thrill of flying combined with the stunning views makes for an unforgettable experience that you’ll cherish long after the tour ends.
Porto Unveiled: The Ultimate Helicopter Experience
Ten years ago, the journey began with Lisbon Helicopters, a tourism company. The team boasted expertise in tourist flights within Portugal’s capital and passenger transportation nationwide. This expertise stemmed from their affiliation with the Helibravo Aviation Group, which boasts three decades of experience in aerial work, particularly with helicopters.
The company provides four distinct routes for exploring the city and the Douro River. Among these, the “Porto Douro Route” encompasses a journey across the Arrábida Bridge, through Porto’s historic center, and past notable landmarks such as the Luís I, Infante Dom Henrique, Dona Maria Pia, São João, and Freixo bridges. The tour includes visits to the Serra do Pilar Monastery and the renowned Port wine cellars. This comprehensive experience lasts approximately ten minutes.
The “Porto Foz Route” extends the exploration beyond the six bridges featured in the previous route, encompassing the historic center of Porto, the Serra do Pilar Monastery, the Port wine cellars, and stretching to Foz do Douro and the Port of Leixões. This extended journey lasts approximately 15 minutes.
For those seeking a broader adventure, the “Porto Atlântico Route” covers not only the six bridges, the Monastery, the Port wine cellars, the historic city center, and the Foz area, but also ventures to Miramar and the Chapel of Senhor da Pedra. This enriching experience lasts about 20 minutes.
If you crave a truly immersive experience, the “Rota Douro Vinhateiro” not only explores the highlights of Porto but also takes you to Régua, passing by the Crestuma Dam. This extensive journey lasts just over an hour.
All tours originate and conclude at the Massarelos Heliport, situated on the right bank of the Douro River, near the Arrábida Bridge. Tours are available from Wednesday to Sunday, between 9 am and 6 pm, with a break for lunch from 1 pm to 2 pm. Simply reach out to us to make a booking, and we’ll handle all the arrangements for you.
