Le Residenze degli Oleandri, Porto Cervo

Advantages: Beautiful beaches and rugged scenery
Disadvantages: Expensive around Costa Smeralda

...The Costa Smeralda literally means the Emerald coast and is a popular holiday area in the North east of Sardinia. The Aga Khan changed this area from just a beautiful area to a paradise for the rich to play in, and later holiday resorts and timeshare style areas were built. Wonderful beaches and clear seas lure people to soak up the sun and relax on sun beds under the shade of bright umbrellas. Pedaloes and other water sports are available for hire at different beaches to encourage a little exercise. . A short distance from Porto Cervo is Liscia di Vacca where we stayed in 2004 in a time-share village, the beach was beautiful but the village quiet in September. There are many popular restaurants in this area and people seem to drink and drive in Sardinia, so happily drive a distance to enjoy a good restaurant. Another town... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: friendly efficient staff, good location
Disadvantages: poorly promoted restaurant

...In September we had a great holiday in North Portugal and I wanted to tell you about my favourite hotel. We booked into the Pestana Porto for 4 nights and it was a very enjoyable stay. My Aunt had recommended Oporto so after a search on Tripadvisor for hotels there, we booked a room with a river view. Location The Pestana Porto is ideally situated for tourists. It looks out onto the river Douro and the riverside cafes. Nearby are old, narrow quaint streets with bars and restaurants. River cruises regularly set off from just below our bedroom window. A walk across the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia takes you straight into the old part of the town and you can easily walk to many of the famous port houses. The fabulous Palacio da Bolsa is located a short walk away. We walked into town although this is not recommended for all. Parts... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Beautiful City, Excellent Night Life
Disadvantages: Can't Find Any

...Beautiful City, Excellent Night Life If you never been there it's a must. How do I know this? I'm Portuguese and used to live about 4 miles from there. I think 34 years it's enough to know that Porto is a Beautiful city with the Douro River (you can make a trip by ferry departing from Ribeira to Spain) as a great landscape and of course the tasteful Port (you can visit the Porto caves where this wine is made). If you're looking for fun, I suggest going to Ribeira and Foz where you can find great bars and discos. In the summer you have several beaches to go (not far from Porto, 4/5 miles away), among them Miramar it's a great one and there is a great Hotel as well, and again great fun at night(better go to Francelos for fun 1 or 2 miles away from Miramar) If you like to shop and good restaurants, either you can go to Boavista... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful