Spring has only just begun and we’re already counting down to the sweetest time of the year. It’s another festive occasion when families get together or take the opportunity to travel around Portugal. After all, there’s so much to visit from north to south. However, even for those staying in Porto and the surrounding area, there are plenty of activities to celebrate Easter 2024.
So, taking advantage of the long weekend ahead, we’d like to share a brief guide with some suggestions for kids and adults alike. What to do? There are special brunches, egg hunts, fairs, markets and chocolates (lots of chocolates). Whatever activity you choose, the most important thing is to enjoy it in the company of your loved ones.
1 – Hunting delicious eggs
In many countries, Easter egg hunts are an ancient tradition. Here, children can do it in idyllic settings, outdoors and in full communion with nature. One of the first possibilities takes us to the fantastic Serralves Park.
In this emblematic place in Porto, the 4th edition of the Egg Hunt will take place, where families are invited to take part in a peddy paper on biodiversity. This activity is scheduled for March 23rd (Saturday), from 10h00 to 17h00.
In another equally incredible place, more specifically Quinta da Aveleda, in the municipality of Penafiel, there is another Egg Hunt. Between vineyards and gardens, the initiative takes place on March 23rd, 24th, 29th and 30th, at 10h00 and 15h00. The price is €18 per child and €12 per adult.
2 – Join the five-day WOW festival
Vila Nova de Gaia‘s cultural quarter, WOW, has prepared a special and intense program to celebrate Easter 2024.
With activities for all the family, the options are varied and include workshops, a Chocolate Hunt and a children’s area with face painting, a trampoline and inflatables.
3 – Visit the Bolhão Easter Fair
The weekend before Easter will be a lively one, with many events on the agenda. One of the highlights is the new edition of the Easter Fair, taking place from March 21 to 23 at the historic Bolhão Market.
In addition to the food stalls, this year’s event includes workshops, musical performances and, of course, children’s activities.
4 – Traveling without leaving Porto at an international brunch
Of course, there is room for gastronomic suggestions in the Easter 2024 celebrations. After all, one of life’s greatest pleasures is eating (and eating well). In this context, and bearing in mind that the ‘fashion’ for brunches is here to stay, there is a themed initiative to celebrate the sweetest time of the year.
On March 31, the Astória Restaurant, located at the Intercontinental Porto – Palácio das Cardosas, will be promoting an Easter brunch for the whole family, with flavors that take you on a trip around the world. The options include Italian, Mexican, Asian, French and Portuguese food. The price is 42€ per person.
5 – Lunch at the Scarlett Porto table
In the space where Vogue Café Porto previously ‘lived’, there is a new restaurant: Scarlett Brasserie & Wine Bar. On March 31, Chef Charles Le Tallec is presenting a special menu to mark Easter.
At the table, there are plenty of starters and a veritable ode to Portuguese cheeses. Then there’s the Canja de Capão and for the main course you can choose between fish and meat.
To finish on a high note, there are two delicious desserts: Abade de Priscos Pudding and Traditional Easter Brioche. In addition, the children’s area will have a bouncy castle and face painting.
Lunch runs from 12 noon to 3pm and costs €42 per person, including an hour of sparkling wine. Children up to the age of three are free.
6 – Enjoy the buffet at The Yeatman
Another gastronomic suggestion takes us to one of the most luxurious hotels in Greater Porto: The Yeatman, in Vila Nova de Gaia. On the 31st, there’s a buffet lunch with dishes that take you to the four corners of the world.
The menu is signed by Chef Ricardo Costa and is accompanied by a wine selection by Elisabete Fernandes, The Yeatman’s Wine Director.
Children will once again be the focus of attention, as at the end of lunch they can take part in a fun egg hunt. The price of this exquisite meal is €130 per person.
