Spring has only just begun and we’re already counting down to the sweetest time of the year. Another time when families get together or take the opportunity to travel around Portugal. However, if you’re staying in Porto and the surrounding area, don’t worry. There are plenty of initiatives to celebrate Easter.
Showcookings, egg hunts, chocolates, inflatables and concerts are just some of the themed activities you’ll find in this brief guide. Kids and adults alike can make the most of Easter, savoring every moment as a family.
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Holy Week at the Clérigos Tower
The Clérigos Tower, one of Porto’s most famous monuments, is promoting a week full of cultural activities for locals and tourists.
The program includes, for example, the Easter by Night initiative, which consists of nightly ascents to the Tower, until April 20, between 19h and 22h30.
Music fans have not been forgotten either, with three special concerts taking place in the Clérigos Church between April 17 and 19, as part of the Easter Triduum.
📍Rua de São Filipe de Nery, Porto
Easter at Shopping Cidade do Porto
Shopping Cidade do Porto, one of the city’s shopping centers, has prepared a special program to celebrate Easter, aimed in particular at the little ones.
On April 18 and 19, children are invited to have fun on the inflatables available on level -1, between 10am and 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm. There will also be the traditional Egg Hunt.
At Shopping Cidade do Porto, the little ones will be challenged to find hidden eggs in their space, on April 19, on level 1, with sessions at 14:30, 15:30, 16:30 and 17:30.
📍Rua de Gonçalo Sampaio 350, Porto
Showcooking at Mercado do Bolhão
On April 19, the day before Easter Sunday, the Bolhão Market will be the setting for a specialshowcooking event.
The initiative will feature chef Josy Delgado, from Casa Vegetariana, who promises to teach the restaurant’s most famous dishes. To take part, all you have to do is show up at Cozinha Bolhão-Meireles between 10.30am and 12.30pm.
📍Rua Formosa 322, Porto
Hunting eggs at Zoo Santo Inácio
With youngsters in mind, Zoo Santo Inácio is organizing a real adventure in the zoo on April 17 and 18, between 10am and 5pm.
Over 3,000 eggs will be scattered throughout the 15 hectares, challenging children to collect them and exchange them for delicious sweets.
For children aged between 3 and 5, the aim is to collect five eggs of the same color. For adventurers aged 6 to 12, the goal is to find ten identical eggs.
📍Rua de 5 de Outubro, 4503 – Avintes, Vila Nova de Gaia
Take the kids to WOW
WOW, Vila Nova de Gaia‘s cultural quarter, has a special program to celebrate this time of year, which intensifies in particular from April 18 to 20, the Easter weekend.
In WOW’s central square, the giant, colorful rabbit promises to delight children. However, it’s not the only attraction at the Gaian venue. For example, next to the Suspiro café, there is an exhibition of Easter Eggs.
In addition, in the Lemon Plaza, kids can have fun with a face-painting workshop , an inflatable and a trampoline. In the same area, there will also be a small market with chocolates and other sweets.
📍Rua do Choupelo, 39, Vila Nova de Gaia
The best chocolates in and around Porto
If you’re a chocolate lover, you’ll love exploring the places on this list. From international brands like the century-old Leónidas to unique spaces like Dubon Chocolate Bar, each store offers a unique experience.
There are options for handmade chocolates, bonbons, truffles and even creations with Port wine. The creativity and quality of the products are a real invitation to ‘gluttony’. Be sure to visit places like Chocolataria Equador or Arcádia for irresistible specialties.
📍Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.