European Consumer’s Choice, an independent nonprofit-making organization based in Brussels, selected 20 European Cities to compete for the high-status title of Best European Destination 2012. Porto was finally elected by voters as the Best European Destination 2012 and won the title ahead of 19 big european cities.
Francesinha – AOL Travel included Porto’s Francesinha in the Top 10 sandwiches around the World. The name is Portuguese for “little frenchie” as it was created after the original French croque monsieur, to which Portuguese flavors were added resulting in a melting spicy goodness, not to miss if you’re in town.
São Bento Train Station – Travel & Leisure, one of America’s most read travel publications has named São Bento Station, in Porto, as one of the most beautiful train stations in the World. The article praises both the stone façade and the stunning indoor panels, made with 20.000 splendid tinglazed ceramic tiles.
Porto International Airport – Airport Service Quality Awards has recognized Porto International Airport as one of the best in Europe, for the 6th consecutive year. The award recognizes airports which have achieved the highest passenger satisfaction ratings in the ASQ survey.
Wines of Excellence – The northern Portuguese wine producing industry has been a longstanding award winner over the past years. The Wine & Spirits Magazine considered “Casa Ferreirinha”, a wine producer based in Porto, as “Producer of the Year 2012”. The International Wine Callenge distinguished Luís Sottomayor, Director of Enology at the northern wine producing company Sogrape Vinhos, as the Enologist of the Year 2012. Prestigious international wine competitions such as the International Wine Challenge, Mundus Vini, China Wine awards, Les Citadelles du Vin, among others, have repeatedly awarded Portuguese wines with hundreds of gold and silver medals.
