Location

The city of Porto

The town that gave the country - and port wine - its very name, Porto (sometimes called Oporto) is Portugal’s second-largest metropolis after Lisbon and one of the most ancient European cities. Located on the Atlantic Coast, overlooking the river Douro, its harmony and urban structure present a frame of rare beauty. Besides its welcoming and conservative environment, Porto is today a lively city with a very important industrial center that in no means diminishes its historical charm. Visitors will love strolling through the old quarter, the busy avenues and the traditional shopping areas. The picturesque riverside quarter of Ribeira, with its narrow streets and typical houses, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cathedral and surrounding monuments from the Renaissance are also main attractions, as are the world-famous wine cellars right across the river. More information about Porto can be found at wikipedia and the Porto tourism official website.

Workshop venue

The workshop will be held in the main auditorium within the modern Almeida Garrett Library building, located in the beautiful Crystal Palace Gardens (Jardins do Palácio de Cristal) overlooking the river Douro and the cellars, and within walking distance to the city’s historical centre and to several other architectural and historical landmarks (such as the stunning Casa da Música). Lunch will take place in a modern buffet restaurant/cafeteria conveniently located within the gardens.

Accomodation

The Fénix hotels are the main hotels for the workshop. From October 24th to October 29th 2009, special rates on bed and breakfast for workshop participants are available in the following 3 hotels, all located in the area of Boavista (a main business district in Porto), within walking distance (8-10 min) from the workshop venue:

HF - Tuela Porto (3 star)

• Single or Double Room: 60.00€

HF - Ipanema Porto (4 star; the closest to the venue)

and

HF - Fénix Porto (also 4 star; right next to HF - Tuela Porto)

• Single or Double Room: 65.00€

► View detailed map (showing metro station, hotel location, and workshop venue)

Prices are per room per night, and include all taxes and surcharges. All hotels have free wifi. Reservations for all of the above hotels can be made through the Fénix Hotels reservation central (please state the workshop name in order to benefit from the reduced rates):

• Phone: (+351) 226 194 100
• Fax: (+351) 226 194 160
• Email: porto@hoteisfenix.com

Note: This offer is valid until October 5, 2009, so please book early.

Invited speakers and supported participants should contact the workshop secretariat directly: fmartins@fc.up.pt (Florbela Martins)

Travel information

Passports and visas

A valid passport (or identity card for EU nationals) is required to enter Portugal. Visas are not necessary for EU, US and Canadian citizens, as well as citizens from many other countries. Please contact your local Portuguese Embassy, Consulate, or your Travel Agency for further information.

Language

The main official language in Portugal is Portuguese. English is widely spoken.

Flights to/from Porto

There are several daily flights connecting Porto with many cities around the world. Porto airport is also Portugal's Ryanair hub.

At present it is still possible to reserve flights from many European cities to Porto for under 200 euro (several currently available low-cost flights are well under this amount). Early booking is essential to obtain the lowest fares.

Porto's international airport is very well connected to the city centre, by metro (tram) and taxi.

Directions to the hotels and the workshop venue (from the airport)

• Metro: at the airport metro station, take any tram to station "Casa da Música". Travel time: 20 minutes. Ticket type: Z4; cost: 1.45€. The hotels are a short (15 min) walk from the station.
  

• Taxi: travel time from the airport to the recommended hotels (HF Ipanema, Fénix and Tuela) is around 20-30 minutes. Typical cost: 25-30€.

► View detailed map (showing metro station, hotel location, and workshop venue)

For more details and information, see the Porto airport "Getting There" section.