Budget airline Ryanair has just launched direct flights from a major UK airport to Portugal’s stunning second city, leaving four times a week.

Holidaymakers dreaming of that “perfect” weekend getaway can now make that dream a reality by flying from Edinburgh to Porto this summer. 

Named by many as one of Europe’s most underrated and beautiful cities, without the crowds that descend on Lisbon every year, Porto is famous for its port wine, waterside restaurants serving mouthwatering local seafood dishes and UNESCO-listed historic centre. 

The flights from the Scottish capital form part of the impressive 72 new routes Ryanair will operator in Europe this summer. 

“Ryanair is pleased to announce Porto’s Summer schedule,” said Elena Cabrera, Ryanair’s Head of Comms for Portugal.

“This summer, Ryanair will operate 72 routes in total, providing customers with increased options for memorable travel experiences during this incredible season.”

Among the must-see spots in Porto is the incredible Livaria Lello bookstore, a historic site with a neo-Gothic facade, a stained-glass ceiling, and a grand staircase. The Clérigos Tower, meanwhile, stands at an impressive 75 metres and offers panoramic views of the city. 

Finally, head to Luis I Bridge, the impressive double-deck metal arch bridge and UNESCO World Heritage site that connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. 

Finally, the Catholic Porto Cathedral in the historic city centre offers some incredible views of the Douro River and is one of the city’s oldest monuments, completed in 1737.

For those keen to explore beyond the urban centre, Porto is the gateway to the Douro Valley, a UNESCO-listed region boasting world-class vineyards. Here, tourists can explore the iconic port wine cellars of Graham’s, Sandeman, Taylor’s, or Ferreira, which also offer tastings. 

Among Ryanair’s new routes are flights between Porto and Rome Fiumicino, Barcelona, Brussels, Dublin and Frankfurt.

The city has been dubbed as a “perfect holiday” by several travellers on Tripadvisor. 

One wrote: “The best town to be during a weekend. Gorgeous places to visit, the best restaurants in the world and where the people is so friendly.”

“Porto is one of the oldest city in Europe and has many historical attractions and monuments that you can spend 2 days exploring,” wrote another. “Most of the key attractions are within walking distance.”