Beautiful and rich in culture and history — these are just a few of the words we could use to describe the cities of Portugal. With that in mind, dedicating a day to a photography tour in Porto can be an unforgettable experience. You’ll not only explore iconic landmarks but also capture images that highlight the unique details of each place you visit.
How about doing this alongside professionals who share a love for photography and a passion for Porto? This is the concept behind Pictury Photo Tours, a company dedicated to offering tours for those who want to visit the Portuguese city and immerse themselves in its everyday life.
They help you capture stunning photos, with expert tips on the best angles, lighting, and composition. Want to know more? In this post, we explain how this service works!
What is Pictury Photo Tours?
The Pictury Photo Tours is a project born from the passion for photography and travel shared by a couple who decided to turn this love into a way of life. With years of experience and a deep connection to Porto, they aim to offer travelers a unique experience in the city.
Moreover, by choosing their services, you have the chance to explore different spots from a genuine and sensitive perspective. You’ll be guided by experienced photographers who know how to capture the true essence of the local culture.
Meet the creators behind the experience
The husband, José Manuel Santos, a self-taught photographer with an extensive career in the world of photography brings his keen eye and passion for the landscapes and urban moments Porto offers.
In addition, recognized for his work, with numerous exhibitions and awards under his belt. He shares his vast experience with participants, offering them a distinct perspective of the city.
Together with his wife, Maria José Dias, a warm and engaging host, the couple creates an inviting atmosphere. Everyone feels like part of a larger photographic and human adventure.
The goal of Pictury Photo Tours is not just to show Porto, but to provide travelers with an emotional journey full of stories. They promise that, by the end of the tour, participants will have created photographic memories, emotional connections, and lasting friendships.
What’s a day like with Pictury Photo Tours on a photography tour in Porto?
We welcome solo travelers, couples, families, and groups who want to visit Porto and other destinations. Beyond leading participants through the city’s locations, the photographer captures special moments and shares insights into history, traditions, and customs of each place visited.
The experiences are fully customized and tailored to the interest of every traveler. Whether you’re exploring charming villages or breathtaking landscapes, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the region’s rich cultural, architectural, and culinary heritage.
You can choose one theme of the photo tour in Porto or combine several, and we’ll help you discover the sights that interest you most.
Itinerary
First, the photo tour in Porto begins with a meeting point at the Clérigos Tower, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. From there, we’ll head to Porto’s historic center, starting with the Vitória viewpoint, which offers a great panoramic view of the city.
Then, we’ll visit the São Bento train station, renowned for its azulejos that depict the history of Portugal, and make our way up the charming, narrow streets to the Cathedral, wandering through the Sé district.
Next, we’ll cross the Luís I Bridge and ascend to the Serra do Pilar viewpoint to marvel at the city from above. After crossing the Gaia bridge, we’ll go down to Ribeira, where we can capture the lively atmosphere of Porto.
The walk continues through some of Porto’s most charming spots, such as the Cordoaria Garden, Carregal Garden, and the Crystal Palace Gardens, offering serene views and lush greenery.
We’ll wrap up the tour in the delightful Miragaia neighborhood, with stops at São Pedro Church and the Palace of the Mermaids, to enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Douro River.
Finally, the photography tour in Porto concludes at MiraJazz Bar, with soothing music and a terrace overlooking the city, where the group can relax and share their photos. The itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to the client’s preferences.
Other nearby options from Porto for a photography tour
Pictury Photo Tours is not limited to Porto, as it also offers tour options in nearby regions that are equally fun and full of culture. Below, we’ll present these alternatives.
The Douro Valley
The Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a breathtaking visual masterpiece where human craftsmanship and nature blend in perfect harmony. With its terraced hillsides draped in vineyards that produce some of the world’s most renowned wines, the Douro offers an unforgettable setting for photography. It also provides an immersive cultural and sensory experience.
From the first light of dawn reflecting on the river to the golden hues of sunset painting the hills, every moment in the Douro feels like a living work of art. In this region, you can connect with the winemaking tradition, centuries-old estates, and the warm hospitality of those who call it home.
Drave
The Magic Village of Drave, nestled on the slopes of Serra da Freita in the municipality of Arouca, is a place that seems to resist the passage of time.
However, though the village is now uninhabited, its untouched charm continues to captivate visitors. Surrounded by the lush nature of the mountain, Drave has become a popular destination for eco-tourism and adventure enthusiasts.
The mystery surrounding its abandonment, with stories not fully explained about the disappearance of its inhabitants over the years, only adds to the allure of this enchanting spot.
Aveiro Lagoon
The Aveiro Lagoon is a region with unique geographical features, formed by an extensive water system that receives contributions from several rivers before flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.
Consequently, this landscape makes the area an excellent spot to explore, appreciate and capture stunning images, whether due to its rich biodiversity or its one-of-a-kind scenery.
The sunrise in Aveiro, with its mild climate and soft light, provides the perfect conditions for capturing special moments during a photography tour in Porto.
Known as the ‘’Portuguese Venice’’, the city is famous for its canals and traditional Moliceiro boats, which are colorful and striking, inviting a leisurely ride.
Additionally, the region also serves as a sanctuary for various species of migratory birds, including flamingos.It gifts us with the remarkable Costa Nova, with its vibrant-colored houses creating a fascinating contrast between the sea, the lagoon, and the local architecture.
What do clients who have experienced Pictury Photo Tours have to say?
Countless clients have already had the pleasure of discovering and photographing Porto with us. Countless clients have already had the pleasure of discovering and photographing Porto with us.
‘’He is a true gentleman and a wonderful ambassador to his beautiful city of Porto. We strolled around the backstreets of Porto for hours like we were old friends even though we had never met before. As photographers I think we prefer to be behind the camera rather than in front, but José does an amazing job’’, says Haul Sussman.
Laura Ciocia, another client, highlights José is truly a gem and Porto is lucky to have such a passionate and knowledgeable ambassador. ‘’To start, he is an exceptionally talented and skilled photographer. I am always reluctant to have my photo taken but he made it feel like a natural extension of our tour. And the results went well beyond anything I could have hoped for’’, concludes.
A photography tour in Porto can be a unique experience. With Pictury Photo Tours, you can customize your tours to suit your needs, while having a professional with deep knowledge of photography to guide your shots and present the best in the city.
