Holidaymakers now have a new direct flight option from Edinburgh Airport to Porto, often described as the perfect weekend getaway destination.
Ryanair, the low-cost Irish airline, has introduced four weekly flights to Portugal’s second-largest city, offering travellers an affordable and convenient route.
Porto: A Hidden Gem for Travelers
Porto is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most underrated and beautiful cities. It is best known for its UNESCO-listed historic centre, scenic riverside restaurants, and renowned port wine industry.
The city is also home to some of the world’s most famous bookshops, including the iconic Livraria Lello. Visitors can enjoy exceptional cuisine, particularly fresh seafood while taking in breathtaking landscapes.
Despite slow passenger growth to Lisbon, Ryanair has reaffirmed its commitment to Portugal, announcing additional direct routes from Porto to Rome Fiumicino, Barcelona, Brussels, Dublin, and Frankfurt.
Porto Increases Tourist Tax by 50%
Travellers heading to Porto should be aware of a recent tax hike that has made visiting the city more expensive. As of December 1, the tourist tax has risen from €2 (£1.69) to €3 (£2.53) per night for visitors aged 13 and over.
This 50% increase aims to tackle overtourism, with additional revenue allocated to culture, heritage, environmental sustainability, urban planning, and transportation. Porto’s mayor, Rui Moreira, defended the move, stating that the previous levy was insufficient to support the growing tourism sector.
Ryanair Cuts Flights Across Europe Over Rising Aviation Taxes
The launch of this Scotland-to-Portugal route coincides with Ryanair’s decision to reduce flights across Europe due to increasing aviation taxes and airport surcharges.
As part of a significant restructuring, the airline is cutting flights and scrapping routes to Spain, Italy, Denmark, and France, with Spain being the most brutal hit.
Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has vehemently opposed rising costs, arguing that governments should cover these taxes rather than airlines and passengers.
In a New Year’s resolution statement, Ryanair urged governments to eliminate aviation taxes, lower air traffic control (ATC) fees, and scrap airport traffic caps, emphasizing that such changes would make travel more affordable.
Despite ongoing tensions over aviation costs, the Edinburgh-to-Porto flights represent a significant expansion for Ryanair, giving UK travellers a direct and budget-friendly option to explore Portugal’s vibrant and historic second city.
