The Gaia cable car links the Vila Nova de Gaia quay, at the foot of the port wine cellars, to the Jardim do Morro at the top of the cliff, near the Dom Luís I bridge, in a few minutes. The cabin follows the slope above the roofs of the cellars and the river, with the Ribeira opposite and the iron bridge as a focal point. It is both an effortless way up and a small attraction: the ride takes about five minutes. It does not add much to the free view from the Jardim do Morro, but it spares you a steep climb on foot and offers a different angle on the riverbank.
Highlights
The crossing above the cellars
The cabin flies over the roofs of the port warehouses, with the rabelos moored below and the Ribeira on the other bank. Stand on the river side on the way up: the view of the Ribeira is in front of you when you leave the quay.
The view from above
On arrival, the upper station opens onto the Jardim do Morro and the upper deck of the Dom Luís I bridge, where the metro and pedestrians cross. Take the time to walk up into the garden for the panoramic view.
The departure from the quay
The lower station is on the Gaia quay, next to the cellars and the terraces facing the Ribeira. You can walk there along the lower deck of the bridge, without going up.
One way or return
Many visitors go up by cabin and walk back down through the lanes and steps, or the reverse: the easiest direction is up, as the walk down crosses the cellar districts.
Opening hours and prices
The official site shows hours of 10am to 7pm every day from 25 September to 24 October; they change with the season (later in summer, earlier in winter). Tickets are sold at both stations and online; check the fare displayed when you buy, which varies with age and type of journey.
Practical info
Tips
- The cable car closes in strong wind or bad weather: if the weather is doubtful, check that it is running before you set off. It fills up in the late afternoon, at sunset and at weekends, sometimes with a queue at the lower station; on weekday mornings or midday, the wait is short. For a free climb, cross the Dom Luís I bridge on foot and reach the Jardim do Morro by the upper deck. See also: Jardim do Morro, Port wine cellars in Gaia, Dom Luís I Bridge.
How to get there
Lower station: Vila Nova de Gaia quay (Cais de Gaia), on the south bank of the Douro, a few minutes' walk from the lower deck of the Dom Luís I bridge. Upper station: near the Jardim do Morro and the south end of the bridge's upper deck. Metro line D (yellow), Jardim do Morro station, next to the upper station. From the Ribeira, allow 5 to 10 minutes on foot to cross by the lower deck.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
See on the map →
Comments
No comments yet.