6 Secret Stairs of Porto

In our next article we will describe some parts of Porto with stairs that are, in our opinion, worth the visit. As Porto is a lot hilly, the stairs are a perfect place to enjoy the stunning views or just soak up the atmosphere of historic center. Further, some stairs we will recommend are “secret” and thus not so touristic, but still offering amazing views, perhaps better than those although iconic, but full of tourists places. Btw, Portuguese name for stairs is “escada/s” or “escadaria” so it is easier for you to understand the respective names. Enjoy it and leave us in the comments other stairs you like 🙂

• Escada dos Guindais – Escada dos Guindais are a “must-climb” when in Porto 🙂 They connect Ribeira (Av. Gustavo Eiffel) at the bottom with Batalha (R. de Arnaldo Gama) on the top of the stairs. They offer stunning views on Ponte Luís I as well as beautiful traditional old houses. Don’t forget to refresh yourself in local bar Guindalense Football Club as a reward for the climb 🙂

• Escadas do Codeçal – Escadas do Codeçal (Note: I use sometimes singular expression “escada” / “stair”, sometimes plural “escadas” / “stairs” and other times “escadaria” / “staircase” based on the official names on Google maps) are probably the most famous stairs in Porto as they are directly next to Ponte Luís I connecting Sé do Porto with Ribeira. They are composed of more than 400 steps but the climb is worth each step taken 🙂 There are several stories behind the name “Codeçal” with one of them claiming that the name is derived from “codessal”, a place where “codessos” (bushes that grow in Portugal) grow. The history of these stairs dates back to medieval times, when Porto was surrounded by the Fernandina Wall.

• Escadas das Verdades – Escadas das Verdades connect Sé do Porto with Escadas do Barredo. The English translation of their name is “Stairs of Truth” and their previous name was “Escadas das Mentiras”, meaning “Stairs of Lies”. The names were derived from the old legend saying that women living in nearby houses used to sit on the stairs and talk. Some of them were saying truth, other lied.. 🙂 The part of stairs is also “Arco das Verdades” – “Arch of Truth”.

• Escadas do Barredo – Escadas do Barredo connect Escadas das Verdades with Ribeira. To climb them is a true adventure as the incline is very steep, but it is worth each step as you will find yourself surrounded by old traditional houses and amazing views on the historic Porto. There is also a small “secret” sanctuary Senhor da Boa Fortuna along the way. The atmosphere on these stairs is just unique and you will feel as in medieval times when these stairs along with Escadas das Verdades were the only connection between Sé do Porto and Ribeira.

• Escadas do Monte dos Judeus – Tucked into the historic district of Miragaia, the Escadas do Monte dos Judeus are a cleverly reimagined stairway where original stone steps ascend alongside three modern mechanized escalators – seamlessly blending centuries-old urban identity with bold architectural intervention to reconnect the city’s hillside neighborhoods.

• Escadaria da Tv. de Cândido dos Reis – Now we will move to the other side of the bridge – Vila Nova de Gaia, where Escadaria da Tv. de Cândido dos Reis is located. These hidden secret stairs offer beautiful architecture and they are also a popular place for artists to make some street art.