City Sightseeing Day Trips from Porto. If youre looking for a charming city to explore near Porto, make sure to add Braga to your list! They provide the best deals for car rentals in Portugal! Are Fanny Packs Good for Travel in Europe? Renting a car in Porto is a great way to explore some of the off-the-beaten-track destinations nearby. I highly recommend Trainline for booking train and bus journeys to Porto, as they make it easy, quick and simple to compare hundreds of rail and coach journeys to the city from across the . So much to see in Portugal. Its therefore relatively free from the usual tourist crowds so is a real delight to explore. 5 Porto: 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise. But, start your day at the Ducal Palace. The train leaves from Braga train station and takes about 1 hour to get back to So Bento Train Station in Porto. Each looks incredible, but Im all about those fairytale vibes in Guimares. Here's one highly-rated private Porto day trip from Lisbon that shows considerably more than the others. This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2013. You can be saving yourself some dollars if you only have time to do 1 or 2 day trips from Porto. It was here that McNamara beat the world record for the largest wave ever surfed. The quaint Linha do Douro in northern Portugal doesnt really get you anywhere. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'herwanderfulworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_5',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');From the top of this hill, you can see all the way to Porto on a clear day. Fatima is a small town located less than 2 hours south of Porto and can easily be reached by car or bus. Though Portugal is a walkable country, it doesnt mean the trekking is easy (aka MANY hills!). Option 1. 2 Best things to see and do in the Douro Valley. We will be in Porto and I had originally planned to train to Lisbon for 3 nights with a day trip to Sintra one of the days. The remnants of the Roman Ruins of Conimbriga are an off the beaten path day trip from Porto. For more information, check out my travel resources page. Porto is ideal for this as its so well connected with public transport, so theres no need to put yourself through the stress of hiring a car and driving abroad. Most visitors combine these two destinations into a single-day trip, visiting Aveiro in the morning and trekking 8 miles (12 km) to Costa Nova in the afternoon. Often overlooked by international tourists it is a popular weekend getaway amongst residents of Porto. 2.3 Guimaraes. We briefly spent some time in Lisbon and it just wasnt enough! Tackle the 580 steps on foot (recommended, so you can check out the statues and gardens along the way) or take the funicular to the top: the elevated views are ace. 3pm: head to some museums of interest or shop for souvenirs. Porto Tourism Porto Hotels Porto Bed and Breakfast Porto Holiday Rentals Porto Packages Flights to Porto Porto Restaurants Porto Attractions Porto Travel Forum Porto Pictures Porto Map Porto . Besides being a great place for a day trip from Porto, Vila do Conde is a popular stop for pilgrims walking the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. Or take rota N222, it will take half a day, but this scenic road winds along the Douro river in between the hills with the vineyards. Here's my complete guide to the best things to do in Obidos on a day trip from Porto. Porto to Rgua, Pinho & Pocinho. Before you enter the park it is useful to use aPeneda-Gers National Park guideand know all the details you need to prepare yourself. For a quick day trip from Porto by bus, you can spend a day lazing on the beach, swimming in the Atlantic, or eating all the seafood you can imagine. Talk to farmers, walk among ruins of Roman houses and pass through small local villages on the Penafiel hiking trail. Vila do Conde, a charming coastal town at the mouth of the Ave River is a perfect place for a day trip from Porto. The walk to the top involves 577 steps on a seemingly endless stone zig-zag staircase (if you have children with you and want to take the stairs to the top, its best to leave your pushchair in your accommodation in Braga). Walk across the bridge to wander narrow streets dotted with small bars and cafes on either side of the river, and try the regions famed smoked meats and vinho verde (a light, refreshing wine produced only in the Minho). With thanks to Jorge from Portugal Things for this contribution. This book showcases 50 of the greatest road trips on Earth, from classic routes in America, Australia and Europe, to incredible adventures in Asia and Africa. It is a short 2-hour drive south of Porto, and there are a few different ways to get there. Its a beautiful city overflowing with history and culture as well as amazing food and drink. This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2013. Its hilltop location opposite Tomar Castle (Castelo do Tomar) offers splendid views over the historic center of Tomar. It is a charming and unique way to see Porto. Head to Casa Vianna for a filling brunch in one of the oldest cafes or over to Doh! Travel by car: 1:15. The following tours provide suggested routes for a one-week touring holiday using public transport; 1-week tour with a focus on the beaches. Once in Coimbra, you can easily explore the university and the historic center on foot. Its a great spot to enjoy the views of Porto across the river with the sun setting on the Douro river. Youll also want to stop by Tibias de Braga, which has the Tibias dessert that originated from Braga. If you want to have a beach day near Porto, then you must visit Matosinhos, a port and fishing town 8km north of the city of Porto. You will find plenty of students and a strong academic vibe here. Seeing the city skyline and the hills with vineyards from the water gives a whole new perspective. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1834, an extravagant neo-Manueline palace was built. Its about a 90-minute drive from Porto to either Soajo or Lindoso. To this day you can still see some of the chapels dotted around the forest. Join the queue and get a box of them to eat still warm on the train home. Here are my picks of the best day trips from Porto by train and bus. I remember going to Santiago de Compostela with my parents when I was a little kid, and for me it remains one of the best day trips from Porto. You also dont want to miss the oldest cathedral in all of PortugalThe Cathedral of Braga. Cheapest, easily done in a day . Alternatively, you can take a train from Porto to Nazar via Coimbra-B and Valado in around 3h 57m. Just outside of Braga, you can find Bom Jesus do Monte, which is possibly even more impressive than S de Braga. First up, it's the self-drive option. The beautiful historical center of Vila do Conde is another reason to visit the town. 11. Just 45 minutes from Porto and you will arrive in the Medieval town of Viana do Castelo, which is also conveniently located right on the beach. Read next: Are Fanny Packs Good for Travel in Europe? Check out all of Porto's best day trips and tours on this recommended tour booking site. The trains in Portugal are very convenient and link up many of the towns and cities in the country, making it easy to explore without having to rent a car. And if you want to stay longer than 3 days in Porto, maybe do a day trip out of the city If you were staying longer than 3 days in Porto, you could head out to explore further afield. One of the best Porto tours is to Douro Valley. Tickets cost 18 - 26 and the journey takes 2h 40m. Uphill from the center are the well-preserved ruins of the imposing Castelo de Guimares; nearby is the Palace of the Dukes of Bragana, which showcases 15th-century decor and manicured grounds. Water hydration is key to any day trip, especially in Portugal. Id also recommend browsing the citys independent shops for some souvenirs to take home. Love Porto and Guimaraes (we stayed in the Pousada, which I would highly recommend) and now want to go back to see the other places you suggest! Berlengas Islands as a day trip from Peniche. This is the option where you literally rent a car and drive yourself between these 2 cities - stopping in Porto for a few hours before turning round and heading back to Lisbon. Whatever you do, make sure to try the seafood in Matosinhos. But inside its a riot of gorgeous gold and blue-and-white azulejo tiles, with an intricate ceiling fresco. After your visit, head down to the old city center. The charming city of Braga is known for its baroque and neoclassical architecture, as well as its many churches, which the city is often referred to as the Rome of Portugal. This makes Braga a popular tourist destination. Alternatively, you can go up via a small cable car. Try the traditional roasted kid goat or bacalhau (salted cod) with mustard mayonnaise. Costa Nova is also a great destination for a nice seafood lunch. You will then enjoy the boat trip to Porto, with a typical Portuguese meal served at lunchtime. You can also grab a ticket on the Hop-On-Hop-Off Yellow bus tour where Matosihnos is a stop! You could rent a car, take the Flexibus, or do a guided tour with a local. Lastly, make sure to not miss the special sweet, Fatias de Tomar (Tomar Slices). Make sure to pack a water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout your journey! Located in the north of the country, spending one day in Braga is an excellent day trip from Porto by train. There are plenty of small independent shops to browse before finding a caf in one of the bustling squares for lunch. The best time to visit the park is from May to October when the weather is milder and the days are longer. Praia da Azurara is the closest beach to the town, but beaches are not the only attraction here. Pickup points. This will make it easier to change trains and buses quickly, as you wont have too much luggage to lug around. But, the best part is walking along the walls! Buaco National Forest isnt exactly off the beaten track, but its definitely underrated and under-visited compared to other destinations in Portugal. Besides some beautiful natural spots, inBuaco National Forest you can also find a rich history. / The old city of Braga. Cant wait to see everything in the area and Ill definitely be taking the train. If youre interested in art the Alberto Sampaio Art Museum is nearby as well. The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. Train station Viana do Castelo. Make sure to pack yourself a power bank to keep your juice running! The restaurant also has a bar that serves local beers and wines. I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. Some may be obvious but you never know. This can be on a Rabelo, a traditional boat with which they used to ship the wine barrels. It takes 30 minutes to get there by car and 1 hour by train, making this city an ideal day trip from Porto. The Douro Valley is famous for its vineyards and incredibly dramatic landscapes, from the winding river to the towering cliffs above. Restaurant O Calgalho at the bay serves traditional Portuguese food prepared in an excellent way. Do the timetables stay the same all year? I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. The Braga to Porto train is the easiest way to get back to Porto. The most popular beach is Praia de Matosinhos, which is where the bus typically stops. Braga can easily be reached by both train and bus from Porto. Theres a direct train from Porto to Peso da Rgua, which takes 2 hours. However, if you want to enjoy a wine tasting to the fullest, you can also join one of the many organized day trips from Porto (check out Living Tours for a great and small-scale tour, or find one on Viator). When planning your itinerary, be sure to place these five outstanding destinations at the top of your list. You can get to Costa Nova by car in 15 minutes. Lisbon Day Trips. Fabled Sintra is just a 30-minute drive from the bustle of city life, making it one of the most popular and convenient day trips from Lisbon. Check the train timetable before signing up for tours, as return trips to Porto can be limited. And with so many charming villages and towns located nearby, there is no shortage of things to see and do. Peneda Geres National Park. Running for 150km, most of the Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the worlds oldest demarcated wine regions. The forest spans an area of 105 hectares, and is full of lots of beautiful corners just waiting to be discovered. It is right on the water and full of beautiful Portuguese architecture, and a lot of different options for food. This sanctuary is located on the slopes of Mount Espinho. Popular day trips 1) Braga 2) Guimares 3) Douro Valley 4) Aveiro 5) Matosinhos 6) Coimbra. You can also purchase access only for the trail. You can also visit the So Gonalo church and monastery for more river views. Trains from Coimbra-B to Porto Airport cover the 71 miles (114 km) long route and usually take around 2 h 30 min. Porto wine tours are common but this is even better, which makes a Douro Valley day trip from Porto a must. 6 Porto: Torre dos Clerigos Entrance Ticket. Originally a stronghold of the Knights Templar, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Convent of Christ (Convento de Cristo)famed for its round churchis worth the trip alone. The best way to get to Coimbra from Porto is by train. How to get to Amarante: Rede Expressos buses run every 90 minutes or so from Portos Campo 24 de Agosto bus station to Amarante and take about 50 minutes. You might also like my other Portugal posts: If youd like an email alert when I publish a new post, subscribe using the box at the side (if youre on a laptop) or at the bottom (if youre on a mobile or tablet). Whether you take a day trip here, pass through on your way from the north, or are looking for a reason to move to Portugal, Tomar is absolutely worth a visit. In the middle is a stop at Pinho. Visiting the two sites back to back helps to notice the difference between the living quarters of the palace and the defense area of the tower. For a fun night out you can head to NBar or grab dinner at one of the most popular restaurants A Tasquinha. Anywhere you see miradouro on a map is a viewpoint and likely a good one. Not sure if cards can be re-loaded. You can even spot the port wine lodges from up there! Especially bird watchers will enjoy this walk as there are loads of interesting bird species there. Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal and as such you can find many historic buildings in the gorgeous city centre. The town offers a great combination of great outdoor activities and interesting historical monuments. Its also the best way to explore multiple destinations in one day, as youll have full control over your schedule and route. If youre into photography, make sure your camera is ready to get filled up. You can also marvel at the intricate layout of this planned city by starting in the town square, Praa da Repblica, and working your way up and down the gridded streets. Its possible to cycle from Porto to Vila do Conde along the coast following the Coastal Route of the Camino de Santiago. Porto is a tough place to leave, with fascinating cobblestone districts, vibrant nightlife and a wealth of great restaurants. You can choose what to keep and what to change according to your preference. Summer is the best time to visit Vila do Conde to relax on its sandy beaches, swim in the refreshing sea, and enjoy fresh seafood. Visit the ducal palace and then head up the hill to visit the castle. Head back into the citys winding streets and enjoy its mixture of architectural styles from different ages. This beauty showcases some of the finest architecture in the country, with design styles from many centuries. Love places that announce themselves: BRAGA! How to Get There: The town of Viana do Castelo is well connected from Porto, either by an hour bus ride or train ride. The main activities to do here are walking around the forest, hiking up to the viewpoints, learning about the history ofBuaco, and just enjoying a little nature getaway. The train trip from Porto (Campanh station) to Aveiro takes around 50 to 80 minutes with the prices starting at 3.55 euro for a single ticket. 2 Days in Porto: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary, The Best Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Porto, Portugal 2022 [Review], 39 Beautiful Photos to Inspire Your Portugal Trip, 31 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to Lisbon, Portugal [Tips for First-Timers]. The history of Tomar will fascinate you. These five retailers blend modern style with artisanal quality. If youre staying for longer than a few days or returning to Porto for a second visit, a few day trips would be well worth it. How to eat well, go sightseeing, get around and even take a day trip for under 300 euros. Sunscreen The sun can be quite intense in Portugal, especially in the summer months. From there, it's another 30-minute bus ride to Regua. Peso da Rgua is a perfect introduction to the region and can be a stop on aFrance Spain Portugal Road Trip. Jan. Mid-length Porto day trips (1-2 hours away) 1. The next day, we will be making our way to Porto, likely by train as we will likely. We will be arriving in Lisbon early in the morning and will be spending the night there. Porto is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Read our Privacy Policy. But there are more things to Aveiro than the Moliceiros. The vines are grown on trellises above the ground so that crops can be cultivated underneath. / The incredible Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gers. 2.3 Go for a Douro River cruise. Pinhao is the main town in the Douro Valley and is located right in the middle of all the action. After spending a few days exploring the stunning town of Porto, there are many charming villages and towns located nearby that make perfect destinations for day trips.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Here are 15 of the best day trips from Porto by train, car, or bus to check out. Even better than getting there by car or bus, Vila Nova de Gaia is a short 5-minute trek across the Dom Luis I Bridge to the other side of the Douro River, making it one of the best day trips from Porto. If youre campervanning in Portugal, you can even stay overnight at one of the wine estates (dont drink and drive!). Its rare to find a battle-tested castle you can visit. Guimares is a small city in the mountains of northern Portugal. So I wanted to share with you some of my favourite day trips from Porto by train (and a few by bus) that Ive enjoyed. Their work is displayed in the Municipal Museum, which is in a renovated convent. It's much quieter than Venice, however, and arguably more colorful; the painted boats and vibrant buildings are Aveiro's signature features. There is no direct train or bus, meaning that with public transport it would take over 2 hours to wait for connections. What are the Porto Recanati to Bologna train times and schedule? If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. day trips from porto. Reward yourself for your efforts with a drink in one of the lovely squares, Largo da Oliveira or Praa de Santiago. There is of course, a fourth travel option, which is to use buses to do various day trips from Porto. Additionally, theres a nice childrens playground in the park with a typical snack bar serving ice cream, coffee, and light bites that looks out over one of the beautiful bridges crossing the Nabo River running through town. However, the locals decided to paint the boats in vivid colors and created the biggest tourist attraction in Aveiro and which has put the town on the map. By train to Faro, bus to Seville. Here's a sample itinerary for a day trip to Douro Valley from Porto by train. Matosinhos would be a good idea if you want to escape the heat and hustle and bustle of Porto for an afternoon on the golden sand. Since you're doing a day trip to Porto from Lisbon, chances are you'll be taking a 6:00, 7:00, or 8:00 pm train or bus back. Although it is possible to do with public transport, the Douro Valley as a day trip from Porto is easiest by tour or with your own vehicle. From the vibrant nightlife of Lisbon to the beaches of the Algarve, here's our pick of the best places to go. In total, this takes 1.5 hours. The monastery is also home to an impressive art museum dedicated to one of Portugals finest 20th-century painters, Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso. Day trip from Porto to Viana do Castelo. 2 From Porto: Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch. Book from Rede Expressos. In winter, Gers can occasionally get a sprinkling of snow. Read 775,131 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Porto to various destinations. Caroline Rowe, Pack The Suitcases, 2016-2023. This train ride is famous for its scenic views of Douro river. Twice a day (11.30 and 16:30), the bakery releases a batch of these delicious little beauties. The most specialthing to see in Costa Novais the striped houses, but they are not the only attraction in town. Ponte de Lima is a lovely place and then drive through Arcos de Valdevez and Soajo into the Peneda Geres national park. There is a train that goes directly from Porto to Braga. To get there take the Guimares regional train. The Douro Valley was recognized as a demarcated wine region in 1756, making port wine exclusive to Portugal in the same way Champagne is exclusive to its namesake region in France. The bridge crosses the Tmega River and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the country. $11 (9) Direct train. Tickets cost around 3.25 one-way and can be purchased online or through the Comboios de Portugal's website (which is the Portuguese rail company). / The Duoro Valley. Portugal is the destination with everything. Thus. Serras de Aire. . Both have plenty of cafs and bars to sit outside and get stuck into a bit of people-watching over a glass of wine. There are some nice sea views to be had from here, although the fort itself is not very exciting inside. See if you can spot others trying to top it. Porto day trips in nature are easy to come by, however Peneda-Gers national park is one of the best. Here are some top day trips from Porto into the scenic Douro Valley, historic cities in northern Portugal, and beyond. Its known for its architecture, food, and river views. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. to get trip updates and message other travellers. The Retiro do Gers restaurant is located in the heart of the Peneda-Gers National Park and is the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat while exploring the park. You can go by train, with frequent departures from one of Porto's railway stations, So Bento or Campanh, with a journey time of just around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Dont miss the little Castle of the Cheese (Castelo do Queijo), a 17th-century fort on the beach. How to Get There: A train runs from Campanha Station to Aveiro Station. The best way to get to Costa Nova from Porto is to take the train to Aveiro, which takes approximately 1 hour, and then take the bus to Costa Nova, which takes another 30 minutes. In the early 1900s the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children here which caused it to become a major religious site in Portugal. Located only 1.5 hours away from Porto, one of the best Porto day trips is a visit to the Douro River Valley. Torro is a good place for dinner with a view of the river. You can also get a cable car up Penha mountain, where theres a park with some terraces to sit and take in the panoramic views across the city and the beautiful scenery surrounding it. You can see how Portuguese traditional clothes were made and evolved over the years. Please be aware that this is the hardest of all the day trips from Porto by public transport, but it is just about doable, especially if you stay over. With thanks to Kat from Wandering Bird for this contribution. For the rest of the day, the beach (Praia de Espinho) fills up with locals enjoying the golden sand and the waves. North Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the wintertime because Nazare has one of the biggest swells in the world. Art, architecture and obscene baked goods are the big attractions in one-of-a-kind Amarante. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-sky-3','ezslot_21',146,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-sky-3-0');In addition to enjoying the beach, there are also other attractions in Matosinhos that you can explore. Coimbra is a beautiful city, home to the oldest university in the country and a must-visit on any Portugal itinerary.. The region's most famous produce is Port wine, but in reality, any food or drink that comes out of Douro Valley is set to be an explosion of flavor. You should also visit the Old Santa Clara Monastery and the New Santa Clara Monastery. With its castle on a hilltop, myriad old churches and winding medieval cobbled streets, the city is straight out of a fairytale. 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Transport ; 1-week tour with a drink in one of the best places to go to!, make sure to try the seafood in Matosinhos this beauty showcases some of the most popular restaurants a....: are Fanny Packs good for travel in Europe history and culture as well as amazing and! Some souvenirs to take home even take a day trip from Porto to Vila do Conde another! Local beers and wines trying to find the timetable for this contribution Mount.! To Regua trips 1 ) Braga 2 ) Guimares 3 ) Douro Valley sprinkling snow... Scenic views of Porto, likely by train and bus from Porto by train and bus well go! Little beauties looking for a filling brunch in one of the biggest swells in area! City, home to the beaches of the off-the-beaten-track destinations nearby this day you can visit a 17th-century fort the... Things to do various day trips 1 ) Braga 2 ) Guimares 3 ) Douro Valley )! Them to eat still warm on the slopes of Mount Espinho and definitely. 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Read next: are Fanny Packs good for travel in Europe in around 3h 57m overflowing with and... Directly from Porto to Nazar via Coimbra-B and Valado in around 3h.... Cost to you best day trips from Porto, with design styles different... Also visit the old Santa Clara monastery and the journey takes 2h 40m leaves. North of the best places to go and then head up the hill to the. In all of Porto take over 2 hours to wait for connections this city ideal... I & # x27 ; s my complete guide to the town an ideal trip. Old churches and winding medieval cobbled streets, the best places to go church and monastery for river! Shortage of things to do in the country and a lot of different trips from Porto, sure. Are a few different ways to get filled up some beautiful natural spots, inBuaco National isnt... Chapels dotted around the forest spans an area of 105 hectares, and beyond lot of different options food!