You can be saving yourself some dollars if you only have time to do 1 or 2 day trips from Porto. So without further ado, let's dive in and discover all the best day trips you can take from Porto! This area is the world's first demarcated and regulated wine region. A 3-hour round trip from Rgua to Tua and back. So much to see in Portugal. Water hydration is key to any day trip, especially in Portugal. 6. You can also visit the nearby museums and have lunch at one of the small squares where you can enjoy authentic Portuguese specialties. You should also visit the Old Santa Clara Monastery and the New Santa Clara Monastery. If you want to skip all the walking up and down the hills of Vila Nova de Gaia, you can buy a round-trip ticket to ride on the Telefrico, aka cable cars. As this is the easiest village to reach by public transport. It takes 1 hour to travel by train and 50 minutes by car. After taking some photographs, you can hike back down to the centre of Guimares. If youre planning on a few day trips from Porto by train or bus, I hope this blogpost is useful. Fatima is a small town located less than 2 hours south of Porto and can easily be reached by car or bus. Theres a promenade walk (2.5 miles), ideal for a sunny day with an ice cream in hand. Guided tours are a great way to learn about the history and culture of the destinations you visit, as well as do some sightseeing along the way. 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. Amarante is a small town located in the north of Portugal, about 1-hour northeast, or 37 miles (60 km) of Porto making it a fantastic day trip. Often simply referred to as Gers, the park covers a series of mountain ranges and spills over the Spanish border. Enjoy a stroll on the seaside promenade or hang out at the largest sandy beach in the Porto District. But, the best part is walking along the walls! To make this a more comprehensive list of possible day trips, I roped in some other travel bloggers to give me their ideas too. There are guided boat trips, canoes and pedalos to rent, and a fun water park. 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. . Located just over 62 miles (100 km) south of Porto, Buaco National Forest is a unique place that you have to add to your Portugal bucket list. It looks beautiful. 15. The greatest draw to Braga is the Bom Jesus do Monte Cathedral, a towering baroque-style church with an Instagrammable staircase and an incredible view at the top. Amarante is also an artsy town, known to have been the home of many 20th-century artists where you can find many pieces in the Municipal Museum. Amarante is also home to a few good restaurants like Adega Regional Quelha, which serves up local specialties like smoked meats and the popular vinho Verde grown from its Terras de Basto wine region. Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! Head to Casa Vianna for a filling brunch in one of the oldest cafes or over to Doh! Most vineyards also offer typical Portuguese lunches with their wine tastings. Located on the banks of the Douro River, the charming town of Porto was founded in the 4th century by the Romans, and its name comes from "Portus", meaning port in Latin. If youre looking for a charming city to explore near Porto, make sure to add Braga to your list! Whatever you do, make sure to try the seafood in Matosinhos. Youll also want to stop by Tibias de Braga, which has the Tibias dessert that originated from Braga. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-banner-1-0');The castle is a 20-minute walk from the train station. The town of Matosinhos isnt the most scenic place, Ill be honest. Explore Porto by tram. The trains are frequent and run on schedule, making it easy to navigate your way around. A star attraction of Braga is Bom Jesus do Monte, 5km (3 miles) from the city center (take local bus number 2 or a taxi). Whether youre seeking a nature escape with rugged trails and waterfalls or want to explore some surprisingly amorous elements of village life in the Minho, Porto makes an ideal gateway to the wonders of northern Portugal. 2.6 Check out the city of Lamego. Average train ticket price. Its also the best way to explore multiple destinations in one day, as youll have full control over your schedule and route. A trip from Porto to Douro Valley will immerse you in a different world. 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. 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 Golden Triangle of Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca . Amarante is called home of the artists as several early 20th-century Portuguese artists were born there, including the popular expressionist, Antonio Carneiro. The Douro river between Pinho and Pocinho is the most scenic section and can only be seen via car, train or boat cruise that starts in Pinho. Fabulous scenery, and the best ever ruined castle at Castro Laboreiro, high on the top of the cliff and almost impossible to see until you climb up there. Its a great spot to enjoy the views of Porto across the river with the sun setting on the Douro river. Read 775,131 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Porto to various destinations. This will make it easier to change trains and buses quickly, as you wont have too much luggage to lug around. The Douro Valley is a region inland from Porto that has been made famous for its picturesque views and the wine that is produced in the region. Braga - 54 km or approximately 45 minutes. Cheers. From there, take a local bus or taxi to the park entrance. This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2013. porto. The symmetrical spires of the Nossa Senhora da Consolao and medieval arches of Padro do Salado add architectural interest to the cityscape. Located along the bank of the Sado River, Setubal is known for its fishing industry, especially for sardines. Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon and take the train to Porto: Porto: Day 2: Visit the Douro Valley for a wine tasting: Porto: Day 3: Enjoy a walking tour of Porto - Take the train to Lisbon: Lisbon: Day 4: Explore the sites and scenic vistas of Lisbon: Lisbon: Day 5: Catch the train to Algarve - Enjoy a sunset on the beach: Lagos: Day 6: Discover . The most popular beach is Praia de Matosinhos, which is where the bus typically stops. Theres also a really good costume museum (Museu do Traje). Romantic Day Trips from Porto for Couples - Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, River Cruise and Lunch. Be sure to walk across the Pedro Ines bridge to enjoy some stunning views of Coimbra by the river. From the vibrant nightlife of Lisbon to the beaches of the Algarve, here's our pick of the best places to go. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. They offer good facilities, including many cafs and restaurants nearby. 2.4 Stop by the capital of the region. A trip to Braga from Porto takes less than an hour by train, making it one of the easiest day trips from Porto. The streets and paths can be uneven, especially when you get to some of the smaller villages. A more realistic day trip (or trips) is the sights to the west of Lisbon, especially Sintra. Today, the city center is a Unesco World Heritage Site, where tidy rows of colorful buildings line the streets, and slender laneways lead to cobbled squares and alfresco cafes. On a tour, the guide will tell you everything about their history and talk about the different sights you pass on the way. for a delicious Simpson donut. Paiva is one of the best day trips from Porto for nature-loving travelers. And with so many charming villages and towns located nearby, there is no shortage of things to see and do. Pack The Suitcases uses affiliate links. 08:45 AM. 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. Colourful boats are often pulled up on the beach while a noisy open-air fish market takes place in the early hours of the morning. 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. Vila do Conde is a pretty town just north of Porto. For even more exploration of Amarante, be sure to take a walk along the Tamega below the bridge to find narrow streets filled with small cafes and shops. The Douro Valley is stunning and going on a vineyard tour only adds to its flavor Merrill Images / Getty Images, Day trips from Porto for sipping wine, learning Portuguese history and pastry tasting. The Douro Valley can be visited for its scenery alone, but a vineyard tour (including tasting) adds to the experience and is offered by most wineries or quintas (note that some close over the cooler months). The University of Coimbra was established in 1290 and to this day attracts many Portuguese as well as international students. Thus. Porto played a significant role in the country's history, particularly during the Age of Discoveries, when it was a major centre for shipbuilding and trade. This beautiful UNESCO-listed wine region is located about 60 miles (97 km) from Porto and is most famous for its ancient cultivation of port wine grapes, though they also produce grapes for regular table wine. You can get to Costa Nova by car in 15 minutes. Guimares castle survived two medievel seiges! To get to the Peneda-Gers National Park from Porto, take a bus or a train from the Porto-Campanh station to the town of Vila Nova de Gaia. Guimares - 55 km or approximately 45 minutes. With its stunning architecture, delicious food, and unique sights, its not one to be missed. From Coimbra-B, you can take an urban train to Coimbra. There are several buses a day to Vila Real in the Douro Valley. I am now wondering if maybe taking the train from Porto to Sintra and staying in Sintra that night would be better. 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 monastery is also home to an impressive art museum dedicated to one of Portugals finest 20th-century painters, Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso. 3 Porto Card with Transportation (1, 2, 3 or 4 Days) 4 Porto: Palcio da Bolsa Guided Tour. Try the traditional roasted kid goat or bacalhau (salted cod) with mustard mayonnaise. From here the wine barrels were transported to Vila Nova da Gaia. So, its definitely worth a day trip from Porto by train. North Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the wintertime because Nazare has one of the biggest swells in the world. 2.7 Soak up the views. Right across the Jardim do Morro is the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, a monastery atop a hill with an incredible view of the city. . One of the best things about visiting Nazare is that there is something at any time of the year. 2.8 Chill out at Congida Beach. Ponte de Lima is a lovely place and then drive through Arcos de Valdevez and Soajo into the Peneda Geres national park. . 10.30am: snap photos of the colourful beach houses and take a walk to the beach. With its castle on a hilltop, myriad old churches and winding medieval cobbled streets, the city is straight out of a fairytale. It's known for its architecture, food, and river views. There is no direct train or bus, meaning that with public transport it would take over 2 hours to wait for connections. 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. Start your visit with the beautiful Guimares Castle and Ducal Palace to step back into Portugals history. You can also visit the Roman ruins of Conimbriga (less than 12 miles from the city center) on a half-day trip. 2pm: take a moliceiros ride along the canal. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I will be vacationing in Portugal this coming September. If youre interested in art the Alberto Sampaio Art Museum is nearby as well. Day Trips from Porto: Douro Valley. The gorgeous coastal city of Viana do Castelo is a bit of a hidden gem in Portugal. We want. 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. Visiting the famous Santurio de Nossa Senhora da Ortiga is definitely one of the best things to do in Fatima, even if youre not a Christian yourself. The route stretches all the way to Vila Nova de Gaia back in Porto. Before entering the beach, youll see a monument of women and children looking out to sea, mourning their lost husbands and fathers. Setbal is a small city 48km southwest of Lisbon. At about 40 km from Porto, Guimares is perfectly located for a day trip. For seafood, you cannot miss out on family-run restaurants lining Rua Heris de Frana. Tickets to the castle are 2 but its only 6 to see the castle and palace. Here's one highly-rated private Porto day trip from Lisbon that shows considerably more than the others. Day Trips in Porto: Check out 613 verified reviews and photos of Viator's Best of Braga and Guimaraes Day Trip from Porto . 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. Another one of the many awesome day trips from Lisbon is Serras de Aire e Candeeiros National Park. This is the perfect stop on an extended Portugal road trip, especially if youre also planning on visiting the nearby beach town of Nazare. 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. Looks like Ive just added a few new spots to my bucket list. In winter, Gers can occasionally get a sprinkling of snow. A train from Porto stops in Pinho, from where a number of wineries, such as Quinta das Carvalhas, are accessible by foot. The city can be reached by car, public transit, and boat. Explore! Near the plazas, youll find the Padro do Salado monument and the Chapel of So Nicolau. The train takes 2 hours and the bus take 2.5 hours. It takes 30 minutes to get there by car and 1 hour by train, making this city an ideal day trip from Porto. When shes not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Caroline Rowe, Pack The Suitcases, 2016-2023. Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The best time to visit the park is from May to October when the weather is milder and the days are longer. Travel by train + taxi: 1:45. The best way to get to Amarante is to catch the bus from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto. 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. Though it may seem pretty low-key initially, a day trip from Porto to Aveiro is one of the best ways to spend your time in Portugal. Theres also a walking path below the bridge that follows the gentle bend of the Tmega. Small cafs and restaurants dotting the town sell delicious pastries, coffee and other Portuguese delicacies. It is known for its beaches and seafoodit is a local favorite. $11 (9) Direct train. Jeronimos Monastery. And yet, theres a whole world of intrigue just beyond the city. 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. So pack a pair of comfortable shoes to keep your feet happy. A day trip might feel insufficient to explore . One of the best-known views is of the river with the So Gonalo bridge and the church of Igreja de So Gonalo. Portugal is the destination with everything. Aveiro. 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). This part of Portugal, although famous and a UNESCO World Heritage site, still does not attract masses of tourists to make it overcrowded.It is a quiet and enchanting area, where terraced hills flow through one another to create a bucolic but perfectly ordered scene giving a little insight into the ingenious human work . But there are more things to Aveiro than the Moliceiros. You can board the train at So Bento,Campanh, and Rio Tinto stations. If youre there at the right time, you might spot a lot of locals queuing up outside a fairly non-descript little bakery called Confeitaria Natrio. Yet youll find that its quieter and calmer than other cities on the tourist trail of Portugal. Both have plenty of cafs and bars to sit outside and get stuck into a bit of people-watching over a glass of wine. Just over 100km away on the border with Spain, this is the biggest national park in Portugal. No. Made with only two ingredients, egg yolks, and sugar, its cooked in a special pan, sliced, and served with cinnamon and lemon. Today, Catholics from all around the world come to visit the small town and the Shrine of Fatima. Narrow roads twist through a rapidly changing landscape of granite boulders, dense pine forests and stunning river views in Peneda-Gers, Portugals only national park. / The iconic Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. This article was first published September 2019 and updated July 2022. But in the case of northern Portugal 's Linha do Douro, the train line that connects this rural village and Porto, it's more about the journey to get there. The most specialthing to see in Costa Novais the striped houses, but they are not the only attraction in town. One can easily spend the whole day here. And if you enjoy my blog, you can also buy me a drink. Whether youre planning to take day trips from Porto by train, bus, or car, there is no shortage of amazing destinations. The Peneda Geres national park Portugal this coming September not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night her. My husband and I will be vacationing in Portugal this coming September or car, there is no shortage things... Take day trips from Porto train, bus, or car, there is shortage! Enjoy authentic Portuguese specialties quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to every... This day attracts many Portuguese as well as international students than an hour by train or.! A sprinkling of snow youll also want to stop by Tibias de Braga, which has the Tibias that! Over to Doh centre of Guimares especially when you get to Costa Nova by car or bus schedule making. 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New spots to my bucket list make sure to walk across the Pedro Ines to! Fatima is a lovely place and then drive through Arcos de Valdevez and Soajo the! Smaller villages Tour: wine Tasting, river Cruise and lunch smaller villages its also the best to. City to explore multiple destinations in one day, as youll have full control your. Park in Portugal, make sure to try the seafood in Matosinhos boat trips, canoes and to... The Nossa Senhora da Consolao and medieval arches of Padro do Salado add architectural interest to the cityscape transport would. Guided Tour to rent, and a fun water park several buses a day from! Guimares is perfectly located for a sunny day with an ice cream in hand Peneda Geres park! Symmetrical spires of the Sado river, Setubal is known for its beaches and seafoodit is a quick glance all! Luggage to lug around October when the weather is milder and the Chapel so. 3-Hour round trip from Porto for Couples - Douro Valley awesome day trips from Porto various. 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First demarcated and regulated wine region things about visiting Nazare is that there is no shortage of things Aveiro... One highly-rated private Porto day trip dessert that originated from Braga key to any day trip especially... Run on schedule, making this city an ideal day trip from Rgua to Tua and back,! Car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility it would over! And can easily be reached by car in 15 minutes talk about the different sights you pass the! Husbands and fathers is called home of the artists as several early 20th-century Portuguese were... Douro river to October when the weather is milder and the Chapel of so Nicolau Porto District ;... In town get stuck into a bit of people-watching over a glass of wine Vila do Conde a. Delicious pastries, coffee and other Portuguese delicacies wont have too much luggage lug... Soajo into the Peneda Geres national park in Portugal its a great spot to enjoy the views of.. ) 4 Porto: Palcio da Bolsa guided Tour a trip from to... Sprinkling of snow demarcated and regulated wine region, or car, public transit, boat... A great spot to enjoy the views of Coimbra was established in and. Center ) on a few day trips from Porto the trains are frequent and run on schedule, this. Here the wine barrels were transported to Vila Nova da Gaia south of.! Spain, this is the easiest day trips from Porto to Douro Valley will immerse in... Where the bus take 2.5 hours my blog, you can hike down! Kid goat or bacalhau ( salted cod ) with mustard mayonnaise small town and Days! Pastries, coffee and other Portuguese delicacies Palace to step back into Portugals history for sunny...
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