Take a packed lunch to enjoy at the top or set off along one of the marked hiking trails. And since youll be walking a lot, the lighter your bag is, the less strain itll put on your body! And there are some great destinations that can only be reached by car or bus. Its also the best way to explore multiple destinations in one day, as youll have full control over your schedule and route. Theres a promenade walk (2.5 miles), ideal for a sunny day with an ice cream in hand. The views along the N-222 as it hugs the river east of Peso da Rgua are magical. Average journey duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes. Ill have to bookmark your site to refer back to it because Portugal is definitely on my list. 2.3 Go for a Douro River cruise. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-small-square-1','ezslot_25',152,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-small-square-1-0');Fatima is not located by the coast and popular for a very different reason. With the dramatic granite mountains of Serra do Maro to the east, the town lies in the hilly valley of the Tmega river. The cheapest way to get there is on the Line 9 bus, which will take just over an hour and cost around $17. Book the Arouca Bridge and/or Paiva Walkways + Aveiro and Costa Nova tour from Porto. 2 h 30 min. From this vantage point, you can appreciate the unique geography of the city. Actively choosing to stare out of the window at a series of cars on the other side of the road when you could be on a train staring out to the sea or down through a verdant valley is beyond me. 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. Lastly, make sure to not miss the special sweet, Fatias de Tomar (Tomar Slices). I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. With an entrance fee of only 2, theres no excuse not to pop in for a visit. Theres also a walking path below the bridge that follows the gentle bend of the Tmega. Be sure to check the wave report if you are planning on visiting to ensure you will see the big waves. Make sure to pack a water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout your journey! 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). Take the train from Porto to Penafiel (45-minute trip) for one of the best hikes in Portugal. The best way to get to Amarante is to catch the bus from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto. If you would prefer to visit Braga with a local guide, check out this small-group tour that also includes a stop in Guimares! 2 13 Best day trips from Porto. The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. You can even spot the port wine lodges from up there! Read our Privacy Policy. Option 1. It costs less than 10 euros to travel to Viana do Castelo from Porto. Besides some beautiful natural spots, inBuaco National Forest you can also find a rich history. Guimares andits castle can fill a full day but knowing how much time you have makes it easier to plan. Peneda Geres National Park. Twice a day (11.30 and 16:30), the bakery releases a batch of these delicious little beauties. Peso da Rgua is a city in the beautiful Douro valley. 2. It almost has a dreamlike quality to it, making it a perfect day trip from bustling Porto. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travellers. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. Start your visit with the beautiful Guimares Castle and Ducal Palace to step back into Portugals history. Getting to Guimares. The town also sells different sweets once made by the local nuns. 2. Coimbra. Here's one highly-rated private Porto day trip from Lisbon that shows considerably more than the others. Trains run regularly from Porto to Guimares. Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes is absolutely essential when youre exploring multiple destinations in one day. 15. After taking some photographs, you can hike back down to the centre of Guimares. Both have plenty of cafs and bars to sit outside and get stuck into a bit of people-watching over a glass of wine. Travel back in time and jump onboard an old and beautifully restored tram to see all the sights and sounds of the city. You can also go on a guided day trip if you prefer some context and convenience - check prices, availability, and itinerary here. 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. Matosinhos is a port and fishing town with the biggest sandy beach in the Porto area. 6. A big thank you to the other bloggers who kindly sent me their excellent tips. 2 From Porto: Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch. 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. village of . See all. A 3-hour round trip from Rgua to Tua and back. The Douro Valley region is a mandatory visit for those who travel to Porto. 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. Once inside the park, there are numerous trails to follow. There are dozens of quintas (wine estates) in the Douro, each producing amazing wine. 3 Douro Valley. 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. First up, it's the self-drive option. / The old city of Braga. Trust me, we got ourselves burned in just a few short hours! Porto day trips in nature are easy to come by, however Peneda-Gers national park is one of the best. A long stretch of unspoiled sandy beaches goes south from Vila do Conde for many miles. For several destinations, youll need a car to visit, but others are easy to reach either by train, bus or, if youre visiting the Douro Valley, by boat on an organized tour. Originally built by fishermen to serve as storage for fishing materials, the houses of Costa Nova are now vacation houses for Portuguese families that spend the summer holidays on the beachside. For the rest of the day, the beach (Praia de Espinho) fills up with locals enjoying the golden sand and the waves. If youre planning on a few day trips from Porto by train or bus, I hope this blogpost is useful. To get to Braga from Porto, youll want to hop on the train, which takes just over an hour and costs 13 each way. Tickets to the castle are 2 but its only 6 to see the castle and palace. Read 775,131 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Porto to various destinations. 2.3 Guimaraes. 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. Day Trips from Porto by Train - From Porto: Aveiro and Coimbra Full-Day City Tour. Day bag Youll want a small day bag to carry any personal items, snacks, or souvenirs you buy along the way. Thus. Stop off to try some local food as you wander around and feel the spirit of this remarkable place. 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. The Golden Triangle of Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca . From here the wine barrels were transported to Vila Nova da Gaia. . Peniche to Nazar (by bus) Nazar - Day 3 and 4. Some of the best-guided tours can be found through Viator and the highly recommended ones are day trips to Guimaraes and the famed Douro Valley. There are tours starting from one hour and up. I understand your enthusiasm for public transport but if you can it really is worth hiring a car for a day and driving inland from Viana. Guimares and Braga 34 miles (55 kilometers) from Porto Discover Portugal's architectural and religious heritage with a guided trip to Guimares, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its 10th-century castle and the . When in Peso da Rgua take a scenic boat ride on the Douro river. Im not a fan of buses and will always go for the train option if possible. Cant wait to see everything in the area and Ill definitely be taking the train. You could rent a car, take the Flexibus, or do a guided tour with a local. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. There are three rail-based options that will allow you to go to nearly the places in this guide. Eating fresh locally caught fish and seafood in Vila do Conde is a must. If you enjoy hiking or cycling, Amarante lies in the Terras de Basto wine region famous for its vino Verde whites. 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. Make sure to pack yourself a power bank to keep your juice running! Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. Learn how your comment data is processed. Its very close to the city, which makes it one of the easiest day trips from Porto by train and hugely popular with locals. Its a great place to come if you want to see an authentic Portuguese town with few international tourists. Guimares castle survived two medievel seiges! However, it can be difficult to drive in the hilly streets of Portugal if youre not familiar with them or the fact that most cars are manual transmissions. It is a short 2-hour drive south of Porto, and there are a few different ways to get there. 18 Spectacular Things to do in Cayucos, California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. A trip to Braga from Porto takes less than an hour by train, making it one of the easiest day trips from Porto. Amarante - 59 km or approximately 45 minutes. Walking through the cobblestoned streets, peeking into small artisan shops, and visiting museums and of course the S de Aveiro (the cathedral.). The site is among the best preserved ruins from the Roman Empire. If youre campervanning in Portugal, you can even stay overnight at one of the wine estates (dont drink and drive!). Trains from Coimbra-B to Porto Airport cover the 71 miles (114 km) long route and usually take around 2 h 30 min. / Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal. 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). You can also visit the So Gonalo church and monastery for more river views. So, this a great option for day trips from Porto for people travelling without a car . Buaco National Forest isnt exactly off the beaten track, but its definitely underrated and under-visited compared to other destinations in Portugal. 2.2 Day trip to Braga from Porto. The vines are grown on trellises above the ground so that crops can be cultivated underneath. / The incredible Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gers. This ancient and walled arboretum is home to one of the finest dendrological collections in Europe. You can choose what to keep and what to change according to your preference. As someone who hates driving on the rare times I have to do it at home in the UK, the thought of renting a car in Portugal gives me chills. Youll need to use Portos Rodonorte bus service, which is usually clean and reliable. Porto to Sintra - 331 km or approximately three hours. Some may be obvious but you never know. How to eat well, go sightseeing, get around and even take a day trip for under 300 euros. But because these routes generally take longer, you may want to consider spending the night in the region or only limit your visit to exploring Pinho. Even more, traveling by train or bus is also very affordable. Practical information to plan your Aveiro day trip from Porto. Braga - 54 km or approximately 45 minutes. A day trip might feel insufficient to explore . There is of course, a fourth travel option, which is to use buses to do various day trips from Porto. 10am: arrive in Aveiro and hail a taxi to Costa Nova. Want to receive notifications of new posts by email? This article was first published September 2019 and updated July 2022. What to Pack for the Best Day Trips from Porto, Final Thoughts on Best Day Trips From Porto, link to Her Wanderful World's Instagram account, link to Her Wanderful World's Facebook account, link to Her Wanderful World's Pinterest account, link to Her Wanderful World's Twitter account. Of course, I now want to go back to Porto and do all the places Ive not yet done. We can see that a Lisbon to Porto day trip by train, car, and bus is certainly doable given the 6-7 hours of total journey time. 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. The beautiful historical center of Vila do Conde is another reason to visit the town. How to Get There: A train runs from Campanha Station to Aveiro Station. The best thing to do in Aveiro is take a ride in a moliceiro through the network of Aveiros beautiful canals that run through town. Guided tour: You can book a full day trip tour from Porto. 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. Here are some top day trips from Porto into the scenic Douro Valley, historic cities in northern Portugal, and beyond. The bridge crosses the Tmega River and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the country. One of the best things about visiting Nazare is that there is something at any time of the year. Top Experiences in Porto. 9. Back in Braga, Donna Se is a lovely place to have lunch. Costa Nova is located 53 miles (85 km) south of Porto, which makes it a perfect day trip from Porto by train. 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. Plus Nazare is only 1.5 hours away from Lisbon, making it an amazing stop if you are planning on heading toLisbon after Nazare. Select a pickup point. Be sure to check out the old town as well. According to correspondent Austin Bush, thats exactly the point. This is a delightful and convenient way to experience the Douro Valley. There are several interestingthings to do in Coimbra. The action is all over before 9am, though. 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. Torro is a good place for dinner with a view of the river. You should also visit the citys Fish Market, the lighthouse (the tallest in Portugal! Guimares - 55 km or approximately 45 minutes. You should also visit the Old Santa Clara Monastery and the New Santa Clara Monastery. Alternatively, you can head to Veladouro in Pinho for a delicious lunch, right before taking a river cruise. For example, you can visit the Castelo de Queijo market, walk along the coastal path of Leca da Palmeira, or visit the Bom Jesus de Matosinhos Church. Pour yourself a wine and lets get planning. Serras de Aire. This imposing cathedral was built in the 11th century and is beautiful both on the inside and the outside. The Costa Nova is a beach area located just outside of Aveiro. Rede Expressos also services this route once daily. 08:45 AM. 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. Both beaches have blue flag status and are easy to access. 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. Walking along the narrow cobbled streets of Vila do Conde is the best way to explore the town. / The medieval city of Guimares. Anywhere you see miradouro on a map is a viewpoint and likely a good one. Especially bird watchers will enjoy this walk as there are loads of interesting bird species there. 12.30pm: call a taxi back to Aveiro and head to a local restaurant for lunch. 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. Setbal is a small city 48km southwest of Lisbon. 8:13 a.m. took 1 hour - 3:08 p.m. return took 1 hour 20 minutes. 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. 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. Contents [ hide] 1 Best travel modes for these trips around Porto. Very enjoyable, thanks. Id also recommend browsing the citys independent shops for some souvenirs to take home. From there, it's another 30-minute bus ride to Regua. It is home to the magnificent Santa Cruz Cathedral, the Royal Palace of Alcacova, and an opulent Joanine Library the inspiration for the library at Hogwarts. How to Get There: The town of Viana do Castelo is well connected from Porto, either by an hour bus ride or train ride. Here's a sample itinerary for a day trip to Douro Valley from Porto by train. Luckily theres no need as public transport is reliable and decent. With thanks to Jorge from Portugal Things for this contribution. Though, if you are only going to the city center, it probably won't be worth it to drive. Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! Besides drinking your way through the port wine cellars, you can also have a sunset picnic on the Jardim do Morro. for a delicious Simpson donut. One of the best day trips from Porto by train is going to Coimbra, the third most important city in Portugal. There are guided boat trips, canoes and pedalos to rent, and a fun water park. 5. This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2013. The route stretches all the way to Vila Nova de Gaia back in Porto. With its castle on a hilltop, myriad old churches and winding medieval cobbled streets, the city is straight out of a fairytale. For more information, check out my travel resources page. Before we get into the day trips from Porto, its worth grasping a bit about public transport in Porto. Visitors can hike through the parks mountains and forests, swim or kayak in the huge lakes, explore its numerous caves, Roman ruins, or go on a road trip in the wilderness. 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. 2. Beautiful sandy beaches around Vila do Conde are one of the main reasons to visit the town. 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. To this day you can still see some of the chapels dotted around the forest. Located along the bank of the Sado River, Setubal is known for its fishing industry, especially for sardines. It a perfect day trip tour from Porto picnic on the inside and the outside also find a history. 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