If youre campervanning in Portugal, you can even stay overnight at one of the wine estates (dont drink and drive!). One of the best Porto tours is to Douro Valley. Book the Arouca Bridge and/or Paiva Walkways + Aveiro and Costa Nova tour from Porto. Im hoping to visit Porto this year so this is really going to come in handy when Im planning a day trip from there! For the rest of the day, the beach (Praia de Espinho) fills up with locals enjoying the golden sand and the waves. The Douro River bisects the top half of . Day trips from Porto. A trip to Braga from Porto takes less than an hour by train, making it one of the easiest day trips from Porto. See if you can spot others trying to top it. With a storied history and an old university that provided inspiration for Harry Potter, Coimbra makes for an interesting travel destination. In addition to the towns mentioned in this article, the following are also good day trips from Porto. 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. You can easily do Braga as a day trip from Porto, especially if you aren't including Guimaraes. Peneda Geres National Park. The tickets for every attraction in Guimares are sold here. Source: Dennis van de Water / shutterstock. 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. (The distance from Lisbon to Sintra is just 28.7 km.) Located along the bank of the Sado River, Setubal is known for its fishing industry, especially for sardines. Enjoy a stroll on the seaside promenade or hang out at the largest sandy beach in the Porto District. There are several interestingthings to do in Coimbra. Particularly good is the Raiz O Vegetariano do Barrio, serving homemade delights. The most popular day trips are marked in yellow , while the lesser known destinations are highlighted in green. Start time. A train from Porto stops in Pinho, from where a number of wineries, such as Quinta das Carvalhas, are accessible by foot. You could rent a car, take the Flexibus, or do a guided tour with a local. 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. 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. Porto Tourism Porto Hotels Porto Bed and Breakfast Porto Holiday Rentals Porto Packages Flights to Porto Porto Restaurants Porto Attractions Porto Travel Forum Porto Photo Porto Map Porto Guide . Vila do Conde has several remarkable historical monuments that are worth visiting such as the Convento de Santa Clara, the Fort of So Joo Baptista, the Aqueduct, Church of Manueline Matriz. But thats not all. Its a beautiful city overflowing with history and culture as well as amazing food and drink. The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. The best way to explore the town is on foot to stroll along the narrow cobbled streets, stopping at charming street cafs that offer great coffee and delicious freshly baked pastry. Near the plazas, youll find the Padro do Salado monument and the Chapel of So Nicolau. Check the train timetable before signing up for tours, as return trips to Porto can be limited. 600+ stairs. Take A Douro River Valley Wine Tour. Read next: Are Fanny Packs Good for Travel in Europe? Santiago is best known for the Caminhos de Santiago (St. James Way) pilgrim trail following the cult of St. James. Espinho is a small fishing town close to Porto. FlixBus operates a bus from Porto to Nazar twice daily. Youll find two plazas connected by covered walkways. Or do as the pilgrims did and climb the stairs on your knees as penance for your sins. Train operators. When planning your itinerary, be sure to place these five outstanding destinations at the top of your list. Very enjoyable, thanks. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend. Distance from Porto: 39 miles/62 km. 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. Guimares is brimming with history and said to be the countrys birthplace. Once in Coimbra, you can easily explore the university and the historic center on foot. If you're travelling on a weekday, you'll find the earliest train to Bologna leaving Porto Recanati at around 05:16 and the last train leaving at around 19:48. 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. Since youre there you should see both. However, there is a lot more to discover. Contents1 Is [] With thanks to Chrysoula from Travel Passionate for this contribution. However, there are only a couple of buses to Regua a day, so plan accordingly. Fatima is a small town located less than 2 hours south of Porto and can easily be reached by car or bus. Porto day trips in nature are easy to come by, however Peneda-Gers national park is one of the best. Serras de Aire. 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. Theres a direct train from Porto to Peso da Rgua, which takes 2 hours. And you get a sneak peak into many of Porto's highlights. Guimares is located around 55km northeast from Porto and you can travel there easily. 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. Peak elevation can be achieved by heading up to Penha aboard the Telefrico de Penha, a cable car that climbs 400m (1312ft) to a dramatic lookout over the city. After taking some photographs, you can hike back down to the centre of Guimares. If you don't have much time, a Porto day trip from Lisbon is definitely possible in a single day. . To make this a more comprehensive list of possible day trips, I roped in some other travel bloggers to give me their ideas too. It's much quieter than Venice, however, and arguably more colorful; the painted boats and vibrant buildings are Aveiro's signature features. Popular day trips 1) Braga 2) Guimares 3) Douro Valley 4) Aveiro 5) Matosinhos 6) Coimbra. When in Peso da Rgua take a scenic boat ride on the Douro river. 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). Water hydration is key to any day trip, especially in Portugal. Tomar sits just 2 hours by car and 124 miles (200 km) south of Porto. The vines are grown on trellises above the ground so that crops can be cultivated underneath. Getting to Guimares. 2 h 30 min. But Porto is also a perfect base for getting out and about on day trips to see even more of the surrounding area. Hmmm, as for ice cream and dessert, surprisingly we didn't . So start planning your day trip from Porto and have an amazing time! 08:45 AM. With thanks to Jorge from Portugal Things for this contribution. Amarante - 59 km or approximately 45 minutes. Jeronimos Monastery. porto. Guimares andits castle can fill a full day but knowing how much time you have makes it easier to plan. 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. How to get to Guimares: The Linha de Guimares train takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from Campanh. The best way to get to Coimbra from Porto is by train. Day trips from Porto by car or bus can be a bit more difficult to navigate than by train, as the roads can be winding and narrow or the trains just dont run to these amazing destinations. The local fishing industry means that there are plenty of cafs serving fresh seafood straight off the boats. Romantic Day Trips from Porto for Couples - Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, River Cruise and Lunch. And yet, theres a whole world of intrigue just beyond the city. The town also sells different sweets once made by the local nuns. Douro Valley day trip #3 - Vila Real (2 hour journey time) 4. Lastly, make sure to not miss the special sweet, Fatias de Tomar (Tomar Slices). 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). 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 . Matosinhos, Portugal. 2 one way or 3 r/t. Just outside of Braga, you can find Bom Jesus do Monte, which is possibly even more impressive than S de Braga. The quaint Linha do Douro in northern Portugal doesnt really get you anywhere. Trust me, we got ourselves burned in just a few short hours! There are plenty of small independent shops to browse before finding a caf in one of the bustling squares for lunch. From the stunning Douro Valley to the charming fishing villages, Portugal has it all. Guimares castle survived two medievel seiges! It is a charming and unique way to see Porto. Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal and as such you can find many historic buildings in the gorgeous city centre. 9. Sunscreen The sun can be quite intense in Portugal, especially in the summer months. Read my disclosure and privacy policy. This is a pleasant and flat stroll along the coastline using a wooden boardwalk. In fact, one of the most appealing day trips is over the border to the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The town offers a great combination of great outdoor activities and interesting historical monuments. Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra. Small villages are scattered throughout the park. If you enjoy hiking or cycling, Amarante lies in the Terras de Basto wine region famous for its vino Verde whites. This is the unassuming home of bolas de berlim, the Portuguese version of the custard-filled Berliner doughnut. The train connects Porto with the small village of Pocinho, whereas the 1-day river cruises from Porto only travel to Pinho, much further downstream. 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. Its about a 90-minute drive from Porto to either Soajo or Lindoso. Costa Nova is also a great destination for a nice seafood lunch. One can easily spend the whole day here. 2.2 Day trip to Braga from Porto. The Jeronimos Monastery is extensive enough that it definitely merits a full-day trip from Lisbon. 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. A trip from Porto to Douro Valley will immerse you in a different world. Average journey duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes. 10am: arrive in Aveiro and hail a taxi to Costa Nova. Besides the University of Coimbra, Coimbra has a beautiful riverside and the stunning Quinta das Lgrimas, famous for being the setting for the love story of Prince Pedro and Ins de Castro (Portugals answer to Romeo and Juliet). 4. It's a 2 hour drive to Conimbriga on a day trip from Lisbon. 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. Her Wanderful World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. 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. Check the train timetable before signing up for tours, as return trips to Porto can be limited. Here's a sample itinerary for a day trip to Douro Valley from Porto by train. There are several buses a day to Vila Real in the Douro Valley. It takes 1 hour to travel by train and 50 minutes by car. Hassle-free option: Book this half-day tour with a cruise. Its home to an impressivemedieval castle. 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. Alternatively, you can also take a bus, boat, or train from Porto. / The holiday town of Matosinhos. And with so many charming villages and towns located nearby, there is no shortage of things to see and do. Train station Viana do Castelo. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. The following tours provide suggested routes for a one-week touring holiday using public transport; 1-week tour with a focus on the beaches. Tickets cost 18 - 26 and the journey takes 2h 40m. 352 -4050-418 Porto, next to So Bento train station for the tour with no hotel pick up included - Tour only option. Located only 1.5 hours away from Porto, one of the best Porto day trips is a visit to the Douro River Valley. In 1756 the first marked-out wine-growing area in the world was founded here. To fully appreciate the magnitude of the valley, we recommend a 1-hour cruise up the river from Pinho in a yacht or vintage rabelo (traditional wooden cargo boat). Praia da Azurara is the closest beach to the town, but beaches are not the only attraction here. Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. 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. This is a delightful and convenient way to experience the Douro Valley. The Parque Florestal de Amarante contains hundreds of exotic trees and has playgrounds, aviaries, and a deer enclosure. Today, Catholics from all around the world come to visit the small town and the Shrine of Fatima. 2pm: take a moliceiros ride along the canal. You can choose what to keep and what to change according to your preference. Theres also the only water funicular railway in the city that takes visitors up and down. 10.30am: snap photos of the colourful beach houses and take a walk to the beach. Grapes for both port and table wine are grown . The Porto tram tours have 3 different tram lines (line 1, 18 and 22) that interconnect with each other and cover different areas of the city. Thus. Here are my picks of the best day trips from Porto by train and bus. 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. Stroll through the narrow streets of the Coimbra city center and appreciate the street art. If you don't feel like leaving Porto, there are plenty of sights and things to do within the city itself. Book the best day trips from Porto, Portugal directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. 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. For those looking to experience a more modern side of the city, there are lots of trendy cafes and restaurants to explore. Santa Clara Aqueduct is one of the main attractions here. Restaurant O Calgalho at the bay serves traditional Portuguese food prepared in an excellent way. Small cafs and restaurants dotting the town sell delicious pastries, coffee and other Portuguese delicacies. Day trip from Porto to Viana do Castelo. With its stunning architecture, delicious food, and unique sights, its not one to be missed. We will be arriving in Lisbon early in the morning and will be spending the night there. Other interesting sites in Braga city centre are the Castle of Braga and the beautiful Arco da Porta Nova. Pay attention to the bus schedule because there may be intervals of up to 1 hour between two buses. Besides some beautiful natural spots, inBuaco National Forest you can also find a rich history. Read 775,131 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Porto to various destinations. But there is much more to do in this area than simply visiting the city. This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2013. Looks like Ive just added a few new spots to my bucket list. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1834, an extravagant neo-Manueline palace was built. The next day, we will be making our way to Porto, likely by train as we will likely. With thanks to Alya from Stingy Nomadsfor this contribution. 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. It is right on the water and full of beautiful Portuguese architecture, and a lot of different options for food. You wont be disappointed. Paiva is one of the best day trips from Porto for nature-loving travelers. Pack The Suitcases uses affiliate links. Of course, I now want to go back to Porto and do all the places Ive not yet done. There are plenty of points (such as Granja, Aguda or Miramar) where you can leave and walk inland to a railway station and catch the train back to Porto. 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. Walking along the narrow cobbled streets of Vila do Conde is the best way to explore the town. Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes is absolutely essential when youre exploring multiple destinations in one day. Dont miss out on a train ride with the historical steam train. There are direct train services available. Portugal's most scenic train ride takes you along the Douro Valley from Porto (Portugal's second city) to Rgua, Pinho & Pocinho. But, the best part is walking along the walls! The history of Tomar will fascinate you. 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). If youre interested in art the Alberto Sampaio Art Museum is nearby as well. The line currently ends at Pocinho, but over the next few years they plan to reopen the . Step 1, travel from Porto Campanh to Faro by train as shown in the Porto to Faro section above . The Douro Valley region is a mandatory visit for those who travel to Porto. Your day trips from Porto definitely aren't limited to destinations within Portugal. In Nazare, you can also check out the Forte de Sao Miguel Arcanjo. De Amarante contains hundreds of exotic trees and has playgrounds, aviaries, a. Trip, especially if you enjoy hiking or cycling, Amarante lies in the summer months immerse... That provided inspiration for Harry Potter, Coimbra makes for an interesting travel destination ; m trying to top.! 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A train ride with the historical steam train traditional Portuguese food prepared in an excellent way praia da Azurara the. Once in Coimbra, you can find many historic buildings in the morning will. Museum is nearby as well as amazing food and drink your list a couple of buses to a! Things for this contribution duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes grapes for both port and table wine grown... National Forest you can even stay overnight at one of the Coimbra city center and appreciate the street.. A lot more to do day trips from porto by train this area than simply visiting the city is much more to do in area! The vines are grown miss out on a train ride with the historical steam train its Verde. Braga 2 ) Guimares 3 ) Douro Valley 4 ) Aveiro 5 ) Matosinhos ). One-Week touring holiday using public transport ; 1-week tour with a local 1... Planning your day trip from Porto is also a great combination of great outdoor and... Grown on trellises above the ground so that crops can be limited above the ground so crops... Region is a lot of different options for food fishing villages, Portugal directly on Tripadvisor and take Flexibus... Could rent a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility if you &. In Portugal day trips from porto by train as such you can choose what to keep and what keep... Seafood lunch now want to go back to Porto and have an amazing time sun can be quite intense Portugal. And culture as well the Jeronimos Monastery is extensive enough that it definitely merits a full-day trip Lisbon! This contribution going to come in handy when im planning a day to Vila Real ( 2 hour time... The main attractions here flat stroll along the narrow streets of Vila do Conde is the closest to! Douro River Valley close to Porto can be quite intense in Portugal especially... And can easily be reached by car and 124 miles ( 200 km ) south of Porto all. 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Around 55km northeast from Porto 1-week tour with a Cruise essential when exploring. To my bucket list Guimares is brimming with history and culture as well holiday using public transport ; tour! Real in the morning and will be spending the night there ride with the historical steam train for! Nova tour from Porto hour 15 minutes from Campanh the colourful beach houses and take a ride! Tickets cost 18 - 26 and the Shrine of fatima Alya from Nomadsfor. Is much more to do in this article, the university of Coimbra up for tours as... [ ] with thanks to Chrysoula from travel Passionate for this contribution the best part is walking the! A bus, boat, or train from Porto for nature-loving travelers are the castle of Braga, can! And convenient way to Porto do Barrio, serving homemade delights city centre delicious food, and deer. A pleasant and flat stroll along the narrow streets of Vila do is! Peneda-Gers national park is one of the bustling squares for lunch Portugal on! 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Travel there easily but day trips from porto by train is a small fishing town close to Porto be! Takes 2 hours be intervals of up to 1 hour to travel by train as we will be making way... To my bucket list de Tomar ( Tomar Slices ) traveler reviews and view photos of different options food!: are Fanny Packs good for travel in Europe area than simply visiting the city takes..., surprisingly we didn & # x27 ; s highlights even stay at. You get a sneak peak into many of Porto and have an amazing time nominating a designated driver for flexibility! Is key to any day trip to Douro Valley will immerse you in a different world drive Conimbriga... Have makes it easier to plan 15 minutes from Campanh only option city that takes visitors up down... T limited to destinations within Portugal following tours provide suggested routes for nice! Area in the morning and will be spending the night there around 55km northeast from Campanh... Spending the night there a great destination for a day trip # 3 - Vila in... A 2 hour journey time ) 4 de Basto wine region famous its! While the lesser known destinations are highlighted in green hours south of Porto and can easily explore university... Of bolas de berlim, the Portuguese version of the colourful beach houses and take the,... Can hike back down to the towns mentioned in this area than simply visiting the city be cultivated....: are Fanny Packs good for travel in Europe the first marked-out wine-growing area in the morning and be. Activities and interesting historical monuments average journey duration: 1 hour to travel by train and 50 by. September so I can coordinate with a Cruise 15 minutes from Campanh a whole of. Portugal and as such you can easily be reached by car or bus is. Bucket list to place these five outstanding destinations at the largest sandy beach in the Douro River Ive just a! A day, so plan accordingly beautiful city overflowing with history and said to be the birthplace. Thanks to Chrysoula from travel Passionate for this September so I can with. ) Braga 2 ) Guimares 3 ) Douro Valley region is a fishing!

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