Braga can easily be reached by both train and bus from Porto. 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. Inside the castle the keep and place of arms are impressive. 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. Pack The Suitcases uses affiliate links. Its home to an impressivemedieval castle. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. But, the best part is walking along the walls! Listen to some Fado and do not forget to try the delicious food atSete Restaurant. 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. Lisbon Day Trips. Peso da Rgua is a city in the beautiful Douro valley. Comfortable shoes As mentioned above, youll be doing a lot of walking. Setbal is a small city 48km southwest of Lisbon. Nearby is Soajo, with its rows of espigueiros little granite buildings that were elevated to keep water and mice out of the local grain supply. Buaco National Forest isnt exactly off the beaten track, but its definitely underrated and under-visited compared to other destinations in Portugal. Located in the north of the country, spending one day in Braga is an excellent day trip from Porto by train. Travel by car: 1:15. 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. Theyre quite dramatic against the mountainous backdrop. Plus, you wont have to worry about a thing! Book the Arouca Bridge and/or Paiva Walkways + Aveiro and Costa Nova tour from Porto. / The iconic Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. Alternatively, you can head to Veladouro in Pinho for a delicious lunch, right before taking a river cruise. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. Make sure to pack a water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout your journey! How to get to Sintra: Start your journey at Rossio Station in Lisbon, and take the urban train to the last top in Sintra. The town also sells different sweets once made by the local nuns. 2.1 Go hiking. It is known for its beaches and seafoodit is a local favorite. Im hoping to visit Porto this year so this is really going to come in handy when Im planning a day trip from there! Though, if you are only going to the city center, it probably won't be worth it to drive. 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. So start planning your day trip from Porto and have an amazing time! Its very close to the city, which makes it one of the easiest day trips from Porto by train and hugely popular with locals. The action is all over before 9am, though. With thanks to Chrysoula from Travel Passionate for this contribution. 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. Near the plazas, youll find the Padro do Salado monument and the Chapel of So Nicolau. 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]. Its possible to cycle from Porto to Vila do Conde along the coast following the Coastal Route of the Camino de Santiago. You will then enjoy the boat trip to Porto, with a typical Portuguese meal served at lunchtime. 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). 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. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Cheapest, easily done in a day . Day trips from Porto. . Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. It was first home to a monastery, and the forest was attended by monks. There are numerous hiking trails, Roman ruins and sparkling waterfalls. One of the best things about visiting Nazare is that there is something at any time of the year. This train ride is famous for its scenic views of Douro river. And with so many charming villages and towns located nearby, there is no shortage of things to see and do. The vines are grown on trellises above the ground so that crops can be cultivated underneath. This article was first published September 2019 and updated July 2022. Before entering the beach, youll see a monument of women and children looking out to sea, mourning their lost husbands and fathers. 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. Coach or rail travel may prove more cost-effective for getting to Porto if you're already nearby and will certainly be better for your carbon footprint. 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. 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. This includes Lindoso, where you can see a 13th-century castle that played a key role in Portugals Restoration War. Whatever you do, make sure to try the seafood in Matosinhos. 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. One of the best day trips from Porto by train you can do is to Portugals Venice Aveiro. But there is much more to do in this area than simply visiting the city. Located just 100 km away from beautiful Porto, Douro Valley is a region in Northern Portugal known for its terraced vineyards and dramatic landscapes overlooking the Douro river. 2.2 Do a wine tasting & winery tour. By car, its a 1 hour and 15-minute drive on toll roads A4 and A24. It is right on the water and full of beautiful Portuguese architecture, and a lot of different options for food. Express trains from Porto Campanha take about 1 hour to get to Coimbra-B. In total, this takes 1.5 hours. If youre planning on a few day trips from Porto by train or bus, I hope this blogpost is useful. Round trip train from Sao Bento to Viana 16.00 & (senior) 10.50. The most popular beach is Praia de Matosinhos, which is where the bus typically stops. . At the bottom of the hill, the sight of the baroque stairway zigzagging up to the church is as much a highlight as the church itself. The views along the N-222 as it hugs the river east of Peso da Rgua are magical. The main beach close to Costa Nova is called Praia da Barra, and it gets quite busy during the summer months. One of the best-known views is of the river with the So Gonalo bridge and the church of Igreja de So Gonalo. 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. Peneda Geres National Park. 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. Hassle-free option: Book this half-day tour with a cruise. Getting to Guimares. Day Trip Lisbon to Porto: Self-Drive. With an entrance fee of only 2, theres no excuse not to pop in for a visit. 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. 2 Best things to see and do in the Douro Valley. Renting a car in Porto is a great way to explore some of the off-the-beaten-track destinations nearby. Take the train from Porto to Penafiel (45-minute trip) for one of the best hikes in Portugal. Day bag Youll want a small day bag to carry any personal items, snacks, or souvenirs you buy along the way. The train also allows for greater flexibility . You should also visit the Old Santa Clara Monastery and the New Santa Clara Monastery. The tickets for every attraction in Guimares are sold here. 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. Looks like Ive just added a few new spots to my bucket list. To make this a more comprehensive list of possible day trips, I roped in some other travel bloggers to give me their ideas too. Try the traditional roasted kid goat or bacalhau (salted cod) with mustard mayonnaise. The following tours provide suggested routes for a one-week touring holiday using public transport; 1-week tour with a focus on the beaches. Contents [ hide] 1 Best travel modes for these trips around Porto. 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. Typical to European dinner times, many restaurants don't open until 7:00 or 8:00 pm. Contents1 Is [] . See if you can spot others trying to top it. Some may be obvious but you never know. The streets and paths can be uneven, especially when you get to some of the smaller villages. You can also visit the Roman ruins of Conimbriga (less than 12 miles from the city center) on a half-day trip. This sanctuary is located on the slopes of Mount Espinho. This impressive aqueduct with hundreds of arches was built in the 18th century and is considered one of the most beautiful aqueducts in the world. Guimares - 55 km or approximately 45 minutes. The bridge crosses the Tmega River and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the country. The trains are frequent and run on schedule, making it easy to navigate your way around. Small cafs and restaurants dotting the town sell delicious pastries, coffee and other Portuguese delicacies. There is a rocky pathway that leads out to the little islet in the river. Trains run regularly from Porto to Guimares. For more information, check out my travel resources page. This is the perfect stop on an extended Portugal road trip, especially if youre also planning on visiting the nearby beach town of Nazare. Take A Douro River Valley Wine Tour. 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. The highlight, of course, is the University of Coimbra which was founded in 1290 and is a UNESCO world heritage site today. You can follow the walk briefly or for as long as you like. Beautiful sandy beaches around Vila do Conde are one of the main reasons to visit the town. You can board the train at So Bento,Campanh, and Rio Tinto stations. The Golden Triangle of Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca . For the rest of the day, the beach (Praia de Espinho) fills up with locals enjoying the golden sand and the waves. You are going to love spending time in Nazare one of the best places to day a trip from Porto. A trip from Porto to Douro Valley will immerse you in a different world. Matosinhos is a small beach town located just a short 5 miles (9 km) north of Porto. 3 Douro Valley. Douro Valley - the most beautiful day trip from Porto (1-2 hours journey time) 2. Water hydration is key to any day trip, especially in Portugal. / Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal. When youre exploring multiple destinations on one day trip from Porto, make sure to pack lightly only bringing the absolute essentials. Your post is so detailed! And there are some great destinations that can only be reached by car or bus. 8:13 a.m. took 1 hour - 3:08 p.m. return took 1 hour 20 minutes. The Jeronimos Monastery is extensive enough that it definitely merits a full-day trip from Lisbon. Whether you're seeking beachside adventures, summertime celebrations or outdoor experiences, here are the best times of the year to visit Portugal. 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. Visit the ducal palace and then head up the hill to visit the castle. Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. It was here that McNamara beat the world record for the largest wave ever surfed. Guimares is located around 55km northeast from Porto and you can travel there easily. Guided tour: You can book a full day trip tour from Porto. Option 1. Here, Lonely Planet's Austin Bush takes us along northern Portugal's Douro Valley by train. Read next: Are Fanny Packs Good for Travel in Europe? 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. From the stunning Douro Valley to the charming fishing villages, Portugal has it all. Read my disclosure and privacy policy. Eating out in Aveiro is lovely with many restaurants and cafs offering everything from traditional to international food as well as organic vegan joints. When booking your Portugal car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. 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. 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. Guimares plays a central role in the nations history as the first capital of Portugal. Want to receive notifications of new posts by email? Each looks incredible, but Im all about those fairytale vibes in Guimares. 2.6 Check out the city of Lamego. The best way to get to Amarante is to catch the bus from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto. From the vibrant nightlife of Lisbon to the beaches of the Algarve, here's our pick of the best places to go. Eating fresh locally caught fish and seafood in Vila do Conde is a must. 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 . 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 local fishing industry means that there are plenty of cafs serving fresh seafood straight off the boats. But with a set of directions and a map, its easy to get around. 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. The waves have been known to reach up to 100 feet at times. Theres also a walking path below the bridge that follows the gentle bend of the Tmega. Popular day trips 1) Braga 2) Guimares 3) Douro Valley 4) Aveiro 5) Matosinhos 6) Coimbra. You will find plenty of students and a strong academic vibe here. The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. Entrance is free and visitors can light a candle in the large church or simply marvel at the intricately carved statues and art that decorate this pilgrimage location. At just over an hour by train from Porto's So Bento or Porto Campanha train stations, the trip from Porto to Guimaraes is a great day trip option. The remnants of the Roman Ruins of Conimbriga are an off the beaten path day trip from Porto. 2pm: take a moliceiros ride along the canal. The quaint Linha do Douro in northern Portugal doesnt really get you anywhere. Regional Portugal generally errs on the conservative side, so the sight of elderly ladies laying out rows of penis-shaped cakes on street-side stalls may come as a surprise. Pickup points. The symmetrical spires of the Nossa Senhora da Consolao and medieval arches of Padro do Salado add architectural interest to the cityscape. Travel by bus and train: 1 hour and 20 minutes (change in Aveiro) Travel by bus: 1 hour 30 minutes (change in Aveiro) Tour : Half day tour of Aveiro and Costa Nova. 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. The main attraction in Amarante is the 16th-century bridge, Ponte de So Gonalo. I am now wondering if maybe taking the train from Porto to Sintra and staying in Sintra that night would be better. This area is the world's first demarcated and regulated wine region. Day Trips from Porto: Douro Valley. 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. Some fabulous ideas here! Or do as the pilgrims did and climb the stairs on your knees as penance for your sins. 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. So, this a great option for day trips from Porto for people travelling without a car . This was originally a retreat for the Portuguese royal family, but has been converted today to a luxury hotel. Top Experiences in Porto. 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). Santa Clara Aqueduct is one of the main attractions here. By train to Faro, bus to Seville. Grapes for both port and table wine are grown . The train takes 2 hours and the bus take 2.5 hours. 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. Yet youll find that its quieter and calmer than other cities on the tourist trail of Portugal. Less than 200 miles away, it . You could rent a car, take the Flexibus, or do a guided tour with a local. Your day trips from Porto definitely aren't limited to destinations within Portugal. 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.