Pack The Suitcases uses affiliate links. Take a packed lunch to enjoy at the top or set off along one of the marked hiking trails. Practical information to plan your Aveiro day trip from Porto. Being traditionally a fishermens village, they serve fresh fish and shellfish dishes that are to die for. Plan your perfect budget honeymoon with this guide to cheaper destinations that you might not have considered. So, its definitely worth a day trip from Porto by train. Its an important pilgrimage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since July 2019). Make sure to pack a water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout your journey! Im not a fan of buses and will always go for the train option if possible. Even before you enter the street, youll start smelling fresh fish grilling! A long stretch of unspoiled sandy beaches goes south from Vila do Conde for many miles. It costs less than 10 euros to travel to Viana do Castelo from Porto. 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. If youre planning on a few day trips from Porto by train or bus, I hope this blogpost is useful. Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal and as such you can find many historic buildings in the gorgeous city centre. Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Nature Park was created in 1979 and covers about 35,000 hectares - much of it Estremadura's limestone massif, the biggest limestone area in Portugal. This Galician capital is important for religious reasons, since St. James is purported to have been buried there, but it has a lot more to help . But the phallic sweets offered as a symbol of fertility have become synonymous with Amarante, so expect to see many as you walk around town. A couple of Portugals most popular dishes are cod and sardines, but you can order anything that comes from the sea! 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. Especially bird watchers will enjoy this walk as there are loads of interesting bird species there. Even more, traveling by train or bus is also very affordable. Today, Catholics from all around the world come to visit the small town and the Shrine of Fatima. Im hoping to visit Porto this year so this is really going to come in handy when Im planning a day trip from there! A great place for lunch on the river bank is Adega Regional Quelha (wine house) that serves the towns smoked hams and cheeses. Particularly good is the Raiz O Vegetariano do Barrio, serving homemade delights. A trip from Porto to Douro Valley will immerse you in a different world. 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. day trips from porto. This ancient and walled arboretum is home to one of the finest dendrological collections in Europe. By train to Faro, bus to Seville. Twice a day (11.30 and 16:30), the bakery releases a batch of these delicious little beauties. You can even spot the port wine lodges from up there! There are trains roughly every half an hour so it's easy to organize a day trip. In winter, Gers can occasionally get a sprinkling of snow. 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). 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. It is a museum in the center of town that is dedicated to the men and women who have organized the big wave surfingphenomenonthat has happened in the last decade. With a storied history and an old university that provided inspiration for Harry Potter, Coimbra makes for an interesting travel destination. There is a train that goes directly from Porto to Braga. It is right on the water and full of beautiful Portuguese architecture, and a lot of different options for food. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld. Option 1. In front of the church, the Ponte de So Gonalo crosses the Tmega River. 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. The Douro Valley region is a mandatory visit for those who travel to Porto. Most vineyards also offer typical Portuguese lunches with their wine tastings. Read next: Are Fanny Packs Good for Travel in Europe? 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. By boat is only through touristic boat tours on the Douro river. Their work is displayed in the Municipal Museum, which is in a renovated convent. Some fabulous ideas here! All rights reserved. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Explore! Visitors can enjoy swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing, and walking on boardwalks along the beach. The gorgeous coastal city of Viana do Castelo is a bit of a hidden gem in Portugal. 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. We briefly spent some time in Lisbon and it just wasnt enough! Pinhao is the main town in the Douro Valley and is located right in the middle of all the action. After your visit, head down to the old city center. With the dramatic granite mountains of Serra do Maro to the east, the town lies in the hilly valley of the Tmega river. From the stunning Douro Valley to the charming fishing villages, Portugal has it all. Since youre there you should see both. With thanks to Daria from The Discovery Nut for this contribution. 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). Matosinhos is a small beach town located just a short 5 miles (9 km) north of Porto. Guimares is a small city in the mountains of northern Portugal. North Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the wintertime because Nazare has one of the biggest swells in the world. 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 city can be reached by car, public transit, and boat. There are some nice sea views to be had from here, although the fort itself is not very exciting inside. 2 Best things to see and do in the Douro Valley. Some may be obvious but you never know. 3 Porto Card with Transportation (1, 2, 3 or 4 Days) 4 Porto: Palcio da Bolsa Guided Tour. Among the most prominent landmarks in Aveiro include Igreja de So Domingos (Church of St Dominic), a Roman Catholic church built in the style of Portuguese baroque, the old train station, and the museum of Aveiro. Located along the bank of the Sado River, Setubal is known for its fishing industry, especially for sardines. Matosinhos is a port and fishing town with the biggest sandy beach in the Porto area. The remnants of the Roman Ruins of Conimbriga are an off the beaten path day trip from Porto. I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. To make this a more comprehensive list of possible day trips, I roped in some other travel bloggers to give me their ideas too. 5. Day trips from Porto: Santiago de Compostela. Here, Lonely Planet's Austin Bush takes us along northern Portugal's Douro Valley by train. Back in Braga, Donna Se is a lovely place to have lunch. Porto is a tough place to leave, with fascinating cobblestone districts, vibrant nightlife and a wealth of great restaurants. 352 -4050-418 Porto, next to So Bento train station for the tour with no hotel pick up included - Tour only option. One of the best Porto tours is to Douro Valley. Coimbra. Yet youll find that its quieter and calmer than other cities on the tourist trail of Portugal. 2.2 Do a wine tasting & winery tour. Its a great place to come if you want to see an authentic Portuguese town with few international tourists. Do the timetables stay the same all year? 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. Travel back in time and jump onboard an old and beautifully restored tram to see all the sights and sounds of the city. The lowdown on Europes best spring break spots from Mediterranean island beach escapes to Norways waterfall-splashed fjords. Other interesting sights include Vasco da Gama Square, Rua da Igreja, Santa Clara Convent, Fort of St.Jean the Baptist, Church of Azurara, and Chapel of Our Lady of Help. Porto to Rgua, Pinho & Pocinho. Youll need to use Portos Rodonorte bus service, which is usually clean and reliable. This was originally a retreat for the Portuguese royal family, but has been converted today to a luxury hotel. 2pm: take a moliceiros ride along the canal. Sunscreen The sun can be quite intense in Portugal, especially in the summer months. For seafood, you cannot miss out on family-run restaurants lining Rua Heris de Frana. 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. 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. Praia do Forno and Praia Azul are the most popular beaches in Vila do Conde. The town of Matosinhos isnt the most scenic place, Ill be honest. 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 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. Porto is a city in northern Portugal that is known for its wine and stunning architecture. Matosinhos, Portugal. Small villages are scattered throughout the park. A day trip might feel insufficient to explore . Train from Porto and Douro Valley Cruise. 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). The Parque Florestal de Amarante contains hundreds of exotic trees and has playgrounds, aviaries, and a deer enclosure. Opening hours are between 8:30 and 18:30. Guimares is brimming with history and said to be the countrys birthplace. 2.7 Soak up the views. 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. Before we get into the day trips from Porto, its worth grasping a bit about public transport in Porto. 2 13 Best day trips from Porto. 12.30pm: call a taxi back to Aveiro and head to a local restaurant for lunch. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1834, an extravagant neo-Manueline palace was built. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-netboard-2','ezslot_18',140,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-netboard-2-0');One of the best day trips from Porto by train is to the university town of Coimbra in Central Portugal. 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. Day trip from Porto to Viana do Castelo. Vila do Conde is a pretty town just north of Porto. Read our Privacy Policy. Besides some beautiful natural spots, inBuaco National Forest you can also find a rich history. Escape the worst of the cold this winter by heading to Europes southern reaches, where the wam sun shines year round. This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2013. Cars are allowed to drive up. village of . The forest spans an area of 105 hectares, and is full of lots of beautiful corners just waiting to be discovered. 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. Several restaurants line the plazas so you have plenty of options. The best way to explore the region is to rent a car, so you have the freedom to stay at each stop as long as you want. Costa Nova: Best day trips from Porto Portugal. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Make sure your feet are well-protected as there will be a lot of walking throughout the day. The train takes 2 hours and the bus take 2.5 hours. Santiago is best known for the Caminhos de Santiago (St. James Way) pilgrim trail following the cult of St. James. Its better to start your trip early in the morning to have enough time to explore the area. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-portrait-2','ezslot_20',145,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-portrait-2-0');You can also visit the many shops, cafes, and restaurants in Vila Nova de Gaia, or take a stroll along its cobblestone streets to admire its old-world charm. 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. 7) Povoa de Varzim (beach trip) (metro) Below is an interactive map of the locations of the day trips from Porto. If you enjoyed this post on some of the nicest day trips from Porto by train and bus, why save it by pinning it to your Pinterest board? Its a great spot to enjoy the views of Porto across the river with the sun setting on the Douro river. By car, its a 1 hour and 15-minute drive on toll roads A4 and A24. Less than 200 miles away, it . They are simply delicious! 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. One can easily spend the whole day here. 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 ride costs roughly 7 for an adult ticket, one-way. 6 Porto: Torre dos Clerigos Entrance Ticket. 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. Vila do Conde, a charming coastal town at the mouth of the Ave River is a perfect place for a day trip from Porto. Spend the first half of the day in Pinhao - take a Rabelo boat ride and/or tour a winery, have lunch. Praia da Azurara is the closest beach to the town, but beaches are not the only attraction here. Do the timetables stay the same all year? Start your day here by taking in the spectacular views from the Santa Luzia hill, home to the striking white Santa Luzia church looming over the city. And its only sold in this town. If you want to see and experience as much as possible without all the hassle of navigating, then opting for guided tours is a great choice. Berlengas Islands as a day trip from Peniche. The train also allows for greater flexibility . Popular day trips 1) Braga 2) Guimares 3) Douro Valley 4) Aveiro 5) Matosinhos 6) Coimbra. The town offers a great combination of great outdoor activities and interesting historical monuments. Before heading back to Porto, you can dine at riverfront spots in Pinho like Veladouro. The Jeronimos Monastery is extensive enough that it definitely merits a full-day trip from Lisbon. 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. The main attraction in Amarante is the 16th-century bridge, Ponte de So Gonalo. $11 (9) Direct train. Peniche to Nazar (by bus) Nazar - Day 3 and 4. 2.1 Vila do Conde. Tomar sits just 2 hours by car and 124 miles (200 km) south of Porto. Art, architecture and obscene baked goods are the big attractions in one-of-a-kind Amarante. The beautiful historical center of Vila do Conde is another reason to visit the town. 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. 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. 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. 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. You can also visit the So Gonalo church and monastery for more river views. Restaurant O Calgalho at the bay serves traditional Portuguese food prepared in an excellent way. Let's talk travel, teaching abroad, and travel blogging.I also love sharing about my love for Asian dramas and #allthethings to create memorable experiences! From this vantage point, you can appreciate the unique geography of the city. If you can stretch your day trip into the early evening, Braga lights up beautifully by night. You can also visit the Roman ruins of Conimbriga (less than 12 miles from the city center) on a half-day trip. Braga and Guimares are relatively close to each other (25km distance). 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. Its been a tough few years for travelers, which is why were taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips.