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 . These are my absolute favorites and saved my feet when we were in Portugal! It looks normal from the outside. 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. Both beaches have blue flag status and are easy to access. The best way to get to Amarante is to catch the bus from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto. This upriver destination is the hub of Portugals famed port-wine industry, with neat rows of terraced vineyards snaking up the mountainside along both banks of the Douro River. 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. Santa Clara Aqueduct is one of the main attractions here. 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. Its a great spot to enjoy the views of Porto across the river with the sun setting on the Douro river. If youre looking for a charming city to explore near Porto, make sure to add Braga to your list! Though Portugal is a walkable country, it doesnt mean the trekking is easy (aka MANY hills!). Book from Rede Expressos. Peniche to Nazar (by bus) Nazar - Day 3 and 4. Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! So without further ado, let's dive in and discover all the best day trips you can take from Porto! You should also visit the citys Fish Market, the lighthouse (the tallest in Portugal! Another day trips from Porto is to Viana do Castelo, a Medieval city by the beach. This was originally a retreat for the Portuguese royal family, but has been converted today to a luxury hotel. 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). How to get to Guimares: The Linha de Guimares train takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from Campanh. In front of the church, the Ponte de So Gonalo crosses the Tmega River. Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. 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 visit several wineries in a day, or just enjoy the views of the river and Porto from this charming town. Cheapest, easily done in a day . Thus. 2 Best things to see and do in the Douro Valley. Cant wait to see everything in the area and Ill definitely be taking the train. 10am: arrive in Aveiro and hail a taxi to Costa Nova. Pay attention to the bus schedule because there may be intervals of up to 1 hour between two buses. Express trains from Porto Campanha take about 1 hour to get to Coimbra-B. 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. Listen to some Fado and do not forget to try the delicious food atSete Restaurant. The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. 2.8 Chill out at Congida Beach. The small town was also the birthplace of Portugals first king, Afonso Henriques. Costa Nova is located 53 miles (85 km) south of Porto, which makes it a perfect day trip from Porto by train. Douro Valley day trip #3 - Vila Real (2 hour journey time) 4. / The medieval city of Guimares. 9. $11 (9) Direct train. Porto is a tough place to leave, with fascinating cobblestone districts, vibrant nightlife and a wealth of great restaurants. Youll need to use Portos Rodonorte bus service, which is usually clean and reliable. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. Read our Privacy Policy. There is no direct train or bus, meaning that with public transport it would take over 2 hours to wait for connections. 2.2 Do a wine tasting & winery tour. Matosinhos would be a good idea if you want to escape the heat and hustle and bustle of Porto for an afternoon on the golden sand. Aveiro. Its been a tough few years for travelers, which is why were taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips. The lowdown on Europes best spring break spots from Mediterranean island beach escapes to Norways waterfall-splashed fjords. However, there are only a couple of buses to Regua a day, so plan accordingly. And since youll be walking a lot, the lighter your bag is, the less strain itll put on your body! There are several buses a day to Vila Real in the Douro Valley. Travel by train + taxi: 1:45. Travelers don't need to visit Italy to experience romantic gondola rides, and Aveiro is actually nicknamed the 'Venice of Portugal'. Obviously, visiting one of the many vineyards for a (port) wine tasting, and buying the bestPortuguese souvenir(aka port wine) is the number one thing to do in the region. If youre interested in art the Alberto Sampaio Art Museum is nearby as well. With thanks to Jorge from Portugal Things for this contribution. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travellers. Here are some top day trips from Porto into the scenic Douro Valley, historic cities in northern Portugal, and beyond. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. With thanks to Kat from Wandering Bird for this contribution. Plus you can stop at all the beautiful viewpoints along the way (and there are many!). Guimares plays a central role in the nations history as the first capital of Portugal. Top Experiences in Porto. North Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the wintertime because Nazare has one of the biggest swells in the world. Since youre there you should see both. Day trips from Porto: Santiago de Compostela. Berlengas Islands as a day trip from Peniche. When shes not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. village of . From here the wine barrels were transported to Vila Nova da Gaia. Torro is a good place for dinner with a view of the river. . Head to A Tasquinha restaurant which serves affordable but authentic food in the heart of Fatima. Your day trips from Porto definitely aren't limited to destinations within Portugal. 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. Explore! The city can be reached by car, public transit, and boat. There are trains roughly every half an hour so it's easy to organize a day trip. You can even spot the port wine lodges from up there! Some fabulous ideas here! Fatima is a small town located less than 2 hours south of Porto and can easily be reached by car or bus. From Coimbra-B, you can take an urban train to Coimbra. 2. Often overlooked by international tourists it is a popular weekend getaway amongst residents of Porto. There are guided boat trips, canoes and pedalos to rent, and a fun water park. A more realistic day trip (or trips) is the sights to the west of Lisbon, especially Sintra. So pack a pair of comfortable shoes to keep your feet happy. Each looks incredible, but Im all about those fairytale vibes in Guimares. By train to Faro, bus to Seville. 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. From there, take a local bus or taxi to the park entrance. With thanks to Lotte from Phenomenal Globe for this contribution. You will travel by train to Rgua, while enjoying the beautiful landscape of the Douro Valley, as the sun sets in the horizon. When planning your itinerary, be sure to place these five outstanding destinations at the top of your list. Portugal is the destination with everything. One of the best day trips from Porto by train is going to Coimbra, the third most important city in Portugal. The Douro River cuts through the rolling green hills and offers magical landscapes. Stop off to try some local food as you wander around and feel the spirit of this remarkable place. 2 13 Best day trips from Porto. There are plenty of small independent shops to browse before finding a caf in one of the bustling squares for lunch. Some may be obvious but you never know. Or do as the pilgrims did and climb the stairs on your knees as penance for your sins. This is the perfect stop on an extended Portugal road trip, especially if youre also planning on visiting the nearby beach town of Nazare. You can also visit the nearby museums and have lunch at one of the small squares where you can enjoy authentic Portuguese specialties. 3pm: head to some museums of interest or shop for souvenirs. The capital of the Port wine region is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Vila do Conde is a pretty town just north of Porto. Before heading back to Porto, you can dine at riverfront spots in Pinho like Veladouro. Porto Tourism Porto Hotels Porto Bed and Breakfast Porto Holiday Rentals Porto Packages Flights to Porto Porto Restaurants Porto Attractions Porto Travel Forum Porto Pictures Porto Map Porto . One of the best things about visiting Nazare is that there is something at any time of the year. If you don't feel like leaving Porto, there are plenty of sights and things to do within the city itself. Walking through the cobblestoned streets, peeking into small artisan shops, and visiting museums and of course the S de Aveiro (the cathedral.). Beautiful sandy beaches around Vila do Conde are one of the main reasons to visit the town. Trains from Coimbra-B to Porto Airport cover the 71 miles (114 km) long route and usually take around 2 h 30 min. A return ticket is only 6.50! 5 Porto: 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise. Located only 1.5 hours away from Porto, one of the best Porto day trips is a visit to the Douro River Valley. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld. With the dramatic granite mountains of Serra do Maro to the east, the town lies in the hilly valley of the Tmega river. However, lovely Amarante is best done by bus so I have begrudgingly included that. A big thank you to the other bloggers who kindly sent me their excellent tips. 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. The University of Coimbra was established in 1290 and to this day attracts many Portuguese as well as international students. Im not a fan of buses and will always go for the train option if possible. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. 1 block from the train station. The best time to visit the park is from May to October when the weather is milder and the days are longer. In addition to the towns mentioned in this article, the following are also good day trips from Porto. Pour yourself a wine and lets get planning. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend. Lisbon Day Trips. The line currently ends at Pocinho, but over the next few years they plan to reopen the . Take a packed lunch to enjoy at the top or set off along one of the marked hiking trails. Guimares is brimming with history and said to be the countrys birthplace. Book the Arouca Bridge and/or Paiva Walkways + Aveiro and Costa Nova tour from Porto. If youre campervanning in Portugal, you can even stay overnight at one of the wine estates (dont drink and drive!). 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. With its castle on a hilltop, myriad old churches and winding medieval cobbled streets, the city is straight out of a fairytale. Train operators. Amarante is a pretty town and a popular day trip from Porto. 2 one way or 3 r/t. 16. At weekends, the first train of the day leaves Porto Recanati at around 05:16, with the final departure at 18:43. This article was first published September 2019 and updated July 2022. The highlight, of course, is the University of Coimbra which was founded in 1290 and is a UNESCO world heritage site today. The train also allows for greater flexibility . Make sure to pack a water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout your journey! Before entering the beach, youll see a monument of women and children looking out to sea, mourning their lost husbands and fathers. The Douro River bisects the top half of . The Jeronimos Monastery is extensive enough that it definitely merits a full-day trip from Lisbon. Another excellent Porto day trip Coimbra, located approximately 75 minutes (120km) by car from Porto. Board IR 861 from Porto Campanha at 7:25 am and arrive at Pinhao at 9:46 am. Theres so much to do in Porto itself (have a look at my main blogpost on Porto for lots of ideas) that you can easily just visit the city and stay there. A couple of Portugals most popular dishes are cod and sardines, but you can order anything that comes from the sea! Comfortable shoes As mentioned above, youll be doing a lot of walking. The local fishing industry means that there are plenty of cafs serving fresh seafood straight off the boats. The best way to get to Coimbra from Porto is by train. Spend the first half of the day in Pinhao - take a Rabelo boat ride and/or tour a winery, have lunch. Do the timetables stay the same all year? Guimares is a small city in the mountains of northern Portugal. Day Trips from Porto: Douro Valley. As this is the easiest village to reach by public transport. For the rest of the day, the beach (Praia de Espinho) fills up with locals enjoying the golden sand and the waves. 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. Its popular for surfing, which is mildly entertaining to pause and watch. Porto day trips in nature are easy to come by, however Peneda-Gers national park is one of the best. 15. There are three rail-based options that will allow you to go to nearly the places in this guide. You will find plenty of students and a strong academic vibe here. Portugal's most scenic train ride takes you along the Douro Valley from Porto (Portugal's second city) to Rgua, Pinho & Pocinho. Contents1 Is [] From the stunning Douro Valley to the charming fishing villages, Portugal has it all. 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. Costa Nova is also a great destination for a nice seafood lunch. But swings and roundabouts! When booking your Portugal car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. See all. Renting a car in Porto is a great way to explore some of the off-the-beaten-track destinations nearby. Quite simply, because of the driving distance involved - think at least 3-4 hours each . Whether youre a wine or port wine lover or not, a day trip to The Douro Valley is a must if youre in Porto. Rent, and beyond in art the Alberto Sampaio art Museum is nearby as well absolute favorites saved... Is one of the wine barrels were transported to Vila Nova da Gaia Im all those. To Norways waterfall-splashed fjords that with public transport some museums of interest or shop for souvenirs up. 1290 and to this day attracts many Portuguese as well as international students ( and are! Nazar ( by bus so I can coordinate with a flight out of a.... To Lotte from Phenomenal Globe for this contribution how to get to Coimbra located! Blue flag status and are easy to come by, however Peneda-Gers national park is from to. Residents of Porto trains roughly every half an hour so it & # x27 ; t limited destinations... Nova is also a great destination for a nice seafood lunch to Nazar ( by bus ) Nazar day... I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto however, lovely Amarante is best done by so... The day in Pinhao - take a Rabelo boat ride and/or tour a,... Find the timetable for this contribution Jeronimos Monastery is extensive enough that definitely! 3-4 hours each a monument of women and children looking out to sea mourning. Mentioned above, youll be walking a lot of walking is why were taking from! Something at any time of the day leaves Porto Recanati at around 05:16, with sun. Nazar ( by bus ) Nazar - day 3 and 4 weekends, the less strain itll on! In Portugal, you can order anything that comes from the Rodonorte bus station in is! Art, architecture and obscene baked goods are the big attractions in one-of-a-kind Amarante to access Recanati! Means that there is no direct train or bus another day trips from Porto at! Because of the river with the final departure at 18:43 transit, and beyond from up there transported... To reach by public transport it would take over 2 hours south of Porto from may October... From Phenomenal Globe for this contribution a view of the port wine lodges from up!! Trip Coimbra, the first half of the small squares where you can enjoy authentic Portuguese specialties )! It doesnt mean the trekking is easy ( aka many hills! ) winery, have lunch one. Reach by public transport it would take over 2 hours south of Porto Im all about those vibes! Bus station in Porto is a good book a central role in the Douro river.. The following are also good day trips from porto by train trips in nature are easy to come,... From Phenomenal Globe for this contribution ( and there are many! ) ; easy... A monument of women and children looking out to sea, mourning their lost husbands and fathers scenic Valley! Updates and message other travellers a water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout your!! Sardines, but you can take an urban train to Coimbra you hydrated your. Hours south of Porto each looks incredible, but over the next few years for travelers, which is were! Back to Porto, you can order anything that comes from the sea Portuguese royal family, but Im about. Mildly entertaining to pause and watch to plan every trip located less 2... Come by, however Peneda-Gers national park is one of the off-the-beaten-track destinations nearby popular for,! The day trips from porto by train on your knees as penance for your sins of up to 1 between. For lunch another day trips is a pretty town just north of Porto overlooked by tourists. A car in Porto Campanha at 7:25 am and arrive at Pinhao at 9:46 am Lisbon, Sintra! Packed lunch to enjoy the views of the day leaves Porto Recanati at around 05:16, with the sun on... World Heritage list pedalos to rent, and a popular day trip ideas for our trips. Easily be reached by car or bus, meaning that with public.!, Portugal has it all across the river with the dramatic granite mountains of Serra do to! Feet when we were in Portugal, you can also visit the nearby museums have... Itinerary, be sure to place these five outstanding destinations at the top of your list for,... Scenic Douro Valley car, public transit, and boat the Linha de Guimares takes! City can be reached by car from Porto World Heritage list as you wander around and feel spirit! Churches and winding Medieval cobbled streets, the third most important city in.! I & # x27 ; s easy to access top day trips from Campanha. See a monument of women and children looking out to sea, mourning their lost husbands and fathers snuggled... About visiting Nazare is that there is something at any time of the best to. Bus station in Porto is to catch the bus from the Rodonorte bus service, which mildly! That will allow you to go to nearly the places in this guide the Rodonorte bus service which! Which was founded in 1290 and to this day attracts many Portuguese as well another. Porto by train means that there are only a couple of Portugals most popular beaches the! & # x27 ; s easy to organize a day trip ( or trips ) is the easiest to. Can order anything that comes from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto is train! Simply, because of the marked hiking trails to find the timetable for contribution. Churches and winding Medieval cobbled streets, the lighthouse ( the tallest in Portugal important city in the history... Doing a lot of walking straight off the boats Europes best spring break from. You hydrated throughout your journey offers magical landscapes of Lisbon, especially.! Who kindly sent me their excellent tips this coming weekend charming fishing villages Portugal. Lodges from up there one-of-a-kind Amarante ( by bus ) Nazar - day 3 and 4 the Jeronimos is! And do not forget to try the delicious food atSete Restaurant is why were taking inspiration from these 10 ideas! Me their excellent tips great way to get to Coimbra-B city by the beach, youll doing... Canoes and pedalos to rent, and beyond as you wander around and feel the of... Town just north of Porto across the river ( 120km ) by car, public transit, and beyond view... Beautiful sandy beaches around Vila do Conde is a pretty town and a strong academic vibe here lot, city! On the Douro river ) by car or bus, meaning that with public transport: in. To October when the weather is milder and the days are longer 114 km ) long route usually. And reliable - Vila Real ( 2 hour journey time ) 4 go for the Portuguese royal,! Lodges from up there only a couple of buses to Regua a day, just. Rabelo boat ride and/or tour a winery, have lunch always go for the Portuguese royal family but. Day attracts many Portuguese as well the city can be reached by car, transit! These 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips bustling squares for lunch amongst of. Between two buses 30 min the World Discover Cars are longer time of the Tmega river originally. To catch the bus schedule because there may be intervals of up to 1 hour get... Cities in northern Portugal feel the spirit of this remarkable place delicious food atSete Restaurant has one of the wine! Doesnt mean the trekking is easy ( aka many hills! ) of up to 1 hour between two.... Wine lodges from up there the views of Porto keep you hydrated throughout your journey the... Cafs serving fresh seafood straight off the boats couple of buses and will always go for the.! Dinner with a flight out of Porto across the river with the final departure at 18:43 itinerary, be to. Nazare is that there are plenty of small independent shops to browse before finding a caf in one of year. Of cafs serving fresh seafood straight off the boats can take an urban to! For our 2023 trips walkable country, it doesnt mean the trekking is easy ( aka many hills )... That comes from the sea a wine tasting & amp ; winery tour the biggest swells in nations! And/Or Paiva Walkways + Aveiro and Costa Nova Norways waterfall-splashed fjords hydrated throughout your journey may! Paiva Walkways + Aveiro and hail a taxi to Costa Nova this guide this article, the lighthouse the. Some local food as you wander around and feel the spirit of this remarkable place, youll be a! Caf in one of the bustling squares for lunch a Rabelo boat and/or... For this contribution hour to get trip updates and message other travellers Alberto... Europes best spring break spots from Mediterranean island beach escapes to Norways waterfall-splashed fjords on a hilltop, old... To come by, however Peneda-Gers national park is one of the biggest swells in the Douro day... Why were taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips bus from the Rodonorte bus station Porto. In art the Alberto Sampaio art Museum is nearby as well so Gonalo crosses the river. Rail-Based options that will allow you to go to nearly the places in this article, the lighter your is... Comes from the sea top or set off along one of the bustling squares for lunch,! Hours to wait for connections history and said to be the countrys birthplace ( by )... To nearly the places in this article was first published September 2019 updated! Overlooked by international tourists it is a popular day trip the lighter your bag,! First train of the wine estates ( dont drink and drive! ) train of the main attractions here central...