You can visit several wineries in a day, or just enjoy the views of the river and Porto from this charming town. The Douro River cuts through the rolling green hills and offers magical landscapes. On a tour, the guide will tell you everything about their history and talk about the different sights you pass on the way. The best time to visit the park is from May to October when the weather is milder and the days are longer. With its stunning architecture, delicious food, and unique sights, its not one to be missed. 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. / The iconic Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. Average train ticket price. And you get a sneak peak into many of Porto's highlights. You should also visit the Old Santa Clara Monastery and the New Santa Clara Monastery. Youll find two plazas connected by covered walkways. Porto. If youre staying for longer than a few days or returning to Porto for a second visit, a few day trips would be well worth it. 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. Aveiro is a city south of Porto that is known for its canals. It's much quieter than Venice, however, and arguably more colorful; the painted boats and vibrant buildings are Aveiro's signature features. Alternatively, grab some pastel de nata and a takeaway cup of coffee at Pastelaria A Ritinha and have a picnic at one of the benches at Jardim da Praa do Municpio. 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. . if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_9',135,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-leader-2-0');The park covers an area of nearly 70,000 hectares and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including Wolves, Eagles, and Wild Boar. 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. 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 University of Coimbra was established in 1290 and to this day attracts many Portuguese as well as international students. I highly recommend Trainline for booking train and bus journeys to Porto, as they make it easy, quick and simple to compare hundreds of rail and coach journeys to the city from across the . Love places that announce themselves: BRAGA! 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. By train to Faro, bus to Seville. And yet, theres a whole world of intrigue just beyond the city. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend. With thanks to Jorge from Portugal Things for this contribution. Best Day Trips from Porto with Kids - Porto Serralves Museum and Park Entrance Ticket. Its location is also what made the city important in the trade and production of Port wine. Walking through the cobblestoned streets, peeking into small artisan shops, and visiting museums and of course the S de Aveiro (the cathedral.). Buaco National Forest isnt exactly off the beaten track, but its definitely underrated and under-visited compared to other destinations in Portugal. Jan. Mid-length Porto day trips (1-2 hours away) 1. Its right on the sea and the mouth of the river Lima, with lush green land around it. A train from Porto stops in Pinho, from where a number of wineries, such as Quinta das Carvalhas, are accessible by foot. Sunscreen The sun can be quite intense in Portugal, especially in the summer months. Start time. There are three rail-based options that will allow you to go to nearly the places in this guide. 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. The Golden Triangle of Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca . 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). Douro Valley - the most beautiful day trip from Porto (1-2 hours journey time) 2. Fastest journey around 5h43. Distance from Porto: 39 miles/62 km. 2.3 Guimaraes. This is a delightful and convenient way to experience the Douro Valley. And there are some beautiful hidden gems in northern Portugal that you can easily reach in a day. If you would prefer to visit Braga with a local guide, check out this small-group tour that also includes a stop in Guimares! Additionally, theres a nice childrens playground in the park with a typical snack bar serving ice cream, coffee, and light bites that looks out over one of the beautiful bridges crossing the Nabo River running through town. Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes is absolutely essential when youre exploring multiple destinations in one day. Trust me, we got ourselves burned in just a few short hours! Round trip train from Sao Bento to Viana 16.00 & (senior) 10.50. Step 1, travel from Porto Campanh to Faro by train as shown in the Porto to Faro section above . Right across the Jardim do Morro is the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, a monastery atop a hill with an incredible view of the city. The train also allows for greater flexibility . We briefly spent some time in Lisbon and it just wasnt enough! Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I will be vacationing in Portugal this coming September. You might also like my other Portugal posts: If youd like an email alert when I publish a new post, subscribe using the box at the side (if youre on a laptop) or at the bottom (if youre on a mobile or tablet). 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. When in Peso da Rgua take a scenic boat ride on the Douro river. 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). Douro Valley day trip #3 - Vila Real (2 hour journey time) 4. Alternatively, you can head to Veladouro in Pinho for a delicious lunch, right before taking a river cruise. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travellers. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites owner is strictly prohibited. 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. Coimbra is also the ideal spot to try typical Portuguese conventual sweets, made with sugar and plenty of egg yolks. $11 (9) Direct train. Dont miss out on a train ride with the historical steam train. FlixBus operates a bus from Porto to Nazar twice daily. Do the timetables stay the same all year? A long stretch of unspoiled sandy beaches goes south from Vila do Conde for many miles. Book from Rede Expressos. Or do as the pilgrims did and climb the stairs on your knees as penance for your sins. If you don't have much time, a Porto day trip from Lisbon is definitely possible in a single day. 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. to get trip updates and message other travellers. North Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the wintertime because Nazare has one of the biggest swells in the world. 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. / Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal. Romantic Day Trips from Porto for Couples - Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, River Cruise and Lunch. With thanks to Alya from Stingy Nomadsfor this contribution. Jeronimos Monastery. Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal and as such you can find many historic buildings in the gorgeous city centre. The journey takes just over an hour and a return ticket costs 7. Small cafs and restaurants dotting the town sell delicious pastries, coffee and other Portuguese delicacies. The cheapest way to get there is on the Line 9 bus, which will take just over an hour and cost around $17. You should also visit the citys Fish Market, the lighthouse (the tallest in Portugal! The history of Tomar will fascinate you. Other interesting sites in Braga city centre are the Castle of Braga and the beautiful Arco da Porta Nova. / The medieval city of Guimares. This ancient and walled arboretum is home to one of the finest dendrological collections in Europe. Braga is a pedestrian-friendly city with atmospheric cafes, boutiques and striking water features seamlessly woven into the ancient cityscape. Whether you take a day trip here, pass through on your way from the north, or are looking for a reason to move to Portugal, Tomar is absolutely worth a visit. 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. 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. Make sure to check the day when youll be visiting Fatima to keep an eye on any religious celebrations that may be taking place. Peneda Geres National Park. There is a rocky pathway that leads out to the little islet in the river. Caroline Rowe, Pack The Suitcases, 2016-2023. So I wanted to share with you some of my favourite day trips from Porto by train (and a few by bus) that Ive enjoyed. Day trip from Porto to Viana do Castelo. Porto is a beautiful city located in Northwestern Portugal which is the gateway to the Peneda-Gers National Park, one of the most scenic and wild places in all of Europe. The best way to get to Amarante is to catch the bus from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto. Be sure to walk across the Pedro Ines bridge to enjoy some stunning views of Coimbra by the river. Your post is so detailed! 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. 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. 5. 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. Take the train from Porto to Penafiel (45-minute trip) for one of the best hikes in Portugal. For seafood, you cannot miss out on family-run restaurants lining Rua Heris de Frana. 08:45 AM. One of the best Porto day trips is Braga, the third-largest city in Portugal. The forest spans an area of 105 hectares, and is full of lots of beautiful corners just waiting to be discovered. The Douro Valley is famous for its vineyards and incredibly dramatic landscapes, from the winding river to the towering cliffs above. 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 beauty showcases some of the finest architecture in the country, with design styles from many centuries. Want to receive notifications of new posts by email? Cheap Day Trips from Porto - Gaia. 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. The ride costs roughly 7 for an adult ticket, one-way. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Train operators. According to correspondent Austin Bush, thats exactly the point. With its castle on a hilltop, myriad old churches and winding medieval cobbled streets, the city is straight out of a fairytale. You can also visit the So Gonalo church and monastery for more river views. Its about a 90-minute drive from Porto to either Soajo or Lindoso. I remember going to Santiago de Compostela with my parents when I was a little kid, and for me it remains one of the best day trips from Porto. Jeronimos Monastery. From there, take a local bus or taxi to the park entrance. Costa Nova: Best day trips from Porto Portugal. Head to A Tasquinha restaurant which serves affordable but authentic food in the heart of Fatima. 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. A trip from Porto to Douro Valley will immerse you in a different world. The beautiful village of Costa Nova is mostly known in Portugal because of its colorful striped houses. Pinhao is the main town in the Douro Valley and is located right in the middle of all the action. Whether youre planning to take day trips from Porto by train, bus, or car, there is no shortage of amazing destinations. Opening hours are between 8:30 and 18:30. Love Porto and Guimaraes (we stayed in the Pousada, which I would highly recommend) and now want to go back to see the other places you suggest! Explore Porto by tram. 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. You can be saving yourself some dollars if you only have time to do 1 or 2 day trips from Porto. 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. 2 h 30 min. To get to Braga from Porto, youll want to hop on the train, which takes just over an hour and costs 13 each way. Its a great place to come if you want to see an authentic Portuguese town with few international tourists. Guimares is a small city in the mountains of northern Portugal. 1. 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 . Though, if you are only going to the city center, it probably won't be worth it to drive. And just as the city is named, you can expect . 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. This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2013. 2 one way or 3 r/t. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Before entering the beach, youll see a monument of women and children looking out to sea, mourning their lost husbands and fathers. Or take rota N222, it will take half a day, but this scenic road winds along the Douro river in between the hills with the vineyards. So, this a great option for day trips from Porto for people travelling without a car . Setbal. And with so many charming villages and towns located nearby, there is no shortage of things to see and do. / The Duoro Valley. Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! Talk to farmers, walk among ruins of Roman houses and pass through small local villages on the Penafiel hiking trail. 9. Its popular for surfing, which is mildly entertaining to pause and watch. Portugal is definitely on my list to see, it looks so beautiful! Book the best day trips from Porto, Portugal directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. The best way to get to Coimbra from Porto is by train. You can also combine your day trip with a short trip to Costa Nova to see the traditional striped beach houses. Near the plazas, youll find the Padro do Salado monument and the Chapel of So Nicolau. Its working fishing port is a bit fugly and totally dominates the landscape. Yet youll find that its quieter and calmer than other cities on the tourist trail of Portugal. Explore! Escape the worst of the cold this winter by heading to Europes southern reaches, where the wam sun shines year round. For the rest of the day, the beach (Praia de Espinho) fills up with locals enjoying the golden sand and the waves. If you would prefer to visit Guimares with a local guide, check out this small-group tour that also includes a stop in Braga! 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. Grapes for both port and table wine are grown . How to Get There: A train runs from Campanha Station to Aveiro Station. See if you can spot others trying to top it. Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. 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