When shes not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. 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). There are trains roughly every half an hour so it's easy to organize a day trip. Being traditionally a fishermens village, they serve fresh fish and shellfish dishes that are to die for. 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. Head back into the citys winding streets and enjoy its mixture of architectural styles from different ages. 1 Porto: River Douro 6 Bridges Cruise. Restaurant O Calgalho at the bay serves traditional Portuguese food prepared in an excellent way. Even before you enter the street, youll start smelling fresh fish grilling! Guimares is a small town northeast of Porto. The views along the N-222 as it hugs the river east of Peso da Rgua are magical. Dont miss the little Castle of the Cheese (Castelo do Queijo), a 17th-century fort on the beach. Youll also want to stop by Tibias de Braga, which has the Tibias dessert that originated from Braga. 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. Ill have to bookmark your site to refer back to it because Portugal is definitely on my list. 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 working fishing port is a bit fugly and totally dominates the landscape. The ride takes 1 hour from So Bento Station. (The distance from Lisbon to Sintra is just 28.7 km.) You can choose what to keep and what to change according to your preference. 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. Quite simply, because of the driving distance involved - think at least 3-4 hours each . Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra. 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 . Peso da Rgua is a city in the beautiful Douro valley. 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? I firmly believe in always doing travel especially abroad without a car. Check the train timetables before your visit so you know what trains you want. It is a short 2-hour drive south of Porto, and there are a few different ways to get there. 2.3 Go for a Douro River cruise. 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. Particularly good is the Raiz O Vegetariano do Barrio, serving homemade delights. Santa Luzia funicular - departs every 15 minutes. 2.2 Do a wine tasting & winery tour. Cant wait to see everything in the area and Ill definitely be taking the train. 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. You are going to love spending time in Nazare one of the best places to day a trip from Porto. The Douro Valley region is probably Portugal's most famous wine region and one of the most beautiful and oldest ones in the world, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2001. If thats not a reason to visit, Im not sure what is! The small town was also the birthplace of Portugals first king, Afonso Henriques. Vila do Conde is a pretty town just north of Porto. The forest spans an area of 105 hectares, and is full of lots of beautiful corners just waiting to be discovered. Not sure if cards can be re-loaded. How to get to Braga: The Linha de Braga train runs frequently from Campanh station taking just over an hour. Especially bird watchers will enjoy this walk as there are loads of interesting bird species there. For a fun night out you can head to NBar or grab dinner at one of the most popular restaurants A Tasquinha. 2. The highlight, of course, is the University of Coimbra which was founded in 1290 and is a UNESCO world heritage site today. How to get to Sintra: Start your journey at Rossio Station in Lisbon, and take the urban train to the last top in Sintra. Fatima is a small town located less than 2 hours south of Porto and can easily be reached by car or bus. Lisbon to Peniche (by bus) Peniche - Day 1 and 2. If youre looking for a morning or afternoon activity outside of Porto, a coastal walk in Espinho is a good idea. It takes about one hour from the center of Porto to the center of Guimares, and you can easily do it by train, bus, driving or on a tour. I am now wondering if maybe taking the train from Porto to Sintra and staying in Sintra that night would be better. 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. 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. Of course, I now want to go back to Porto and do all the places Ive not yet done. 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 CP Tour card will provide free access to the entire Porto Urbano system, to final stops on the Aveiro line, Caide line, Braga line and Guimaraes line, including on/off in-between. 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! This imposing cathedral was built in the 11th century and is beautiful both on the inside and the outside. Oh and dont leave before trying Viana do Castelos local delicacy. This article was first published September 2019 and updated July 2022. Day Trips in Porto: Check out 613 verified reviews and photos of Viator's Best of Braga and Guimaraes Day Trip from Porto . Jeronimos Monastery. 352 -4050-418 Porto, next to So Bento train station for the tour with no hotel pick up included - Tour only option. With a storied history and an old university that provided inspiration for Harry Potter, Coimbra makes for an interesting travel destination. Take the train from Porto to Penafiel (45-minute trip) for one of the best hikes in Portugal. Braga and Guimares are relatively close to each other (25km distance). The capital of the Port wine region is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The site is among the best preserved ruins from the Roman Empire. Whether youre planning to take day trips from Porto by train, bus, or car, there is no shortage of amazing destinations. 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. There are several interestingthings to do in Coimbra. Its a beautiful city overflowing with history and culture as well as amazing food and drink. A more realistic day trip (or trips) is the sights to the west of Lisbon, especially Sintra. 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. So start planning your day trip from Porto and have an amazing time! Another day trips from Porto is to Viana do Castelo, a Medieval city by the beach. Jeronimos Monastery. 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. 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 . At weekends, the first train of the day leaves Porto Recanati at around 05:16, with the final departure at 18:43. Guimares is a small city in the mountains of northern Portugal. Twice a day (11.30 and 16:30), the bakery releases a batch of these delicious little beauties. 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. Taking a day trip from Porto by train is easy and convenient. By boat is only through touristic boat tours on the Douro river. 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. City Sightseeing Day Trips from Porto. You can follow the walk briefly or for as long as you like. Santa Clara Aqueduct is one of the main attractions here. Romantic Day Trips from Porto for Couples - Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, River Cruise and Lunch. Average journey duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes. 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. No. 2 one way or 3 r/t. Alternatively, you can also take a bus, boat, or train from Porto. 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. Coimbra. Walking along the narrow cobbled streets of Vila do Conde is the best way to explore the town. 2.1 Go hiking. 2 13 Best day trips from Porto. 12.30pm: call a taxi back to Aveiro and head to a local restaurant for lunch. Alternatively, you can go up via a small cable car. In addition to the towns mentioned in this article, the following are also good day trips from Porto. Cars are allowed to drive up. Its therefore relatively free from the usual tourist crowds so is a real delight to explore. With its castle on a hilltop, myriad old churches and winding medieval cobbled streets, the city is straight out of a fairytale. 6. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. 5. 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. Tickets cost around 3.25 one-way and can be purchased online or through the Comboios de Portugal's website (which is the Portuguese rail company). 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. You can visit several wineries in a day, or just enjoy the views of the river and Porto from this charming town. 2 Best things to see and do in the Douro Valley. Explore! . Portugal is the destination with everything. A 3-hour round trip from Rgua to Tua and back. Travel by train + taxi: 1:45. Sintra for Palaces. On a tour, the guide will tell you everything about their history and talk about the different sights you pass on 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. Power Bank Its not fun when youre phone runs out of battery in the middle of a day trip from Porto. 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. There are several buses a day to Vila Real in the Douro Valley. Narrow roads twist through a rapidly changing landscape of granite boulders, dense pine forests and stunning river views in Peneda-Gers, Portugals only national park. Coimbra is a beautiful city, home to the oldest university in the country and a must-visit on any Portugal itinerary.. All the while following the river and having mesmerizing views of the hills with vineyards. Train station Viana do Castelo. 2.4 Stop by the capital of the region. Matosinhos is a small beach town located just a short 5 miles (9 km) north of Porto. Tickets to the castle are 2 but its only 6 to see the castle and palace. 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. 4. 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). Back in the day, these wooden boats were used to remove algae from the canal but fell into disuse once the process was automated. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. 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. With thanks to Lotte from Phenomenal Globe for this contribution. 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. So much to see in Portugal. Paiva is one of the best day trips from Porto for nature-loving travelers. Here's one highly-rated private Porto day trip from Lisbon that shows considerably more than the others. The journey takes just over an hour and a return ticket costs 7. . 3 Porto Card with Transportation (1, 2, 3 or 4 Days) 4 Porto: Palcio da Bolsa Guided Tour. / The iconic Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. Sunscreen The sun can be quite intense in Portugal, especially in the summer months. . And just as the city is named, you can expect . In total, this takes 1.5 hours. Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. The quaint Linha do Douro in northern Portugal doesnt really get you anywhere. Read my disclosure and privacy policy. Most visitors combine these two destinations into a single-day trip, visiting Aveiro in the morning and trekking 8 miles (12 km) to Costa Nova in the afternoon. Guimares castle survived two medievel seiges! 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. The best thing to do in Aveiro is take a ride in a moliceiro through the network of Aveiros beautiful canals that run through town. Theres also the only water funicular railway in the city that takes visitors up and down. 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. This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2013. With thanks to Kat from Wandering Bird for this contribution. 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. 2.7 Soak up the views. 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. 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. You should also visit the Old Santa Clara Monastery and the New Santa Clara Monastery. When planning your itinerary, be sure to place these five outstanding destinations at the top of your list. Its a great place to come if you want to see an authentic Portuguese town with few international tourists. With its stunning architecture, delicious food, and unique sights, its not one to be missed. 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. Once in Coimbra, you can easily explore the university and the historic center on foot. 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 . 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. Located only 1.5 hours away from Porto, one of the best Porto day trips is a visit to the Douro River Valley. 5 Porto: 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise. Another excellent Porto day trip Coimbra, located approximately 75 minutes (120km) by car from Porto. If you would prefer to visit Braga with a local guide, check out this small-group tour that also includes a stop in Guimares! By car, its a 1 hour and 15-minute drive on toll roads A4 and A24. 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. to get trip updates and message other travellers. With an entrance fee of only 2, theres no excuse not to pop in for a visit. 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. Luckily theres no need as public transport is reliable and decent. 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. This can impact your experience and may mean that the church is inaccessible. One of the best Porto day trips is Braga, the third-largest city in Portugal. Explore Porto by tram. Its a great spot to enjoy the views of Porto across the river with the sun setting on the Douro river. One of the best things about visiting Nazare is that there is something at any time of the year. Here's a sample itinerary for a day trip to Douro Valley from Porto by train. Love places that announce themselves: BRAGA! For the rest of the day, the beach (Praia de Espinho) fills up with locals enjoying the golden sand and the waves. To take day trips from Porto, a 17th-century fort on the road ) 4 Porto: da! No hotel pick up included - tour only option realistic day trip Coimbra, you can the... Creating memorable experiences on the Douro Valley tour: wine tasting & amp ; tour. Afonso Henriques 05:16, with the final departure at 18:43 ill definitely be taking the from! Small city in the summer months mean that the church is inaccessible city. Of northern Portugal firmly believe in always doing travel especially abroad without car. The bakery releases a batch of these delicious little beauties as it hugs the river of. Sunscreen the sun setting on the way first king, Afonso Henriques N-222 as it hugs river... Coimbra makes for an interesting travel destination no need as public transport is reliable and.! The Raiz O Vegetariano do Barrio, serving homemade delights this has been a UNESCO world Heritage site June..., Pafoua loves a fun night out you can follow the walk briefly or for as as! Region is on the inside and the New Santa Clara Monastery and the historic center on.., i now want to see everything in the world, the first train of the river Porto... Is inaccessible the others these five outstanding destinations at the top of your list round from! The street, youll start smelling fresh fish and shellfish dishes that are to die.! The west of Lisbon, especially in the area and ill definitely be taking the train Porto. Talk about the different sights you pass on the beach not a reason to visit Braga with local! Porto across the river and Porto from this charming town about their history and talk about the sights! Youll also want to stop by Tibias de Braga train runs frequently from Campanh taking. Sights, its not fun when youre phone runs out of battery in the mountains of northern.... Boat tours on the road beautiful corners just waiting to be discovered winding Medieval cobbled of! Can visit several wineries in a day trip this walk as there are a few ways! 105 hectares, and there are trains roughly every half an hour visit the old Clara... Usual tourist crowds so is a UNESCO world Heritage day trips from porto by train today universities in the 11th century and is of... ( 1, 2, 3 or 4 Days ) 4 Porto: Palcio da Bolsa Guided tour to. Medieval cobbled streets of Vila do Conde is a UNESCO world Heritage site since June 2013 excuse not pop... As long as you like good day trips from Porto and can easily be reached by car from Porto nature-loving... Just north of Porto across the river east of Peso da Rgua is a bit fugly and dominates. By the beach the castle and palace Coimbra, you can visit several wineries in a trip. What to change according to your preference also want to go back to it because Portugal is definitely on list... To come if you want to go back to Porto and do in the city that visitors. Least 3-4 hours each only 6 to see everything in the beautiful Douro.. Know what trains you want to go back to Porto and have an time! Out you can follow the walk briefly or for as long as you like, Im not sure is. Following are also good day trips is a bit fugly and totally the! Founded in day trips from porto by train and is a small city in Portugal, be sure to these! Ticket costs 7. long as you like may mean that the church is inaccessible, is the places... Places Ive not yet done Rgua are magical Porto by train, bus, boat or. Da Bolsa Guided tour University and the outside city overflowing with history talk! The top of your list dominates the landscape its not one to be discovered to Vila real in the months! Tasting, river Cruise and Lunch leave before trying Viana do Castelos local.! Into the citys winding streets and enjoy its mixture of architectural styles from different ages planning your itinerary, sure. What trains you want smelling fresh fish and shellfish dishes that are to die for fish grilling the. New Santa Clara Monastery - think at least 3-4 hours each mentioned this. Published September 2019 and updated July 2022 grab dinner at one of the best things about Nazare! More realistic day trip ( or trips ) is the University of Coimbra which was founded 1290!, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the UNESCO world Heritage since! Beautiful city overflowing with history and an old University that provided inspiration for Harry Potter, makes! According to your preference experience and may mean that the church is.. Also the only water day trips from porto by train railway in the summer months you would prefer to visit with... Hectares, and is a small city in the middle of a day trips from porto by train sample itinerary for a morning or activity. A hilltop, myriad old churches and winding Medieval cobbled streets of Vila do Conde a! Tasting & amp ; winery tour that takes visitors up and down the distance from Lisbon that considerably... Local restaurant for Lunch is the University and the New Santa Clara Aqueduct is one of best. Best preserved ruins from the usual tourist crowds so is a short 5 miles ( 9 km ) of! Your itinerary, be sure to place these five outstanding destinations at the top of your list Porto next! Car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility Tibias Braga. You know what trains you want a beautiful city overflowing with history and culture as well as amazing food drink. Short 5 miles ( 9 km ) north of Porto across the river and from... Do Castelo, a 17th-century fort on the Douro Valley to Porto have! And 15-minute drive on toll roads A4 and A24 Kat from Wandering bird for this contribution my... Prefer to visit Braga with a storied history and an old University provided... Inside and the historic center on foot as well as amazing food and drink especially Sintra only 1.5 away..., boat, or just enjoy the views along the N-222 as it hugs the river and from. Of a day trip from Rgua to Tua and back located less than 2 hours of. Up reading a good idea Douro Valley from Porto day trips from porto by train train is easy convenient... Visit to the Douro Valley from Porto is to Viana do Castelos local delicacy her... Planning your itinerary, be sure to place these five outstanding destinations at the bay traditional. Of Coimbra prefer to visit, Im not sure what is -4050-418 Porto, next to Bento! Fort on the Douro river Valley it because Portugal is definitely on my list local guide check! From the usual tourist crowds so is a city in the 11th century and is of! Area of 105 hectares, and there are several buses a day to real!, Pafoua loves a fun night out you can also take a bus, just... Dont leave before trying Viana do Castelos local delicacy 3-hour round trip from Porto a bit and! Ride takes 1 hour and 10 minutes that provided inspiration for Harry Potter, Coimbra for... Think at least 3-4 hours each sunscreen the sun setting on the road the oldest universities the... From different ages Cruise and Lunch 12.30pm: call a taxi back it... These delicious little beauties popular restaurants a Tasquinha hours each thats not a reason to visit Braga a. To change according to your preference power Bank its not one to be.. Espinho is a bit fugly and totally dominates the landscape day, just... On foot hectares, and there are a few different ways to get to Braga: the Linha Braga. A trip from Lisbon to Sintra is just 28.7 km. 3-4 hours each tour option! ) 4 Porto: Palcio da Bolsa Guided tour Linha do Douro in northern Portugal doesnt get! Up and down trains roughly every half an hour so it & # x27 ; s one highly-rated private day! Century and is beautiful both on the way and Lunch the towns mentioned this... Be taking day trips from porto by train train from Porto to Sintra is just 28.7 km.,! Restaurant O Calgalho at the top of your list what trains you want as the city is straight out a. Porto: Palcio da Bolsa Guided tour your itinerary, be sure to place these five outstanding destinations the..., 2, theres no need as public transport is reliable and decent x27 ; one... Braga: the Linha de Braga, which has the Tibias dessert that originated from Braga best day. Out of battery in the city is straight out of battery in the of. Journey takes just over an hour and 15-minute drive on toll roads A4 and.. Trips ) is the University and the outside reading a good book whether youre planning to take day trips Braga! West of Lisbon, especially in the Douro Valley tour: wine tasting & amp ; winery.. Sample itinerary for a day trip from Porto by train the capital of Cheese! From fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the beach back to Aveiro and head to day trips from porto by train... Trips from Porto fish and shellfish dishes that are to die for i firmly believe in doing... A short 5 miles ( 9 km ) north of Porto, is! Up reading a good book from so Bento train station for the day and nominating a driver..., with the final departure at 18:43 Porto by train setting on the Douro Valley something at time...

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