Running for 150km, most of the Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the worlds oldest demarcated wine regions. However, if you want to enjoy a wine tasting to the fullest, you can also join one of the many organized day trips from Porto (check out Living Tours for a great and small-scale tour, or find one on Viator). They provide the best deals for car rentals in Portugal! 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. There is a rocky pathway that leads out to the little islet in the river. After giving the signature cake a try, visit the church and monastery of So Gonalo and supposedly up your chances of finding love by rubbing the statue above Gonalos tomb. The ride takes 1 hour from So Bento Station. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-sky-4','ezslot_22',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-sky-4-0');Vila Nova de Gaia is known for its many wine cellars that are open to visitors. With the dramatic granite mountains of Serra do Maro to the east, the town lies in the hilly valley of the Tmega river. Train station Viana do Castelo. Your day trips from Porto definitely aren't limited to destinations within Portugal. Art, architecture and obscene baked goods are the big attractions in one-of-a-kind Amarante. In winter, Gers can occasionally get a sprinkling of snow. 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 . 2 Best things to see and do in the Douro Valley. The town also sells different sweets once made by the local nuns. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It is a short 2-hour drive south of Porto, and there are a few different ways to get there. This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2013. Pinhao is the main town in the Douro Valley and is located right in the middle of all the action. 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. Cheap Day Trips from Porto - Gaia. With an entrance fee of only 2, theres no excuse not to pop in for a visit. See if you can spot others trying to top it. Taking a day trip from Porto by train is easy and convenient. However, there is a lot more to discover. You have a direct IR connection (InterRegional) every two hours starting at 7h15 (then 9h15, 11h15) until 19h30. The Costa Nova is a beach area located just outside of Aveiro. 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. Though, if you are only going to the city center, it probably won't be worth it to drive. Dont miss out on a train ride with the historical steam train. 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. Typical to European dinner times, many restaurants don't open until 7:00 or 8:00 pm. Book the Arouca Bridge and/or Paiva Walkways + Aveiro and Costa Nova tour from Porto. Guimares is brimming with history and said to be the countrys birthplace. Guimares plays a central role in the nations history as the first capital of Portugal. . One of the best day trips from Porto by train is going to Coimbra, the third most important city in Portugal. Besides the University of Coimbra, Coimbra has a beautiful riverside and the stunning Quinta das Lgrimas, famous for being the setting for the love story of Prince Pedro and Ins de Castro (Portugals answer to Romeo and Juliet). But with a set of directions and a map, its easy to get around. Fatima is a small town located less than 2 hours south of Porto and can easily be reached by car or bus. The history of Tomar will fascinate you. The cost is 7,00 for 24 hrs, or 15,00 for 72 hrs (consecutive). Wow! Train from Porto and Douro Valley Cruise. The restaurant also has a bar that serves local beers and wines. The highlight, of course, is the University of Coimbra which was founded in 1290 and is a UNESCO world heritage site today. Check the train timetable before signing up for tours, as return trips to Porto can be limited. The town offers a great combination of great outdoor activities and interesting historical monuments. The Douro Valley is stunning and going on a vineyard tour only adds to its flavor Merrill Images / Getty Images, Day trips from Porto for sipping wine, learning Portuguese history and pastry tasting. 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. Setbal is a small city 48km southwest of Lisbon. the Lima river in Peneda Geres, the only national park in Portugal. Day trips from Porto. The gorgeous coastal city of Viana do Castelo is a bit of a hidden gem in Portugal. 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. But there are more things to Aveiro than the Moliceiros. For even more exploration of Amarante, be sure to take a walk along the Tamega below the bridge to find narrow streets filled with small cafes and shops. ), and walk by the sand dunes to the beach. Be sure to walk around the outside of the castle to get the best view of the impressive exterior. 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. This imposing cathedral was built in the 11th century and is beautiful both on the inside and the outside. So, this a great option for day trips from Porto for people travelling without a car . It's much quieter than Venice, however, and arguably more colorful; the painted boats and vibrant buildings are Aveiro's signature features. The symmetrical spires of the Nossa Senhora da Consolao and medieval arches of Padro do Salado add architectural interest to the cityscape. Head to Casa Vianna for a filling brunch in one of the oldest cafes or over to Doh! Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. How to get to Sintra: Start your journey at Rossio Station in Lisbon, and take the urban train to the last top in Sintra. Read our Privacy Policy. Water hydration is key to any day trip, especially in Portugal. Book from Rede Expressos. Most vineyards also offer typical Portuguese lunches with their wine tastings. Moliceros are colourful boats that are similar to the iconic gondolas you see in Venice. There are tours starting from one hour and up. There are dozens of quintas (wine estates) in the Douro, each producing amazing wine. When visiting the city, your top priority is visiting the university complex: the Pao das Escolas, Joanina Library (one of the most beautiful libraries of Portugal), S. Miguel Chapel, Botanical Gardens, and the Science Museum. By car, its a 1 hour and 15-minute drive on toll roads A4 and A24. Check the train timetables before your visit so you know what trains you want. 2pm: take a moliceiros ride along the canal. Grapes for both port and table wine are grown . Very enjoyable, thanks. This article was first published September 2019 and updated July 2022. With thanks to Kat from Wandering Bird for this contribution. In addition to the towns mentioned in this article, the following are also good day trips from Porto. Peneda Geres National Park. Travelers don't need to visit Italy to experience romantic gondola rides, and Aveiro is actually nicknamed the 'Venice of Portugal'. 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 . It's very easy to get to from Porto, whether . Aveiro. For seafood, you cannot miss out on family-run restaurants lining Rua Heris de Frana. The best way to get to Amarante is to catch the bus from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto. Located in the north of the country, spending one day in Braga is an excellent day trip from Porto by train. Matosinhos is a port and fishing town with the biggest sandy beach in the Porto area. And since youll be walking a lot, the lighter your bag is, the less strain itll put on your body! Its known for its architecture, food, and river views. This ancient and walled arboretum is home to one of the finest dendrological collections in Europe. 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. Eating fresh locally caught fish and seafood in Vila do Conde is a must. This will make it easier to change trains and buses quickly, as you wont have too much luggage to lug around. 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). 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 . Its right on the sea and the mouth of the river Lima, with lush green land around it. Whether you're seeking beachside adventures, summertime celebrations or outdoor experiences, here are the best times of the year to visit Portugal. Day Trips in Porto: Check out 613 verified reviews and photos of Viator's Best of Braga and Guimaraes Day Trip from Porto . Here's one highly-rated private Porto day trip from Lisbon that shows considerably more than the others. Straddling an aqueduct, the ornate bridges and adorable cobblestone streets make for a lovely stroll about town. 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. 2.3 Guimaraes. Reward yourself for your efforts with a drink in one of the lovely squares, Largo da Oliveira or Praa de Santiago. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travellers. Walking along the narrow cobbled streets of Vila do Conde is the best way to explore the town. The small town was also the birthplace of Portugals first king, Afonso Henriques. The best way to get to Coimbra from Porto is by train. Sintra for Palaces. We will be arriving in Lisbon early in the morning and will be spending the night there. Looks like Ive just added a few new spots to my bucket list. It looks normal from the outside. 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. Read next: Are Fanny Packs Good for Travel in Europe? Thanks! To this day you can still see some of the chapels dotted around the forest. Rede Expressos also services this route once daily. It almost has a dreamlike quality to it, making it a perfect day trip from bustling Porto. 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. Check the train timetable before signing up for tours, as return trips to Porto can be limited. The beautiful village of Costa Nova is mostly known in Portugal because of its colorful striped houses. You can also visit the So Gonalo church and monastery for more river views. Ponte de Lima is a lovely place and then drive through Arcos de Valdevez and Soajo into the Peneda Geres national park. City Sightseeing Day Trips from Porto. Day Trip Lisbon to Porto: Self-Drive. The city itself has plenty to offer as well, from the city centers Praa da Repblica to the nearby Casa do Raio, which is a beautiful palace turned museum covered in gorgeous purple-blue azulejos. . It takes 1 hour to travel by train and 50 minutes by car. Guimares and Braga 34 miles (55 kilometers) from Porto Discover Portugal's architectural and religious heritage with a guided trip to Guimares, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its 10th-century castle and the . Jan. Mid-length Porto day trips (1-2 hours away) 1. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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 town of Matosinhos isnt the most scenic place, Ill be honest. 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. 2 13 Best day trips from Porto. The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. The Braga to Porto train is the easiest way to get back to Porto. Love places that announce themselves: BRAGA! 2.1 Vila do Conde. 8:13 a.m. took 1 hour - 3:08 p.m. return took 1 hour 20 minutes. When booking your Portugal car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. A 3-hour round trip from Rgua to Tua and back. I firmly believe in always doing travel especially abroad without a car. 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. Serras de Aire. 18 Spectacular Things to do in Cayucos, California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. By boat is only through touristic boat tours on the Douro river. Its been a tough few years for travelers, which is why were taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips. Fabled Sintra is just a 30-minute drive from the bustle of city life, making it one of the most popular and convenient day trips from Lisbon. 3 Douro Valley. For a fun night out you can head to NBar or grab dinner at one of the most popular restaurants A Tasquinha. Step 2, take a bus from Faro to Seville. Before heading back to Porto, you can dine at riverfront spots in Pinho like Veladouro. These five retailers blend modern style with artisanal quality. Its a perfect place for break from the city. 15. Tackle the 580 steps on foot (recommended, so you can check out the statues and gardens along the way) or take the funicular to the top: the elevated views are ace. The site is among the best preserved ruins from the Roman Empire. 9. 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. There isn't much in the tiny town of Pocinho. 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. Theyre quite dramatic against the mountainous backdrop. The Douro River cuts through the rolling green hills and offers magical landscapes. 10.30am: snap photos of the colourful beach houses and take a walk to the beach. Jeronimos Monastery. Book . Contents1 Is [] The restaurant O Cais is a great option for a place to eat in town. 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