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. 16. Originally built by fishermen to serve as storage for fishing materials, the houses of Costa Nova are now vacation houses for Portuguese families that spend the summer holidays on the beachside. It costs less than 10 euros to travel to Viana do Castelo from Porto. A more realistic day trip (or trips) is the sights to the west of Lisbon, especially Sintra. Sunscreen The sun can be quite intense in Portugal, especially in the summer months. . 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. You can also take a day tour to Braga from Porto, which includes Guimaraes - at nine hours long, it's a full-on day, so better with older kids though. Romantic Day Trips from Porto for Couples - Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, River Cruise and Lunch. 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. 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. We want. But with a set of directions and a map, its easy to get around. 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. Pack The Suitcases uses affiliate links. The Jeronimos Monastery is extensive enough that it definitely merits a full-day trip from Lisbon. This train ride is famous for its scenic views of Douro river. Guided tour: You can book a full day trip tour from Porto. The main attraction in Amarante is the 16th-century bridge, Ponte de So Gonalo. Here's a sample itinerary for a day trip to Douro Valley from Porto by train. Whether youre planning to take day trips from Porto by train, bus, or car, there is no shortage of amazing destinations. Tomar sits just 2 hours by car and 124 miles (200 km) south of Porto. The route stretches all the way to Vila Nova de Gaia back in Porto. Be sure to walk around the outside of the castle to get the best view of the impressive exterior. When youre exploring multiple destinations on one day trip from Porto, make sure to pack lightly only bringing the absolute essentials. Buaco National Forest isnt exactly off the beaten track, but its definitely underrated and under-visited compared to other destinations in Portugal. First up, it's the self-drive option. The train takes 2 hours and the bus take 2.5 hours. Being traditionally a fishermens village, they serve fresh fish and shellfish dishes that are to die for. The quaint Linha do Douro in northern Portugal doesnt really get you anywhere. Spend the first half of the day in Pinhao - take a Rabelo boat ride and/or tour a winery, have lunch. 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. Take the train from Porto to Penafiel (45-minute trip) for one of the best hikes in Portugal. Best Day Trips from Porto with Kids - Porto Serralves Museum and Park Entrance Ticket. 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. And with so many charming villages and towns located nearby, there is no shortage of things to see and do. Vila do Conde has several remarkable historical monuments that are worth visiting such as the Convento de Santa Clara, the Fort of So Joo Baptista, the Aqueduct, Church of Manueline Matriz. Head to A Tasquinha restaurant which serves affordable but authentic food in the heart of Fatima. Amarante is called home of the artists as several early 20th-century Portuguese artists were born there, including the popular expressionist, Antonio Carneiro. 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. But, the best part is walking along the walls! Porto to Rgua, Pinho & Pocinho. 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. This will make it easier to change trains and buses quickly, as you wont have too much luggage to lug around. The charming city of Braga is known for its baroque and neoclassical architecture, as well as its many churches, which the city is often referred to as the Rome of Portugal. This makes Braga a popular tourist destination. It looks normal from the outside. Explore Porto by tram. There is a train that goes directly from Porto to Braga. In the early 1900s the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children here which caused it to become a major religious site in Portugal. The restaurant serves traditional Portuguese cuisine, including dishes such as Bacalhau Brs (cod with potatoes and onions) and Feijoada (a black bean stew). With its dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife, the Peneda-Gers National Park is an unforgettable destination that should not be missed as a day trip from Porto by train. One can easily spend the whole day here. Top Experiences in Porto. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. Dont miss out on a train ride with the historical steam train. Make sure you also pop inside one of the most impressive churches in Portugal (in my view), the Igreja da Misericrdia. By train to Faro, bus to Seville. Yet youll find that its quieter and calmer than other cities on the tourist trail of Portugal. $11 (9) Direct train. However, there are only a couple of buses to Regua a day, so plan accordingly. Portugal's most scenic train ride takes you along the Douro Valley from Porto (Portugal's second city) to Rgua, Pinho & Pocinho. Before entering the beach, youll see a monument of women and children looking out to sea, mourning their lost husbands and fathers. 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. It almost has a dreamlike quality to it, making it a perfect day trip from bustling Porto. Located in the north of the country, spending one day in Braga is an excellent day trip from Porto by train. Guimares castle survived two medievel seiges! Quite simply, because of the driving distance involved - think at least 3-4 hours each . Porto is ideal for this as its so well connected with public transport, so theres no need to put yourself through the stress of hiring a car and driving abroad. The forest spans an area of 105 hectares, and is full of lots of beautiful corners just waiting to be discovered. It is known for its beaches and seafoodit is a local favorite. 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. Santa Clara Aqueduct is one of the main attractions here. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend. But swings and roundabouts! And youll find them only in Lisbon. Even before you enter the street, youll start smelling fresh fish grilling! Ponte de Lima is a lovely place and then drive through Arcos de Valdevez and Soajo into the Peneda Geres national park. 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. The train also allows for greater flexibility . Day bag Youll want a small day bag to carry any personal items, snacks, or souvenirs you buy along the way. Before you enter the park it is useful to use aPeneda-Gers National Park guideand know all the details you need to prepare yourself. 2.3 Go for a Douro River cruise. Alternatively, you can take a train from Porto to Nazar via Coimbra-B and Valado in around 3h 57m. Get your best pair of walking shoes because Coimbra is quite hilly, and youll need to walk around a bit. Amarante - 59 km or approximately 45 minutes. Just over 100km away on the border with Spain, this is the biggest national park in Portugal. Its known for its architecture, food, and river views. Often simply referred to as Gers, the park covers a series of mountain ranges and spills over the Spanish border. This was originally a retreat for the Portuguese royal family, but has been converted today to a luxury hotel. Check out all of Porto's best day trips and tours on this recommended tour booking site. You can also combine your day trip with a short trip to Costa Nova to see the traditional striped beach houses. Viana do Castelo has a charming medieval centre full of 19th-century boulevards, impressive fountains and rococo palaces. Aveiro is a city south of Porto that is known for its canals. Lastly, make sure to not miss the special sweet, Fatias de Tomar (Tomar Slices). / The medieval city of Guimares. But there is much more to do in this area than simply visiting the city. Make sure your feet are well-protected as there will be a lot of walking throughout the day. 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. Peso da Rgua is a city in the beautiful Douro valley. Hmmm, as for ice cream and dessert, surprisingly we didn't . 2. (2.30 each way; 40 minutes) 4. Its right on the sea and the mouth of the river Lima, with lush green land around it. Small villages are scattered throughout the park. Just outside of Braga, you can find Bom Jesus do Monte, which is possibly even more impressive than S de Braga. You should also visit the Old Santa Clara Monastery and the New Santa Clara Monastery. Cheers. Douro Valley day trip #2 - Lamego (2 hour journey time) 3. Anywhere you see miradouro on a map is a viewpoint and likely a good one. At about 40 km from Porto, Guimares is perfectly located for a day trip. Even more, traveling by train or bus is also very affordable. There are numerous hiking trails, Roman ruins and sparkling waterfalls. 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. 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. Cars are allowed to drive up. With thanks to Chrysoula from Travel Passionate for this contribution. From here the wine barrels were transported to Vila Nova da Gaia. The action is all over before 9am, though. Theres also the only water funicular railway in the city that takes visitors up and down. So pack a pair of comfortable shoes to keep your feet happy. While the average ticket price for this route costs around $11 (9), you can find the cheapest train ticket for as low . History and archaeology buffs will be in 7th heaven. For a fun night out you can head to NBar or grab dinner at one of the most popular restaurants A Tasquinha. The waves have been known to reach up to 100 feet at times. Beautiful sandy beaches around Vila do Conde are one of the main reasons to visit the town. 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. 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 . Both beaches have blue flag status and are easy to access. Small cafs and restaurants dotting the town sell delicious pastries, coffee and other Portuguese delicacies. Its hilltop location opposite Tomar Castle (Castelo do Tomar) offers splendid views over the historic center of Tomar. Santa Luzia funicular - departs every 15 minutes. By boat is only through touristic boat tours on the Douro river. How to Get There: A train runs from Campanha Station to Aveiro Station. A 3-hour round trip from Rgua to Tua and back. A couple of Portugals most popular dishes are cod and sardines, but you can order anything that comes from the sea! The Douro Valley can be visited for its scenery alone, but a vineyard tour (including tasting) adds to the experience and is offered by most wineries or quintas (note that some close over the cooler months). Straddling an aqueduct, the ornate bridges and adorable cobblestone streets make for a lovely stroll about town. Jan. Mid-length Porto day trips (1-2 hours away) 1. 6 Porto: Torre dos Clerigos Entrance Ticket. Its popular for surfing, which is mildly entertaining to pause and watch. You can be saving yourself some dollars if you only have time to do 1 or 2 day trips from Porto. For more information, check out my travel resources page. Some fabulous ideas here! Porto is a city in northern Portugal that is known for its wine and stunning architecture. Talk to farmers, walk among ruins of Roman houses and pass through small local villages on the Penafiel hiking trail. If youre into photography, make sure your camera is ready to get filled up. 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. Theyre quite dramatic against the mountainous backdrop. The town also sells different sweets once made by the local nuns. 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. There is no direct train or bus, meaning that with public transport it would take over 2 hours to wait for connections. Coimbra is a beautiful city, home to the oldest university in the country and a must-visit on any Portugal itinerary.. You can also get a cable car up Penha mountain, where theres a park with some terraces to sit and take in the panoramic views across the city and the beautiful scenery surrounding it. This imposing cathedral was built in the 11th century and is beautiful both on the inside and the outside. The highlight, of course, is the University of Coimbra which was founded in 1290 and is a UNESCO world heritage site today. 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. Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! This is a delightful and convenient way to experience the Douro Valley. for a delicious Simpson donut. If youre interested in art the Alberto Sampaio Art Museum is nearby as well. Comfortable shoes As mentioned above, youll be doing a lot of walking. 2 Best things to see and do in the Douro Valley. 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(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. I have a full post on things to do in Guimaraes, so please read through that for more on this magical city. Other interesting sites in Braga city centre are the Castle of Braga and the beautiful Arco da Porta Nova. See all. There isn't much in the tiny town of Pocinho. So, this a great option for day trips from Porto for people travelling without a car . 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. Take A Douro River Valley Wine Tour. 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 . The Retiro do Gers restaurant is located in the heart of the Peneda-Gers National Park and is the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat while exploring the park. A train from Porto stops in Pinho, from where a number of wineries, such as Quinta das Carvalhas, are accessible by foot. It's known for its architecture, food, and river views. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'herwanderfulworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_5',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');From the top of this hill, you can see all the way to Porto on a clear day. 2. 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