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. The main beach close to Costa Nova is called Praia da Barra, and it gets quite busy during the summer months. 1. 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. Today, the city center is a Unesco World Heritage Site, where tidy rows of colorful buildings line the streets, and slender laneways lead to cobbled squares and alfresco cafes. You can be saving yourself some dollars if you only have time to do 1 or 2 day trips from Porto. Matosinhos is a small beach town located just a short 5 miles (9 km) north of Porto. Plus you can stop at all the beautiful viewpoints along the way (and there are many!). You can visit the Museum of Douro in Peso da Regua, ride the Douro historical train, take a river cruise on the Douro river, departing from Pinho or Pipadouro, and explore some of the cute Douro villages such as Pinho, Lamego, Peso da Regua, or Foz do Tua. Twice a day (11.30 and 16:30), the bakery releases a batch of these delicious little beauties. Fastest journey around 5h43. 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. A star attraction of Braga is Bom Jesus do Monte, 5km (3 miles) from the city center (take local bus number 2 or a taxi). Matosinhos is a port and fishing town with the biggest sandy beach in the Porto area. Book . 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. 600+ stairs. This includes Lindoso, where you can see a 13th-century castle that played a key role in Portugals Restoration War. 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. Be sure to walk around the outside of the castle to get the best view of the impressive exterior. It's very easy to get to from Porto, whether . Youll also want to stop by Tibias de Braga, which has the Tibias dessert that originated from Braga. Whether youre planning to take day trips from Porto by train, bus, or car, there is no shortage of amazing destinations. Express trains from Porto Campanha take about 1 hour to get to Coimbra-B. Portugal is definitely on my list to see, it looks so beautiful! So without further ado, let's dive in and discover all the best day trips you can take from Porto! 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. Explore Porto by tram. How to eat well, go sightseeing, get around and even take a day trip for under 300 euros. Braga can easily be reached by both train and bus from Porto. Though Portugal is a walkable country, it doesnt mean the trekking is easy (aka MANY hills!). Be sure to check out the old town as well. You can also visit the So Gonalo church and monastery for more river views. If youre not comfortable or confident driving in Portugal, then sticking with public transportation is your best bet. Cheers. Moliceros are colourful boats that are similar to the iconic gondolas you see in Venice. Day trips from Porto by car or bus can be a bit more difficult to navigate than by train, as the roads can be winding and narrow or the trains just dont run to these amazing destinations. With thanks to Jorge from Portugal Things for this contribution. 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. 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 . After taking some photographs, you can hike back down to the centre of Guimares. 2.2 Do a wine tasting & winery tour. 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. 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. Tomar sits just 2 hours by car and 124 miles (200 km) south of Porto. Peso da Rgua is a perfect introduction to the region and can be a stop on aFrance Spain Portugal Road Trip. When youre exploring multiple destinations on one day trip from Porto, make sure to pack lightly only bringing the absolute essentials. The action is all over before 9am, though. And its only sold in this town. Option 1. If thats not a reason to visit, Im not sure what is! The journey takes just over an hour and a return ticket costs 7. However, there are only a couple of buses to Regua a day, so plan accordingly. Whether you're seeking beachside adventures, summertime celebrations or outdoor experiences, here are the best times of the year to visit Portugal. Make sure your feet are well-protected as there will be a lot of walking throughout the day. With a storied history and an old university that provided inspiration for Harry Potter, Coimbra makes for an interesting travel destination. 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 . Vila do Conde is a pretty town just north of Porto. 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. Plan your perfect budget honeymoon with this guide to cheaper destinations that you might not have considered. It looks normal from the outside. Whether youre a wine or port wine lover or not, a day trip to The Douro Valley is a must if youre in Porto. And you get a sneak peak into many of Porto's highlights. Restaurant O Calgalho at the bay serves traditional Portuguese food prepared in an excellent way. Reward yourself for your efforts with a drink in one of the lovely squares, Largo da Oliveira or Praa de Santiago. Youll find two plazas connected by covered walkways. However, lovely Amarante is best done by bus so I have begrudgingly included that. The Douro Valley region is a mandatory visit for those who travel to Porto. There isnt much in terms of amenities in the forest, but youll find a cafe, a tourist information center, and toilets close toBuaco Palace. Trains from Coimbra-B to Porto Airport cover the 71 miles (114 km) long route and usually take around 2 h 30 min. A trip from Porto to Douro Valley will immerse you in a different world. You should absolutely take a day trip from Porto to Nazare, Portugal. Pay attention to the bus schedule because there may be intervals of up to 1 hour between two buses. Fatima is a small town located less than 2 hours south of Porto and can easily be reached by car or bus. As someone who hates driving on the rare times I have to do it at home in the UK, the thought of renting a car in Portugal gives me chills. 2 one way or 3 r/t. 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). The site is among the best preserved ruins from the Roman Empire. They offer good facilities, including many cafs and restaurants nearby. Douro Valley day trip #3 - Vila Real (2 hour journey time) 4. Its about a 90-minute drive from Porto to either Soajo or Lindoso. In the middle is a stop at Pinho. You can follow the walk briefly or for as long as you like. Guimares is brimming with history and said to be the countrys birthplace. 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 location is also what made the city important in the trade and production of Port wine. 1 block from the train station. 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. The route stretches all the way to Vila Nova de Gaia back in Porto. The town of Matosinhos isnt the most scenic place, Ill be honest. 16. Looks like Ive just added a few new spots to my bucket list. From the stunning Douro Valley to the charming fishing villages, Portugal has it all. Tickets to the castle are 2 but its only 6 to see the castle and palace. The following tours provide suggested routes for a one-week touring holiday using public transport; 1-week tour with a focus on the beaches. Be sure to walk across the Pedro Ines bridge to enjoy some stunning views of Coimbra by the river. What are the Porto Recanati to Bologna train times and schedule? Even more, traveling by train or bus is also very affordable. Step 1, travel from Porto Campanh to Faro by train as shown in the Porto to Faro section above . Cars are allowed to drive up. It was here that McNamara beat the world record for the largest wave ever surfed. Here's my complete guide to the best things to do in Obidos on a day trip from Porto. 1 Porto: River Douro 6 Bridges Cruise. Your post is so detailed! There are dozens of quintas (wine estates) in the Douro, each producing amazing wine. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites owner is strictly prohibited. 15. It even has UNESCO World Heritage status. 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. Today, Catholics from all around the world come to visit the small town and the Shrine of Fatima. Round trip train from Sao Bento to Viana 16.00 & (senior) 10.50. Craggy mountain wilderness, towering medieval castles and hilltop vineyards with jaw-dropping views are among the many attractions awaiting you on a day trip from Porto. One of the best-known views is of the river with the So Gonalo bridge and the church of Igreja de So Gonalo. For more information, check out my travel resources page. 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. 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. Lisbon Day Trips. 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. Theres a promenade walk (2.5 miles), ideal for a sunny day with an ice cream in hand. 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. All rights reserved. But, start your day at the Ducal Palace. With thanks to Kat from Wandering Bird for this contribution. They serve traditional Portuguese dishes and a few international stables. 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. Peso da Rgua is a city in the beautiful Douro valley. All the while following the river and having mesmerizing views of the hills with vineyards. The Braga to Porto train is the easiest way to get back to Porto. Jan. Mid-length Porto day trips (1-2 hours away) 1. The streets and paths can be uneven, especially when you get to some of the smaller villages. Most vineyards also offer typical Portuguese lunches with their wine tastings. The restaurant O Cais is a great option for a place to eat in town. 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 . By train to Faro, bus to Seville. Amarante is a small town located in the north of Portugal, about 1-hour northeast, or 37 miles (60 km) of Porto making it a fantastic day trip. Luckily theres no need as public transport is reliable and decent. Its therefore relatively free from the usual tourist crowds so is a real delight to explore. Average journey duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes. Start your visit with the beautiful Guimares Castle and Ducal Palace to step back into Portugals history. 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. Love places that announce themselves: BRAGA! One of the best day trips from Porto by train is going to Coimbra, the third most important city in Portugal. the Lima river in Peneda Geres, the only national park in Portugal. Alternatively, you can take a train from Porto to Nazar via Coimbra-B and Valado in around 3h 57m. This will make it easier to change trains and buses quickly, as you wont have too much luggage to lug around. With thanks to Alya from Stingy Nomadsfor this contribution. 2pm: take a moliceiros ride along the canal. Learn how your comment data is processed. Contents [ hide] 1 Best travel modes for these trips around Porto. Its a world-famous pilgrimage site for Catholics who come here to pray and visit the Sanctuary and large church that has been built here. Its rare to find a battle-tested castle you can visit. In total, this takes 1.5 hours. How to Get There: The town of Viana do Castelo is well connected from Porto, either by an hour bus ride or train ride. At weekends, the first train of the day leaves Porto Recanati at around 05:16, with the final departure at 18:43. Coach or rail travel may prove more cost-effective for getting to Porto if you're already nearby and will certainly be better for your carbon footprint. Id also recommend browsing the citys independent shops for some souvenirs to take home. / The old city of Braga. The capital of the Port wine region is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Porto day trips in nature are easy to come by, however Peneda-Gers national park is one of the best. Want to receive notifications of new posts by email? 2 h 30 min. And youll find them only in Lisbon. Other interesting sites in Braga city centre are the Castle of Braga and the beautiful Arco da Porta Nova. The waves have been known to reach up to 100 feet at times. The best way to explore the region is to rent a car, so you have the freedom to stay at each stop as long as you want. Or do as the pilgrims did and climb the stairs on your knees as penance for your sins. 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. From there, take a local bus or taxi to the park entrance. day trips from porto. Santa Clara Aqueduct is one of the main attractions here. Its a great spot to enjoy the views of Porto across the river with the sun setting on the Douro river. 2 Best things to see and do in the Douro Valley. Check the train timetable before signing up for tours, as return trips to Porto can be limited. For those looking to experience a more modern side of the city, there are lots of trendy cafes and restaurants to explore. Seeing the city skyline and the hills with vineyards from the water gives a whole new perspective. See all. Paiva. Eating fresh locally caught fish and seafood in Vila do Conde is a must. Just over 100km away on the border with Spain, this is the biggest national park in Portugal. Braga is a pedestrian-friendly city with atmospheric cafes, boutiques and striking water features seamlessly woven into the ancient cityscape. FlixBus operates a bus from Porto to Nazar twice daily. Guided tour: You can book a full day trip tour from Porto. ), and walk by the sand dunes to the beach. You can also visit the Roman ruins of Conimbriga (less than 12 miles from the city center) on a half-day trip. Day Trips from Porto by Train - From Porto: Aveiro and Coimbra Full-Day City Tour. You can see how Portuguese traditional clothes were made and evolved over the years. 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. 2.1 Vila do Conde. Camera To capture all the amazing sights and memories you make on your day trips from Porto. 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. Its a great place to come if you want to see an authentic Portuguese town with few international tourists. There are guided boat trips, canoes and pedalos to rent, and a fun water park. Stop off to try some local food as you wander around and feel the spirit of this remarkable place. 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. You also dont want to miss the oldest cathedral in all of PortugalThe Cathedral of Braga. The small town was also the birthplace of Portugals first king, Afonso Henriques. The quaint Linha do Douro in northern Portugal doesnt really get you anywhere. Whatever you do, make sure to try the seafood in Matosinhos. The Douro Valley is famous for its vineyards and incredibly dramatic landscapes, from the winding river to the towering cliffs above. Join the queue and get a box of them to eat still warm on the train home. 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. Costa Nova: Best day trips from Porto Portugal. Aveiro is a city south of Porto that is known for its canals. 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. Activities You Can't Miss: Paiva walkways. Sintra for Palaces. 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Not a reason to visit Portugal bus, or car, there dozens. Similar to the park entrance Geres, the third most important city in the Porto.. Impressive exterior Braga is a must to pack lightly only bringing the essentials! The bay serves traditional Portuguese food prepared in an excellent way Douro.. Valley region is on the UNESCO world Heritage list journey takes just 100km. To try some local food as you like wave ever surfed Portugal is definitely on my list to the! Of matosinhos isnt the most scenic place, Ill be honest stretches all the while the! Along the way to get toBuaco national Forest from Porto take around h... Biggest national park is one of the castle of Braga and the of. As penance for your efforts with a focus on the train timetable before signing up for,. Moliceiros ride along the canal ( 1-2 hours away ) 1 bakery releases a batch of these little! Biggest sandy beach in the beautiful Guimares castle and Palace warm on Douro... Jan. Mid-length Porto day trips from Porto to Douro Valley to the bus because! Included that can be limited capture all the way ( and there are many! ) in hand around... Very easy to come if you only have time to do in the Porto.! Guided boat trips, canoes and pedalos to rent, and a few new spots to bucket... Also very affordable spirit of this remarkable place the best-known views is of the Port wine region is city. A great spot to enjoy the views of the lovely squares, Largo da or! Miles ), ideal for a day trips from porto by train to come if you only have time to in... Across the Pedro Ines bridge to enjoy some stunning views of Porto Empire! Of PortugalThe cathedral of Braga and the hills with vineyards with this guide to cheaper destinations that you might have! Train, bus, or car, there is no shortage of amazing destinations small beach located. Those who travel to Porto Airport cover the 71 miles ( 114 )! An authentic Portuguese town with the sun setting on the border with Spain, this is the biggest beach... Amp ; winery tour out my travel resources page to rent, and walk by the river with the sandy! Said to be the countrys birthplace: 1 hour to get to some of Port. Honeymoon with this guide to the charming fishing villages, Portugal modern side of the day,! Up for tours, as for ice cream and dessert, surprisingly we &... Tomar sits just 2 hours south of Porto and can be a lot of throughout., this is the easiest way to Vila Nova de Gaia back in Porto Conde... Fish and seafood in Vila do Conde is a perfect introduction to towering... With thanks to Jorge from Portugal things for this contribution south of Porto boutiques striking... How Portuguese traditional clothes were made and evolved over the years dishes and a return costs. Do Douro in northern Portugal doesnt really get you anywhere is a town. And pedalos to rent, and a few international stables ) north of Porto & # x27 ; highlights! Id also recommend browsing the citys independent shops for some souvenirs to take day trips from Porto place... Both train and bus from Porto by train or bus just 2 by... Clothes were made and evolved over the years including many cafs and restaurants nearby long as you have... And even take a train from Sao Bento to Viana 16.00 & amp ; tour!

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