You can follow the walk briefly or for as long as you like. For seafood, you cannot miss out on family-run restaurants lining Rua Heris de Frana. 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. You could rent a car, take the Flexibus, or do a guided tour with a local. Running for 150km, most of the Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the worlds oldest demarcated wine regions. Today, Catholics from all around the world come to visit the small town and the Shrine of Fatima. Costa Nova is located 53 miles (85 km) south of Porto, which makes it a perfect day trip from Porto by train. How to get to Amarante: Rede Expressos buses run every 90 minutes or so from Portos Campo 24 de Agosto bus station to Amarante and take about 50 minutes. Explore! if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-banner-1-0');The castle is a 20-minute walk from the train station. Lisbon Day Trips. If you can stretch your day trip into the early evening, Braga lights up beautifully by night. The most popular day trips are marked in yellow , while the lesser known destinations are highlighted in green. However, there is a lot more to discover. Colourful boats are often pulled up on the beach while a noisy open-air fish market takes place in the early hours of the morning. Besides drinking your way through the port wine cellars, you can also have a sunset picnic on the Jardim do Morro. . Day Trips from Porto: Douro Valley. Start time. 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. 5. After your visit, head down to the old city center. Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal and as such you can find many historic buildings in the gorgeous city centre. Fatima is a small town located less than 2 hours south of Porto and can easily be reached by car or bus. 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. Its location is also what made the city important in the trade and production of Port wine. 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. Porto to Rgua, Pinho & Pocinho. 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. There is no direct train or bus, meaning that with public transport it would take over 2 hours to wait for connections. 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 . Romantic Day Trips from Porto for Couples - Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, River Cruise and Lunch. The Braga to Porto train is the easiest way to get back to Porto. It is a short 2-hour drive south of Porto, and there are a few different ways to get there. Youll find two plazas connected by covered walkways. 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. Guided tour: You can book a full day trip tour from Porto. Its a beautiful city overflowing with history and culture as well as amazing food and drink. Even before you enter the street, youll start smelling fresh fish grilling! First up, it's the self-drive option. Just outside of Braga, you can find Bom Jesus do Monte, which is possibly even more impressive than S de Braga. 2.6 Check out the city of Lamego. Straddling an aqueduct, the ornate bridges and adorable cobblestone streets make for a lovely stroll about town. Your day trips from Porto definitely aren't limited to destinations within Portugal. When youre exploring multiple destinations on one day trip from Porto, make sure to pack lightly only bringing the absolute essentials. In the winter you can of course head to one of the many beaches in town. There are several interestingthings to do in Coimbra. Step 1, travel from Porto Campanh to Faro by train as shown in the Porto to Faro section above . Its been a tough few years for travelers, which is why were taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips. 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. Hassle-free option: Book this half-day tour with a cruise. Paiva is one of the best day trips from Porto for nature-loving travelers. Its about a 90-minute drive from Porto to either Soajo or Lindoso. The train leaves from Braga train station and takes about 1 hour to get back to So Bento Train Station in Porto. 8:13 a.m. took 1 hour - 3:08 p.m. return took 1 hour 20 minutes. To get to Braga from Porto, youll want to hop on the train, which takes just over an hour and costs 13 each way. In addition to the towns mentioned in this article, the following are also good day trips from Porto. You should also visit the citys Fish Market, the lighthouse (the tallest in Portugal! 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). 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. 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. 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. The cost is 7,00 for 24 hrs, or 15,00 for 72 hrs (consecutive). The journey takes just over an hour and a return ticket costs 7. Amarante is a pretty town and a popular day trip from Porto. 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. Even more, traveling by train or bus is also very affordable. The most specialthing to see in Costa Novais the striped houses, but they are not the only attraction in town. Theres a direct train from Porto to Peso da Rgua, which takes 2 hours. The tickets for every attraction in Guimares are sold here. A day trip might feel insufficient to explore . How to get to Sintra: Start your journey at Rossio Station in Lisbon, and take the urban train to the last top in Sintra. One of the best day trips from Porto by train is going to Coimbra, the third most important city in Portugal. It is known for its beaches and seafoodit is a local favorite. A big thank you to the other bloggers who kindly sent me their excellent tips. You will then enjoy the boat trip to Porto, with a typical Portuguese meal served at lunchtime. Stop off to try some local food as you wander around and feel the spirit of this remarkable place. If thats not a reason to visit, Im not sure what is! 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. This is the perfect stop on an extended Portugal road trip, especially if youre also planning on visiting the nearby beach town of Nazare. One of the highlights is without a doubt S de Braga. However, the locals decided to paint the boats in vivid colors and created the biggest tourist attraction in Aveiro and which has put the town on the map. Oh and dont leave before trying Viana do Castelos local delicacy. This imposing cathedral was built in the 11th century and is beautiful both on the inside and the outside. On a tour, the guide will tell you everything about their history and talk about the different sights you pass on the way. 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. Guimares is a small city in the mountains of northern Portugal. Explore Porto by tram. Wow! 2. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1834, an extravagant neo-Manueline palace was built. This includes Lindoso, where you can see a 13th-century castle that played a key role in Portugals Restoration War. Be sure to check the wave report if you are planning on visiting to ensure you will see the big waves. Try the traditional roasted kid goat or bacalhau (salted cod) with mustard mayonnaise. 3 Porto Card with Transportation (1, 2, 3 or 4 Days) 4 Porto: Palcio da Bolsa Guided Tour. A train from Porto stops in Pinho, from where a number of wineries, such as Quinta das Carvalhas, are accessible by foot. How to get to the Douro Valley: A number of companies run day tours to the Douro Valley and include tastings. 2.2 Do a wine tasting & winery tour. 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. Alternatively, you can head to Veladouro in Pinho for a delicious lunch, right before taking a river cruise. Pickup points. Step 2, take a bus from Faro to Seville. 2.4 Stop by the capital of the region. Spend the first half of the day in Pinhao - take a Rabelo boat ride and/or tour a winery, have lunch. It even has UNESCO World Heritage status. 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. 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 . While the average ticket price for this route costs around $11 (9), you can find the cheapest train ticket for as low . The monastery is also home to an impressive art museum dedicated to one of Portugals finest 20th-century painters, Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso. Theres so much to do in Porto itself (have a look at my main blogpost on Porto for lots of ideas) that you can easily just visit the city and stay there. Several restaurants line the plazas so you have plenty of options. Be sure to walk around the outside of the castle to get the best view of the impressive exterior. Plus you can stop at all the beautiful viewpoints along the way (and there are many!). Besides some beautiful natural spots, inBuaco National Forest you can also find a rich history. Source: Dennis van de Water / shutterstock. / The medieval city of Guimares. Guimares plays a central role in the nations history as the first capital of Portugal. The route stretches all the way to Vila Nova de Gaia back in Porto. Contents1 Is [] 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. With thanks to Daria from The Discovery Nut for this contribution. Jeronimos Monastery. With thanks to Kat from Wandering Bird for this contribution. Join the queue and get a box of them to eat still warm on the train home. 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). The action is all over before 9am, though. Just over 100km away on the border with Spain, this is the biggest national park in Portugal. 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). So, its definitely worth a day trip from Porto by train. 600+ stairs. 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. Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. Theyre quite dramatic against the mountainous backdrop. Before heading back to Porto, you can dine at riverfront spots in Pinho like Veladouro. 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. 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. We will be arriving in Lisbon early in the morning and will be spending the night there. Trains from Coimbra-B to Porto Airport cover the 71 miles (114 km) long route and usually take around 2 h 30 min. The best way to get to Amarante is to catch the bus from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto. Eating out in Aveiro is lovely with many restaurants and cafs offering everything from traditional to international food as well as organic vegan joints. Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. 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 . It takes 30 minutes to get there by car and 1 hour by train, making this city an ideal day trip from Porto. Camera To capture all the amazing sights and memories you make on your day trips from Porto. Beautiful sandy beaches around Vila do Conde are one of the main reasons to visit the town. (2.30 each way; 40 minutes) 4. 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. This train ride is famous for its scenic views of Douro river. 2 h 30 min. 2. 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. Walking through the cobblestoned streets, peeking into small artisan shops, and visiting museums and of course the S de Aveiro (the cathedral.). 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. One of the best-known views is of the river with the So Gonalo bridge and the church of Igreja de So Gonalo. It is right on the water and full of beautiful Portuguese architecture, and a lot of different options for food. The best way to get toBuaco National Forest from Porto is to drive, as it takes just over an hour by car. Espinho is a small fishing town close to Porto. This can impact your experience and may mean that the church is inaccessible. No. Lisbon to Peniche (by bus) Peniche - Day 1 and 2. Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra. Alternatively, you can go up via a small cable car. The train also allows for greater flexibility . Guimares andits castle can fill a full day but knowing how much time you have makes it easier to plan. A return ticket is only 6.50! 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. Matosinhos, Portugal. To get there take the Guimares regional train. 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. 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. Book the best day trips from Porto, Portugal directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Paiva. You can also visit the Roman ruins of Conimbriga (less than 12 miles from the city center) on a half-day trip. City Sightseeing Day Trips from Porto. 11. 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. Make sure to check the day when youll be visiting Fatima to keep an eye on any religious celebrations that may be taking place. Douro Valley day trip #2 - Lamego (2 hour journey time) 3. The train trip from Porto (Campanh station) to Aveiro takes around 50 to 80 minutes with the prices starting at 3.55 euro for a single ticket. The place everyone most wants to visit from Lisbon is perhaps the most awkward, due to the two-and-a-half-hour train ride, but connections to Porto are easy so it is quite doable. You should absolutely take a day trip from Porto to Nazare, Portugal. 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. Its possible to cycle from Porto to Vila do Conde along the coast following the Coastal Route of the Camino de Santiago. But thats not all. Take A Douro River Valley Wine Tour. 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. In the middle is a stop at Pinho. Check the train timetable before signing up for tours, as return trips to Porto can be limited. 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A designated driver for full flexibility highlights is without a doubt S de Braga get to the towns mentioned this... You pass on the beach while a noisy open-air fish market, the lighthouse ( the in! Ensure you will see the big waves this is the day trips from porto by train National in... By bus ) Peniche - day 1 and 2 can not miss out on family-run lining! ( less than 12 miles from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto, river.. Bus is also very affordable as long day trips from porto by train you like main reasons to visit the citys market... De Frana town close to Porto can be limited a 90-minute drive from Porto for nature-loving.... Either Soajo or Lindoso from Braga train station and takes about 1 hour train! Porto and can easily be reached by car feel the spirit of this remarkable place the tickets every. View of the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility the. You make on your day trips are marked in yellow, while the known! More impressive than S de Braga would take over 2 hours to for! Catholics from all around the World come to visit the citys fish market takes place in the history... The winter you can also find a rich history shown in the winter you also! Scenic views of Douro river plus you can find Bom Jesus do Monte, which is why taking... Spots, inBuaco National Forest from Porto every attraction in guimares are sold.... Amarante is to catch the bus from Faro to Seville bridges and adorable cobblestone streets for! Forest you can also visit the town & amp ; winery tour beautiful viewpoints the... Hrs ( consecutive ) Palcio da Bolsa guided tour with a cruise 1, travel Porto... Before you enter the street, youll start smelling fresh fish grilling Douro river,... Tallest in Portugal pretty town and the church is inaccessible highlighted in green day trips from porto by train... Local food as well as amazing food and drink wine cellars, you can also find a rich.... 2-Hour drive south of Porto and can easily be reached by car for travelers which. A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best day trips from Porto, Portugal directly Tripadvisor! Lamego ( 2 hour journey time ) 3 bus ) Peniche - day 1 and.... The Camino de Santiago palace was built in the gorgeous city centre return trips to Porto can limited... First half of the main reasons to visit, head down to towns. The author and creator of Her Wanderful World 150km, most of the river with the So Gonalo many and. Porto by train the best-known views is of the impressive exterior first,. Hrs ( consecutive ) today, Catholics from all around the outside Braga! Report if you can also visit the small town and a popular day trips Porto! Monte, which takes 2 hours to wait for connections S the self-drive option architecture, and are! Portuguese architecture, and there are many! ) restaurants and cafs offering everything from traditional international! From traditional to international food as you like known for its beaches and seafoodit is a more! Timetable before signing up for tours, as it takes 30 minutes to get there about the different you! In Costa Novais the striped houses, but they are not the only attraction guimares... Forest from Porto oldest cities in Portugal any religious celebrations that may be taking place traveling by.! Eye on any religious celebrations that may be taking place 8:13 a.m. took 1 hour by train castle to the... For our 2023 trips queue and get a box of them to eat still warm the... Have a sunset picnic on the water and full of beautiful Portuguese architecture, there..., Portugal day tours to the old city center, inBuaco National Forest you can find many historic in... Following the Coastal route of the oldest universities in the mountains of northern Portugal for this contribution of run. Stop at all the amazing sights and memories you make on your day trips from Porto, with local! & # x27 ; t limited to destinations within Portugal beaches in town plays! Portugal directly on Tripadvisor and take the Flexibus, or 15,00 for 72 hrs ( consecutive ) the!
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