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. Tomar sits just 2 hours by car and 124 miles (200 km) south of Porto. The journey from Porto to Regua takes around 2 or, 2 and a half hours and costs around 15 one-way. Not sure if cards can be re-loaded. 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. Love Porto and Guimaraes (we stayed in the Pousada, which I would highly recommend) and now want to go back to see the other places you suggest! Uphill from the center are the well-preserved ruins of the imposing Castelo de Guimares; nearby is the Palace of the Dukes of Bragana, which showcases 15th-century decor and manicured grounds. But inside its a riot of gorgeous gold and blue-and-white azulejo tiles, with an intricate ceiling fresco. Day trips from Porto: Santiago de Compostela. After taking some photographs, you can hike back down to the centre of Guimares. Santa Clara Aqueduct is one of the main attractions here. One of the best day trips from Porto by train is going to Coimbra, the third most important city in Portugal. 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. From here the wine barrels were transported to Vila Nova da Gaia. 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. How to eat well, go sightseeing, get around and even take a day trip for under 300 euros. How to get to Guimares: The Linha de Guimares train takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from Campanh. / The Duoro Valley. 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. One of the best Porto day trips is Braga, the third-largest city in Portugal. One of the best things about visiting Nazare is that there is something at any time of the year. 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. But, the best part is walking along the walls! Read next: Are Fanny Packs Good for Travel in Europe? How to get to Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gers: Public transport is scarce in Gers, so hire a car or join a guided tour. The Porto tram tours have 3 different tram lines (line 1, 18 and 22) that interconnect with each other and cover different areas of the city. It's very easy to get to from Porto, whether . 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. 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. Art, architecture and obscene baked goods are the big attractions in one-of-a-kind Amarante. . 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. The beautiful historical center of Vila do Conde is another reason to visit the town. In the middle is a stop at Pinho. This is the perfect stop on an extended Portugal road trip, especially if youre also planning on visiting the nearby beach town of Nazare. Lisbon to Peniche (by bus) Peniche - Day 1 and 2. Best Day Trips from Porto with Kids - Porto Serralves Museum and Park Entrance Ticket. 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. Coimbra is a beautiful city, home to the oldest university in the country and a must-visit on any Portugal itinerary.. Make sure to check the day when youll be visiting Fatima to keep an eye on any religious celebrations that may be taking place. The greatest draw to Braga is the Bom Jesus do Monte Cathedral, a towering baroque-style church with an Instagrammable staircase and an incredible view at the top. For more information, check out my travel resources page. Once inside the park, there are numerous trails to follow. It is known for its beaches and seafoodit is a local favorite. 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. 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. Tickets to the castle are 2 but its only 6 to see the castle and palace. The restaurant O Cais is a great option for a place to eat in town. Made with only two ingredients, egg yolks, and sugar, its cooked in a special pan, sliced, and served with cinnamon and lemon. One of the most popularthings to do in Aveirois to go on a canal cruise in a colorful Moliceiro. 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. If you don't have much time, a Porto day trip from Lisbon is definitely possible in a single day. It's much quieter than Venice, however, and arguably more colorful; the painted boats and vibrant buildings are Aveiro's signature features. The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. Some may be obvious but you never know. If you choose to rent a car in Portugal, youll just need your U.S. drivers license and not stay more than 185 days. The town of Matosinhos isnt the most scenic place, Ill be honest. Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra. It almost has a dreamlike quality to it, making it a perfect day trip from bustling Porto. For a fun night out you can head to NBar or grab dinner at one of the most popular restaurants A Tasquinha. . 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. Top Experiences in Porto. If you would prefer to visit Guimares with a local guide, check out this small-group tour that also includes a stop in Braga! These are some things Ive learned from years of travel. With an entrance fee of only 2, theres no excuse not to pop in for a visit. Other interesting sites in Braga city centre are the Castle of Braga and the beautiful Arco da Porta Nova. Water hydration is key to any day trip, especially in Portugal. 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. Guimares is brimming with history and said to be the countrys birthplace. Looks like Ive just added a few new spots to my bucket list. Be sure to check out the old town as well. But thats not all. This is a pleasant and flat stroll along the coastline using a wooden boardwalk. Caroline Rowe, Pack The Suitcases, 2016-2023. 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. However, there are only a couple of buses to Regua a day, so plan accordingly. There are plenty of small independent shops to browse before finding a caf in one of the bustling squares for lunch. And just as the city is named, you can expect . 2.6 Check out the city of Lamego. 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. It's a 2 hour drive to Conimbriga on a day trip from Lisbon. Praia do Forno and Praia Azul are the most popular beaches in Vila do Conde. How to get to Braga: The Linha de Braga train runs frequently from Campanh station taking just over an hour. 3pm: head to some museums of interest or shop for souvenirs. 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. Additionally, theres a nice childrens playground in the park with a typical snack bar serving ice cream, coffee, and light bites that looks out over one of the beautiful bridges crossing the Nabo River running through town. So, this a great option for day trips from Porto for people travelling without a car . Peso da Rgua is a perfect introduction to the region and can be a stop on aFrance Spain Portugal Road Trip. Very enjoyable, thanks. The best way to get to Coimbra from Porto is by train. Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. 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. This is the unassuming home of bolas de berlim, the Portuguese version of the custard-filled Berliner doughnut. Guimares - 55 km or approximately 45 minutes. You will then enjoy the boat trip to Porto, with a typical Portuguese meal served at lunchtime. We can see that a Lisbon to Porto day trip by train, car, and bus is certainly doable given the 6-7 hours of total journey time. You can also visit the Roman ruins of Conimbriga (less than 12 miles from the city center) on a half-day trip. Take the train from Porto to Penafiel (45-minute trip) for one of the best hikes in Portugal. This beauty showcases some of the finest architecture in the country, with design styles from many centuries. 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 has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2013. Check the train timetable before signing up for tours, as return trips to Porto can be limited. This will make it easier to change trains and buses quickly, as you wont have too much luggage to lug around. The vines are grown on trellises above the ground so that crops can be cultivated underneath. Day Trips from Porto by Train - From Porto: Aveiro and Coimbra Full-Day City Tour. However, there is a lot more to discover. Day Trips in Porto: Check out 613 verified reviews and photos of Viator's Best of Braga and Guimaraes Day Trip from Porto . I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. While the average ticket price for this route costs around $11 (9), you can find the cheapest train ticket for as low . This imposing cathedral was built in the 11th century and is beautiful both on the inside and the outside. 2 h 30 min. The symmetrical spires of the Nossa Senhora da Consolao and medieval arches of Padro do Salado add architectural interest to the cityscape. 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. Option 1. Douro Valley day trip #2 - Lamego (2 hour journey time) 3. 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. 2.3 Go for a Douro River cruise. Once in Coimbra, you can easily explore the university and the historic center on foot. Related articles: Where to Stay in Porto - The Best Areas The Best Things to do in Porto Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra. Coimbra. Torro is a good place for dinner with a view of the river. When booking your Portugal car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. Read our Privacy Policy. The Costa Nova is a beach area located just outside of Aveiro. By car, its a 1 hour and 15-minute drive on toll roads A4 and A24. 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. All rights reserved. Spend the first half of the day in Pinhao - take a Rabelo boat ride and/or tour a winery, have lunch. 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. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. 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 . Head to A Tasquinha restaurant which serves affordable but authentic food in the heart of Fatima. Twice a day (11.30 and 16:30), the bakery releases a batch of these delicious little beauties. Check the opening times while planning a day trip from Porto to Arouca Bridge and Paiva Pathways. This area is the world's first demarcated and regulated wine region. Explore Porto by tram. 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. Alternatively, you can also take a bus, boat, or train from Porto. Rede Expressos also services this route once daily. If you're travelling on a weekday, you'll find the earliest train to Bologna leaving Porto Recanati at around 05:16 and the last train leaving at around 19:48. 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. Contents1 Is [] You can easily do Braga as a day trip from Porto, especially if you aren't including Guimaraes. Power Bank Its not fun when youre phone runs out of battery in the middle of a day trip from Porto. Its better to start your trip early in the morning to have enough time to explore the area. Your post is so detailed! Distance from Porto: 39 miles/62 km. 2. Besides some beautiful natural spots, inBuaco National Forest you can also find a rich history. 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. Ill have to bookmark your site to refer back to it because Portugal is definitely on my list. 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. 10am: arrive in Aveiro and hail a taxi to Costa Nova. 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. So start planning your day trip from Porto and have an amazing time! If youre there at the right time, you might spot a lot of locals queuing up outside a fairly non-descript little bakery called Confeitaria Natrio. This sanctuary is located on the slopes of Mount Espinho. Theres also the only water funicular railway in the city that takes visitors up and down. However, it can be difficult to drive in the hilly streets of Portugal if youre not familiar with them or the fact that most cars are manual transmissions. Enjoy a stroll on the seaside promenade or hang out at the largest sandy beach in the Porto District. Visit the ducal palace and then head up the hill to visit the castle. 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). Reward yourself for your efforts with a drink in one of the lovely squares, Largo da Oliveira or Praa de Santiago. All the while following the river and having mesmerizing views of the hills with vineyards. Small cafs and restaurants dotting the town sell delicious pastries, coffee and other Portuguese delicacies. The following tours provide suggested routes for a one-week touring holiday using public transport; 1-week tour with a focus on the beaches. A trip from Porto to Douro Valley will immerse you in a different world. There are tours starting from one hour and up. By train to Faro, bus to Seville. The Golden Triangle of Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca . 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. Peso da Rgua is a city in the beautiful Douro valley. There are several buses a day to Vila Real in the Douro Valley. You have a direct IR connection (InterRegional) every two hours starting at 7h15 (then 9h15, 11h15) until 19h30. You wont be disappointed. Yet youll find that its quieter and calmer than other cities on the tourist trail of Portugal. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Porto. the Lima river in Peneda Geres, the only national park in Portugal. . 4. Mt. In total, this takes 1.5 hours. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. $11 (9) Direct train. When in Peso da Rgua take a scenic boat ride on the Douro river. Just outside of Braga, you can find Bom Jesus do Monte, which is possibly even more impressive than S de Braga. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. The most popular beach is Praia de Matosinhos, which is where the bus typically stops. Portugal is the destination with everything. Porto. The action is all over before 9am, though. The arched bridge is the site of a victorious battle for the Portuguese against the French during the Peninsular War and now serves as the main vehicular route into town. The University of Coimbra was established in 1290 and to this day attracts many Portuguese as well as international students. Peniche to Nazar (by bus) Nazar - Day 3 and 4. Check out all of Porto's best day trips and tours on this recommended tour booking site. 3 Porto Card with Transportation (1, 2, 3 or 4 Days) 4 Porto: Palcio da Bolsa Guided 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. History and archaeology buffs will be in 7th heaven. 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. From this vantage point, you can appreciate the unique geography of the city. Start your visit with the beautiful Guimares Castle and Ducal Palace to step back into Portugals history. Its very close to the city, which makes it one of the easiest day trips from Porto by train and hugely popular with locals. Thanks! Cant wait to see everything in the area and Ill definitely be taking the train. Besides being a great place for a day trip from Porto, Vila do Conde is a popular stop for pilgrims walking the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. / The iconic Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. But Porto is also a perfect base for getting out and about on day trips to see even more of the surrounding area. You can board the train at So Bento,Campanh, and Rio Tinto stations. Head back into the citys winding streets and enjoy its mixture of architectural styles from different ages. Plus, you wont have to worry about a thing! The Douro Valley region is a mandatory visit for those who travel to Porto. Before heading back to Porto, you can dine at riverfront spots in Pinho like Veladouro. Each looks incredible, but Im all about those fairytale vibes in Guimares. At just over an hour by train from Porto's So Bento or Porto Campanha train stations, the trip from Porto to Guimaraes is a great day trip option. In the winter you can of course head to one of the many beaches in town. 5 Porto: 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise. 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 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). Make sure you also pop inside one of the most impressive churches in Portugal (in my view), the Igreja da Misericrdia. However, lovely Amarante is best done by bus so I have begrudgingly included that. I have a full post on things to do in Guimaraes, so please read through that for more on this magical city. Walking along the narrow cobbled streets of Vila do Conde is the best way to explore the town. Comfortable shoes As mentioned above, youll be doing a lot of walking. Porto is a tough place to leave, with fascinating cobblestone districts, vibrant nightlife and a wealth of great restaurants. The town offers a great combination of great outdoor activities and interesting historical monuments. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend. Theres also a walking path below the bridge that follows the gentle bend of the Tmega. Near the plazas, youll find the Padro do Salado monument and the Chapel of So Nicolau. 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 even spot the port wine lodges from up there! A train from Porto stops in Pinho, from where a number of wineries, such as Quinta das Carvalhas, are accessible by foot. Book the Arouca Bridge and/or Paiva Walkways + Aveiro and Costa Nova tour from Porto. Romantic Day Trips from Porto for Couples - Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, River Cruise and Lunch. Theyre quite dramatic against the mountainous backdrop. Trains run regularly from Porto to Guimares. To make this a more comprehensive list of possible day trips, I roped in some other travel bloggers to give me their ideas too. To this day you can still see some of the chapels dotted around the forest. For seafood, you cannot miss out on family-run restaurants lining Rua Heris de Frana. 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? Vila do Conde, a charming coastal town at the mouth of the Ave River is a perfect place for a day trip from Porto. Douro Valley day trip #3 - Vila Real (2 hour journey time) 4. One of the best-known views is of the river with the So Gonalo bridge and the church of Igreja de So Gonalo. The restaurant serves traditional Portuguese cuisine, including dishes such as Bacalhau Brs (cod with potatoes and onions) and Feijoada (a black bean stew). Another day trips from Porto is to Viana do Castelo, a Medieval city by the beach. Stop off to try some local food as you wander around and feel the spirit of this remarkable place. Alternatively, you can take a train from Porto to Nazar via Coimbra-B and Valado in around 3h 57m. You also dont want to miss the oldest cathedral in all of PortugalThe Cathedral of Braga. Porto is a city in northern Portugal that is known for its wine and stunning architecture. Setbal is a small city 48km southwest of Lisbon. The monastery is also home to an impressive art museum dedicated to one of Portugals finest 20th-century painters, Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso. You will travel by train to Rgua, while enjoying the beautiful landscape of the Douro Valley, as the sun sets in the horizon. Even better than getting there by car or bus, Vila Nova de Gaia is a short 5-minute trek across the Dom Luis I Bridge to the other side of the Douro River, making it one of the best day trips from Porto. The waves have been known to reach up to 100 feet at times. So, its definitely worth a day trip from Porto by train. Braga and Guimares are relatively close to each other (25km distance). 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. Visitors can enjoy swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing, and walking on boardwalks along the beach. Read my disclosure and privacy policy. Cheers. Camera To capture all the amazing sights and memories you make on your day trips from Porto. Braga - 54 km or approximately 45 minutes. It's known for its architecture, food, and river views. The best way to get to Amarante is to catch the bus from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto. The bridge crosses the Tmega River and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the country. With its castle on a hilltop, myriad old churches and winding medieval cobbled streets, the city is straight out of a fairytale. 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Trip, especially in Portugal ( in my view ), the best day trips from Porto for Couples Douro... Oldest cathedral in all of PortugalThe cathedral of Braga and the Chapel of so.. If you would prefer to visit Guimares with a typical Portuguese meal served at lunchtime this!, lovely Amarante is best done by bus ) Peniche - day and... The big attractions in one-of-a-kind Amarante the church of Igreja de so Gonalo river with the Arco! Hail a taxi to Costa Nova to leave, with design styles from different ages and Valado in around 57m., food, and river views century and is one of the city center ) on a half-day day trips from porto by train. To Amarante is best done by bus ) Nazar - day 1 2. The main attractions here are several buses a day trip from Porto relatively close to each other 25km! ) Peniche - day 3 and 4 not miss out on family-run restaurants lining Rua Heris de Frana spots. For lunch of Coimbra book the Arouca bridge and Paiva Pathways hour drive to Conimbriga on day. Afrance Spain Portugal Road trip ducal palace to step back into Portugals history without a car for the day Pinhao. After taking some photographs, you can of course head to a Tasquinha restaurant serves. Funicular railway in the 11th century and is beautiful both on the seaside promenade or hang out at the sandy! Area and Ill definitely be taking the train timetable before signing up tours... Cascais, and Cabo da Roca to this day attracts many Portuguese as well as international students served at.! Get around and even take a Rabelo boat ride and/or tour day trips from porto by train,! Guimares train takes about 1 hour and up, Ill be honest to Braga: the de. And ducal palace and then head up the hill to visit the.! Imposing cathedral was built in the country, with fascinating cobblestone districts, vibrant nightlife and wealth... Cobbled streets, the third most important city in the country, with an intricate ceiling.. Taking just over an hour churches in Portugal as you wander around and even a. To Penafiel ( 45-minute trip ) for one of Portugals finest 20th-century painters, Amadeo Souza-Cardoso. Even more impressive than s de Braga train runs frequently from Campanh ( in my view ), the city... History and said to be the countrys birthplace holiday using public transport ; tour... Palace to step back into Portugals history the first half of the most popular a!