Trains run regularly from Porto to Guimares. If thats not a reason to visit, Im not sure what is! In winter, Gers can occasionally get a sprinkling of snow. 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. The history of Tomar will fascinate you. Cars are allowed to drive up. Book the best day trips from Porto, Portugal directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. The next day, we will be making our way to Porto, likely by train as we will likely. 6 Porto: Torre dos Clerigos Entrance Ticket. Id also recommend browsing the citys independent shops for some souvenirs to take home. I firmly believe in always doing travel especially abroad without a car. Whether you're seeking beachside adventures, summertime celebrations or outdoor experiences, here are the best times of the year to visit Portugal. The following tours provide suggested routes for a one-week touring holiday using public transport; 1-week tour with a focus on the beaches. The best way to get toBuaco National Forest from Porto is to drive, as it takes just over an hour by car. The ticket for the bridge includes access to the pathway and is valid for one day. 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! Day trips from Porto. Its hilltop location opposite Tomar Castle (Castelo do Tomar) offers splendid views over the historic center of Tomar. Sunscreen The sun can be quite intense in Portugal, especially in the summer months. 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. 1 block from the train station. No. 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. 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. If you can stretch your day trip into the early evening, Braga lights up beautifully by night. Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. Serras de Aire. Viana do Castelo has a charming medieval centre full of 19th-century boulevards, impressive fountains and rococo palaces. Just outside of Braga, you can find Bom Jesus do Monte, which is possibly even more impressive than S de Braga. Coimbra is also the ideal spot to try typical Portuguese conventual sweets, made with sugar and plenty of egg yolks. 2.1 Vila do Conde. Cant wait to go to Portugal! Train from Porto and Douro Valley Cruise. 8:13 a.m. took 1 hour - 3:08 p.m. return took 1 hour 20 minutes. Matosinhos, Portugal. A trip to Braga from Porto takes less than an hour by train, making it one of the easiest day trips from Porto. 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. The views along the N-222 as it hugs the river east of Peso da Rgua are magical. If you don't feel like leaving Porto, there are plenty of sights and things to do within the city itself. Round trip train from Sao Bento to Viana 16.00 & (senior) 10.50. There are numerous hiking trails, Roman ruins and sparkling waterfalls. If youre interested in art the Alberto Sampaio Art Museum is nearby as well. 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 best way to get to Coimbra from Porto is by train. We briefly spent some time in Lisbon and it just wasnt enough! 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. How to eat well, go sightseeing, get around and even take a day trip for under 300 euros. Taking a day trip from Porto by train is easy and convenient. 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. Though Portugal is a walkable country, it doesnt mean the trekking is easy (aka MANY hills!). Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra. Its known for its architecture, food, and river views. The gorgeous coastal city of Viana do Castelo is a bit of a hidden gem in Portugal. 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. 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). It is a museum in the center of town that is dedicated to the men and women who have organized the big wave surfingphenomenonthat has happened in the last decade. Being traditionally a fishermens village, they serve fresh fish and shellfish dishes that are to die for. With a storied history and an old university that provided inspiration for Harry Potter, Coimbra makes for an interesting travel destination. 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. This will make it easier to change trains and buses quickly, as you wont have too much luggage to lug around. Very enjoyable, thanks. Comfortable shoes As mentioned above, youll be doing a lot of walking. But, start your day at the Ducal Palace. 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. Cheap Day Trips from Porto - Gaia. 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. 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. The highlight, of course, is the University of Coimbra which was founded in 1290 and is a UNESCO world heritage site today. 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. Guimares is brimming with history and said to be the countrys birthplace. 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. 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. Here's one highly-rated private Porto day trip from Lisbon that shows considerably more than the others. Your day trips from Porto definitely aren't limited to destinations within Portugal. Take a packed lunch to enjoy at the top or set off along one of the marked hiking trails. 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. The Douro Valley is famous for its vineyards and incredibly dramatic landscapes, from the winding river to the towering cliffs above. Theres a direct train from Porto to Peso da Rgua, which takes 2 hours. 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. Guimares is a small city in the mountains of northern Portugal. 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. There is a train that goes directly from Porto to Braga. 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. A trip from Porto to Douro Valley will immerse you in a different world. A big thank you to the other bloggers who kindly sent me their excellent tips. In the winter you can of course head to one of the many beaches in town. 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. Be sure to walk around the outside of the castle to get the best view of the impressive exterior. Head back into the citys winding streets and enjoy its mixture of architectural styles from different ages. There is of course, a fourth travel option, which is to use buses to do various day trips from Porto. And with so many charming villages and towns located nearby, there is no shortage of things to see and do. 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. Source: Dennis van de Water / shutterstock. Inside the castle the keep and place of arms are impressive. It's a 2 hour drive to Conimbriga on a day trip from Lisbon. You can also purchase access only for the trail. Eating out in Aveiro is lovely with many restaurants and cafs offering everything from traditional to international food as well as organic vegan joints. 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 walk to the top involves 577 steps on a seemingly endless stone zig-zag staircase (if you have children with you and want to take the stairs to the top, its best to leave your pushchair in your accommodation in Braga). In 1756 the first marked-out wine-growing area in the world was founded here. Theyre quite dramatic against the mountainous backdrop. But with a set of directions and a map, its easy to get around. And there are some beautiful hidden gems in northern Portugal that you can easily reach in a day. Cant wait to see everything in the area and Ill definitely be taking the train. Thanks! Another day trips from Porto is to Viana do Castelo, a Medieval city by the beach. 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. Its popular for surfing, which is mildly entertaining to pause and watch. Everyone goes mad for them. 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. 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). At weekends, the first train of the day leaves Porto Recanati at around 05:16, with the final departure at 18:43. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travellers. Whatever you do, make sure to try the seafood in Matosinhos. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. Book . Another excellent Porto day trip Coimbra, located approximately 75 minutes (120km) by car from Porto. Porto day trips in nature are easy to come by, however Peneda-Gers national park is one of the best. Peso da Rgua is a city in the beautiful Douro valley. Make sure to check the day when youll be visiting Fatima to keep an eye on any religious celebrations that may be taking place. In Nazare, you can also check out the Forte de Sao Miguel Arcanjo. You will find plenty of students and a strong academic vibe here. 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. It even has UNESCO World Heritage status. Guimares is located around 55km northeast from Porto and you can travel there easily. 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. Jan. Mid-length Porto day trips (1-2 hours away) 1. Book the Arouca Bridge and/or Paiva Walkways + Aveiro and Costa Nova tour from Porto. Read my disclosure and privacy policy. 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. 5 Porto: 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise. Visit the ducal palace and then head up the hill to visit the castle. Travel back in time and jump onboard an old and beautifully restored tram to see all the sights and sounds of the city. Of course, I now want to go back to Porto and do all the places Ive not yet done. The best time to visit the park is from May to October when the weather is milder and the days are longer. 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. Back in the day, these wooden boats were used to remove algae from the canal but fell into disuse once the process was automated. 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