Grapes for both port and table wine are grown . Fatima is a small town located less than 2 hours south of Porto and can easily be reached by car or bus. 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. Once in Coimbra, you can easily explore the university and the historic center on foot. Cheers. Book from Rede Expressos. It looks beautiful. In Nazare, you can also check out the Forte de Sao Miguel Arcanjo. Even more, traveling by train or bus is also very affordable. FlixBus operates a bus from Porto to Nazar twice daily. Santiago is best known for the Caminhos de Santiago (St. James Way) pilgrim trail following the cult of St. James. Or do as the pilgrims did and climb the stairs on your knees as penance for your sins. 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. 2.6 Check out the city of Lamego. Just outside of Braga, you can find Bom Jesus do Monte, which is possibly even more impressive than S de Braga. Porto played a significant role in the country's history, particularly during the Age of Discoveries, when it was a major centre for shipbuilding and trade. 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. You can choose what to keep and what to change according to your preference. 2.8 Chill out at Congida Beach. The train connects Porto with the small village of Pocinho, whereas the 1-day river cruises from Porto only travel to Pinho, much further downstream. The town also sells different sweets once made by the local nuns. 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. See if you can spot others trying to top it. Fastest journey around 5h43. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. Matosinhos is a small beach town located just a short 5 miles (9 km) north of Porto. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld. Vila do Conde, a charming coastal town at the mouth of the Ave River is a perfect place for a day trip from Porto. 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. 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. For more information, check out my travel resources page. 10am: arrive in Aveiro and hail a taxi to Costa Nova. Theres also a really good costume museum (Museu do Traje). To this day you can still see some of the chapels dotted around the forest. The bridge crosses the Tmega River and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the country. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend. You should also visit the Old Santa Clara Monastery and the New Santa Clara Monastery. Caroline Rowe, Pack The Suitcases, 2016-2023. the Lima river in Peneda Geres, the only national park in Portugal. 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. When shes not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. 6. Please be aware that this is the hardest of all the day trips from Porto by public transport, but it is just about doable, especially if you stay over. Art, architecture and obscene baked goods are the big attractions in one-of-a-kind Amarante. First up, it's the self-drive option. Back in the day, these wooden boats were used to remove algae from the canal but fell into disuse once the process was automated. 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. . Most vineyards also offer typical Portuguese lunches with their wine tastings. 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. If you have extra time, take a trip to Costa Nova, a quaint fishing village near Aveiro with wooden waterfront cottages painted in vertical stripes. We will be arriving in Lisbon early in the morning and will be spending the night there. You can visit several wineries in a day, or just enjoy the views of the river and Porto from this charming town. Whether you take a day trip here, pass through on your way from the north, or are looking for a reason to move to Portugal, Tomar is absolutely worth a visit. Cars are allowed to drive up. With the dramatic granite mountains of Serra do Maro to the east, the town lies in the hilly valley of the Tmega river. Power Bank Its not fun when youre phone runs out of battery in the middle of a day trip from Porto. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Trust me, we got ourselves burned in just a few short hours! . inter-regional and inter-city train services, Hotel Quinta Nova Winery House Relais & Chteaux, Porto itinerary: 3 days in Portugals stunning second city, A guide to Mrtola, Portugal: a hidden hilltop gem, 10 things to do in Guimares: a guide to the birthplace of Portugal, The best restaurants in Madeira and Funchal, How to do a day trip to Curral das Freiras from Funchal, How to do a day trip to Porto da Cruz from Funchal, A guide to spending a week in Madeira: a 7-day itinerary without a car, How to do a day trip to Camara de Lobos from Funchal, 5 train-themed things to do in Japan for railfans and train enthusiasts, Things to do in Kirkby Lonsdale: a beautiful market town in Cumbria, 4 days in Reykjavik, Iceland: things to do, see and eat, First, for shorter trips, you can use the, Second, for slightly longer trips, Porto has an. Located along the bank of the Sado River, Setubal is known for its fishing industry, especially for sardines. 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. Stop off to try some local food as you wander around and feel the spirit of this remarkable place. . Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. It takes 30 minutes to get there by car and 1 hour by train, making this city an ideal day trip from Porto. The waves have been known to reach up to 100 feet at times. Santa Luzia funicular - departs every 15 minutes. The capital of the Port wine region is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. One of the best Porto day trips is Braga, the third-largest city in Portugal. The beautiful village of Costa Nova is mostly known in Portugal because of its colorful striped houses. Regional Portugal generally errs on the conservative side, so the sight of elderly ladies laying out rows of penis-shaped cakes on street-side stalls may come as a surprise. Theres a promenade walk (2.5 miles), ideal for a sunny day with an ice cream in hand. The trains are frequent and run on schedule, making it easy to navigate your way around. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-small-square-1','ezslot_25',152,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-small-square-1-0');Fatima is not located by the coast and popular for a very different reason. Be sure to walk across the Pedro Ines bridge to enjoy some stunning views of Coimbra by the river. 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. Related articles: Where to Stay in Porto - The Best Areas The Best Things to do in Porto However, there are only a couple of buses to Regua a day, so plan accordingly. Amarante - 59 km or approximately 45 minutes. 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. One of the best day trips from Porto by train is going to Coimbra, the third most important city in Portugal. 2pm: take a moliceiros ride along the canal. Average train ticket price. Taking a day trip from Porto by train is easy and convenient. / The Duoro Valley. Pour yourself a wine and lets get planning. Rede Expressos also services this route once daily. If you enjoy hiking or cycling, Amarante lies in the Terras de Basto wine region famous for its vino Verde whites. 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. Braga - 54 km or approximately 45 minutes. Travel by train + taxi: 1:45. Some may be obvious but you never know. / The holiday town of Matosinhos. 1 Porto: River Douro 6 Bridges Cruise. Amarante is also an artsy town, known to have been the home of many 20th-century artists where you can find many pieces in the Municipal Museum. If you want to skip all the walking up and down the hills of Vila Nova de Gaia, you can buy a round-trip ticket to ride on the Telefrico, aka cable cars. The monastery is also home to an impressive art museum dedicated to one of Portugals finest 20th-century painters, Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso. The Douro Valley was recognized as a demarcated wine region in 1756, making port wine exclusive to Portugal in the same way Champagne is exclusive to its namesake region in France. 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. A great place for lunch on the river bank is Adega Regional Quelha (wine house) that serves the towns smoked hams and cheeses. 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. 2.3 Go for a Douro River cruise. Though, if you are only going to the city center, it probably won't be worth it to drive. Check out all of Porto's best day trips and tours on this recommended tour booking site. The cost is 7,00 for 24 hrs, or 15,00 for 72 hrs (consecutive). This train ride is famous for its scenic views of Douro river. You have a direct IR connection (InterRegional) every two hours starting at 7h15 (then 9h15, 11h15) until 19h30. How to get to the Douro Valley: A number of companies run day tours to the Douro Valley and include tastings. Make sure to pack a water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout your journey! The train leaves from Braga train station and takes about 1 hour to get back to So Bento Train Station in Porto. There are plenty of points (such as Granja, Aguda or Miramar) where you can leave and walk inland to a railway station and catch the train back to Porto. Alternatively, you can go up via a small cable car. A trip to Braga from Porto takes less than an hour by train, making it one of the easiest day trips from Porto. Guimares - 55 km or approximately 45 minutes. 3pm: head to some museums of interest or shop for souvenirs. 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. You can also grab a ticket on the Hop-On-Hop-Off Yellow bus tour where Matosihnos is a stop! How to get to Braga: The Linha de Braga train runs frequently from Campanh station taking just over an hour. 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. You also dont want to miss the oldest cathedral in all of PortugalThe Cathedral of Braga. The beautiful historical center of Vila do Conde is another reason to visit the town. The journey takes just over an hour and a return ticket costs 7. Stroll through the narrow streets of the Coimbra city center and appreciate the street art. 2.2 Do a wine tasting & winery tour. At weekends, the first train of the day leaves Porto Recanati at around 05:16, with the final departure at 18:43. 15. 2.1 Go hiking. Lisbon Day Trips. 2.5 Visit the Archaeological Park of the Coa Valley. The trains in Portugal are very convenient and link up many of the towns and cities in the country, making it easy to explore without having to rent a car. Less than 200 miles away, it . Round trip train from Sao Bento to Viana 16.00 & (senior) 10.50. From the stunning Douro Valley to the charming fishing villages, Portugal has it all. 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 . But, start your day at the Ducal Palace. Check the train timetable before signing up for tours, as return trips to Porto can be limited. There are tours starting from one hour and up. Its an important pilgrimage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since July 2019). Hassle-free option: Book this half-day tour with a cruise. A train from Porto stops in Pinho, from where a number of wineries, such as Quinta das Carvalhas, are accessible by foot. Portugal is the destination with everything. The highlight, of course, is the University of Coimbra which was founded in 1290 and is a UNESCO world heritage site today. Train from Porto and Douro Valley Cruise. There isnt much in terms of amenities in the forest, but youll find a cafe, a tourist information center, and toilets close toBuaco Palace. Peso da Rgua is a city in the beautiful Douro valley. The best way to get to Amarante is to catch the bus from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto. 2 h 30 min. For those looking to experience a more modern side of the city, there are lots of trendy cafes and restaurants to explore. Vila do Conde is a pretty town just north of Porto. Take the train from Porto to Penafiel (45-minute trip) for one of the best hikes in Portugal. To get there take the Guimares regional train. After taking some photographs, you can hike back down to the centre of Guimares. Read next: Are Fanny Packs Good for Travel in Europe? Viana do Castelo has a charming medieval centre full of 19th-century boulevards, impressive fountains and rococo palaces. Just over 100km away on the border with Spain, this is the biggest national park in Portugal. Activities You Can't Miss: Paiva walkways. / Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal. In fact, one of the most appealing day trips is over the border to the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. Id also recommend browsing the citys independent shops for some souvenirs to take home. If you would prefer to visit Braga with a local guide, check out this small-group tour that also includes a stop in Guimares! The history of Tomar will fascinate you. Located just over 62 miles (100 km) south of Porto, Buaco National Forest is a unique place that you have to add to your Portugal bucket list. And yet, theres a whole world of intrigue just beyond the city. / The iconic Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. How to Get There: A train runs from Campanha Station to Aveiro Station. Today, Catholics from all around the world come to visit the small town and the Shrine of Fatima. The local fishing industry means that there are plenty of cafs serving fresh seafood straight off the boats. Porto to Rgua, Pinho & Pocinho. Be sure to walk around the outside of the castle to get the best view of the impressive exterior. 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. Cant wait to see everything in the area and Ill definitely be taking the train. Before heading back to Porto, you can dine at riverfront spots in Pinho like Veladouro. With thanks to Daria from The Discovery Nut for this contribution. Check the train timetables before your visit so you know what trains you want. Want to receive notifications of new posts by email? $11 (9) Direct train. There are dozens of quintas (wine estates) in the Douro, each producing amazing wine. 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. With a storied history and an old university that provided inspiration for Harry Potter, Coimbra makes for an interesting travel destination. Here's one highly-rated private Porto day trip from Lisbon that shows considerably more than the others. Select a pickup point. Porto is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Guided tour: You can book a full day trip tour from Porto. And there are some beautiful hidden gems in northern Portugal that you can easily reach in a day. 2. A couple of Portugals most popular dishes are cod and sardines, but you can order anything that comes from the sea! Day Trips from Porto by Train - From Porto: Aveiro and Coimbra Full-Day City Tour. Theres also a walking path below the bridge that follows the gentle bend of the Tmega. Contents1 Is [] The site is among the best preserved ruins from the Roman Empire. Day Trips from Porto: Douro Valley. The streets and paths can be uneven, especially when you get to some of the smaller villages. It almost has a dreamlike quality to it, making it a perfect day trip from bustling Porto. Whether youre seeking a nature escape with rugged trails and waterfalls or want to explore some surprisingly amorous elements of village life in the Minho, Porto makes an ideal gateway to the wonders of northern Portugal. 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. When in Peso da Rgua take a scenic boat ride on the Douro river. Love places that announce themselves: BRAGA! Pay attention to the bus schedule because there may be intervals of up to 1 hour between two buses. (2.30 each way; 40 minutes) 4. Be sure to check the wave report if you are planning on visiting to ensure you will see the big waves. Reward yourself for your efforts with a drink in one of the lovely squares, Largo da Oliveira or Praa de Santiago. The small town was also the birthplace of Portugals first king, Afonso Henriques. This sanctuary is located on the slopes of Mount Espinho. The vines are grown on trellises above the ground so that crops can be cultivated underneath. You could rent a car, take the Flexibus, or do a guided tour with a local. North Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the wintertime because Nazare has one of the biggest swells in the world. Express trains from Porto Campanha take about 1 hour to get to Coimbra-B. The route stretches all the way to Vila Nova de Gaia back in Porto. The cheapest way to get there is on the Line 9 bus, which will take just over an hour and cost around $17. 2 Days in Porto: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary, The Best Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Porto, Portugal 2022 [Review], 39 Beautiful Photos to Inspire Your Portugal Trip, 31 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to Lisbon, Portugal [Tips for First-Timers]. If youre looking for a morning or afternoon activity outside of Porto, a coastal walk in Espinho is a good idea. Both have plenty of cafs and bars to sit outside and get stuck into a bit of people-watching over a glass of wine. Its hilltop location opposite Tomar Castle (Castelo do Tomar) offers splendid views over the historic center of Tomar. Each looks incredible, but Im all about those fairytale vibes in Guimares. I have a whole post on how to do 10 different day trips from Porto by train (oh and one is by bus) and a really in-depth post on Guimaraes, which I especially . Youll also want to stop by Tibias de Braga, which has the Tibias dessert that originated from Braga. 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. for a delicious Simpson donut. Romantic Day Trips from Porto for Couples - Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, River Cruise and Lunch. What are the Porto Recanati to Bologna train times and schedule? These five retailers blend modern style with artisanal quality. So start planning your day trip from Porto and have an amazing time! village of . Try the traditional roasted kid goat or bacalhau (salted cod) with mustard mayonnaise. So without further ado, let's dive in and discover all the best day trips you can take from Porto! ), and walk by the sand dunes to the beach. Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra. Not sure if cards can be re-loaded. 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. To get to Braga from Porto, youll want to hop on the train, which takes just over an hour and costs 13 each way. Plus Nazare is only 1.5 hours away from Lisbon, making it an amazing stop if you are planning on heading toLisbon after Nazare. Im not a fan of buses and will always go for the train option if possible. Practical information to plan your Aveiro day trip from Porto. It was first home to a monastery, and the forest was attended by monks. 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. This is the perfect area to stop for lunch. Start your day here by taking in the spectacular views from the Santa Luzia hill, home to the striking white Santa Luzia church looming over the city. Let's talk travel, teaching abroad, and travel blogging.I also love sharing about my love for Asian dramas and #allthethings to create memorable experiences! 2. But in the case of northern Portugal 's Linha do Douro, the train line that connects this rural village and Porto, it's more about the journey to get there. Costa Nova is also a great destination for a nice seafood lunch. There are guided boat trips, canoes and pedalos to rent, and a fun water park. With thanks to Alya from Stingy Nomadsfor this contribution. It was here that McNamara beat the world record for the largest wave ever surfed. Talk to farmers, walk among ruins of Roman houses and pass through small local villages on the Penafiel hiking trail. 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. Cheapest, easily done in a day . You can also go on a guided day trip if you prefer some context and convenience - check prices, availability, and itinerary here. How to get to Guimares: The Linha de Guimares train takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from Campanh. And with so many charming villages and towns located nearby, there is no shortage of things to see and do. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travellers. This beauty showcases some of the finest architecture in the country, with design styles from many centuries. With thanks to Kat from Wandering Bird for this contribution. If you can stretch your day trip into the early evening, Braga lights up beautifully by night. Vila do Conde is situated 19 miles (30 km) north of Porto. 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. The symmetrical spires of the Nossa Senhora da Consolao and medieval arches of Padro do Salado add architectural interest to the cityscape. Particularly good is the Raiz O Vegetariano do Barrio, serving homemade delights. Alternatively, you can take a train from Porto to Nazar via Coimbra-B and Valado in around 3h 57m. 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. Everyone goes mad for them. You can board the train at So Bento,Campanh, and Rio Tinto stations. Coimbra is a beautiful city, home to the oldest university in the country and a must-visit on any Portugal itinerary.. The quaint Linha do Douro in northern Portugal doesnt really get you anywhere. 10.30am: snap photos of the colourful beach houses and take a walk to the beach. 2.4 Stop by the capital of the region. 1. Walking through the cobblestoned streets, peeking into small artisan shops, and visiting museums and of course the S de Aveiro (the cathedral.). Near the plazas, youll find the Padro do Salado monument and the Chapel of So Nicolau. 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 restaurant serves traditional Portuguese cuisine, including dishes such as Bacalhau Brs (cod with potatoes and onions) and Feijoada (a black bean stew). Jeronimos Monastery. 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 Douro River cuts through the rolling green hills and offers magical landscapes. 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 . Running for 150km, most of the Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the worlds oldest demarcated wine regions. . Travel by bus and train: 1 hour and 20 minutes (change in Aveiro) Travel by bus: 1 hour 30 minutes (change in Aveiro) Tour : Half day tour of Aveiro and Costa Nova. From this vantage point, you can appreciate the unique geography of the city. Setbal is a small city 48km southwest of Lisbon. When youre exploring multiple destinations on one day trip from Porto, make sure to pack lightly only bringing the absolute essentials. 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.

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