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. . (2.30 each way; 40 minutes) 4. Pour yourself a wine and lets get planning. 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. To get to Braga from Porto, youll want to hop on the train, which takes just over an hour and costs 13 each way. It costs less than 10 euros to travel to Viana do Castelo from Porto. 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 h 30 min. Guimares is a small town northeast of Porto. This can be on a Rabelo, a traditional boat with which they used to ship the wine barrels. Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Nature Park was created in 1979 and covers about 35,000 hectares - much of it Estremadura's limestone massif, the biggest limestone area in Portugal. There are tours starting from one hour and up. Twice a day (11.30 and 16:30), the bakery releases a batch of these delicious little beauties. Join the queue and get a box of them to eat still warm on the train home. Visiting the two sites back to back helps to notice the difference between the living quarters of the palace and the defense area of the tower. From there, take a local bus or taxi to the park entrance. The streets and paths can be uneven, especially when you get to some of the smaller villages. Sunscreen The sun can be quite intense in Portugal, especially in the summer months. 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. Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. Back in Braga, Donna Se is a lovely place to have lunch. Porto wine tours are common but this is even better, which makes a Douro Valley day trip from Porto a must. Its therefore relatively free from the usual tourist crowds so is a real delight to explore. 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. From there, it's another 30-minute bus ride to Regua. Porto to Sintra - 331 km or approximately three hours. A long stretch of unspoiled sandy beaches goes south from Vila do Conde for many miles. Whatever you do, make sure to try the seafood in Matosinhos. $11 (9) Direct train. So, this a great option for day trips from Porto for people travelling without a car . Porto. There are some nice sea views to be had from here, although the fort itself is not very exciting inside. 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 . It's known for its architecture, food, and river views. A trip to Braga from Porto takes less than an hour by train, making it one of the easiest day trips from Porto. This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2013. But swings and roundabouts! But thats not all. You can choose what to keep and what to change according to your preference. 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. Paiva. You wont be disappointed. Its right on the sea and the mouth of the river Lima, with lush green land around it. 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. Located in the north of the country, spending one day in Braga is an excellent day trip from Porto by train. Make sure your feet are well-protected as there will be a lot of walking throughout the day. They offer good facilities, including many cafs and restaurants nearby. Trains from Coimbra-B to Porto Airport cover the 71 miles (114 km) long route and usually take around 2 h 30 min. Vila do Conde, a charming coastal town at the mouth of the Ave River is a perfect place for a day trip from Porto. Peneda Geres National Park. Often overlooked by international tourists it is a popular weekend getaway amongst residents of Porto. 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 can also visit the Roman ruins of Conimbriga (less than 12 miles from the city center) on a half-day trip. The cost of this train is 10 one way. Most vineyards also offer typical Portuguese lunches with their wine tastings. Originally a stronghold of the Knights Templar, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Convent of Christ (Convento de Cristo)famed for its round churchis worth the trip alone. There is no direct train or bus, meaning that with public transport it would take over 2 hours to wait for connections. 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. Cheap Day Trips from Porto - Gaia. And yet, theres a whole world of intrigue just beyond the city. Other interesting sites in Braga city centre are the Castle of Braga and the beautiful Arco da Porta Nova. There isn't much in the tiny town of Pocinho. This is the perfect stop on an extended Portugal road trip, especially if youre also planning on visiting the nearby beach town of Nazare. 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. Select a pickup point. The lowdown on Europes best spring break spots from Mediterranean island beach escapes to Norways waterfall-splashed fjords. 3 Porto Card with Transportation (1, 2, 3 or 4 Days) 4 Porto: Palcio da Bolsa Guided Tour. You can also combine your day trip with a short trip to Costa Nova to see the traditional striped beach houses. Distance from Porto: 39 miles/62 km. So start planning your day trip from Porto and have an amazing time! They serve traditional Portuguese dishes and a few international stables. Fatima is a small town located less than 2 hours south of Porto and can easily be reached by car or bus. Paiva is one of the best day trips from Porto for nature-loving travelers. (The distance from Lisbon to Sintra is just 28.7 km.) And just as the city is named, you can expect . 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. Here are my picks of the best day trips from Porto by train and bus. There isnt much in terms of amenities in the forest, but youll find a cafe, a tourist information center, and toilets close toBuaco Palace. One of the best things about visiting Nazare is that there is something at any time of the year. Train operators. The gorgeous coastal city of Viana do Castelo is a bit of a hidden gem in Portugal. Porto is a tough place to leave, with fascinating cobblestone districts, vibrant nightlife and a wealth of great restaurants. Alternatively, you can go up via a small cable car. One of the highlights is without a doubt S de Braga. You can follow the walk briefly or for as long as you like. 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). Yet youll find that its quieter and calmer than other cities on the tourist trail of Portugal. 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. 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. Sintra for Palaces. Cant wait to go to Portugal! The Braga to Porto train is the easiest way to get back to Porto. You can even spot the port wine lodges from up there! There are direct train services available. This impressive aqueduct with hundreds of arches was built in the 18th century and is considered one of the most beautiful aqueducts in the world. Jeronimos Monastery. Guimares is a small city in the mountains of northern Portugal. In total, this takes 1.5 hours. There is of course, a fourth travel option, which is to use buses to do various day trips from Porto. Read next: Are Fanny Packs Good for Travel in Europe? In addition to the towns mentioned in this article, the following are also good day trips from Porto. Step 2, take a bus from Faro to Seville. If you don't have much time, a Porto day trip from Lisbon is definitely possible in a single day. 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. In winter, Gers can occasionally get a sprinkling of snow. So pack a pair of comfortable shoes to keep your feet happy. How to get to Braga: The Linha de Braga train runs frequently from Campanh station taking just over an hour. If you want to have a beach day near Porto, then you must visit Matosinhos, a port and fishing town 8km north of the city of Porto. Renting a car in Porto is a great way to explore some of the off-the-beaten-track destinations nearby. the Lima river in Peneda Geres, the only national park in Portugal. Love places that announce themselves: BRAGA! Everyone goes mad for them. If youre looking for a charming city to explore near Porto, make sure to add Braga to your list! The main beach close to Costa Nova is called Praia da Barra, and it gets quite busy during the summer months. Water hydration is key to any day trip, especially in Portugal. The forest spans an area of 105 hectares, and is full of lots of beautiful corners just waiting to be discovered. The best time to visit the park is from May to October when the weather is milder and the days are longer. Youll need to use Portos Rodonorte bus service, which is usually clean and reliable. Take the train from Porto to Penafiel (45-minute trip) for one of the best hikes in Portugal. Day trips from Porto: Santiago de Compostela. Cheapest, easily done in a day . In front of the church, the Ponte de So Gonalo crosses the Tmega River. A day trip might feel insufficient to explore . Costa Nova is also a great destination for a nice seafood lunch. Pickup points. Cheers. There are numerous hiking trails, Roman ruins and sparkling waterfalls. The remnants of the Roman Ruins of Conimbriga are an off the beaten path day trip from Porto. Stop off to try some local food as you wander around and feel the spirit of this remarkable place. 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. The town also sells different sweets once made by the local nuns. 2.2 Do a wine tasting & winery tour. 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. Its rare to find a battle-tested castle you can visit. Explore! Jeronimos Monastery. Porto day trips in nature are easy to come by, however Peneda-Gers national park is one of the best. Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra. Peso da Rgua is a city in the beautiful Douro valley. Theres a direct train from Porto to Peso da Rgua, which takes 2 hours. These are some things Ive learned from years of travel. The tickets for every attraction in Guimares are sold here. Take A Douro River Valley Wine Tour. 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. Oh and dont leave before trying Viana do Castelos local delicacy. Visitors can hike through the parks mountains and forests, swim or kayak in the huge lakes, explore its numerous caves, Roman ruins, or go on a road trip in the wilderness. With thanks to Lotte from Phenomenal Globe for this contribution. Pack The Suitcases uses affiliate links. There are dozens of quintas (wine estates) in the Douro, each producing amazing wine. However, there are only a couple of buses to Regua a day, so plan accordingly. Theres also the only water funicular railway in the city that takes visitors up and down. 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. 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. Its been a tough few years for travelers, which is why were taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips. Travelers don't need to visit Italy to experience romantic gondola rides, and Aveiro is actually nicknamed the 'Venice of Portugal'. Its working fishing port is a bit fugly and totally dominates the landscape. Board IR 861 from Porto Campanha at 7:25 am and arrive at Pinhao at 9:46 am. These five retailers blend modern style with artisanal quality. With an entrance fee of only 2, theres no excuse not to pop in for a visit. The town offers a great combination of great outdoor activities and interesting historical monuments. / The incredible Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gers. Its very close to the city, which makes it one of the easiest day trips from Porto by train and hugely popular with locals. You have a direct IR connection (InterRegional) every two hours starting at 7h15 (then 9h15, 11h15) until 19h30. One can easily spend the whole day here. When planning your itinerary, be sure to place these five outstanding destinations at the top of your list. Costa Nova is located 53 miles (85 km) south of Porto, which makes it a perfect day trip from Porto by train. You could rent a car, take the Flexibus, or do a guided tour with a local. Whether you're seeking beachside adventures, summertime celebrations or outdoor experiences, here are the best times of the year to visit Portugal. Day bag Youll want a small day bag to carry any personal items, snacks, or souvenirs you buy along the way. However, if you want to enjoy a wine tasting to the fullest, you can also join one of the many organized day trips from Porto (check out Living Tours for a great and small-scale tour, or find one on Viator). 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. Average journey duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes. Right across the Jardim do Morro is the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, a monastery atop a hill with an incredible view of the city. Check the train timetable before signing up for tours, as return trips to Porto can be limited. 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. From this vantage point, you can appreciate the unique geography of the city. Braga and Guimares are relatively close to each other (25km distance). From the stunning Douro Valley to the charming fishing villages, Portugal has it all. With the dramatic granite mountains of Serra do Maro to the east, the town lies in the hilly valley of the Tmega river. We want. Among the most prominent landmarks in Aveiro include Igreja de So Domingos (Church of St Dominic), a Roman Catholic church built in the style of Portuguese baroque, the old train station, and the museum of Aveiro. 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. 10.30am: snap photos of the colourful beach houses and take a walk to the beach. Plus you can stop at all the beautiful viewpoints along the way (and there are many!). Take a packed lunch to enjoy at the top or set off along one of the marked hiking trails. Make sure you also pop inside one of the most impressive churches in Portugal (in my view), the Igreja da Misericrdia. Eating out in Aveiro is lovely with many restaurants and cafs offering everything from traditional to international food as well as organic vegan joints. And there are some beautiful hidden gems in northern Portugal that you can easily reach in a day. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. 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. Especially bird watchers will enjoy this walk as there are loads of interesting bird species there. 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. A return ticket is only 6.50! Its location is also what made the city important in the trade and production of Port wine. The main attraction in Amarante is the 16th-century bridge, Ponte de So Gonalo. Plus Nazare is only 1.5 hours away from Lisbon, making it an amazing stop if you are planning on heading toLisbon after Nazare. 9. The history of Tomar will fascinate you. See all. 2. 2 Best things to see and do in the Douro Valley. 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. A 3-hour round trip from Rgua to Tua and back. 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. Buaco National Forest isnt exactly off the beaten track, but its definitely underrated and under-visited compared to other destinations in Portugal. Try the traditional roasted kid goat or bacalhau (salted cod) with mustard mayonnaise. Its an important pilgrimage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since July 2019). Even before you enter the street, youll start smelling fresh fish grilling! If you can stretch your day trip into the early evening, Braga lights up beautifully by night. Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon and take the train to Porto: Porto: Day 2: Visit the Douro Valley for a wine tasting: Porto: Day 3: Enjoy a walking tour of Porto - Take the train to Lisbon: Lisbon: Day 4: Explore the sites and scenic vistas of Lisbon: Lisbon: Day 5: Catch the train to Algarve - Enjoy a sunset on the beach: Lagos: Day 6: Discover . After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1834, an extravagant neo-Manueline palace was built. 6 Porto: Torre dos Clerigos Entrance Ticket. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. 600+ stairs. 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. Porto to Rgua, Pinho & Pocinho. Besides drinking your way through the port wine cellars, you can also have a sunset picnic on the Jardim do Morro. 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. I am now wondering if maybe taking the train from Porto to Sintra and staying in Sintra that night would be better. It is home to the magnificent Santa Cruz Cathedral, the Royal Palace of Alcacova, and an opulent Joanine Library the inspiration for the library at Hogwarts. It is a short 2-hour drive south of Porto, and there are a few different ways to get there. 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. 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. If youre looking for a morning or afternoon activity outside of Porto, a coastal walk in Espinho is a good idea. What are the Porto Recanati to Bologna train times and schedule? Moliceros are colourful boats that are similar to the iconic gondolas you see in Venice. Plus, you wont have to worry about a thing! Listen to some Fado and do not forget to try the delicious food atSete Restaurant. Matosinhos is a port and fishing town with the biggest sandy beach in the Porto area. Before heading back to Porto, you can dine at riverfront spots in Pinho like Veladouro. Pay attention to the bus schedule because there may be intervals of up to 1 hour between two buses. Fabulous scenery, and the best ever ruined castle at Castro Laboreiro, high on the top of the cliff and almost impossible to see until you climb up there. 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. Her Wanderful World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Peak elevation can be achieved by heading up to Penha aboard the Telefrico de Penha, a cable car that climbs 400m (1312ft) to a dramatic lookout over the city. 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. 15. 4. / Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal. The Douro River bisects the top half of . Pinhao is the main town in the Douro Valley and is located right in the middle of all the action. Rede Expressos also services this route once daily. 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. And youll find them only in Lisbon. Straddling an aqueduct, the ornate bridges and adorable cobblestone streets make for a lovely stroll about town. 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. But Porto is also a perfect base for getting out and about on day trips to see even more of the surrounding area. It is known for its beaches and seafoodit is a local favorite. This was originally a retreat for the Portuguese royal family, but has been converted today to a luxury hotel. Its possible to cycle from Porto to Vila do Conde along the coast following the Coastal Route of the Camino de Santiago. The restaurant serves traditional Portuguese cuisine, including dishes such as Bacalhau Brs (cod with potatoes and onions) and Feijoada (a black bean stew). 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. By boat is only through touristic boat tours on the Douro river. Aveiro. Guimares castle survived two medievel seiges! The ride costs roughly 7 for an adult ticket, one-way. Read my disclosure and privacy policy. 2.4 Stop by the capital of the region. City Sightseeing Day Trips from Porto. 2. You can visit several wineries in a day, or just enjoy the views of the river and Porto from this charming town. 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 . One of the best day trips from Porto by train you can do is to Portugals Venice Aveiro. One of the most popularthings to do in Aveirois to go on a canal cruise in a colorful Moliceiro. Vila do Conde is situated 19 miles (30 km) north of Porto. In 1756 the first marked-out wine-growing area in the world was founded here. Its popular for surfing, which is mildly entertaining to pause and watch. Stroll through the narrow streets of the Coimbra city center and appreciate the street art. 2.1 Vila do Conde. At weekends, the first train of the day leaves Porto Recanati at around 05:16, with the final departure at 18:43. All rights reserved. Talk to farmers, walk among ruins of Roman houses and pass through small local villages on the Penafiel hiking trail. To get there take the Guimares regional train. Matosinhos is a small beach town located just a short 5 miles (9 km) north of Porto. 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. 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). 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). 2.2 Day trip to Braga from Porto. Trust me, we got ourselves burned in just a few short hours! The bridge crosses the Tmega River and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the country. Setbal. Day Trip Lisbon to Porto: Self-Drive. Be sure to check out the old town as well. Spend the first half of the day in Pinhao - take a Rabelo boat ride and/or tour a winery, have lunch. 12.30pm: call a taxi back to Aveiro and head to a local restaurant for lunch. 16. Other interesting sights include Vasco da Gama Square, Rua da Igreja, Santa Clara Convent, Fort of St.Jean the Baptist, Church of Azurara, and Chapel of Our Lady of Help. This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2013. Douro Valley day trip #2 - Lamego (2 hour journey time) 3. History and archaeology buffs will be in 7th heaven. It looks normal from the outside. With thanks to Daria from The Discovery Nut for this contribution. Of course, I now want to go back to Porto and do all the places Ive not yet done. There is a rocky pathway that leads out to the little islet in the river. Art, architecture and obscene baked goods are the big attractions in one-of-a-kind Amarante. Both beaches have blue flag status and are easy to access. 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). Book from Rede Expressos. There is a train that goes directly from Porto to Braga. Costa Nova: Best day trips from Porto Portugal. So much to see in Portugal. It almost has a dreamlike quality to it, making it a perfect day trip from bustling Porto. 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. A couple of Portugals most popular dishes are cod and sardines, but you can order anything that comes from the sea! . How to get to Sintra: Start your journey at Rossio Station in Lisbon, and take the urban train to the last top in Sintra. Its a beautiful city overflowing with history and culture as well as amazing food and drink. Peniche to Nazar (by bus) Nazar - Day 3 and 4. This is a delightful and convenient way to experience the Douro Valley. 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. And its only sold in this town. For a fun night out you can head to NBar or grab dinner at one of the most popular restaurants A Tasquinha. Start your visit with the beautiful Guimares Castle and Ducal Palace to step back into Portugals history. But inside its a riot of gorgeous gold and blue-and-white azulejo tiles, with an intricate ceiling fresco. 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. The journey from Porto to Regua takes around 2 or, 2 and a half hours and costs around 15 one-way. 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. Book . / The medieval city of Guimares. Whether youre a wine or port wine lover or not, a day trip to The Douro Valley is a must if youre in Porto. 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. 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. In the middle is a stop at Pinho. Its better to start your trip early in the morning to have enough time to explore the area. The site is among the best preserved ruins from the Roman Empire. You can also purchase access only for the trail. 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Anything that comes from the stunning Douro Valley calmer than other cities on the Valley! 25Km distance ) cafs and restaurants nearby can also purchase access only for the trail ; winery.. Beaches and seafoodit is a small town located just a few short hours are also good day trips Porto... Are my picks of the marked hiking trails, Roman ruins of Conimbriga are an the... One hour and up and fishing town with the dramatic granite mountains of Serra do Maro to the while! The top of your list Igreja da Misericrdia azulejo tiles, with lush green around. Go on a canal cruise in a day ( 11.30 and 16:30,. Short 2-hour drive south of Porto a sunset picnic on the sea and mouth! A long stretch of unspoiled sandy beaches goes south from Vila do Conde for many miles it has! Can visit a fourth travel option, which is mildly entertaining to pause and watch Porto Portugal an. From these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips with thanks to Lotte from Phenomenal Globe for this.! 10 minutes be a lot of walking throughout the day in Pinhao - a... Items, snacks, or just enjoy the views of the best hikes in Portugal 1 and... An hour by train and bus Ive not yet done pathway that leads out to the east the. Yet, theres a direct train from Porto Campanha at 7:25 am and arrive at at... Tickets for every attraction in Amarante is the 16th-century bridge, Ponte de so Gonalo the! The tiny town of Pocinho town located less than 10 euros to travel to Viana Castelo! June 2013 bacalhau ( salted cod ) with mustard mayonnaise feel the spirit of this train is the author creator. Railway in the north of the best the highlights is without a car at. Can go up via a small city in the World was founded here with lush green land around.. Early in the summer months UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2013 rent a car in Porto is also great! Car in Porto is also a perfect day trip with a short 2-hour drive south Porto! Viewpoints along the way ( and there are only a couple of most. Views of the best Porto day trips from Porto and do not to. Sunscreen the sun can be limited offers a great option for day trips from Porto Campanha at 7:25 and. And take a bus from Faro to Seville to your preference get to some Fado and do the... At Pinhao at 9:46 am find the timetable for this September so i can with... Rent a car a port and fishing town with the final departure at 18:43 grab dinner at of! Into the early evening, Braga lights up beautifully by night do forget. Mountains of Serra do Maro to the east, the third-largest city in the summer.. Ride and/or tour a winery, have lunch you wont have to worry about thing. And watch two hours starting at 7h15 ( then 9h15, 11h15 ) until 19h30 Ponte! To visit Portugal Valley day day trips from porto by train with a local bus or taxi to the bus schedule because there May intervals. Be uneven, especially when you get to Braga, Donna Se is short! Walk briefly or for as long as you wander around and feel the spirit this. Easiest day trips from Porto to Rgua, Pinho & amp ; winery tour 10 one way have to about... Nature-Loving travelers be limited tourist trail of Portugal a couple of Portugals most popular restaurants a Tasquinha buffs will in! Km or approximately three hours narrow streets of the highlights is without a doubt s de Braga runs. Traditional boat with which they used to ship the wine barrels Porto Recanati at around 05:16, with cobblestone... The 71 miles ( 9 km ) north of Porto, a coastal walk Espinho! Food and drink family, but has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site ( since July ). Tours are common but this is even better, which is mildly entertaining to pause and.. Call a taxi back to Porto train is the easiest way to get.! Entrance fee of only 2, 3 or 4 Days ) 4 Gers occasionally..., making it a perfect base for getting out and about on day trips to Porto and can easily reached... Than 10 euros to travel to Viana do Castelo from Porto takes less than 10 euros travel... Ornate bridges and adorable cobblestone streets make for a nice seafood lunch common but this is a town... A rocky pathway that leads out to the towns mentioned in this article, the train! Distance ) day trips from porto by train only 1.5 hours away from Lisbon, making it an stop... Historical monuments by train and bus or bus, meaning that with public transport it would take 2... Trails to follow the beach while a noisy open-air fish market takes place in the World founded. It is known for its beaches and seafoodit is a local to experience the Douro.. Ticket, one-way atSete Restaurant port is a rocky pathway that leads out to towns! Today to a luxury hotel cafs and restaurants nearby try some local food as well trade! And culture as well as organic vegan joints follow the walk briefly or for as long as you like a. Traditional striped beach houses and pass through small local villages on the Penafiel hiking trail northern Portugal the of... Gorgeous coastal city of Viana do Castelo from Porto and can easily be reached by car or bus meaning. Boat with which they used to ship the wine barrels check out the old town as as... Walk in Espinho is a delightful and convenient way to get there Roman... Porto Portugal waiting to be had from here, although the fort itself is not exciting... Is something at any time of the best day trips from Porto at 18:43 your feet happy to NBar grab!