The small town was also the birthplace of Portugals first king, Afonso Henriques. We want. The main attraction in Amarante is the 16th-century bridge, Ponte de So Gonalo. Express trains from Porto Campanha take about 1 hour to get to Coimbra-B. 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. From the vibrant nightlife of Lisbon to the beaches of the Algarve, here's our pick of the best places to go. 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. Travel back in time and jump onboard an old and beautifully restored tram to see all the sights and sounds of the city. It is a short 2-hour drive south of Porto, and there are a few different ways to get there. Read our Privacy Policy. 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. This ancient and walled arboretum is home to one of the finest dendrological collections in Europe. If you would prefer to visit Guimares with a local guide, check out this small-group tour that also includes a stop in Braga! Stroll through the narrow streets of the Coimbra city center and appreciate the street art. While the average ticket price for this route costs around $11 (9), you can find the cheapest train ticket for as low . Even more, traveling by train or bus is also very affordable. Taking a day trip from Porto by train is easy and convenient. It looks normal from the outside. The Parque Florestal de Amarante contains hundreds of exotic trees and has playgrounds, aviaries, and a deer enclosure. This includes Lindoso, where you can see a 13th-century castle that played a key role in Portugals Restoration War. 10.30am: snap photos of the colourful beach houses and take a walk to the beach. Douro Valley day trip #3 - Vila Real (2 hour journey time) 4. 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. The remnants of the Roman Ruins of Conimbriga are an off the beaten path day trip from Porto. The ride takes 1 hour from So Bento Station. However, there are only a couple of buses to Regua a day, so plan accordingly. Walking along the narrow cobbled streets of Vila do Conde is the best way to explore the town. A trip to Braga from Porto takes less than an hour by train, making it one of the easiest day trips from Porto. You can also combine your day trip with a short trip to Costa Nova to see the traditional striped beach houses. With its castle on a hilltop, myriad old churches and winding medieval cobbled streets, the city is straight out of a fairytale. Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra. 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. Buaco National Forest isnt exactly off the beaten track, but its definitely underrated and under-visited compared to other destinations in Portugal. After taking some photographs, you can hike back down to the centre of Guimares. 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. By train to Faro, bus to Seville. You can also purchase access only for the trail. 2pm: take a moliceiros ride along the canal. You might also like my other Portugal posts: If youd like an email alert when I publish a new post, subscribe using the box at the side (if youre on a laptop) or at the bottom (if youre on a mobile or tablet). Enjoy a stroll on the seaside promenade or hang out at the largest sandy beach in the Porto District. 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. Alternatively, you can head to Veladouro in Pinho for a delicious lunch, right before taking a river cruise. Its a perfect place for break from the city. You can also grab a ticket on the Hop-On-Hop-Off Yellow bus tour where Matosihnos is a stop! A 3-hour round trip from Rgua to Tua and back. 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. So, its definitely worth a day trip from Porto by train. Torro is a good place for dinner with a view of the river. Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. Opening hours are between 8:30 and 18:30. Pay attention to the bus schedule because there may be intervals of up to 1 hour between two buses. Theyre quite dramatic against the mountainous backdrop. 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. One of the most popularthings to do in Aveirois to go on a canal cruise in a colorful Moliceiro. Other interesting sites in Braga city centre are the Castle of Braga and the beautiful Arco da Porta Nova. Make sure your feet are well-protected as there will be a lot of walking throughout the day. 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. There is a rocky pathway that leads out to the little islet in the river. Activities You Can't Miss: Paiva walkways. When shes not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. Made with only two ingredients, egg yolks, and sugar, its cooked in a special pan, sliced, and served with cinnamon and lemon. Make sure to pack a water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout your journey! ), and walk by the sand dunes to the beach. In the winter you can of course head to one of the many beaches in town. Restaurant O Calgalho at the bay serves traditional Portuguese food prepared in an excellent way. How to get to Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gers: Public transport is scarce in Gers, so hire a car or join a guided tour. . It almost has a dreamlike quality to it, making it a perfect day trip from bustling Porto. Jeronimos Monastery. Cant wait to go to Portugal! 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. day trips from porto. This beauty showcases some of the finest architecture in the country, with design styles from many centuries. Its rare to find a battle-tested castle you can visit. The Golden Triangle of Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca . Guimares is a small town northeast of Porto. Day Trips in Porto: Check out 613 verified reviews and photos of Viator's Best of Braga and Guimaraes Day Trip from Porto . Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal and as such you can find many historic buildings in the gorgeous city centre. 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. Book the best day trips from Porto, Portugal directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Romantic Day Trips from Porto for Couples - Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, River Cruise and Lunch. The train leaves from Braga train station and takes about 1 hour to get back to So Bento Train Station in Porto. Whether you're seeking beachside adventures, summertime celebrations or outdoor experiences, here are the best times of the year to visit Portugal. In fact, one of the most appealing day trips is over the border to the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. If you choose to rent a car in Portugal, youll just need your U.S. drivers license and not stay more than 185 days. You can also visit the So Gonalo church and monastery for more river views. Visitors can enjoy swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing, and walking on boardwalks along the beach. Guimares castle survived two medievel seiges! Escape the worst of the cold this winter by heading to Europes southern reaches, where the wam sun shines year round. Here's one highly-rated private Porto day trip from Lisbon that shows considerably more than the others. FlixBus operates a bus from Porto to Nazar twice daily. Eating out in Aveiro is lovely with many restaurants and cafs offering everything from traditional to international food as well as organic vegan joints. 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 Douro River cuts through the rolling green hills and offers magical landscapes. You wont be disappointed. Caroline Rowe, Pack The Suitcases, 2016-2023. 4. 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. Vila do Conde, a charming coastal town at the mouth of the Ave River is a perfect place for a day trip from Porto. 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. Top Experiences in Porto. There is no direct train or bus, meaning that with public transport it would take over 2 hours to wait for connections. Book the Arouca Bridge and/or Paiva Walkways + Aveiro and Costa Nova tour from Porto. Its possible to cycle from Porto to Vila do Conde along the coast following the Coastal Route of the Camino de Santiago. Train station Viana do Castelo. 10am: arrive in Aveiro and hail a taxi to Costa Nova. The local fishing industry means that there are plenty of cafs serving fresh seafood straight off the boats. 12.30pm: call a taxi back to Aveiro and head to a local restaurant for lunch. Explore! 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. Oh and dont leave before trying Viana do Castelos local delicacy. Located along the bank of the Sado River, Setubal is known for its fishing industry, especially for sardines. The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. The Douro Valley region is a mandatory visit for those who travel to Porto. A return ticket is only 6.50! The University of Coimbra was established in 1290 and to this day attracts many Portuguese as well as international students. History and archaeology buffs will be in 7th heaven. Guimares plays a central role in the nations history as the first capital of Portugal. The Douro Valley is famous for its vineyards and incredibly dramatic landscapes, from the winding river to the towering cliffs above. Costa Nova is located 53 miles (85 km) south of Porto, which makes it a perfect day trip from Porto by train. With a storied history and an old university that provided inspiration for Harry Potter, Coimbra makes for an interesting travel destination. In front of the church, the Ponte de So Gonalo crosses the Tmega River. Popular day trips 1) Braga 2) Guimares 3) Douro Valley 4) Aveiro 5) Matosinhos 6) Coimbra. Whatever you do, make sure to try the seafood in Matosinhos. 2. Near the plazas, youll find the Padro do Salado monument and the Chapel of So Nicolau. You have a direct IR connection (InterRegional) every two hours starting at 7h15 (then 9h15, 11h15) until 19h30. Related articles: Where to Stay in Porto - The Best Areas The Best Things to do in Porto How to Get There: A train runs from Campanha Station to Aveiro Station. If you can stretch your day trip into the early evening, Braga lights up beautifully by night. The vines are grown on trellises above the ground so that crops can be cultivated underneath. Whether youre planning to take day trips from Porto by train, bus, or car, there is no shortage of amazing destinations. Besides drinking your way through the port wine cellars, you can also have a sunset picnic on the Jardim do Morro. A more realistic day trip (or trips) is the sights to the west of Lisbon, especially Sintra. Its right on the sea and the mouth of the river Lima, with lush green land around it. This is the unassuming home of bolas de berlim, the Portuguese version of the custard-filled Berliner doughnut. You can see how Portuguese traditional clothes were made and evolved over the years. 2 one way or 3 r/t. Portugal's most scenic train ride takes you along the Douro Valley from Porto (Portugal's second city) to Rgua, Pinho & Pocinho. Porto Tourism Porto Hotels Porto Bed and Breakfast Porto Holiday Rentals Porto Packages Flights to Porto Porto Restaurants Porto Attractions Porto Travel Forum Porto Pictures Porto Map Porto . Tomar sits just 2 hours by car and 124 miles (200 km) south of Porto. Their work is displayed in the Municipal Museum, which is in a renovated convent. 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. You can easily do Braga as a day trip from Porto, especially if you aren't including Guimaraes. 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. 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. See all. The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. Explore Porto by tram. Renting a car in Porto is a great way to explore some of the off-the-beaten-track destinations nearby. Very enjoyable, thanks. 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. Stop off to try some local food as you wander around and feel the spirit of this remarkable place. So start planning your day trip from Porto and have an amazing time! With thanks to Chrysoula from Travel Passionate for this contribution. 3 Porto Card with Transportation (1, 2, 3 or 4 Days) 4 Porto: Palcio da Bolsa Guided Tour. Its also the best way to explore multiple destinations in one day, as youll have full control over your schedule and route. With thanks to Lotte from Phenomenal Globe for this contribution. Start time. The city is located on the banks of the river Douro. Here are my picks of the best day trips from Porto by train and bus. By boat is only through touristic boat tours on the Douro river. Braga - 54 km or approximately 45 minutes. There are plenty of small independent shops to browse before finding a caf in one of the bustling squares for lunch. The best way to get to Coimbra from Porto is by train. 2.5 Visit the Archaeological Park of the Coa Valley. 2.3 Guimaraes. Its very close to the city, which makes it one of the easiest day trips from Porto by train and hugely popular with locals. 2.6 Check out the city of Lamego. 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. Seeing the city skyline and the hills with vineyards from the water gives a whole new perspective. 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. There is of course, a fourth travel option, which is to use buses to do various day trips from Porto. We briefly spent some time in Lisbon and it just wasnt enough! Though Portugal is a walkable country, it doesnt mean the trekking is easy (aka MANY hills!). 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. Amarante is called home of the artists as several early 20th-century Portuguese artists were born there, including the popular expressionist, Antonio Carneiro. Just outside of Braga, you can find Bom Jesus do Monte, which is possibly even more impressive than S de Braga. When youre exploring multiple destinations on one day trip from Porto, make sure to pack lightly only bringing the absolute essentials. Trust me, we got ourselves burned in just a few short hours! If you want to do a unique day trip from Porto,Buaco National Forest is the place to do so! Located only 1.5 hours away from Porto, one of the best Porto day trips is a visit to the Douro River Valley. 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 . 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 . Lastly, make sure to not miss the special sweet, Fatias de Tomar (Tomar Slices). This will make it easier to change trains and buses quickly, as you wont have too much luggage to lug around. Small cafs and restaurants dotting the town sell delicious pastries, coffee and other Portuguese delicacies. This is a delightful and convenient way to experience the Douro Valley. 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. Several restaurants line the plazas so you have plenty of options. Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. The city can be reached by car, public transit, and boat. One of the best things about visiting Nazare is that there is something at any time of the year. Check the train timetable before signing up for tours, as return trips to Porto can be limited. Select a pickup point. 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. 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