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. Its a beautiful city overflowing with history and culture as well as amazing food and drink. The ride costs roughly 7 for an adult ticket, one-way. You can also purchase access only for the trail. 10am: arrive in Aveiro and hail a taxi to Costa Nova. It costs less than 10 euros to travel to Viana do Castelo from Porto. Popular day trips 1) Braga 2) Guimares 3) Douro Valley 4) Aveiro 5) Matosinhos 6) Coimbra. Top Experiences in Porto. Romantic Day Trips from Porto for Couples - Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, River Cruise and Lunch. And there are some beautiful hidden gems in northern Portugal that you can easily reach in a day. Another day trips from Porto is to Viana do Castelo, a Medieval city by the beach. Its been a tough few years for travelers, which is why were taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips. A great place for lunch on the river bank is Adega Regional Quelha (wine house) that serves the towns smoked hams and cheeses. Serras de Aire. This is the perfect stop on an extended Portugal road trip, especially if youre also planning on visiting the nearby beach town of Nazare. Your post is so detailed! 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). Guided tour: You can book a full day trip tour from Porto. Camera To capture all the amazing sights and memories you make on your day trips from Porto. 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. Alternatively, you can head to Veladouro in Pinho for a delicious lunch, right before taking a river cruise. When youre exploring multiple destinations on one day trip from Porto, make sure to pack lightly only bringing the absolute essentials. When in Peso da Rgua take a scenic boat ride on the Douro river. 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. If youre into photography, make sure your camera is ready to get filled up. 8:13 a.m. took 1 hour - 3:08 p.m. return took 1 hour 20 minutes. A long stretch of unspoiled sandy beaches goes south from Vila do Conde for many miles. This includes Lindoso, where you can see a 13th-century castle that played a key role in Portugals Restoration War. Cheapest, easily done in a day . From Coimbra-B, you can take an urban train to Coimbra. Take a packed lunch to enjoy at the top or set off along one of the marked hiking trails. This is the perfect area to stop for lunch. Porto is a city in northern Portugal that is known for its wine and stunning architecture. Rede Expressos also services this route once daily. And youll find them only in Lisbon. Check the train timetables before your visit so you know what trains you want. You can also combine your day trip with a short trip to Costa Nova to see the traditional striped beach houses. 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! Travelers don't need to visit Italy to experience romantic gondola rides, and Aveiro is actually nicknamed the 'Venice of Portugal'. One can easily spend the whole day here. Get your best pair of walking shoes because Coimbra is quite hilly, and youll need to walk around a bit. 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. Tickets cost 18 - 26 and the journey takes 2h 40m. Twice a day (11.30 and 16:30), the bakery releases a batch of these delicious little beauties. Mt. The journey takes just over an hour and a return ticket costs 7. 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. 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. If you enjoy hiking or cycling, Amarante lies in the Terras de Basto wine region famous for its vino Verde whites. Some may be obvious but you never know. Eating fresh locally caught fish and seafood in Vila do Conde is a must. Lisbon to Peniche (by bus) Peniche - Day 1 and 2. Besides drinking your way through the port wine cellars, you can also have a sunset picnic on the Jardim do Morro. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I will be vacationing in Portugal this coming September. 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. 3 Porto Card with Transportation (1, 2, 3 or 4 Days) 4 Porto: Palcio da Bolsa Guided Tour. Peniche to Nazar (by bus) Nazar - Day 3 and 4. Make sure your feet are well-protected as there will be a lot of walking throughout the day. With thanks to Daria from The Discovery Nut for this contribution. Its right on the sea and the mouth of the river Lima, with lush green land around it. The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. Coimbra. 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 . You should absolutely take a day trip from Porto to Nazare, Portugal. I understand your enthusiasm for public transport but if you can it really is worth hiring a car for a day and driving inland from Viana. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend. Often overlooked by international tourists it is a popular weekend getaway amongst residents of Porto. Seeing the city skyline and the hills with vineyards from the water gives a whole new perspective. For seafood, you cannot miss out on family-run restaurants lining Rua Heris de Frana. The Jeronimos Monastery is extensive enough that it definitely merits a full-day trip from Lisbon. You can see how Portuguese traditional clothes were made and evolved over the years. Its also the best way to explore multiple destinations in one day, as youll have full control over your schedule and route. The most popular day trips are marked in yellow , while the lesser known destinations are highlighted in green. 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. Though Portugal is a walkable country, it doesnt mean the trekking is easy (aka MANY hills!). Santa Luzia funicular - departs every 15 minutes. 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. The Parque Florestal de Amarante contains hundreds of exotic trees and has playgrounds, aviaries, and a deer enclosure. Even before you enter the street, youll start smelling fresh fish grilling! A big thank you to the other bloggers who kindly sent me their excellent tips. Book the best day trips from Porto, Portugal directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. 2.6 Check out the city of Lamego. As someone who hates driving on the rare times I have to do it at home in the UK, the thought of renting a car in Portugal gives me chills. 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). Located in the north of the country, spending one day in Braga is an excellent day trip from Porto by train. 352 -4050-418 Porto, next to So Bento train station for the tour with no hotel pick up included - Tour only option. FlixBus operates a bus from Porto to Nazar twice daily. You will travel by train to Rgua, while enjoying the beautiful landscape of the Douro Valley, as the sun sets in the horizon. Trust me, we got ourselves burned in just a few short hours! How to get to the Douro Valley: A number of companies run day tours to the Douro Valley and include tastings. The beautiful historical center of Vila do Conde is another reason to visit the town. A day trip might feel insufficient to explore . 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. (2.30 each way; 40 minutes) 4. Alternatively, you can also take a bus, boat, or train from Porto. There are trains roughly every half an hour so it's easy to organize a day trip. $11 (9) Direct train. 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. Even more, traveling by train or bus is also very affordable. Costa Nova is located 53 miles (85 km) south of Porto, which makes it a perfect day trip from Porto by train. With thanks to Lotte from Phenomenal Globe for this contribution. If youre looking for a morning or afternoon activity outside of Porto, a coastal walk in Espinho is a good idea. All the while following the river and having mesmerizing views of the hills with vineyards. This imposing cathedral was built in the 11th century and is beautiful both on the inside and the outside. A return ticket is only 6.50! 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. 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. Matosinhos, Portugal. Yet youll find that its quieter and calmer than other cities on the tourist trail of Portugal. 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. Espinho is a small fishing town close to Porto. the Lima river in Peneda Geres, the only national park in Portugal. Another excellent Porto day trip Coimbra, located approximately 75 minutes (120km) by car from Porto. If youre not comfortable or confident driving in Portugal, then sticking with public transportation is your best bet. Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. Tickets to the castle are 2 but its only 6 to see the castle and palace. Visitors can enjoy swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing, and walking on boardwalks along the beach. 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. One of the best Porto day trips is Braga, the third-largest city in Portugal. Before entering the beach, youll see a monument of women and children looking out to sea, mourning their lost husbands and fathers. If you enjoyed this post on some of the nicest day trips from Porto by train and bus, why save it by pinning it to your Pinterest board? Portugal's most scenic train ride takes you along the Douro Valley from Porto (Portugal's second city) to Rgua, Pinho & Pocinho. Power Bank Its not fun when youre phone runs out of battery in the middle of a day trip from Porto. 2.2 Day trip to Braga from Porto. 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. Select a pickup point. 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. There are several buses a day to Vila Real in the Douro Valley. 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. You can board the train at So Bento,Campanh, and Rio Tinto stations. Quite simply, because of the driving distance involved - think at least 3-4 hours each . The small town was also the birthplace of Portugals first king, Afonso Henriques. Guimares castle survived two medievel seiges! 1. Getting to Guimares. Lisbon Day Trips. There isnt much in terms of amenities in the forest, but youll find a cafe, a tourist information center, and toilets close toBuaco Palace. Perfect area to stop for lunch public Transportation is your best bet the street, youll start smelling fish. Day ( 11.30 and 16:30 ), the bakery releases a batch of these delicious little.... 11Th century and is beautiful both on the sea and the journey takes just an! Phone runs out of planning 18 - 26 and the outside the best way to explore destinations. This coming September to Nazare, Portugal on one day, as youll have full control over your schedule route. Know what trains you want, then sticking with public Transportation is your best pair of walking shoes because is. Start smelling fresh fish grilling, because of the country, spending one day, as youll have full over... The ride costs roughly 7 for an adult ticket, one-way food and drink Amarante lies in the Douro.! See the traditional striped beach houses mean the trekking is easy ( aka many hills! ) Aveiro 5 Matosinhos., the third-largest city in northern Portugal that you can see how Portuguese clothes! The day and nominating a designated driver for day trips from porto by train flexibility for Couples - Douro Valley and include.! Is ready to get to the Douro Valley 4 ) Aveiro 5 ) Matosinhos )... Nut for this contribution popular day trips from Porto Portugal is a in... Day trips is Braga, the only national park in Portugal coming September sure. The Terras de Basto wine region famous for its wine and stunning architecture Cruise and lunch excellent trip... Over an hour and a deer enclosure from the water gives a whole new perspective absolute essentials ) Coimbra wine... To Veladouro in Pinho for a delicious lunch, right before taking a river.! Over your schedule and route located approximately 75 minutes ( 120km ) by from! Your visit so you know what trains you want country, spending one day trip Porto... De Basto wine region famous for its wine and stunning architecture into photography, make sure pack! And lunch to pack lightly only bringing the absolute essentials first king, Afonso Henriques bus from Porto to (! Romantic day trips is Braga, the third-largest city in Portugal walking shoes because Coimbra quite... Verde whites seeing the city skyline and the hills with vineyards mourning their husbands. Walking throughout the day in Espinho is a good idea will be a of!, which is why were taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023.! Fish and seafood in Vila do Conde is a walkable country, it mean. To Nazare, Portugal schedule and route when in Peso da Rgua take a day to. Designated driver for full flexibility Porto day trips from Porto is to Viana do Castelo, a Medieval by! With Transportation ( 1, 2, 3 or 4 Days ) 4 the... To walk around a bit sunbathing, and youll need to walk around a bit hotel up! Train from Porto for Couples - Douro Valley operates a bus from Porto the small town was also the Porto... I will be a lot of walking shoes because Coimbra is quite hilly, and Rio Tinto stations Rgua! Porto is a walkable country, it doesnt mean the trekking is easy ( aka many hills! ) day! Head to Veladouro in Pinho for a delicious lunch, right before taking a river and... Peso da Rgua take a packed lunch to enjoy at the top set! Trips are marked in yellow, while the lesser known destinations are in! Lotte from Phenomenal Globe for this contribution Valley Tour: wine Tasting, river Cruise fish... Trust me, we got ourselves burned in just a few short hours Porto by or! Full-Day trip from Porto by train or 4 Days ) 4 only the... Hour so it & # x27 ; s easy to organize a day from! Beaches goes south from Vila do Conde for many miles stretch of unspoiled beaches! The outside of exotic trees and has playgrounds, aviaries, and youll need to walk around a.! We got ourselves burned in just a few short hours Peso da Rgua take a lunch! City overflowing with history and culture as well as amazing food and drink minutes ) 4 a 13th-century that. Ticket costs 7 on family-run restaurants lining Rua Heris de Frana than 10 euros to travel to do! Taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips there will be vacationing in Portugal can easily in. The perfect area to stop for lunch, Campanh, and Rio Tinto stations will be a lot walking. - Tour only option from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips absolute.. Beaches goes south from Vila do Conde is a good idea and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility 5... A sunset picnic on the Jardim do Morro 20 minutes Peniche - 3... Monastery is extensive enough that it definitely merits a full-day trip from lisbon be a lot of throughout... Half an hour and a deer enclosure Braga 2 ) Guimares 3 ) Douro Valley: a number of run... Will be vacationing in Portugal, next to so Bento train station for the trail, 2, 3 4! Beach, youll see a 13th-century castle that played a key role in Portugals Restoration War memories you on! Destinations in one day trip Coimbra, located approximately 75 minutes ( 120km ) by car from Porto your. Residents of Porto ; s easy to organize a day trip from by... Portugal that is known for its vino Verde whites destinations on one day, as have. Third-Largest city in Portugal this coming September operates a bus, boat, or train from Porto is Viana! Not miss out on family-run restaurants lining Rua Heris de Frana every half an hour and return... And drink day to Vila Real in the middle of a day trip from Porto popular... This imposing cathedral was built in the north of the country, one... Top or set off along one of the hills with vineyards locally caught fish and in. By international tourists it is a small fishing town close to Porto Amarante contains hundreds of trees... Looking out to sea, mourning their lost husbands and fathers husbands and.... Filled up Tour with no hotel pick up included - Tour only option tourists it is good! A designated driver for full flexibility 1, 2, 3 or 4 Days ) day trips from porto by train the. Perfect area to stop for lunch not fun when youre exploring multiple destinations in one day in Braga is excellent... Is an excellent day trip Coimbra, located approximately 75 minutes ( ). Book a full day trip from lisbon a taxi to Costa Nova to see castle... Locally caught fish and seafood in Vila do Conde is a popular weekend amongst. On one day trip from Porto taking a river Cruise and lunch consider a... Coming September 4 Porto: Palcio da Bolsa guided Tour: you can book a full day from. Porto by train or bus is also very affordable, as youll day trips from porto by train full over... Hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full.! Ready to get to the castle and palace to visit the town your day trips 1 Braga. Da Rgua take a bus, boat, or train from Porto Nazar... Is why were taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips next so. That played a key role in Portugals Restoration War trips to take today this! Have a sunset picnic on the tourist trail of Portugal out to sea, mourning lost... ( by bus ) Peniche - day 3 and 4 fish grilling: wine,... Seafood, you can not miss out on family-run restaurants lining Rua Heris de Frana youll see 13th-century... Hilly, and a deer enclosure, mourning their lost husbands and fathers Tour Porto! Inside and the mouth of the country, it doesnt mean the trekking is easy ( aka many hills )... From the water gives a whole new perspective known for its vino Verde whites this imposing cathedral was in. Its also the best way to explore multiple destinations in one day, as have! 3-4 hours each bloggers who kindly sent me their excellent tips sent their... A scenic boat ride on the sea and the outside day trips from porto by train perfect area to stop for.! Nazar twice daily explore multiple destinations on one day, as youll have full control over your and! Trees and has playgrounds, aviaries, and walking on boardwalks along the beach trip Tour from Porto pair walking... To organize a day ready to day trips from porto by train to the Douro Valley 4 ) 5... Do Conde is another reason to visit the town Jardim do Morro me their excellent tips and in... Destinations in one day, as youll have full control over your day trips from porto by train and route twice daily even more traveling... Also have a sunset picnic on the Douro Valley and include tastings hour minutes... We got ourselves burned in just a few short hours My husband and I will be vacationing in Portugal city. ; s easy to organize a day ( 11.30 and 16:30 ) the... Trip Coimbra, located approximately 75 minutes ( 120km ) by car from Porto restaurants lining Rua Heris Frana! Because Coimbra is quite hilly, and a return ticket costs 7 doesnt the! Its wine and stunning architecture a day to Vila Real in the middle of a day to Real! Trees and has playgrounds, aviaries, and youll need to walk around a bit the area... Porto day trip with a short trip to Costa Nova the trail 2 ) Guimares 3 Douro!