And just as the city is named, you can expect . 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 . You can also visit the So Gonalo church and monastery for more river views. Additionally, theres a nice childrens playground in the park with a typical snack bar serving ice cream, coffee, and light bites that looks out over one of the beautiful bridges crossing the Nabo River running through town. Often simply referred to as Gers, the park covers a series of mountain ranges and spills over the Spanish border. The lowdown on Europes best spring break spots from Mediterranean island beach escapes to Norways waterfall-splashed fjords. But thats not all. Its popular for surfing, which is mildly entertaining to pause and watch. Explore Porto by tram. Round trip train from Sao Bento to Viana 16.00 & (senior) 10.50. Back in Braga, Donna Se is a lovely place to have lunch. / The medieval city of Guimares. It is known for its beaches and seafoodit is a local favorite. To this day you can still see some of the chapels dotted around the forest. So I wanted to share with you some of my favourite day trips from Porto by train (and a few by bus) that Ive enjoyed. Aveiro. 6. If youre staying for longer than a few days or returning to Porto for a second visit, a few day trips would be well worth it. Pour yourself a wine and lets get planning. Back in the day, these wooden boats were used to remove algae from the canal but fell into disuse once the process was automated. Fabled Sintra is just a 30-minute drive from the bustle of city life, making it one of the most popular and convenient day trips from Lisbon. Vila do Conde is a pretty town just north of Porto. 2.6 Check out the city of Lamego. . 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. 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. . Walking through the cobblestoned streets, peeking into small artisan shops, and visiting museums and of course the S de Aveiro (the cathedral.). 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. 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. The route stretches all the way to Vila Nova de Gaia back in Porto. The University of Coimbra was established in 1290 and to this day attracts many Portuguese as well as international students. All rights reserved. 12.30pm: call a taxi back to Aveiro and head to a local restaurant for lunch. . This will make it easier to change trains and buses quickly, as you wont have too much luggage to lug around. 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 following tours provide suggested routes for a one-week touring holiday using public transport; 1-week tour with a focus on the beaches. You can even spot the port wine lodges from up there! Located in the north of the country, spending one day in Braga is an excellent day trip from Porto by train. 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. When booking your Portugal car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. Straddling an aqueduct, the ornate bridges and adorable cobblestone streets make for a lovely stroll about town. You can also marvel at the intricate layout of this planned city by starting in the town square, Praa da Repblica, and working your way up and down the gridded streets. Especially bird watchers will enjoy this walk as there are loads of interesting bird species there. / The incredible Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gers. It was here that McNamara beat the world record for the largest wave ever surfed. In fact, one of the most appealing day trips is over the border to the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. Looks like Ive just added a few new spots to my bucket list. When in Peso da Rgua take a scenic boat ride on the Douro river. 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! Make sure to pack a water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout your journey! Thanks! 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. Here's one highly-rated private Porto day trip from Lisbon that shows considerably more than the others. Check the train timetable before signing up for tours, as return trips to Porto can be limited. The ride takes 1 hour from So Bento Station. Your day trips from Porto definitely aren't limited to destinations within Portugal. Today, Catholics from all around the world come to visit the small town and the Shrine of Fatima. How to eat well, go sightseeing, get around and even take a day trip for under 300 euros. Braga is a pedestrian-friendly city with atmospheric cafes, boutiques and striking water features seamlessly woven into the ancient cityscape. Hassle-free option: Book this half-day tour with a cruise. It looks beautiful. 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. Plus Nazare is only 1.5 hours away from Lisbon, making it an amazing stop if you are planning on heading toLisbon after Nazare. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites owner is strictly prohibited. The Douro River bisects the top half of . The city is located on the banks of the river Douro. 2.8 Chill out at Congida Beach. You can easily do Braga as a day trip from Porto, especially if you aren't including Guimaraes. Whatever you do, make sure to try the seafood in Matosinhos. Hmmm, as for ice cream and dessert, surprisingly we didn't . Theres also the only water funicular railway in the city that takes visitors up and down. / The old city of Braga. The restaurant also has a bar that serves local beers and wines. 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). / The iconic Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. 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. So much to see in Portugal. village of . The cost is 7,00 for 24 hrs, or 15,00 for 72 hrs (consecutive). Located along the bank of the Sado River, Setubal is known for its fishing industry, especially for sardines. Buaco National Forest isnt exactly off the beaten track, but its definitely underrated and under-visited compared to other destinations in Portugal. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. 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). 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 . Fatima is a small town located less than 2 hours south of Porto and can easily be reached by car or bus. 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. Book . The town offers a great combination of great outdoor activities and interesting historical monuments. Contents [ hide] 1 Best travel modes for these trips around Porto. Here's a sample itinerary for a day trip to Douro Valley from Porto by train. 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. 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 Costa Nova is a beach area located just outside of Aveiro. 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. 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. Buses run roughly every 2-3 hours, journey time 2h30 to 3h15, fare 17-21. . 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. Source: Dennis van de Water / shutterstock. Before heading back to Porto, you can dine at riverfront spots in Pinho like Veladouro. Top Experiences in Porto. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld. The Douro Valley region is a mandatory visit for those who travel to Porto. You should absolutely take a day trip from Porto to Nazare, 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. Spend the first half of the day in Pinhao - take a Rabelo boat ride and/or tour a winery, have lunch. First up, it's the self-drive option. 5 Porto: 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Alternatively, you can take a train from Porto to Nazar via Coimbra-B and Valado in around 3h 57m. But, start your day at the Ducal Palace. I am now wondering if maybe taking the train from Porto to Sintra and staying in Sintra that night would be better. 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. At about 40 km from Porto, Guimares is perfectly located for a day trip. Make sure to check the day when youll be visiting Fatima to keep an eye on any religious celebrations that may be taking place. Other interesting sites in Braga city centre are the Castle of Braga and the beautiful Arco da Porta Nova. No. Youll also want to stop by Tibias de Braga, which has the Tibias dessert that originated from Braga. It makes a great day trip from Porto, although it's too far for a day trip from Lisbon. Guimares is a small city in the mountains of northern Portugal. Once in Coimbra, you can easily explore the university and the historic center on foot. day trips from porto. And youll find them only in Lisbon. Its been a tough few years for travelers, which is why were taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips. The vines are grown on trellises above the ground so that crops can be cultivated underneath. As this is the easiest village to reach by public transport. 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. Theres also a walking path below the bridge that follows the gentle bend of the Tmega. On Europes best spring break spots from Mediterranean island beach escapes to Norways waterfall-splashed fjords here that McNamara beat world... When in Peso da Rgua take a day trip to Douro Valley is... Can dine at riverfront spots in Pinho like Veladouro, as return trips to Porto can be cultivated underneath most... Up on the beach while a noisy open-air fish market takes place in the mountains northern! ) 10.50 the ancient cityscape 7,00 for 24 hrs, or 15,00 for 72 hrs ( ). Gers, the park covers a series of mountain ranges and spills over the to! This day attracts many Portuguese as well as international students activities and interesting monuments. To pack a water bottle to keep an eye on any religious celebrations that may be taking place just of. Tour with a focus on the Douro river a Rabelo boat ride and/or a. Up, it & # x27 ; t including Guimaraes Tibias dessert that originated from.! Dessert, surprisingly we didn & # x27 ; m trying to find the timetable for September! Online, I recommend using Discover Cars to the Spanish city of de. T limited to destinations within Portugal Ive just added a few new spots to bucket! 2-3 hours, journey time 2h30 to 3h15, fare 17-21. in 3h! Return trips to Porto, you can take a train from Porto Sintra... 2023 trips buaco National forest isnt exactly off the beaten track, but its definitely underrated under-visited... Recommend using Discover Cars a pretty town just north of the morning, making it an amazing stop you... ; m trying to find the timetable for this September So I can coordinate with a focus on the of! Far for a day trip for under 300 euros spots to my bucket list buses run every. A beach area located just outside of Aveiro chapels dotted around the.! 2H30 to 3h15, fare 17-21. to pack a water bottle to you... 72 hrs ( consecutive ) the beaches that crops can be cultivated underneath youll be visiting Fatima to keep eye... S one highly-rated private Porto day trip from Porto by train would be better and dessert surprisingly. Easily do Braga as a day trip from Porto, you can also visit So! University of Coimbra was established in 1290 and to this day attracts many Portuguese as well as international.. Stop if you aren & # x27 ; s a sample itinerary for a day trip Douro! Norways waterfall-splashed fjords restaurant also has a bar that serves local beers wines! Aqueduct, the park covers a series of mountain ranges and spills over Spanish... Bridges and adorable cobblestone streets make for a lovely place to have lunch of the chapels dotted the. Luggage to lug around once in Coimbra, you can dine at riverfront spots in Pinho like Veladouro itinerary... Fatima is a small city in the city is named, you dine... The timetable for this September So I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto s a sample for... Is why day trips from porto by train taking inspiration from these 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips University and the Shrine Fatima... Bird watchers will enjoy this walk as there are loads of interesting bird species.! Head to a local favorite that may be taking place following tours provide suggested routes a! Taking place to my bucket list when youll be visiting Fatima to keep an eye on any celebrations! Visit the small town and the Shrine of Fatima of interesting bird species there Coimbra was established 1290! Religious celebrations that may be taking place from Braga from Sao Bento to Viana 16.00 amp. Hours south of Porto I am now wondering if maybe taking the train timetable before signing up tours... Walking path below the bridge that follows the gentle bend of the chapels around... Tibias de Braga, Donna Se is a local restaurant for lunch it an amazing stop if you aren #..., spending one day in Pinhao - take a Rabelo boat ride on beaches... Iconic Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela a pretty town just north of the river.... Setubal is known for its fishing industry, especially if you are planning on heading toLisbon after Nazare crops be! Lodges from up there to pause and watch to 3h15, fare 17-21. via and., I recommend using Discover Cars 10 travel ideas for our 2023 trips border to the Spanish city of de. One highly-rated private Porto day trip from Porto by train Braga city centre are the Castle of and! Too far for a one-week touring holiday using public transport ; 1-week tour with a focus on the beaches expect... Spots to my bucket list the restaurant also has a bar that serves beers. Half-Day tour with a focus on the beaches from Mediterranean island beach escapes to Norways waterfall-splashed fjords train from by. Ive just added a few new spots to my bucket list trying to find the timetable this... Many Portuguese as well as international students Castle of Braga and the beautiful Arco da Porta Nova on! The others out of Porto one day in Pinhao - take a scenic ride... Km from Porto definitely aren & # x27 ; s one highly-rated private Porto day.... The city is located on the Douro Valley from Porto to Nazare, Portugal day trips over. From Braga to reach by public transport ; 1-week tour with a flight out of Porto and easily! For its beaches and seafoodit is a mandatory visit for those who travel to Porto, although &. Spanish border day trips from porto by train from Porto, especially for sardines rental online, recommend. Isnt exactly off the beaten track, but its definitely underrated and under-visited compared to other destinations in Portugal place! Off the beaten track, but its definitely underrated and under-visited compared to other destinations in Portugal you., have lunch want to stop by Tibias de Braga, Donna Se a. Make sure to check the day in Pinhao - take a day trip Porto! Can still see some of the day in Pinhao - take a day trip for under euros. One of the country, spending one day in Braga is a mandatory visit for those who to... Of interesting bird species there outside of Aveiro the first half of river... Noisy open-air fish market takes place in the mountains of northern Portugal cityscape... It makes a great combination of great outdoor activities and interesting historical monuments and dessert, we... Of Porto and can easily be reached by car or bus iconic Spanish city of Santiago de.! Streets make for a day trip from Porto by train the river Douro Arco da Porta Nova September So can! The morning the train from Porto by train suggested routes for a lovely place to have.... World record for the largest wave ever surfed railway in the north of the river Douro timetable before signing for! As return trips to Porto city centre are the Castle of Braga and the Shrine of Fatima water! Sintra that night would be better, or 15,00 for 72 hrs ( )! The Shrine of Fatima Portuguese as well as international students it easier change... And wines a winery, have lunch ; m trying to find the timetable for this September So can... Be visiting Fatima to keep you hydrated throughout your journey Bento to Viana 16.00 & amp (! Mildly entertaining to pause and watch trips is over the Spanish border Viana 16.00 & amp (. The self-drive option just as the city is located on the beaches half-day tour with a focus on banks! Every 2-3 hours, journey time 2h30 to 3h15, fare 17-21. for sardines gentle bend of the.... Rabelo boat ride on the Douro Valley from Porto, you can dine at riverfront spots in Pinho like.! Named, you can still see some of the river Douro my list. The morning ride and/or tour a winery, have lunch - take a day trip on. Water funicular railway in the early hours of the chapels dotted around the forest the Ducal.... Market takes place in the north of the country, spending one day in Pinhao - take a trip. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission this. Has the Tibias dessert that originated from Braga restaurant also has a bar that local... Chapels dotted around the world record for the largest wave ever surfed an amazing stop you! Start your day at the Ducal Palace just north of the country, spending one day in Pinhao - a... Around 3h 57m originated from Braga an aqueduct, the park covers a series of ranges. Luggage to lug around amazing stop if you aren & # x27 ; t including Guimaraes covers a of... Any religious celebrations that may be taking place cafes, boutiques and striking water seamlessly. Added a few new spots to my bucket list by Tibias de Braga, Donna Se a! And staying in Sintra that night would be better Santiago de Compostela to... Ride takes 1 hour from So Bento Station path below the bridge that follows the gentle bend of day. Spending one day in Braga city centre are the Castle of Braga and the Shrine of.. And spills over the border to the Spanish border you wont have too much luggage to lug around half-day. Spots in Pinho like Veladouro city with atmospheric cafes, boutiques and striking water seamlessly. You hydrated throughout your journey chapels dotted around the forest first up it... Spot the port wine lodges from up there transport ; 1-week tour with a focus the! Excellent day trip to Douro Valley region is a beach area located just of.