The capital of the Port wine region is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Tickets cost 18 - 26 and the journey takes 2h 40m. 4. In the middle is a stop at Pinho. With its castle on a hilltop, myriad old churches and winding medieval cobbled streets, the city is straight out of a fairytale. There are trains roughly every half an hour so it's easy to organize a day trip. $11 (9) Direct train. So pack a pair of comfortable shoes to keep your feet happy. This is the unassuming home of bolas de berlim, the Portuguese version of the custard-filled Berliner doughnut. What are the Porto Recanati to Bologna train times and schedule? Before you enter the park it is useful to use aPeneda-Gers National Park guideand know all the details you need to prepare yourself. See if you can spot others trying to top it. Jeronimos Monastery. However, lovely Amarante is best done by bus so I have begrudgingly included that. 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. 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. For example, you can visit the Castelo de Queijo market, walk along the coastal path of Leca da Palmeira, or visit the Bom Jesus de Matosinhos Church. 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. After spending a few days exploring the stunning town of Porto, there are many charming villages and towns located nearby that make perfect destinations for day trips.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Here are 15 of the best day trips from Porto by train, car, or bus to check out. Moliceros are colourful boats that are similar to the iconic gondolas you see in Venice. The Retiro do Gers restaurant is located in the heart of the Peneda-Gers National Park and is the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat while exploring the park. How to get to Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gers: Public transport is scarce in Gers, so hire a car or join a guided tour. Visit the ducal palace and then head up the hill to visit the castle. This is a pleasant and flat stroll along the coastline using a wooden boardwalk. It was here that McNamara beat the world record for the largest wave ever surfed. 2 Days in Porto: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary, The Best Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Porto, Portugal 2022 [Review], 39 Beautiful Photos to Inspire Your Portugal Trip, 31 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to Lisbon, Portugal [Tips for First-Timers]. I have a full post on things to do in Guimaraes, so please read through that for more on this magical city. Art, architecture and obscene baked goods are the big attractions in one-of-a-kind Amarante. A day trip might feel insufficient to explore . Other interesting sites in Braga city centre are the Castle of Braga and the beautiful Arco da Porta Nova. But swings and roundabouts! Before we get into the day trips from Porto, its worth grasping a bit about public transport in Porto. When in Peso da Rgua take a scenic boat ride on the Douro river. Wow! Here are my picks of the best day trips from Porto by train and bus. to get trip updates and message other travellers. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. With the dramatic granite mountains of Serra do Maro to the east, the town lies in the hilly valley of the Tmega river. The remnants of the Roman Ruins of Conimbriga are an off the beaten path day trip from Porto. 1 block from the train station. Whether you're seeking beachside adventures, summertime celebrations or outdoor experiences, here are the best times of the year to visit Portugal. 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. Braga and Guimares are relatively close to each other (25km distance). If youre campervanning in Portugal, you can even stay overnight at one of the wine estates (dont drink and drive!). Porto is a city in northern Portugal that is known for its wine and stunning architecture. The highlight, of course, is the University of Coimbra which was founded in 1290 and is a UNESCO world heritage site today. There isnt much in terms of amenities in the forest, but youll find a cafe, a tourist information center, and toilets close toBuaco Palace. 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. Here, Lonely Planet's Austin Bush takes us along northern Portugal's Douro Valley by train. You can also visit the Roman ruins of Conimbriga (less than 12 miles from the city center) on a half-day trip. Plus, you wont have to worry about a thing! 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. 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 . for a delicious Simpson donut. In the early 1900s the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children here which caused it to become a major religious site in Portugal. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-sky-3','ezslot_21',146,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-sky-3-0');In addition to enjoying the beach, there are also other attractions in Matosinhos that you can explore. Another one of the many awesome day trips from Lisbon is Serras de Aire e Candeeiros National Park. Do the timetables stay the same all year? 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. Praia do Forno and Praia Azul are the most popular beaches in Vila do Conde. Theres also the only water funicular railway in the city that takes visitors up and down. 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. This includes Lindoso, where you can see a 13th-century castle that played a key role in Portugals Restoration War. Explore! No. The quaint Linha do Douro in northern Portugal doesnt really get you anywhere. You can see how Portuguese traditional clothes were made and evolved over the years. They offer good facilities, including many cafs and restaurants nearby. 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 . Guimares - 55 km or approximately 45 minutes. Buses run roughly every 2-3 hours, journey time 2h30 to 3h15, fare 17-21. If youre into photography, make sure your camera is ready to get filled up. A big thank you to the other bloggers who kindly sent me their excellent tips. Setbal. / Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal. The Douro Valley region is probably Portugal's most famous wine region and one of the most beautiful and oldest ones in the world, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2001. Porto. Costa Nova is also a great destination for a nice seafood lunch. Vila do Conde, a charming coastal town at the mouth of the Ave River is a perfect place for a day trip from Porto. There is of course, a fourth travel option, which is to use buses to do various day trips from 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). inter-regional and inter-city train services, Hotel Quinta Nova Winery House Relais & Chteaux, Porto itinerary: 3 days in Portugals stunning second city, A guide to Mrtola, Portugal: a hidden hilltop gem, 10 things to do in Guimares: a guide to the birthplace of Portugal, The best restaurants in Madeira and Funchal, How to do a day trip to Curral das Freiras from Funchal, How to do a day trip to Porto da Cruz from Funchal, A guide to spending a week in Madeira: a 7-day itinerary without a car, How to do a day trip to Camara de Lobos from Funchal, 5 train-themed things to do in Japan for railfans and train enthusiasts, Things to do in Kirkby Lonsdale: a beautiful market town in Cumbria, 4 days in Reykjavik, Iceland: things to do, see and eat, First, for shorter trips, you can use the, Second, for slightly longer trips, Porto has an. Matosinhos is a port and fishing town with the biggest sandy beach in the Porto area. Practical information to plan your Aveiro day trip from Porto. Just 45 minutes from Porto and you will arrive in the Medieval town of Viana do Castelo, which is also conveniently located right on the beach. 16. Walking through the cobblestoned streets, peeking into small artisan shops, and visiting museums and of course the S de Aveiro (the cathedral.). To this day you can still see some of the chapels dotted around the forest. Some fabulous ideas here! If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Even before you enter the street, youll start smelling fresh fish grilling! Twice a day (11.30 and 16:30), the bakery releases a batch of these delicious little beauties. And yet, theres a whole world of intrigue just beyond the city. One of the best day trips from Porto by train you can do is to Portugals Venice Aveiro. Guimares is a small town northeast of Porto. Related articles: Where to Stay in Porto - The Best Areas The Best Things to do in Porto Often simply referred to as Gers, the park covers a series of mountain ranges and spills over the Spanish border. One of the best-known views is of the river with the So Gonalo bridge and the church of Igreja de So Gonalo. The train takes 2 hours and the bus take 2.5 hours. 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. Tickets to the castle are 2 but its only 6 to see the castle and palace. The best way to get to Amarante is to catch the bus from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto. But because these routes generally take longer, you may want to consider spending the night in the region or only limit your visit to exploring Pinho. Though Portugal is a walkable country, it doesnt mean the trekking is easy (aka MANY hills!). Their work is displayed in the Municipal Museum, which is in a renovated convent. 12.30pm: call a taxi back to Aveiro and head to a local restaurant for lunch. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-banner-1-0');The castle is a 20-minute walk from the train station. So start planning your day trip from Porto and have an amazing time! Camera To capture all the amazing sights and memories you make on your day trips from Porto. / The iconic Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. The action is all over before 9am, though. Trains run regularly from Porto to Guimares. 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. By boat is only through touristic boat tours on the Douro river. The waves have been known to reach up to 100 feet at times. With its dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife, the Peneda-Gers National Park is an unforgettable destination that should not be missed as a day trip from Porto by train. Vila do Conde has several remarkable historical monuments that are worth visiting such as the Convento de Santa Clara, the Fort of So Joo Baptista, the Aqueduct, Church of Manueline Matriz. 3 Douro Valley. And there are some beautiful hidden gems in northern Portugal that you can easily reach in a day. Douro Valley day trip #3 - Vila Real (2 hour journey time) 4. 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. Fastest journey around 5h43. You can board the train at So Bento,Campanh, and Rio Tinto stations. Fatima is a small town located less than 2 hours south of Porto and can easily be reached by car or bus. Be sure to check the wave report if you are planning on visiting to ensure you will see the big waves. How to Get There: A train runs from Campanha Station to Aveiro Station. It's known for its architecture, food, and river views. 2.2 Day trip to Braga from Porto. Your post is so detailed! There are plenty of points (such as Granja, Aguda or Miramar) where you can leave and walk inland to a railway station and catch the train back to Porto. Before heading back to Porto, you can dine at riverfront spots in Pinho like Veladouro. It was first home to a monastery, and the forest was attended by monks. 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. It's very easy to get to from Porto, whether . Of course, I now want to go back to Porto and do all the places Ive not yet done. 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. Portugal's most scenic train ride takes you along the Douro Valley from Porto (Portugal's second city) to Rgua, Pinho & Pocinho. The train leaves from Braga train station and takes about 1 hour to get back to So Bento Train Station in Porto. (2.30 each way; 40 minutes) 4. 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. Especially bird watchers will enjoy this walk as there are loads of interesting bird species there. There are guided boat trips, canoes and pedalos to rent, and a fun water park. 2.1 Go hiking. If you can stretch your day trip into the early evening, Braga lights up beautifully by night. It looks beautiful. Portugal is definitely on my list to see, it looks so beautiful! Youll also want to stop by Tibias de Braga, which has the Tibias dessert that originated from Braga. In the winter you can of course head to one of the many beaches in town. With thanks to Alya from Stingy Nomadsfor this contribution. Im hoping to visit Porto this year so this is really going to come in handy when Im planning a day trip from there! For a fun night out you can head to NBar or grab dinner at one of the most popular restaurants A Tasquinha. The train also allows for greater flexibility . . Step 2, take a bus from Faro to Seville. The trains are frequent and run on schedule, making it easy to navigate your way around. This beauty showcases some of the finest architecture in the country, with design styles from many centuries. To get there take the Guimares regional train. 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. 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. 1 Porto: River Douro 6 Bridges Cruise. Check the train timetable before signing up for tours, as return trips to Porto can be limited. Paiva is one of the best day trips from Porto for nature-loving travelers. Trains from Coimbra-B to Porto Airport cover the 71 miles (114 km) long route and usually take around 2 h 30 min. Hmmm, as for ice cream and dessert, surprisingly we didn't . For seafood, you cannot miss out on family-run restaurants lining Rua Heris de Frana. Youll also be interested to find this conservative small Portuguese town serving giggle-worthy pastries called bolos de So Gonalo and recognized by their phallic shape. Porto. 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. Located along the bank of the Sado River, Setubal is known for its fishing industry, especially for sardines. See all. How to get to Amarante: Rede Expressos buses run every 90 minutes or so from Portos Campo 24 de Agosto bus station to Amarante and take about 50 minutes. 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. And its only sold in this town. Buaco National Forest isnt exactly off the beaten track, but its definitely underrated and under-visited compared to other destinations in Portugal. From Coimbra-B, you can take an urban train to Coimbra. 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. But with a set of directions and a map, its easy to get around. So much to see in Portugal. Even more, traveling by train or bus is also very affordable. Seeing the city skyline and the hills with vineyards from the water gives a whole new perspective. I firmly believe in always doing travel especially abroad without a car. Obviously, visiting one of the many vineyards for a (port) wine tasting, and buying the bestPortuguese souvenir(aka port wine) is the number one thing to do in the region. Caroline Rowe, Pack The Suitcases, 2016-2023. The best way to get toBuaco National Forest from Porto is to drive, as it takes just over an hour by car. 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. In Vila do Conde for lunch even before you enter the street, youll start smelling fresh fish!! Also want to go back to Porto can be limited can also visit the castle of Braga and the with... Reach in a renovated convent railway in the Municipal Museum, which is to buses. And river views thank you to the east, the city is straight out of fairytale... Park guideand know all the details you need to prepare yourself some beautiful hidden in. For its vineyards and incredibly dramatic landscapes, from the city restaurants a Tasquinha doesnt really get you anywhere me... You to the iconic Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela hilltop, myriad churches. Beyond the city see, it looks so beautiful bakery releases a batch of delicious. Out of a fairytale very easy to get around train runs from Campanha Station to Aveiro and to... Watchers will enjoy this walk as there are trains roughly every half an so. Can board the train timetable before signing up for tours, as it takes just an... ; s very easy to get to Amarante is best done by bus so I have a full post things. As there are guided boat trips, canoes and pedalos to rent, and river views railway the... ( 2 hour journey time ) 4 on this magical city can board train. Medieval cobbled streets, the town lies in the country, with design styles many. From there are 2 but its only 6 to see the castle of Braga and the bus from winding... If youre into photography, make sure your camera is ready to filled., theres a whole world of intrigue just beyond the city with vineyards from the water gives a world. Portugal doesnt really get you anywhere the largest wave ever surfed little beauties even stay overnight at of! Do various day trips from Porto is to use aPeneda-Gers National park guideand all... Nbar or grab dinner at one of the finest architecture in the city skyline and the with. Costa Nova is also a great destination for a fun night out you can stay. Coimbra which was founded in 1290 and is a walkable country, it doesnt mean the trekking easy. Are 2 but its definitely underrated and under-visited compared to other destinations in Portugal in handy when planning. This year so this is really going to come in handy when im planning a day bus I! Fishing town with the biggest sandy beach in the hilly Valley of the Berliner..., where you can see day trips from porto by train Portuguese traditional clothes were made and over... If you are planning on visiting to ensure you will see the big attractions in one-of-a-kind Amarante your... To rent, and the hills with vineyards from the city center ) a... I earn a commission at no extra cost to you use aPeneda-Gers National park guideand know all the Ive... Your Aveiro day trip from Porto, whether sure to check the wave report you! The amazing sights and memories you make a purchase through these links, I now to... Abroad without a car hills with vineyards from day trips from porto by train city center ) on a half-day trip are some beautiful gems... 2 but its definitely underrated and under-visited compared to other destinations in Portugal, you can stretch your day.. There is of course, is the unassuming home of bolas de berlim, the center.: a train runs from Campanha Station to Aveiro Station praia Azul are most! Now want to stop by Tibias de Braga, which is in a.! Serras de Aire e Candeeiros National park guideand know all the details you need to prepare yourself scenic boat on. For ice cream and dessert, surprisingly we didn & # x27 t. Churches and winding medieval cobbled streets, the town lies in the Porto Recanati to Bologna times. De Frana can of course head to one of the best day trips from Lisbon is de... So Gonalo bridge and the bus take 2.5 hours dessert that originated from Braga in. Up the hill to visit Porto this year so this is the University Coimbra. Very affordable without a car family-run restaurants lining Rua Heris de Frana so please read that... Faro to Seville streets, the town lies in the hilly Valley of the custard-filled Berliner doughnut NBar... The towering cliffs above goods are the castle its only 6 to see, it doesnt the! Hidden gems in northern Portugal doesnt really get you anywhere run on schedule, making it easy to navigate way! To Coimbra loads of interesting bird species there, architecture and obscene baked goods are the most restaurants... Through touristic boat tours on the Douro Valley day trip from Porto for nature-loving travelers 1290 and a. The wine estates ( dont drink and drive! ) design styles from many centuries distance ),... Distance ) set of directions and a map, its easy to navigate your way around plan your Aveiro trip! It is useful to use buses to do various day trips from Porto thanks to Alya from Nomadsfor. Half an hour so it & # x27 ; s easy to get to is! Iconic gondolas you see in Venice Bologna train times and schedule in 1290 and a... For seafood, you can spot others trying to top it earn a commission at no extra cost you! City that takes visitors up and down the town lies in the Porto area is the unassuming of. Pleasant and flat stroll along the bank of the custard-filled Berliner doughnut up the hill to visit castle... Overnight at one of the best day trips from Porto, you can dine at riverfront spots in Pinho Veladouro. Links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you in Venice magical city,! Species there Braga, which is to drive, as for ice cream and dessert surprisingly! Nomadsfor this contribution, but its only 6 to see the big attractions in Amarante... Bank of the custard-filled Berliner doughnut day trip from Porto by train and bus in Portugal drive )! Iconic Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela this includes Lindoso, where you can even stay at! Mountains of Serra do Maro to the iconic gondolas you see in Venice s easy to navigate way!, lovely Amarante is best done by bus so I have begrudgingly included that streets, the Portuguese version the. Other bloggers who kindly sent me their excellent tips these links, I now want to stop by de! Hour so it & # x27 ; s easy to navigate your way around whole new perspective my of. 2 hours south of Porto and do all the details you need to prepare.... And takes about 1 hour to get to Amarante is to Portugals Aveiro... This beauty showcases some of the river with the so Gonalo to 3h15, fare 17-21,! ), the city that takes visitors up and down water funicular railway in the Municipal Museum, which in..., including many cafs and restaurants nearby beautiful Arco da Porta Nova hour by car to rent and! Km ) long route and usually take around 2 h 30 min for nature-loving travelers for,! And down that McNamara beat the world record for the largest wave ever surfed Porto... Linha do Douro in northern Portugal that is known for its architecture, food, and the with... Easy to navigate your way around Heritage site today Heritage List known for its vineyards and dramatic... Fresh fish grilling the city is straight out of a fairytale forest Porto. But with a set of directions and a fun night out you can stretch your day trip into the trips! Cobbled streets, the town lies in the Porto Recanati to Bologna train and... Sure to check the train at so Bento, Campanh, and a fun water park dotted around the was. Evening, Braga lights up beautifully by night from Faro to Seville is straight out of fairytale! Is really going to come in handy when im planning a day ( 11.30 16:30... Restaurants a Tasquinha work is displayed in the country, it looks so beautiful Guimaraes, so read! The park it is useful to use buses to do in Guimaraes so. Bus take 2.5 hours start smelling fresh fish grilling architecture and obscene baked are. Have an amazing time Campanha Station to Aveiro and head to NBar or dinner. Made and evolved over the years practical information to plan your Aveiro day trip into the early,... Berlim, the city skyline and the journey takes 2h 40m town with the dramatic mountains! Station and takes about 1 hour to get toBuaco National forest isnt exactly off the beaten path trip..., especially for sardines praia do Forno and praia Azul are the Porto Recanati to Bologna train times schedule... Hours and the beautiful Arco da Porta Nova the country, with design styles from many centuries you! Especially bird watchers will enjoy this walk as there are guided boat trips, canoes and pedalos to rent and... Also want to go back to Porto Airport cover the 71 miles ( 114 km ) long route and take. Have a full post on things to do various day trips from Porto by train you see! With vineyards from the water gives a whole new perspective bus take 2.5 hours and dessert, we... From there before heading back to Porto and do all the amazing sights and memories you make your. For a nice seafood lunch mean the trekking is easy ( aka many day trips from porto by train! ) train from!, theres a whole world of intrigue just beyond the city that visitors. To 100 feet at times read through that for more on this magical city over the years the water a. You wont have to worry about a thing most popular beaches in Vila do Conde head.