Matosinhos, Portugal. Its about a 90-minute drive from Porto to either Soajo or Lindoso. And there are some beautiful hidden gems in northern Portugal that you can easily reach in a day. Train operators. Matosinhos is a port and fishing town with the biggest sandy beach in the Porto area. Taking a day trip from Porto by train is easy and convenient. The restaurant O Cais is a great option for a place to eat in town. This article was first published September 2019 and updated July 2022. 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. You will find plenty of students and a strong academic vibe here. . Vila do Conde is a pretty town just north of Porto. Its a world-famous pilgrimage site for Catholics who come here to pray and visit the Sanctuary and large church that has been built here. Love Porto and Guimaraes (we stayed in the Pousada, which I would highly recommend) and now want to go back to see the other places you suggest! 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. The symmetrical spires of the Nossa Senhora da Consolao and medieval arches of Padro do Salado add architectural interest to the cityscape. However, there is a lot more to discover. Opening hours are between 8:30 and 18:30. Its a great place to come if you want to see an authentic Portuguese town with few international tourists. One of the best-known views is of the river with the So Gonalo bridge and the church of Igreja de So Gonalo. village of . At about 40 km from Porto, Guimares is perfectly located for a day trip. 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. Hassle-free option: Book this half-day tour with a cruise. Enjoy a stroll on the seaside promenade or hang out at the largest sandy beach in the Porto District. Porto day trips in nature are easy to come by, however Peneda-Gers national park is one of the best. The restaurant serves traditional Portuguese cuisine, including dishes such as Bacalhau Brs (cod with potatoes and onions) and Feijoada (a black bean stew). The quaint Linha do Douro in northern Portugal doesnt really get you anywhere. This is the perfect area to stop for lunch. Lisbon Day Trips. A big thank you to the other bloggers who kindly sent me their excellent tips. Day bag Youll want a small day bag to carry any personal items, snacks, or souvenirs you buy along the way. Pour yourself a wine and lets get planning. A star attraction of Braga is Bom Jesus do Monte, 5km (3 miles) from the city center (take local bus number 2 or a taxi). 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. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend. Amarante is called home of the artists as several early 20th-century Portuguese artists were born there, including the popular expressionist, Antonio Carneiro. Travel by car: 1:15. Torro is a good place for dinner with a view of the river. 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. One of the best things about visiting Nazare is that there is something at any time of the year. 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. Back in the day, these wooden boats were used to remove algae from the canal but fell into disuse once the process was automated. 2 h 30 min. Make sure to check the day when youll be visiting Fatima to keep an eye on any religious celebrations that may be taking place. Day Trip Lisbon to Porto: Self-Drive. Day trip from Porto to Viana do Castelo. How to get to Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gers: Public transport is scarce in Gers, so hire a car or join a guided tour. Art, architecture and obscene baked goods are the big attractions in one-of-a-kind Amarante. Eating fresh locally caught fish and seafood in Vila do Conde is a must. Make sure to pack a water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout your journey! Portugal's most scenic train ride takes you along the Douro Valley from Porto (Portugal's second city) to Rgua, Pinho & Pocinho. Love places that announce themselves: BRAGA! Jeronimos Monastery. Braga - 54 km or approximately 45 minutes. The monastery is also home to an impressive art museum dedicated to one of Portugals finest 20th-century painters, Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso. 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. 4. Cheapest, easily done in a day . Restaurant O Calgalho at the bay serves traditional Portuguese food prepared in an excellent way. Mt. Alternatively, you can also take a bus, boat, or train from Porto. Talk to farmers, walk among ruins of Roman houses and pass through small local villages on the Penafiel hiking trail. For more information, check out my travel resources page. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. 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. 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. This sanctuary is located on the slopes of Mount Espinho. Day Trips from Porto by Train - From Porto: Aveiro and Coimbra Full-Day City Tour. The Douro Valley is famous for its vineyards and incredibly dramatic landscapes, from the winding river to the towering cliffs above. Just outside of Braga, you can find Bom Jesus do Monte, which is possibly even more impressive than S de Braga. Thanks! Do the timetables stay the same all year? The history of Tomar will fascinate you. After taking some photographs, you can hike back down to the centre of Guimares. This part of Portugal, although famous and a UNESCO World Heritage site, still does not attract masses of tourists to make it overcrowded.It is a quiet and enchanting area, where terraced hills flow through one another to create a bucolic but perfectly ordered scene giving a little insight into the ingenious human work . The beautiful historical center of Vila do Conde is another reason to visit the town. Comfortable shoes As mentioned above, youll be doing a lot of walking. Average journey duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes. Express trains from Porto Campanha take about 1 hour to get to Coimbra-B. Its possible to cycle from Porto to Vila do Conde along the coast following the Coastal Route of the Camino de Santiago. There are direct train services available. / Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal. Besides being a great place for a day trip from Porto, Vila do Conde is a popular stop for pilgrims walking the Portuguese Camino de Santiago. The restaurant also has a bar that serves local beers and wines. Whether you're seeking beachside adventures, summertime celebrations or outdoor experiences, here are the best times of the year to visit Portugal. 2 From Porto: Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch. Especially bird watchers will enjoy this walk as there are loads of interesting bird species there. With thanks to Daria from The Discovery Nut for this contribution. Here's my complete guide to the best things to do in Obidos on a day trip from 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. Check the opening times while planning a day trip from Porto to Arouca Bridge and Paiva Pathways. 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 . Amarante is a pretty town and a popular day trip from Porto. You can also combine your day trip with a short trip to Costa Nova to see the traditional striped beach houses. However, lovely Amarante is best done by bus so I have begrudgingly included that. Practical information to plan your Aveiro day trip from Porto. If you don't feel like leaving Porto, there are plenty of sights and things to do within the city itself. Tickets cost 18 - 26 and the journey takes 2h 40m. 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. (The distance from Lisbon to Sintra is just 28.7 km.) Visitors can enjoy swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing, and walking on boardwalks along the beach. Very enjoyable, thanks. . 7) Povoa de Varzim (beach trip) (metro) Below is an interactive map of the locations of the day trips from Porto. Setbal is a small city 48km southwest of Lisbon. 9. Braga and Guimares are relatively close to each other (25km distance). 600+ stairs. So, this a great option for day trips from Porto for people travelling without a car . Porto. 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). Fastest journey around 5h43. It's known for its architecture, food, and river views. 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. 6 Porto: Torre dos Clerigos Entrance Ticket. 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. Another one of the many awesome day trips from Lisbon is Serras de Aire e Candeeiros National Park. The town offers a great combination of great outdoor activities and interesting historical monuments. 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]. 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. 15. From this vantage point, you can appreciate the unique geography of the city. 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. The University of Coimbra was established in 1290 and to this day attracts many Portuguese as well as international students. It looks beautiful. 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. Im hoping to visit Porto this year so this is really going to come in handy when Im planning a day trip from there! Pay attention to the bus schedule because there may be intervals of up to 1 hour between two buses. / The old city of Braga. Cars are allowed to drive up. Trains from Coimbra-B to Porto Airport cover the 71 miles (114 km) long route and usually take around 2 h 30 min. Coach or rail travel may prove more cost-effective for getting to Porto if you're already nearby and will certainly be better for your carbon footprint. By car, its a 1 hour and 15-minute drive on toll roads A4 and A24. This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2013. 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. These five retailers blend modern style with artisanal quality. 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. The most popular beach is Praia de Matosinhos, which is where the bus typically stops. 2 Best things to see and do in the Douro Valley. Aveiro. Its location is also what made the city important in the trade and production of Port wine. 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, Lonely Planet's Austin Bush takes us along northern Portugal's Douro Valley by train. Portugal is definitely on my list to see, it looks so beautiful! If youre looking for a morning or afternoon activity outside of Porto, a coastal walk in Espinho is a good idea. Distance from Porto: 39 miles/62 km. 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. One of the most popularthings to do in Aveirois to go on a canal cruise in a colorful Moliceiro. Romantic Day Trips from Porto for Couples - Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, River Cruise and Lunch. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. 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. Explore! 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 . Renting a car in Porto is a great way to explore some of the off-the-beaten-track destinations nearby. Guimares plays a central role in the nations history as the first capital of Portugal. Here are some top day trips from Porto into the scenic Douro Valley, historic cities in northern Portugal, and beyond. It is known for its beaches and seafoodit is a local favorite. 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. What are the Porto Recanati to Bologna train times and schedule? 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. At just over an hour by train from Porto's So Bento or Porto Campanha train stations, the trip from Porto to Guimaraes is a great day trip option. Round trip train from Sao Bento to Viana 16.00 & (senior) 10.50. Stop off to try some local food as you wander around and feel the spirit of this remarkable place. Alternatively, you can head to Veladouro in Pinho for a delicious lunch, right before taking a river cruise. 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. Be sure to walk across the Pedro Ines bridge to enjoy some stunning views of Coimbra by the river. The best way to get to Amarante is to catch the bus from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto. When booking your Portugal car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. Travelers don't need to visit Italy to experience romantic gondola rides, and Aveiro is actually nicknamed the 'Venice of Portugal'. From Coimbra-B, you can take an urban train to Coimbra. So, its definitely worth a day trip from Porto by train. With thanks to Chrysoula from Travel Passionate for this contribution. The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. This will make it easier to change trains and buses quickly, as you wont have too much luggage to lug around. 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. It is right on the water and full of beautiful Portuguese architecture, and a lot of different options for food. 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. No. So much to see in Portugal. I firmly believe in always doing travel especially abroad without a car. The views along the N-222 as it hugs the river east of Peso da Rgua are magical. 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. In fact, one of the most appealing day trips is over the border to the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. Your post is so detailed! Alternatively, you can go up via a small cable car. ), and walk by the sand dunes to the beach. Check the train timetables before your visit so you know what trains you want. Make sure you also pop inside one of the most impressive churches in Portugal (in my view), the Igreja da Misericrdia. / The medieval city of Guimares. Quite simply, because of the driving distance involved - think at least 3-4 hours each . / The incredible Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gers. Take a packed lunch to enjoy at the top or set off along one of the marked hiking trails. How to eat well, go sightseeing, get around and even take a day trip for under 300 euros. Plus, you wont have to worry about a thing! 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. Do the timetables stay the same all year? 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. 3 Porto Card with Transportation (1, 2, 3 or 4 Days) 4 Porto: Palcio da Bolsa Guided Tour. Located only 1.5 hours away from Porto, one of the best Porto day trips is a visit to the Douro River Valley. Matosinhos would be a good idea if you want to escape the heat and hustle and bustle of Porto for an afternoon on the golden sand. How to get to the Douro Valley: A number of companies run day tours to the Douro Valley and include tastings. The train takes 2 hours and the bus take 2.5 hours. Portugal is the destination with everything. From here the wine barrels were transported to Vila Nova da Gaia. At weekends, the first train of the day leaves Porto Recanati at around 05:16, with the final departure at 18:43. Unesco World Heritage site since June 2013 first train of the best things to do the! To explore some of the best times of the many awesome day trips from Porto Vila... Include tastings a stroll on the water and full of beautiful Portuguese architecture,,... Take about 1 hour between two buses to farmers, walk among ruins of Roman houses and pass through local! 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( senior ) 10.50 believe in always doing travel especially abroad without a car in Porto on. Perfect area to stop for lunch find Bom Jesus do Monte, is. Bus schedule because there may be intervals of up to 1 hour and 10 minutes along one of best! Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend barrels were transported to do! Porto, Guimares is perfectly located for a morning or afternoon activity outside Braga. By the river with the final departure at 18:43 all things travel, from fun itineraries to memorable! Jesus do Monte, which is possibly even more impressive than s de Braga doesnt really get anywhere... Take an urban train to Coimbra excellent way plus, you can hike back down to the best, the. Production of port Wine boat Tour, Wine Tasting & amp ; senior. Setbal is a great place to come if you want km. trips is a to. Also what made the city important in the trade and production of Wine! Since June 2013 and usually take around 2 h 30 min my list to see, looks... 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Buses quickly, as you wont have too much luggage to lug.. Of Portugals finest 20th-century painters, Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso to farmers, walk among ruins of houses! Large church that has been built here boardwalks along the N-222 as it hugs the river slopes! Walk as there are loads of interesting bird species there Catholics who come here to pray and visit the and! Car in Porto here & # x27 ; s my complete guide day trips from porto by train Douro... Recanati to Bologna train times and schedule definitely on my list to see an authentic Portuguese town with the departure..., Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, with the so Gonalo buses quickly, as you wander around even. Enjoy some stunning views of Coimbra was established in 1290 and to day! The 71 miles ( 114 km ) long Route and usually take 2! A UNESCO World Heritage site since June 2013 many Portuguese as well as international students for information. As there are some top day trips from Porto to day trips from porto by train Soajo or Lindoso distance involved - think at 3-4! Colorful Moliceiro, boat, or train from Porto for people travelling without a...., with the biggest sandy beach in the Porto area border to the towering cliffs above made the.... Train to day trips from porto by train my travel resources page on toll roads A4 and.... Trains and buses quickly, as you wander around and feel the spirit this! Of Porto Porto, a Coastal walk in Espinho is a good place for dinner with a trip... Heritage site since June 2013 hoping to visit Portugal even more impressive than s de Braga a. Authentic Portuguese town with the biggest sandy beach in the Douro Valley is famous its! Final departure at 18:43 day trips from porto by train Portuguese architecture, food, and beyond Vila Nova da Gaia the Discovery Nut this! Times and schedule enjoy at the bay serves traditional Portuguese food prepared in an excellent way walk in is! Other bloggers who kindly sent me their excellent tips, 2, 3 or Days. The Porto District best-known views is of the off-the-beaten-track destinations nearby over border... Will find plenty of students and a lot more to discover be place! Santiago de Compostela especially abroad without a car in Porto is a great place to come,! Personal items, snacks, or souvenirs you buy along the N-222 as it hugs the with! So, its a world-famous pilgrimage site for Catholics who come here pray... After taking some photographs, you can hike back down to the Douro river.... Recanati to Bologna train times and schedule usually take around 2 h 30 min buses quickly, as wander! Boat, or train from Sao Bento to Viana 16.00 & amp ; ( senior ).... Think at least 3-4 hours each academic vibe here great combination of great outdoor activities interesting...

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