Some fabulous ideas here! The arched bridge is the site of a victorious battle for the Portuguese against the French during the Peninsular War and now serves as the main vehicular route into town. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites owner is strictly prohibited. Day Trips from Porto by Train - From Porto: Aveiro and Coimbra Full-Day City Tour. Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. However, there is a lot more to discover. 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. Thanks! Travelers don't need to visit Italy to experience romantic gondola rides, and Aveiro is actually nicknamed the 'Venice of Portugal'. Step 1, travel from Porto Campanh to Faro by train as shown in the Porto to Faro section above . Whatever you do, make sure to try the seafood in Matosinhos. 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. There isnt much in terms of amenities in the forest, but youll find a cafe, a tourist information center, and toilets close toBuaco Palace. 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). Since youre there you should see both. Right across the Jardim do Morro is the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, a monastery atop a hill with an incredible view of the city. Eating fresh locally caught fish and seafood in Vila do Conde is a must. Sunscreen The sun can be quite intense in Portugal, especially in the summer months. 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. You can also go on a guided day trip if you prefer some context and convenience - check prices, availability, and itinerary here. Grapes for both port and table wine are grown . Make sure to check the day when youll be visiting Fatima to keep an eye on any religious celebrations that may be taking place. There are several buses a day to Vila Real in the Douro Valley. To get to Matosinhos from Porto, you can take the local 500 bus, which is near the Sao Bento Train station, or take the metro line A. 2 one way or 3 r/t. And if you want to stay longer than 3 days in Porto, maybe do a day trip out of the city If you were staying longer than 3 days in Porto, you could head out to explore further afield. Setbal. The journey from Porto to Regua takes around 2 or, 2 and a half hours and costs around 15 one-way. Here's my complete guide to the best things to do in Obidos on a day trip from Porto. When planning your itinerary, be sure to place these five outstanding destinations at the top of your list. Once in Coimbra, you can easily explore the university and the historic center on foot. 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. Originally built by fishermen to serve as storage for fishing materials, the houses of Costa Nova are now vacation houses for Portuguese families that spend the summer holidays on the beachside. Braga and Guimares are relatively close to each other (25km distance). Theres also a walking path below the bridge that follows the gentle bend of the Tmega. 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. Peniche to Nazar (by bus) Nazar - Day 3 and 4. The main attraction in Amarante is the 16th-century bridge, Ponte de So Gonalo. And with so many charming villages and towns located nearby, there is no shortage of things to see and do. A couple of Portugals most popular dishes are cod and sardines, but you can order anything that comes from the sea! You will then enjoy the boat trip to Porto, with a typical Portuguese meal served at lunchtime. Plus, you wont have to worry about a thing! Uphill from the center are the well-preserved ruins of the imposing Castelo de Guimares; nearby is the Palace of the Dukes of Bragana, which showcases 15th-century decor and manicured grounds. The next day, we will be making our way to Porto, likely by train as we will likely. Stop off to try some local food as you wander around and feel the spirit of this remarkable place. The highlight, of course, is the University of Coimbra which was founded in 1290 and is a UNESCO world heritage site today. Wow! 1 block from the train station. 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. 2 h 30 min. Ill have to bookmark your site to refer back to it because Portugal is definitely on my list. For the rest of the day, the beach (Praia de Espinho) fills up with locals enjoying the golden sand and the waves. When booking your Portugal car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. Besides the University of Coimbra, Coimbra has a beautiful riverside and the stunning Quinta das Lgrimas, famous for being the setting for the love story of Prince Pedro and Ins de Castro (Portugals answer to Romeo and Juliet). The small town was also the birthplace of Portugals first king, Afonso Henriques. Lastly, make sure to not miss the special sweet, Fatias de Tomar (Tomar Slices). If thats not a reason to visit, Im not sure what is! Walking along the narrow cobbled streets of Vila do Conde is the best way to explore the town. 3 Porto Card with Transportation (1, 2, 3 or 4 Days) 4 Porto: Palcio da Bolsa Guided Tour. 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. Back in the day, these wooden boats were used to remove algae from the canal but fell into disuse once the process was automated. Portugal's most scenic train ride takes you along the Douro Valley from Porto (Portugal's second city) to Rgua, Pinho & Pocinho. The local fishing industry means that there are plenty of cafs serving fresh seafood straight off the boats. There is of course, a fourth travel option, which is to use buses to do various day trips from Porto. 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. Twice a day (11.30 and 16:30), the bakery releases a batch of these delicious little beauties. 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. One of the highlights is without a doubt S de Braga. Youll find two plazas connected by covered walkways. day trips from 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). The city is located on the banks of the river Douro. So, its definitely worth a day trip from Porto by train. Its working fishing port is a bit fugly and totally dominates the landscape. From there, it's another 30-minute bus ride to Regua. 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. If youre not comfortable or confident driving in Portugal, then sticking with public transportation is your best bet. 2.3 Go for a Douro River cruise. Walking through the cobblestoned streets, peeking into small artisan shops, and visiting museums and of course the S de Aveiro (the cathedral.). You can also purchase access only for the trail. Do the timetables stay the same all year? 1. The ride costs roughly 7 for an adult ticket, one-way. You can go by train, with frequent departures from one of Porto's railway stations, So Bento or Campanh, with a journey time of just around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Day trip from Porto to Viana do Castelo. 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. 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. Beautiful sandy beaches around Vila do Conde are one of the main reasons to visit the town. Train operators. The city itself has plenty to offer as well, from the city centers Praa da Repblica to the nearby Casa do Raio, which is a beautiful palace turned museum covered in gorgeous purple-blue azulejos. 11. The cost is 7,00 for 24 hrs, or 15,00 for 72 hrs (consecutive). It is a short 2-hour drive south of Porto, and there are a few different ways to get there. This was originally a retreat for the Portuguese royal family, but has been converted today to a luxury hotel. These are my absolute favorites and saved my feet when we were in Portugal! Check the train timetables before your visit so you know what trains you want. North Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the wintertime because Nazare has one of the biggest swells in the world. 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. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1834, an extravagant neo-Manueline palace was built. Travel by train + taxi: 1:45. Distance from Porto: 39 miles/62 km. How to get to Sintra: Start your journey at Rossio Station in Lisbon, and take the urban train to the last top in Sintra. Its a great place to come if you want to see an authentic Portuguese town with few international tourists. 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. Make sure you also pop inside one of the most impressive churches in Portugal (in my view), the Igreja da Misericrdia. Its rare to find a battle-tested castle you can visit. Check the train timetable before signing up for tours, as return trips to Porto can be limited. All rights reserved. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. But inside its a riot of gorgeous gold and blue-and-white azulejo tiles, with an intricate ceiling fresco. I remember going to Santiago de Compostela with my parents when I was a little kid, and for me it remains one of the best day trips from Porto. Besides some beautiful natural spots, inBuaco National Forest you can also find a rich history. The action is all over before 9am, though. They are simply delicious! But there are more things to Aveiro than the Moliceiros. You can see how Portuguese traditional clothes were made and evolved over the years. 2.1 Go hiking. One of the best Porto day trips is Braga, the third-largest city in Portugal. Buses run roughly every 2-3 hours, journey time 2h30 to 3h15, fare 17-21. There are several interestingthings to do in Coimbra. (The distance from Lisbon to Sintra is just 28.7 km.) 2 Best things to see and do in the Douro Valley. The beautiful historical center of Vila do Conde is another reason to visit the town. The quaint Linha do Douro in northern Portugal doesnt really get you anywhere. Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra. Cheap Day Trips from Porto - Gaia. The best way to get toBuaco National Forest from Porto is to drive, as it takes just over an hour by car. Portugal is definitely on my list to see, it looks so beautiful! Fabulous scenery, and the best ever ruined castle at Castro Laboreiro, high on the top of the cliff and almost impossible to see until you climb up there. Guimares andits castle can fill a full day but knowing how much time you have makes it easier to plan. This is the perfect stop on an extended Portugal road trip, especially if youre also planning on visiting the nearby beach town of Nazare. One of the best-known views is of the river with the So Gonalo bridge and the church of Igreja de So Gonalo. 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. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. Its about a 90-minute drive from Porto to either Soajo or Lindoso. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. It looks beautiful. 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. Its a perfect place for break from the city. Made with only two ingredients, egg yolks, and sugar, its cooked in a special pan, sliced, and served with cinnamon and lemon. When visiting the city, your top priority is visiting the university complex: the Pao das Escolas, Joanina Library (one of the most beautiful libraries of Portugal), S. Miguel Chapel, Botanical Gardens, and the Science Museum. 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. Douro Valley day trip #2 - Lamego (2 hour journey time) 3. Take a stroll amid the colorful flowers of Jardim de Santa Brbara and visit the S for a peek inside the oldest cathedral in Portugal. And since youll be walking a lot, the lighter your bag is, the less strain itll put on your body! For more information, check out my travel resources page. From the stunning Douro Valley to the charming fishing villages, Portugal has it all. Be sure to walk around the outside of the castle to get the best view of the impressive exterior. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travellers. Amarante is called home of the artists as several early 20th-century Portuguese artists were born there, including the popular expressionist, Antonio Carneiro. 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. Another one of the many awesome day trips from Lisbon is Serras de Aire e Candeeiros National Park. 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. With its castle on a hilltop, myriad old churches and winding medieval cobbled streets, the city is straight out of a fairytale. Start time. However, there are only a couple of buses to Regua a day, so plan accordingly. It even has UNESCO World Heritage status. The site is among the best preserved ruins from the Roman Empire. Back in Braga, Donna Se is a lovely place to have lunch. It is a charming and unique way to see Porto. Start your visit with the beautiful Guimares Castle and Ducal Palace to step back into Portugals history. With thanks to Daria from The Discovery Nut for this contribution. Both have plenty of cafs and bars to sit outside and get stuck into a bit of people-watching over a glass of wine. 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. 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. The town also sells different sweets once made by the local nuns. Tickets cost 18 - 26 and the journey takes 2h 40m. Explore! 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. Costa Nova is also a great destination for a nice seafood lunch. Love places that announce themselves: BRAGA! I firmly believe in always doing travel especially abroad without a car. After taking some photographs, you can hike back down to the centre of Guimares. I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. The lowdown on Europes best spring break spots from Mediterranean island beach escapes to Norways waterfall-splashed fjords. It was first home to a monastery, and the forest was attended by monks. If youre looking for a morning or afternoon activity outside of Porto, a coastal walk in Espinho is a good idea. Travel by car: 1:15. 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. The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. Today, Catholics from all around the world come to visit the small town and the Shrine of Fatima. You can get to Costa Nova by car in 15 minutes. It's a 2 hour drive to Conimbriga on a day trip from Lisbon. From Coimbra-B, you can take an urban train to Coimbra. You also dont want to miss the oldest cathedral in all of PortugalThe Cathedral of Braga. No. Read next: Are Fanny Packs Good for Travel in Europe? Day trips from Porto by car or bus can be a bit more difficult to navigate than by train, as the roads can be winding and narrow or the trains just dont run to these amazing destinations. Located in the north of the country, spending one day in Braga is an excellent day trip from Porto by train. Please be aware that this is the hardest of all the day trips from Porto by public transport, but it is just about doable, especially if you stay over. A big thank you to the other bloggers who kindly sent me their excellent tips. Peneda Geres National Park. With its stunning architecture, delicious food, and unique sights, its not one to be missed. Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes is absolutely essential when youre exploring multiple destinations in one day. 2pm: take a moliceiros ride along the canal. There are direct train services available. There are trains roughly every half an hour so it's easy to organize a day trip. Average train ticket price. This imposing cathedral was built in the 11th century and is beautiful both on the inside and the outside. Porto day trips in nature are easy to come by, however Peneda-Gers national park is one of the best. 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. One can easily spend the whole day here. The remnants of the Roman Ruins of Conimbriga are an off the beaten path day trip from Porto. On a tour, the guide will tell you everything about their history and talk about the different sights you pass on the way. What are the Porto Recanati to Bologna train times and schedule? Train station Viana do Castelo. Are my absolute favorites and saved my feet when we were in Portugal seafood... Takes just over an hour by car in 15 minutes the narrow cobbled streets, the Igreja da.! 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