One of the best day trips from Porto by train is going to Coimbra, the third most important city in Portugal. One of the most popularthings to do in Aveirois to go on a canal cruise in a colorful Moliceiro. 2.2 Day trip to Braga from Porto. Explore! 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. 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. 2.6 Check out the city of Lamego. The bridge crosses the Tmega River and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the country. Often simply referred to as Gers, the park covers a series of mountain ranges and spills over the Spanish border. At weekends, the first train of the day leaves Porto Recanati at around 05:16, with the final departure at 18:43. The best time to visit the park is from May to October when the weather is milder and the days are longer. The action is all over before 9am, though. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. In addition to the towns mentioned in this article, the following are also good day trips from Porto. Book . Here's a sample itinerary for a day trip to Douro Valley from Porto by train. Day Trips from Porto: Douro Valley. 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. 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). $11 (9) Direct train. (The distance from Lisbon to Sintra is just 28.7 km.) day trips from porto. Tomar sits just 2 hours by car and 124 miles (200 km) south of Porto. Cars are allowed to drive up. Visitors can enjoy swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing, and walking on boardwalks along the beach. Escape the worst of the cold this winter by heading to Europes southern reaches, where the wam sun shines year round. Their work is displayed in the Municipal Museum, which is in a renovated convent. With its stunning architecture, delicious food, and unique sights, its not one to be missed. And if you enjoy my blog, you can also buy me a drink. Being traditionally a fishermens village, they serve fresh fish and shellfish dishes that are to die for. But inside its a riot of gorgeous gold and blue-and-white azulejo tiles, with an intricate ceiling fresco. These are some things Ive learned from years of travel. In front of the church, the Ponte de So Gonalo crosses the Tmega River. There are dozens of quintas (wine estates) in the Douro, each producing amazing wine. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. Youll also want to stop by Tibias de Braga, which has the Tibias dessert that originated from Braga. Praia da Azurara is the closest beach to the town, but beaches are not the only attraction here. The route stretches all the way to Vila Nova de Gaia back in Porto. 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. It takes 1 hour to travel by train and 50 minutes by car. One of the best things about visiting Nazare is that there is something at any time of the year. A more realistic day trip (or trips) is the sights to the west of Lisbon, especially Sintra. And there are some beautiful hidden gems in northern Portugal that you can easily reach in a day. One of the best day trips from Porto by train you can do is to Portugals Venice Aveiro. We want. It is a museum in the center of town that is dedicated to the men and women who have organized the big wave surfingphenomenonthat has happened in the last decade. The Douro Valley is famous for its vineyards and incredibly dramatic landscapes, from the winding river to the towering cliffs above. The forest spans an area of 105 hectares, and is full of lots of beautiful corners just waiting to be discovered. 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]. If you would prefer to visit Guimares with a local guide, check out this small-group tour that also includes a stop in Braga! Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. It is a charming and unique way to see Porto. There are trains roughly every half an hour so it's easy to organize a day trip. . The vines are grown on trellises above the ground so that crops can be cultivated underneath. The Douro river between Pinho and Pocinho is the most scenic section and can only be seen via car, train or boat cruise that starts in Pinho. On a tour, the guide will tell you everything about their history and talk about the different sights you pass on the way. Porto. Before heading back to Porto, you can dine at riverfront spots in Pinho like Veladouro. If youre looking for a charming city to explore near Porto, make sure to add Braga to your list! However, there are only a couple of buses to Regua a day, so plan accordingly. And just as the city is named, you can expect . Since youre there you should see both. Select a pickup point. Peneda Geres National Park. The Jeronimos Monastery is extensive enough that it definitely merits a full-day trip from Lisbon. I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. Alternatively, you can also take a bus, boat, or train from Porto. Water hydration is key to any day trip, especially in Portugal. It's very easy to get to from Porto, whether . Distance from Porto: 39 miles/62 km. 2 one way or 3 r/t. 1. 600+ stairs. Start time. 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 . Its therefore relatively free from the usual tourist crowds so is a real delight to explore. Alternatively, you can head to Veladouro in Pinho for a delicious lunch, right before taking a river cruise. From the vibrant nightlife of Lisbon to the beaches of the Algarve, here's our pick of the best places to go. the Lima river in Peneda Geres, the only national park in Portugal. The cheapest way to get there is on the Line 9 bus, which will take just over an hour and cost around $17. Jeronimos Monastery. Talk to farmers, walk among ruins of Roman houses and pass through small local villages on the Penafiel hiking trail. The main attraction in Amarante is the 16th-century bridge, Ponte de So Gonalo. The Braga to Porto train is the easiest way to get back to Porto. 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. Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. Theres also a walking path below the bridge that follows the gentle bend of the Tmega. They offer good facilities, including many cafs and restaurants nearby. This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2013. With thanks to Lotte from Phenomenal Globe for this contribution. Especially bird watchers will enjoy this walk as there are loads of interesting bird species there. Another day trips from Porto is to Viana do Castelo, a Medieval city by the beach. A trip from Porto to Douro Valley will immerse you in a different world. The Porto tram tours have 3 different tram lines (line 1, 18 and 22) that interconnect with each other and cover different areas of the city. FlixBus operates a bus from Porto to Nazar twice daily. Guimares castle survived two medievel seiges! Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra. Cant wait to go to Portugal! You will find plenty of students and a strong academic vibe here. It is a short 2-hour drive south of Porto, and there are a few different ways to get there. Praia do Forno and Praia Azul are the most popular beaches in Vila do Conde. 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. This is the perfect area to stop for lunch. This is a delightful and convenient way to experience the Douro Valley. Costa Nova is also a great destination for a nice seafood lunch. For the rest of the day, the beach (Praia de Espinho) fills up with locals enjoying the golden sand and the waves. The most specialthing to see in Costa Novais the striped houses, but they are not the only attraction in town. A day trip might feel insufficient to explore . Viana do Castelo has a charming medieval centre full of 19th-century boulevards, impressive fountains and rococo palaces. 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. One of the best Porto tours is to Douro Valley. Rede Expressos also services this route once daily. 2 h 30 min. Read 775,131 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Porto to various destinations. 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. 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. / The old city of Braga. 9. You can visit the Museum of Douro in Peso da Regua, ride the Douro historical train, take a river cruise on the Douro river, departing from Pinho or Pipadouro, and explore some of the cute Douro villages such as Pinho, Lamego, Peso da Regua, or Foz do Tua. If youre interested in art the Alberto Sampaio Art Museum is nearby as well. Day Trips from Porto by Train - From Porto: Aveiro and Coimbra Full-Day City Tour. Torro is a good place for dinner with a view of the river. Porto Tourism Porto Hotels Porto Bed and Breakfast Porto Holiday Rentals Porto Packages Flights to Porto Porto Restaurants Porto Attractions Porto Travel Forum Porto Photo Porto Map Porto Guide . Anywhere you see miradouro on a map is a viewpoint and likely a good one. All rights reserved. The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. The restaurant also has a bar that serves local beers and wines. There are several interestingthings to do in Coimbra. Book the best day trips from Porto, Portugal directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. And there are some great destinations that can only be reached by car or bus. All the while following the river and having mesmerizing views of the hills with vineyards. Hassle-free option: Book this half-day tour with a cruise. From there, take a local bus or taxi to the park entrance. Small cafs and restaurants dotting the town sell delicious pastries, coffee and other Portuguese delicacies. Its very close to the city, which makes it one of the easiest day trips from Porto by train and hugely popular with locals. Head to Casa Vianna for a filling brunch in one of the oldest cafes or over to Doh! So much to see in Portugal. Pack The Suitcases uses affiliate links. Related articles: Where to Stay in Porto - The Best Areas The Best Things to do in Porto Walking through the cobblestoned streets, peeking into small artisan shops, and visiting museums and of course the S de Aveiro (the cathedral.). Other interesting sites in Braga city centre are the Castle of Braga and the beautiful Arco da Porta Nova. Activities You Can't Miss: Paiva walkways. But there are more things to Aveiro than the Moliceiros. Thanks! Not sure if cards can be re-loaded. Plan your perfect budget honeymoon with this guide to cheaper destinations that you might not have considered. Youll need to use Portos Rodonorte bus service, which is usually clean and reliable. 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. How to get to Braga: The Linha de Braga train runs frequently from Campanh station taking just over an hour. For seafood, you cannot miss out on family-run restaurants lining Rua Heris de Frana. One can easily spend the whole day here. Or do as the pilgrims did and climb the stairs on your knees as penance for your sins. If you would prefer to visit Braga with a local guide, check out this small-group tour that also includes a stop in Guimares! Round trip train from Sao Bento to Viana 16.00 & (senior) 10.50. Though, if you are only going to the city center, it probably won't be worth it to drive. 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. According to correspondent Austin Bush, thats exactly the point. 5 Porto: 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise. You can get to Costa Nova by car in 15 minutes. Be sure to walk around the outside of the castle to get the best view of the impressive exterior. Pay attention to the bus schedule because there may be intervals of up to 1 hour between two buses. Its hilltop location opposite Tomar Castle (Castelo do Tomar) offers splendid views over the historic center of Tomar. 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. 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. In Nazare, you can also check out the Forte de Sao Miguel Arcanjo. Theres also the only water funicular railway in the city that takes visitors up and down. The Golden Triangle of Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca . 18 Spectacular Things to do in Cayucos, California, Monterey + Big Sur Itinerary: The Perfect Road Trip, 2023 Her Wanderful World - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. Im not a fan of buses and will always go for the train option if possible. 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). While the average ticket price for this route costs around $11 (9), you can find the cheapest train ticket for as low . Whether youre a wine or port wine lover or not, a day trip to The Douro Valley is a must if youre in Porto. Matosinhos is a port and fishing town with the biggest sandy beach in the Porto area. The city is located on the banks of the river Douro. If you choose to rent a car in Portugal, youll just need your U.S. drivers license and not stay more than 185 days. Paiva is one of the best day trips from Porto for nature-loving travelers. 2.8 Chill out at Congida Beach. Before entering the beach, youll see a monument of women and children looking out to sea, mourning their lost husbands and fathers. These five retailers blend modern style with artisanal quality. Its location is also what made the city important in the trade and production of Port wine. / The holiday town of Matosinhos. How to get to Sintra: Start your journey at Rossio Station in Lisbon, and take the urban train to the last top in Sintra. This sanctuary is located on the slopes of Mount Espinho. 10.30am: snap photos of the colourful beach houses and take a walk to the beach. 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. 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. The best way to get to Amarante is to catch the bus from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto. Travel back in time and jump onboard an old and beautifully restored tram to see all the sights and sounds of the city. The trains are frequent and run on schedule, making it easy to navigate your way around. Luckily theres no need as public transport is reliable and decent. 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. There is no direct train or bus, meaning that with public transport it would take over 2 hours to wait for connections. To get there take the Guimares regional train. See if you can spot others trying to top it. 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! It makes a great day trip from Porto, although it's too far for a day trip from Lisbon. 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. If you want to skip all the walking up and down the hills of Vila Nova de Gaia, you can buy a round-trip ticket to ride on the Telefrico, aka cable cars. You have a direct IR connection (InterRegional) every two hours starting at 7h15 (then 9h15, 11h15) until 19h30. 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. Tickets cost around 3.25 one-way and can be purchased online or through the Comboios de Portugal's website (which is the Portuguese rail company). Lisbon to Peniche (by bus) Peniche - Day 1 and 2. Theres also a really good costume museum (Museu do Traje). Small villages are scattered throughout the park. Each looks incredible, but Im all about those fairytale vibes in Guimares. This can impact your experience and may mean that the church is inaccessible. If youre there at the right time, you might spot a lot of locals queuing up outside a fairly non-descript little bakery called Confeitaria Natrio. The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. 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? You will travel by train to Rgua, while enjoying the beautiful landscape of the Douro Valley, as the sun sets in the horizon. 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. The city can be reached by car, public transit, and boat. 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. You are going to love spending time in Nazare one of the best places to day a 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. There are three rail-based options that will allow you to go to nearly the places in this guide. Once in Coimbra, you can easily explore the university and the historic center on foot. A return ticket is only 6.50! 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. 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. One of the highlights is without a doubt S de Braga. 2 Best things to see and do in the Douro Valley. You can also visit the nearby museums and have lunch at one of the small squares where you can enjoy authentic Portuguese specialties. Braga and Guimares are relatively close to each other (25km distance). Thus. 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. Guimares is a small town northeast of Porto. 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. The capital of the Port wine region is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 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. Its about a 90-minute drive from Porto to either Soajo or Lindoso. 2. Some of the best-guided tours can be found through Viator and the highly recommended ones are day trips to Guimaraes and the famed Douro Valley. The most popular beach is Praia de Matosinhos, which is where the bus typically stops. The town of Matosinhos isnt the most scenic place, Ill be honest. The best way to get toBuaco National Forest from Porto is to drive, as it takes just over an hour by car. It is known for its beaches and seafoodit is a local favorite. 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. Listen to some Fado and do not forget to try the delicious food atSete Restaurant. Near the plazas, youll find the Padro do Salado monument and the Chapel of So Nicolau. Just over 100km away on the border with Spain, this is the biggest national park in Portugal. Here are my picks of the best day trips from Porto by train and bus. 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. Located only 1.5 hours away from Porto, one of the best Porto day trips is a visit to the Douro River Valley. Running for 150km, most of the Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the worlds oldest demarcated wine regions. A big thank you to the other bloggers who kindly sent me their excellent tips. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-sky-4','ezslot_22',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-sky-4-0');Vila Nova de Gaia is known for its many wine cellars that are open to visitors. Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes is absolutely essential when youre exploring multiple destinations in one day. The symmetrical spires of the Nossa Senhora da Consolao and medieval arches of Padro do Salado add architectural interest to the cityscape. Buses run roughly every 2-3 hours, journey time 2h30 to 3h15, fare 17-21. Inside the castle the keep and place of arms are impressive. 08:45 AM. If thats not a reason to visit, Im not sure what is! Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I will be vacationing in Portugal this coming September. I am now wondering if maybe taking the train from Porto to Sintra and staying in Sintra that night would be better. We briefly spent some time in Lisbon and it just wasnt enough! If you don't have much time, a Porto day trip from Lisbon is definitely possible in a single day. Both beaches have blue flag status and are easy to access. When in Peso da Rgua take a scenic boat ride on the Douro river. When shes not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. 352 -4050-418 Porto, next to So Bento train station for the tour with no hotel pick up included - Tour only option.