Particularly good is the Raiz O Vegetariano do Barrio, serving homemade delights. Typical to European dinner times, many restaurants don't open until 7:00 or 8:00 pm. It's a 2 hour drive to Conimbriga on a day trip from Lisbon. 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. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. In winter, Gers can occasionally get a sprinkling of snow. Popular day trips 1) Braga 2) Guimares 3) Douro Valley 4) Aveiro 5) Matosinhos 6) Coimbra. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. It was first home to a monastery, and the forest was attended by monks. Trust me, we got ourselves burned in just a few short hours! If youre not comfortable or confident driving in Portugal, then sticking with public transportation is your best bet. Youll find two plazas connected by covered walkways. Start your day here by taking in the spectacular views from the Santa Luzia hill, home to the striking white Santa Luzia church looming over the city. Its hilltop location opposite Tomar Castle (Castelo do Tomar) offers splendid views over the historic center of Tomar. This imposing cathedral was built in the 11th century and is beautiful both on the inside and the outside. Cars are allowed to drive up. 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. The most popular day trips are marked in yellow , while the lesser known destinations are highlighted in green. 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. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. 3pm: head to some museums of interest or shop for souvenirs. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1834, an extravagant neo-Manueline palace was built. There is a train that goes directly from Porto to Braga. We want. For the rest of the day, the beach (Praia de Espinho) fills up with locals enjoying the golden sand and the waves. The views along the N-222 as it hugs the river east of Peso da Rgua are magical. Made with only two ingredients, egg yolks, and sugar, its cooked in a special pan, sliced, and served with cinnamon and lemon. There are direct train services available. 6. 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. With an entrance fee of only 2, theres no excuse not to pop in for a visit. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_9',135,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-leader-2-0');The park covers an area of nearly 70,000 hectares and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including Wolves, Eagles, and Wild Boar. Often simply referred to as Gers, the park covers a series of mountain ranges and spills over the Spanish border. The main activities to do here are walking around the forest, hiking up to the viewpoints, learning about the history ofBuaco, and just enjoying a little nature getaway. Head back into the citys winding streets and enjoy its mixture of architectural styles from different ages. We briefly spent some time in Lisbon and it just wasnt enough! 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. With its stunning architecture, delicious food, and unique sights, its not one to be missed. 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. Theres also the only water funicular railway in the city that takes visitors up and down. For more information, check out my travel resources page. Read next: Are Fanny Packs Good for Travel in Europe? / The iconic Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. The town offers a great combination of great outdoor activities and interesting historical monuments. 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. 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. Braga is a pedestrian-friendly city with atmospheric cafes, boutiques and striking water features seamlessly woven into the ancient cityscape. The next day, we will be making our way to Porto, likely by train as we will likely. 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. Spend the first half of the day in Pinhao - take a Rabelo boat ride and/or tour a winery, have lunch. Whether youre planning to take day trips from Porto by train, bus, or car, there is no shortage of amazing destinations. Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Nature Park was created in 1979 and covers about 35,000 hectares - much of it Estremadura's limestone massif, the biggest limestone area in Portugal. Even before you enter the street, youll start smelling fresh fish grilling! However, the locals decided to paint the boats in vivid colors and created the biggest tourist attraction in Aveiro and which has put the town on the map. The most specialthing to see in Costa Novais the striped houses, but they are not the only attraction in town. This is the unassuming home of bolas de berlim, the Portuguese version of the custard-filled Berliner doughnut. 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. How to get to Sintra: Start your journey at Rossio Station in Lisbon, and take the urban train to the last top in Sintra. 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). Plan your perfect budget honeymoon with this guide to cheaper destinations that you might not have considered. City Sightseeing Day Trips from Porto. Located in the north of the country, spending one day in Braga is an excellent day trip from Porto by train. Porto. There are some nice sea views to be had from here, although the fort itself is not very exciting inside. 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). Peniche to Nazar (by bus) Nazar - Day 3 and 4. Yet youll find that its quieter and calmer than other cities on the tourist trail of Portugal. History and archaeology buffs will be in 7th heaven. And yet, theres a whole world of intrigue just beyond the city. Here's one highly-rated private Porto day trip from Lisbon that shows considerably more than the others. When in Peso da Rgua take a scenic boat ride on the Douro river. Jan. Mid-length Porto day trips (1-2 hours away) 1. Related articles: Where to Stay in Porto - The Best Areas The Best Things to do in 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). 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. 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. See if you can spot others trying to top it. 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. Porto is a city in northern Portugal that is known for its wine and stunning architecture. Book the best day trips from Porto, Portugal directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. The small town was also the birthplace of Portugals first king, Afonso Henriques. There are three rail-based options that will allow you to go to nearly the places in this guide. Another one of the many awesome day trips from Lisbon is Serras de Aire e Candeeiros National Park. To get there take the Guimares regional train. Its a great place to come if you want to see an authentic Portuguese town with few international tourists. This is the perfect area to stop for lunch. Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra. 3 Douro Valley. You will travel by train to Rgua, while enjoying the beautiful landscape of the Douro Valley, as the sun sets in the horizon. Its location is also what made the city important in the trade and production of Port wine. It looks beautiful. Im not a fan of buses and will always go for the train option if possible. 1. Guimares andits castle can fill a full day but knowing how much time you have makes it easier to plan. 10.30am: snap photos of the colourful beach houses and take a walk to the beach. From Coimbra-B, you can take an urban train to Coimbra. The Douro Valley was recognized as a demarcated wine region in 1756, making port wine exclusive to Portugal in the same way Champagne is exclusive to its namesake region in France. 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. (The distance from Lisbon to Sintra is just 28.7 km.) In the middle is a stop at Pinho. Their work is displayed in the Municipal Museum, which is in a renovated convent. Porto is a beautiful city located in Northwestern Portugal which is the gateway to the Peneda-Gers National Park, one of the most scenic and wild places in all of Europe. 2.1 Go hiking. 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). Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes is absolutely essential when youre exploring multiple destinations in one day. But in the case of northern Portugal 's Linha do Douro, the train line that connects this rural village and Porto, it's more about the journey to get there. It even has UNESCO World Heritage status. Guimares - 55 km or approximately 45 minutes. There is no direct train or bus, meaning that with public transport it would take over 2 hours to wait for connections. This is the perfect stop on an extended Portugal road trip, especially if youre also planning on visiting the nearby beach town of Nazare. If you would prefer to visit Braga with a local guide, check out this small-group tour that also includes a stop in Guimares! Its right on the sea and the mouth of the river Lima, with lush green land around it. Porto is ideal for this as its so well connected with public transport, so theres no need to put yourself through the stress of hiring a car and driving abroad. This is the option where you literally rent a car and drive yourself between these 2 cities - stopping in Porto for a few hours before turning round and heading back to Lisbon. Cant wait to see everything in the area and Ill definitely be taking the train. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. It's known for its architecture, food, and river views. Plus Nazare is only 1.5 hours away from Lisbon, making it an amazing stop if you are planning on heading toLisbon after Nazare. It's very easy to get to from Porto, whether . 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. A train from Porto stops in Pinho, from where a number of wineries, such as Quinta das Carvalhas, are accessible by foot. The Costa Nova is a beach area located just outside of Aveiro. Vila do Conde is situated 19 miles (30 km) north of Porto. A more realistic day trip (or trips) is the sights to the west of Lisbon, especially Sintra. Espinho is a small fishing town close to Porto. 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. With the dramatic granite mountains of Serra do Maro to the east, the town lies in the hilly valley of the Tmega river. This train ride is famous for its scenic views of Douro river. With its castle on a hilltop, myriad old churches and winding medieval cobbled streets, the city is straight out of a fairytale. Visiting the famous Santurio de Nossa Senhora da Ortiga is definitely one of the best things to do in Fatima, even if youre not a Christian yourself. Praia da Azurara is the closest beach to the town, but beaches are not the only attraction here. But there are more things to Aveiro than the Moliceiros. Beautiful sandy beaches around Vila do Conde are one of the main reasons to visit the town. The history of Tomar will fascinate you. If youre campervanning in Portugal, you can even stay overnight at one of the wine estates (dont drink and drive!). Check out all of Porto's best day trips and tours on this recommended tour booking site. How to get to the Douro Valley: A number of companies run day tours to the Douro Valley and include tastings. Escape the worst of the cold this winter by heading to Europes southern reaches, where the wam sun shines year round. 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. Reward yourself for your efforts with a drink in one of the lovely squares, Largo da Oliveira or Praa de Santiago. 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