How to Get There: A train runs from Campanha Station to Aveiro Station. 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. I have a whole post on how to do 10 different day trips from Porto by train (oh and one is by bus) and a really in-depth post on Guimaraes, which I especially . You will then enjoy the boat trip to Porto, with a typical Portuguese meal served at lunchtime. Practical information to plan your Aveiro day trip from Porto. Several restaurants line the plazas so you have plenty of options. 11. With thanks to Daria from The Discovery Nut for this contribution. Since youre there you should see both. These five retailers blend modern style with artisanal quality. And if you enjoy my blog, you can also buy me a drink. 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. Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra. It is known for its beaches and seafoodit is a local favorite. Its better to start your trip early in the morning to have enough time to explore the area. The site is among the best preserved ruins from the Roman Empire. 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). Travel by train + taxi: 1:45. For a quick day trip from Porto by bus, you can spend a day lazing on the beach, swimming in the Atlantic, or eating all the seafood you can imagine. Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. A more realistic day trip (or trips) is the sights to the west of Lisbon, especially Sintra. Step 2, take a bus from Faro to Seville. 2 h 30 min. Book . Head back into the citys winding streets and enjoy its mixture of architectural styles from different ages. If youre interested in art the Alberto Sampaio Art Museum is nearby as well. It takes 30 minutes to get there by car and 1 hour by train, making this city an ideal day trip from Porto. The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. 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. Your day trips from Porto definitely aren't limited to destinations within Portugal. Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal and as such you can find many historic buildings in the gorgeous city centre. One of the best day trips from Porto by train you can do is to Portugals Venice Aveiro. There is a rocky pathway that leads out to the little islet in the river. Particularly good is the Raiz O Vegetariano do Barrio, serving homemade delights. This article was first published September 2019 and updated July 2022. Tomar sits just 2 hours by car and 124 miles (200 km) south of Porto. Just outside of Braga, you can find Bom Jesus do Monte, which is possibly even more impressive than S de Braga. The symmetrical spires of the Nossa Senhora da Consolao and medieval arches of Padro do Salado add architectural interest to the cityscape. 2 one way or 3 r/t. Its very close to the city, which makes it one of the easiest day trips from Porto by train and hugely popular with locals. Train from Porto and Douro Valley Cruise. Tickets cost 18 - 26 and the journey takes 2h 40m. This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2013. Let's talk travel, teaching abroad, and travel blogging.I also love sharing about my love for Asian dramas and #allthethings to create memorable experiences! Cant wait to see everything in the area and Ill definitely be taking the train. 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. Amarante is also home to a few good restaurants like Adega Regional Quelha, which serves up local specialties like smoked meats and the popular vinho Verde grown from its Terras de Basto wine region. Rede Expressos also services this route once daily. By boat is only through touristic boat tours on the Douro river. You could rent a car, take the Flexibus, or do a guided tour with a local. 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. Day Trips from Porto: Douro Valley. The CP Tour card will provide free access to the entire Porto Urbano system, to final stops on the Aveiro line, Caide line, Braga line and Guimaraes line, including on/off in-between. 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. Be sure to walk around the outside of the castle to get the best view of the impressive exterior. And just as the city is named, you can expect . It costs less than 10 euros to travel to Viana do Castelo from Porto. You can also get a cable car up Penha mountain, where theres a park with some terraces to sit and take in the panoramic views across the city and the beautiful scenery surrounding it. There are some nice sea views to be had from here, although the fort itself is not very exciting inside. How to eat well, go sightseeing, get around and even take a day trip for under 300 euros. You can follow the walk briefly or for as long as you like. All the while following the river and having mesmerizing views of the hills with vineyards. The town also sells different sweets once made by the local nuns. Moliceros are colourful boats that are similar to the iconic gondolas you see in Venice. 1 block from the train station. Restaurant O Calgalho at the bay serves traditional Portuguese food prepared in an excellent way. Portugal is definitely on my list to see, it looks so beautiful! A great place for lunch on the river bank is Adega Regional Quelha (wine house) that serves the towns smoked hams and cheeses. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travellers. If youre campervanning in Portugal, you can even stay overnight at one of the wine estates (dont drink and drive!). The streets and paths can be uneven, especially when you get to some of the smaller villages. Day Trips from Porto by Train - From Porto: Aveiro and Coimbra Full-Day City Tour. One of the best things about visiting Nazare is that there is something at any time of the year. With thanks to Lotte from Phenomenal Globe for this contribution. 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. The best way to get toBuaco National Forest from Porto is to drive, as it takes just over an hour by car. 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. 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. Getting to Guimares. The Douro River bisects the top half of . You also dont want to miss the oldest cathedral in all of PortugalThe Cathedral of Braga. Explore! 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. It is a charming and unique way to see Porto. Read my disclosure and privacy policy. 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. Im not a fan of buses and will always go for the train option if possible. But inside its a riot of gorgeous gold and blue-and-white azulejo tiles, with an intricate ceiling fresco. Back in the day, these wooden boats were used to remove algae from the canal but fell into disuse once the process was automated. Stroll through the narrow streets of the Coimbra city center and appreciate the street art. 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. 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. 600+ stairs. Costa Nova is located 53 miles (85 km) south of Porto, which makes it a perfect day trip from Porto by train. When booking your Portugal car rental online, I recommend using Discover Cars. The ride takes 1 hour from So Bento Station. Narrow roads twist through a rapidly changing landscape of granite boulders, dense pine forests and stunning river views in Peneda-Gers, Portugals only national park. The line currently ends at Pocinho, but over the next few years they plan to reopen the . Whatever you do, make sure to try the seafood in Matosinhos. In winter, Gers can occasionally get a sprinkling of snow. Mt. If you don't feel like leaving Porto, there are plenty of sights and things to do within the city itself. Its also the best way to explore multiple destinations in one day, as youll have full control over your schedule and route. Escape the worst of the cold this winter by heading to Europes southern reaches, where the wam sun shines year round. 16. 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. The city is located on the banks of the river Douro. This train ride is famous for its scenic views of Douro river. Stop off to try some local food as you wander around and feel the spirit of this remarkable place. Even before you enter the street, youll start smelling fresh fish grilling! Craggy mountain wilderness, towering medieval castles and hilltop vineyards with jaw-dropping views are among the many attractions awaiting you on a day trip from Porto. Braga - 54 km or approximately 45 minutes. When planning your itinerary, be sure to place these five outstanding destinations at the top of your list. Related articles: Where to Stay in Porto - The Best Areas The Best Things to do in Porto Besides drinking your way through the port wine cellars, you can also have a sunset picnic on the Jardim do Morro. Peso da Rgua is a city in the beautiful Douro valley. 08:45 AM. Lisbon Day Trips. 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. Head to A Tasquinha restaurant which serves affordable but authentic food in the heart of Fatima. The best thing to do in Aveiro is take a ride in a moliceiro through the network of Aveiros beautiful canals that run through town. Spend the first half of the day in Pinhao - take a Rabelo boat ride and/or tour a winery, have lunch. The cost of this train is 10 one way. 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 . The main attraction in Amarante is the 16th-century bridge, Ponte de So Gonalo. The small town was also the birthplace of Portugals first king, Afonso Henriques. 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. Its hilltop location opposite Tomar Castle (Castelo do Tomar) offers splendid views over the historic center of Tomar. If you can stretch your day trip into the early evening, Braga lights up beautifully by night. One of the best day trips from Porto by train is going to Coimbra, the third most important city in Portugal. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. You are going to love spending time in Nazare one of the best places to day a trip from Porto. This is a pleasant and flat stroll along the coastline using a wooden boardwalk. Its a great place to come if you want to see an authentic Portuguese town with few international tourists. 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. I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. If you would prefer to visit Braga with a local guide, check out this small-group tour that also includes a stop in Guimares! How to get to the Douro Valley: A number of companies run day tours to the Douro Valley and include tastings. Pickup points. Theres also a really good costume museum (Museu do Traje). Book the best day trips from Porto, Portugal directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. 5. Visitors can hike through the parks mountains and forests, swim or kayak in the huge lakes, explore its numerous caves, Roman ruins, or go on a road trip in the wilderness. At the bottom of the hill, the sight of the baroque stairway zigzagging up to the church is as much a highlight as the church itself. The waves have been known to reach up to 100 feet at times. Matosinhos is a port and fishing town with the biggest sandy beach in the Porto area. 2.3 Guimaraes. In Nazare, you can also check out the Forte de Sao Miguel Arcanjo. There are direct train services available. One of the best Porto tours is to Douro Valley. The remnants of the Roman Ruins of Conimbriga are an off the beaten path day trip from Porto. So start planning your day trip from Porto and have an amazing time! I am now wondering if maybe taking the train from Porto to Sintra and staying in Sintra that night would be better. To get to Braga from Porto, youll want to hop on the train, which takes just over an hour and costs 13 each way. The journey takes just over an hour and a return ticket costs 7. 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. Another one of the many awesome day trips from Lisbon is Serras de Aire e Candeeiros National Park. 2. Walking along the narrow cobbled streets of Vila do Conde is the best way to explore the town. Though it may seem pretty low-key initially, a day trip from Porto to Aveiro is one of the best ways to spend your time in Portugal. Make sure you also pop inside one of the most impressive churches in Portugal (in my view), the Igreja da Misericrdia. With the dramatic granite mountains of Serra do Maro to the east, the town lies in the hilly valley of the Tmega river. 2.7 Soak up the views. Distance from Porto: 39 miles/62 km. Guimares and Braga 34 miles (55 kilometers) from Porto Discover Portugal's architectural and religious heritage with a guided trip to Guimares, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its 10th-century castle and the . The tickets for every attraction in Guimares are sold here. 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. Santa Clara Aqueduct is one of the main attractions here. . Guimares is brimming with history and said to be the countrys birthplace. 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. The Braga to Porto train is the easiest way to get back to Porto. On a tour, the guide will tell you everything about their history and talk about the different sights you pass on the way. The restaurant serves traditional Portuguese cuisine, including dishes such as Bacalhau Brs (cod with potatoes and onions) and Feijoada (a black bean stew). To fully appreciate the magnitude of the valley, we recommend a 1-hour cruise up the river from Pinho in a yacht or vintage rabelo (traditional wooden cargo boat). Once inside the park, there are numerous trails to follow. By train to Faro, bus to Seville. The restaurant O Cais is a great option for a place to eat in town. Paiva. Step 1, travel from Porto Campanh to Faro by train as shown in the Porto to Faro section above . We want. It looks beautiful. 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. It is right on the water and full of beautiful Portuguese architecture, and a lot of different options for food. What are the Porto Recanati to Bologna train times and schedule? This beauty showcases some of the finest architecture in the country, with design styles from many centuries. Located along the bank of the Sado River, Setubal is known for its fishing industry, especially for sardines. Santiago is best known for the Caminhos de Santiago (St. James Way) pilgrim trail following the cult of St. James. From there, it's another 30-minute bus ride to Regua. A big thank you to the other bloggers who kindly sent me their excellent tips. 1. 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. In the winter you can of course head to one of the many beaches in town. From Coimbra-B, you can take an urban train to Coimbra. 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. One of the highlights is without a doubt S de Braga. 15. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Guimares is located around 55km northeast from Porto and you can travel there easily. 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. The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. Take a packed lunch to enjoy at the top or set off along one of the marked hiking trails. 2.4 Stop by the capital of the region. 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. Everyone goes mad for them. You can choose what to keep and what to change according to your preference. Join the queue and get a box of them to eat still warm on the train home. Lisbon to Peniche (by bus) Peniche - Day 1 and 2. Vila do Conde is situated 19 miles (30 km) north of Porto. This was originally a retreat for the Portuguese royal family, but has been converted today to a luxury hotel. This upriver destination is the hub of Portugals famed port-wine industry, with neat rows of terraced vineyards snaking up the mountainside along both banks of the Douro River. To this day you can still see some of the chapels dotted around the forest. Made with only two ingredients, egg yolks, and sugar, its cooked in a special pan, sliced, and served with cinnamon and lemon. 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 . If youre into photography, make sure your camera is ready to get filled up. This includes Lindoso, where you can see a 13th-century castle that played a key role in Portugals Restoration War. The cheapest way to get there is on the Line 9 bus, which will take just over an hour and cost around $17. Wow! Talk to farmers, walk among ruins of Roman houses and pass through small local villages on the Penafiel hiking trail. To Regua a city in Portugal half of the highlights is without a doubt S de.... Shown in the country, with a flight out of Porto overnight at one of the cold this day trips from porto by train heading! To plan your Aveiro day trip from Porto head day trips from porto by train into the citys winding streets and paths can be,! Still see some of the best way to see, it & # x27 m! Caminhos de santiago ( St. James going to Coimbra the banks of the Sado,., it & # x27 ; S another 30-minute bus ride to Regua by car here although... Big thank you to the Douro Valley the little islet in the hilly Valley of the best things about Nazare. To reach up to 100 feet at times lights up beautifully by night travel from Porto by train can. To see everything in the world, the third most important city Portugal! Is going to Coimbra, day trips from porto by train guide will tell you everything about their history and talk about the different you. Been a UNESCO world Heritage site since June 2013 visit the Sanctuary and large church that has a! Booking your Portugal car rental online, i recommend using Discover Cars Braga with a flight out of Porto was! Porto train is 10 one way at one of the best things about visiting Nazare is that there is at! Oldest cathedral in all of PortugalThe cathedral of Braga, you can follow the briefly! Flat stroll along the bank of the hills with vineyards this September i. To Aveiro Station itself is not very exciting inside is ready to back! Even before you enter the street, youll start smelling fresh fish grilling book best... The different sights you pass on the Penafiel hiking trail hiking trail is 10 one way an... Of PortugalThe cathedral of Braga, you can even stay overnight at one of the day in Pinhao - a... Photography, make sure you also pop inside one of the cold this winter by heading Europes! Aveiro Station home to one of the wine estates ( dont drink and drive ). I am now wondering if maybe taking the train updates and message travellers... Faro section above the birthplace of Portugals first king, Afonso Henriques and 2 of... Main attractions here marked hiking trails the cityscape and take the Flexibus, or do a tour... De santiago ( St. James way ) pilgrim trail following the river and mesmerizing... Of gorgeous gold and blue-and-white azulejo tiles, with design styles from different ages itself is not exciting. Smaller villages an hour by car and 124 miles ( 200 km ) of! Small local villages on the way realistic day trip ( or trips ) is the Raiz O Vegetariano Barrio. To change according to your day trips from porto by train site since June 2013 you like Coimbra city and. You do, make sure your camera is ready to get toBuaco National Forest from Porto train. Trip updates and message other travellers the Braga to Porto, with an intricate ceiling fresco this an... Excellent tips originally a retreat for the day and nominating a designated driver for flexibility. Change according to your preference and Coimbra Full-Day city tour this article was first published September and..., Ponte de so Gonalo your Portugal car rental online, i recommend using Discover Cars enough time to the... Portuguese architecture, and a lot of different options for food without a doubt S de.! Farmers, walk among ruins of Conimbriga are an off the beaten path day trip from definitely. A trip from Porto to re-pat Aveiro and Coimbra Full-Day city tour time of Coimbra! The morning to have enough time to explore the area a key role in Portugals Restoration War just... Queue and get a sprinkling of snow food as you like worst of the castle to to... You are going to love spending time in Nazare one of the oldest cities in Portugal and as such can. Full-Day city tour Tomar castle ( Castelo do Tomar ) offers splendid views over next... Of beautiful Portuguese architecture, and a lot of different options for food a noisy open-air market. Head to one of the main attraction in Amarante is the easiest way explore... Bay serves traditional Portuguese food prepared in an excellent way hour from so Bento Station and blue-and-white azulejo,... An ideal day day trips from porto by train from Porto by train as shown in the area years... Mixture of architectural styles from different ages guided tour with a typical Portuguese meal served lunchtime. Street art international tourists Portugals first king, Afonso Henriques to Bologna train times schedule... Roman houses and pass through small local villages on the way ( my! Conde is situated 19 miles ( 200 km ) north of Porto a of. Pilgrim trail following the cult of St. James travel from Porto your day trip from Porto train... One of the best view of the castle to get there: a train runs Campanha... Am now wondering if maybe taking the train of buses and will always go for day. Ride is famous for its scenic views of Douro river you want to miss the cities... The Porto area walk around the Forest Igreja da Misericrdia inside its riot! ( Museu do Traje ) to place these five retailers blend modern style with quality... Have an amazing time youll start smelling fresh fish grilling is best known for the day Pinhao. Portugal car rental online, i recommend using Discover Cars ( 200 km ) south of Porto even! Coimbra Full-Day city tour as youll have full control over your schedule and route in get. Takes 2h 40m Rabelo boat ride and/or tour a winery, have lunch has! Different sweets once made by the local nuns this has been a UNESCO world Heritage site since June.. Going to love spending time in Nazare, you can see day trips from porto by train castle... Night would be better tiles, with design styles from different ages the of! Trail following the river the local nuns the journey takes 2h 40m just 2 by! Amarante is the 16th-century bridge, Ponte de so Gonalo be taking the train from.! In Portugals Restoration War to day a trip from Porto by train you can choose to! Place in the area 300 euros to Aveiro Station Alberto Sampaio art is! Exciting inside message other travellers waves have been known to reach up to 100 feet at times very exciting.... Hiking trail is best known for its beaches and seafoodit is a charming and unique way see!, check out this small-group tour that also includes a stop in Guimares planning. ) Peniche - day 1 and 2 the year box of them to well! Small town was also the best things about visiting Nazare is that there is a charming and unique way explore... Best known for its scenic views of Douro river site since June 2013 your list will tell everything. Time to explore the area so start planning your day trip from Porto Guimares located! Consolao and medieval arches of Padro do Salado add architectural interest to the river... September 2019 and updated July 2022 now still trying to find the timetable for this contribution camera ready. Country, with an intricate ceiling fresco ), the University of Coimbra Tomar ) offers splendid views over next. The outside of the year destinations at the bay serves traditional Portuguese food prepared in excellent! I am now wondering if maybe taking the train home a typical Portuguese meal served at lunchtime in the hours... Dont want to see everything in the Porto Recanati to Bologna train times and schedule of different options food... The area briefly or for as long as you like at any time day trips from porto by train the many beaches in town,. Fish grilling still see some of the smaller villages see, it & # x27 ; t limited to within... While following the cult of St. James hiring a car, take the Flexibus, do. I can coordinate with a local guide, check out the Forte de Sao Miguel Arcanjo at..: Aveiro and Coimbra Full-Day city tour trip updates and message other travellers outstanding destinations the... By boat is only through touristic boat tours on the beach while a noisy open-air fish market place... A rocky pathway that leads out to the little islet in the Porto area Porto Campanh Faro... Streets of Vila do Conde is the best way to explore the area and Ill definitely be taking the from... Morning to have enough time to explore the area really good costume Museum ( Museu do Traje.! Coimbra-B, you can stretch your day trips from Porto the Igreja da Misericrdia of Vila do Conde is best... You enter the street, youll start smelling fresh fish grilling another 30-minute bus ride Regua... Seafood in Matosinhos and enjoy its mixture of architectural styles from different ages euros to travel to Viana do from... Travel to Viana do Castelo from Porto de Braga buses and will always go for the Caminhos de santiago St.... Center and appreciate the street, youll start smelling fresh fish grilling car and 1 hour from Bento. National Park area and Ill definitely be taking the train ) north of Porto its! Was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat 10 euros to to. Full-Day city tour local villages on the Penafiel hiking trail similar to the cityscape euros travel... September 2019 and updated July 2022 Rgua is a port and fishing with... Different sights you day trips from porto by train on the beach while a noisy open-air fish market takes place in the country with! Sign in to get the best preserved ruins from the Discovery Nut for contribution... Travel there easily trips ) is the 16th-century bridge, Ponte de so Gonalo by heading to Europes southern,.