day trips from porto by train

Option 1. From the stunning Douro Valley to the charming fishing villages, Portugal has it all. There are dozens of quintas (wine estates) in the Douro, each producing amazing wine. A train from Porto stops in Pinho, from where a number of wineries, such as Quinta das Carvalhas, are accessible by foot. A 3-hour round trip from Rgua to Tua and back. 2 13 Best day trips from Porto. Other interesting sites in Braga city centre are the Castle of Braga and the beautiful Arco da Porta Nova. For those looking to experience a more modern side of the city, there are lots of trendy cafes and restaurants to explore. Located in the north of the country, spending one day in Braga is an excellent day trip from Porto by train. Additionally, theres a nice childrens playground in the park with a typical snack bar serving ice cream, coffee, and light bites that looks out over one of the beautiful bridges crossing the Nabo River running through town. 2.6 Check out the city of Lamego. With the dramatic granite mountains of Serra do Maro to the east, the town lies in the hilly valley of the Tmega river. 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 Porto day trips is Braga, the third-largest city in Portugal. 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. The Douro River bisects the top half of . Vila do Conde, a charming coastal town at the mouth of the Ave River is a perfect place for a day trip from Porto. The train takes 2 hours and the bus take 2.5 hours. You also dont want to miss the oldest cathedral in all of PortugalThe Cathedral of Braga. A return ticket is only 6.50! 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. Anywhere you see miradouro on a map is a viewpoint and likely a good one. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travellers. 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. Especially bird watchers will enjoy this walk as there are loads of interesting bird species there. 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. It's much quieter than Venice, however, and arguably more colorful; the painted boats and vibrant buildings are Aveiro's signature features. Santiago is best known for the Caminhos de Santiago (St. James Way) pilgrim trail following the cult of St. James. The Douro Valley is stunning and going on a vineyard tour only adds to its flavor Merrill Images / Getty Images, Day trips from Porto for sipping wine, learning Portuguese history and pastry tasting. Start your visit with the beautiful Guimares Castle and Ducal Palace to step back into Portugals history. Here, Lonely Planet's Austin Bush takes us along northern Portugal's Douro Valley by train. Distance from Porto: 39 miles/62 km. Activities You Can't Miss: Paiva walkways. 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. However, there is a lot more to discover. Do the timetables stay the same all year? Pinhao is the main town in the Douro Valley and is located right in the middle of all the action. By boat is only through touristic boat tours on the Douro river. Before entering the beach, youll see a monument of women and children looking out to sea, mourning their lost husbands and fathers. There are three rail-based options that will allow you to go to nearly the places in this guide. If youre staying for longer than a few days or returning to Porto for a second visit, a few day trips would be well worth it. The local fishing industry means that there are plenty of cafs serving fresh seafood straight off the boats. 4. The cheapest way to get there is on the Line 9 bus, which will take just over an hour and cost around $17. Porto is a city in northern Portugal that is known for its wine and stunning architecture. Both have plenty of cafs and bars to sit outside and get stuck into a bit of people-watching over a glass of wine. The cost is 7,00 for 24 hrs, or 15,00 for 72 hrs (consecutive). Day bag Youll want a small day bag to carry any personal items, snacks, or souvenirs you buy along the way. Before heading back to Porto, you can dine at riverfront spots in Pinho like Veladouro. They serve traditional Portuguese dishes and a few international stables. You will travel by train to Rgua, while enjoying the beautiful landscape of the Douro Valley, as the sun sets in the horizon. 2.7 Soak up the views. The Jeronimos Monastery is extensive enough that it definitely merits a full-day trip from Lisbon. 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 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. It is a short 2-hour drive south of Porto, and there are a few different ways to get there. The city can be reached by car, public transit, and boat. Stop off to try some local food as you wander around and feel the spirit of this remarkable place. 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. One of the best day trips from Porto by train is going to Coimbra, the third most important city in Portugal. 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). 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. There is no direct train or bus, meaning that with public transport it would take over 2 hours to wait for connections. History and archaeology buffs will be in 7th heaven. Join the queue and get a box of them to eat still warm on the train home. You should also visit the Old Santa Clara Monastery and the New Santa Clara Monastery. 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. Besides drinking your way through the port wine cellars, you can also have a sunset picnic on the Jardim do Morro. 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. To make this a more comprehensive list of possible day trips, I roped in some other travel bloggers to give me their ideas too. Moliceros are colourful boats that are similar to the iconic gondolas you see in Venice. 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. You can also visit the nearby museums and have lunch at one of the small squares where you can enjoy authentic Portuguese specialties. It was here that McNamara beat the world record for the largest wave ever surfed. If you don't feel like leaving Porto, there are plenty of sights and things to do within the city itself. 6. The tickets for every attraction in Guimares are sold here. Actively choosing to stare out of the window at a series of cars on the other side of the road when you could be on a train staring out to the sea or down through a verdant valley is beyond me. 2. 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. 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 city of Coimbra revolves around the university. Top Experiences in Porto. Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra. Peso da Rgua is a perfect introduction to the region and can be a stop on aFrance Spain Portugal Road Trip. There are some nice sea views to be had from here, although the fort itself is not very exciting inside. It even has UNESCO World Heritage status. Of course, I now want to go back to Porto and do all the places Ive not yet done. No. Trust me, we got ourselves burned in just a few short hours! The lowdown on Europes best spring break spots from Mediterranean island beach escapes to Norways waterfall-splashed fjords. Just outside of Braga, you can find Bom Jesus do Monte, which is possibly even more impressive than S de Braga. Santa Luzia funicular - departs every 15 minutes. 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 best time to visit the park is from May to October when the weather is milder and the days are longer. Its a perfect place for break from the city. You could rent a car, take the Flexibus, or do a guided tour with a local. A day trip might feel insufficient to explore . Day trip from Porto to Viana do Castelo. 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. Whatever you do, make sure to try the seafood in Matosinhos. 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. Mt. This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2013. FlixBus operates a bus from Porto to Nazar twice daily. First up, it's the self-drive option. It looks beautiful. The line currently ends at Pocinho, but over the next few years they plan to reopen the . The remnants of the Roman Ruins of Conimbriga are an off the beaten path day trip from Porto. 2 h 30 min. It almost has a dreamlike quality to it, making it a perfect day trip from bustling Porto. The journey takes just over an hour and a return ticket costs 7. However, lovely Amarante is best done by bus so I have begrudgingly included that. 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. Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! Other interesting sights include Vasco da Gama Square, Rua da Igreja, Santa Clara Convent, Fort of St.Jean the Baptist, Church of Azurara, and Chapel of Our Lady of Help. To get to Braga from Porto, youll want to hop on the train, which takes just over an hour and costs 13 each way. Practical information to plan your Aveiro day trip from Porto. 1. With thanks to Lotte from Phenomenal Globe for this contribution. 10.30am: snap photos of the colourful beach houses and take a walk to the beach. Book . Check the train timetables before your visit so you know what trains you want. / Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal. to get trip updates and message other travellers. If youre looking for a morning or afternoon activity outside of Porto, a coastal walk in Espinho is a good idea. Theres so much to do in Porto itself (have a look at my main blogpost on Porto for lots of ideas) that you can easily just visit the city and stay there. Today, Catholics from all around the world come to visit the small town and the Shrine of Fatima. Its a beautiful city overflowing with history and culture as well as amazing food and drink. Tickets to the castle are 2 but its only 6 to see the castle and palace. Back in Braga, Donna Se is a lovely place to have lunch. For more information, check out my travel resources page. Though, if you are only going to the city center, it probably won't be worth it to drive. The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. 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. 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). Torro is a good place for dinner with a view of the river. 6 Porto: Torre dos Clerigos Entrance Ticket. The greatest draw to Braga is the Bom Jesus do Monte Cathedral, a towering baroque-style church with an Instagrammable staircase and an incredible view at the top. And since youll be walking a lot, the lighter your bag is, the less strain itll put on your body! 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. And if you enjoy my blog, you can also buy me a drink. 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. Near the plazas, youll find the Padro do Salado monument and the Chapel of So Nicolau. 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. Book the Arouca Bridge and/or Paiva Walkways + Aveiro and Costa Nova tour from Porto. 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 . Some fabulous ideas here! Once in Coimbra, you can easily explore the university and the historic center on foot. The vines are grown on trellises above the ground so that crops can be cultivated underneath. Espinho is a small fishing town close to Porto. At about 40 km from Porto, Guimares is perfectly located for a day trip. 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). Guimares - 55 km or approximately 45 minutes. Its known for its architecture, food, and river views. Train station Viana do Castelo. The town of Matosinhos isnt the most scenic place, Ill be honest. Often overlooked by international tourists it is a popular weekend getaway amongst residents of Porto. Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes is absolutely essential when youre exploring multiple destinations in one day. With its stunning architecture, delicious food, and unique sights, its not one to be missed. The main beach close to Costa Nova is called Praia da Barra, and it gets quite busy during the summer months. The city is located on the banks of the river Douro. One of the most popularthings to do in Aveirois to go on a canal cruise in a colorful Moliceiro. By train to Faro, bus to Seville. What are the Porto Recanati to Bologna train times and schedule? When youre exploring multiple destinations on one day trip from Porto, make sure to pack lightly only bringing the absolute essentials. 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. Aveiro is a city south of Porto that is known for its canals. Travel by car: 1:15. Portugal is definitely on my list to see, it looks so beautiful! 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. The route stretches all the way to Vila Nova de Gaia back in Porto. Ponte de Lima is a lovely place and then drive through Arcos de Valdevez and Soajo into the Peneda Geres national park. Be sure to check out the old town as well. 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. The Douro River cuts through the rolling green hills and offers magical landscapes. Jeronimos Monastery. Listen to some Fado and do not forget to try the delicious food atSete Restaurant. Trains from Coimbra-B to Porto Airport cover the 71 miles (114 km) long route and usually take around 2 h 30 min. 12.30pm: call a taxi back to Aveiro and head to a local restaurant for lunch. 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. This imposing cathedral was built in the 11th century and is beautiful both on the inside and the outside. The best way to get to Coimbra from Porto is by train. Jeronimos Monastery. But, start your day at the Ducal Palace. But Porto is also a perfect base for getting out and about on day trips to see even more of the surrounding area. Small villages are scattered throughout the park. 5. Lastly, make sure to not miss the special sweet, Fatias de Tomar (Tomar Slices). 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. How to eat well, go sightseeing, get around and even take a day trip for under 300 euros. Youll need to use Portos Rodonorte bus service, which is usually clean and reliable. Tackle the 580 steps on foot (recommended, so you can check out the statues and gardens along the way) or take the funicular to the top: the elevated views are ace. From there, take a local bus or taxi to the park entrance. The trains are frequent and run on schedule, making it easy to navigate your way around. Read our Privacy Policy. A big thank you to the other bloggers who kindly sent me their excellent tips. Power Bank Its not fun when youre phone runs out of battery in the middle of a day trip from Porto. Sunscreen The sun can be quite intense in Portugal, especially in the summer months. If youre interested in art the Alberto Sampaio Art Museum is nearby as well. Step 2, take a bus from Faro to Seville. The ride takes 1 hour from So Bento Station. It was first home to a monastery, and the forest was attended by monks. 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. 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]. They offer good facilities, including many cafs and restaurants nearby. 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. In winter, Gers can occasionally get a sprinkling of snow. . Often simply referred to as Gers, the park covers a series of mountain ranges and spills over the Spanish border. A more realistic day trip (or trips) is the sights to the west of Lisbon, especially Sintra. Book the best day trips from Porto, Portugal directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. The journey from Porto to Regua takes around 2 or, 2 and a half hours and costs around 15 one-way. Its popular for surfing, which is mildly entertaining to pause and watch. Braga can easily be reached by both train and bus from Porto. Located along the bank of the Sado River, Setubal is known for its fishing industry, especially for sardines. Your day trips from Porto definitely aren't limited to destinations within Portugal. However, if you want to enjoy a wine tasting to the fullest, you can also join one of the many organized day trips from Porto (check out Living Tours for a great and small-scale tour, or find one on Viator). 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. As someone who hates driving on the rare times I have to do it at home in the UK, the thought of renting a car in Portugal gives me chills. 1 block from the train station. 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. If thats not a reason to visit, Im not sure what is! 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. Youll also be interested to find this conservative small Portuguese town serving giggle-worthy pastries called bolos de So Gonalo and recognized by their phallic shape. The most specialthing to see in Costa Novais the striped houses, but they are not the only attraction in town. A train from Porto stops in Pinho, from where a number of wineries, such as Quinta das Carvalhas, are accessible by foot. Located just 100 km away from beautiful Porto, Douro Valley is a region in Northern Portugal known for its terraced vineyards and dramatic landscapes overlooking the Douro river. The best way to explore the town is on foot to stroll along the narrow cobbled streets, stopping at charming street cafs that offer great coffee and delicious freshly baked pastry. Alternatively, you can also take a bus, boat, or train from Porto. Be sure to walk across the Pedro Ines bridge to enjoy some stunning views of Coimbra by the river. 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. Both beaches have blue flag status and are easy to access. 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. . Serras de Aire. Coimbra. There are plenty of small independent shops to browse before finding a caf in one of the bustling squares for lunch. Back in the day, these wooden boats were used to remove algae from the canal but fell into disuse once the process was automated. Looks like Ive just added a few new spots to my bucket list. 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. Here's my complete guide to the best things to do in Obidos on a day trip from Porto. 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. Its an important pilgrimage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since July 2019). After giving the signature cake a try, visit the church and monastery of So Gonalo and supposedly up your chances of finding love by rubbing the statue above Gonalos tomb. Caroline Rowe, Pack The Suitcases, 2016-2023. We want. Guimares andits castle can fill a full day but knowing how much time you have makes it easier to plan. 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. 8:13 a.m. took 1 hour - 3:08 p.m. return took 1 hour 20 minutes. A long stretch of unspoiled sandy beaches goes south from Vila do Conde for many miles. Its about a 90-minute drive from Porto to either Soajo or Lindoso. Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. After taking some photographs, you can hike back down to the centre of Guimares. 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. Praia do Forno and Praia Azul are the most popular beaches in Vila do Conde. 16. 15. Another day trips from Porto is to Viana do Castelo, a Medieval city by the beach. 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. Cheers. 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. The following tours provide suggested routes for a one-week touring holiday using public transport; 1-week tour with a focus on the beaches. 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. You can visit several wineries in a day, or just enjoy the views of the river and Porto from this charming town. Particularly good is the Raiz O Vegetariano do Barrio, serving homemade delights. 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. Book from Rede Expressos. This beauty showcases some of the finest architecture in the country, with design styles from many centuries. And yet, theres a whole world of intrigue just beyond 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. Cheapest, easily done in a day . It looks normal from the outside. 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. 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. 3pm: head to some museums of interest or shop for souvenirs. Its working fishing port is a bit fugly and totally dominates the landscape. The best way to get toBuaco National Forest from Porto is to drive, as it takes just over an hour by car. 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). 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. Its rare to find a battle-tested castle you can visit. Check out all of Porto's best day trips and tours on this recommended tour booking site. You can see how Portuguese traditional clothes were made and evolved over the years. 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? 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. Everyone goes mad for them. You wont be disappointed. Paiva. Make sure you also pop inside one of the most impressive churches in Portugal (in my view), the Igreja da Misericrdia. 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. Start time. The main attraction in Amarante is the 16th-century bridge, Ponte de So Gonalo. The cost of this train is 10 one way. Getting to Guimares. Jan. Mid-length Porto day trips (1-2 hours away) 1. Setbal is a small city 48km southwest of Lisbon. Costa Nova is also a great destination for a nice seafood lunch.

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day trips from porto by train

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