With the dramatic granite mountains of Serra do Maro to the east, the town lies in the hilly valley of the Tmega river. Source: Dennis van de Water / shutterstock. Back in the day, these wooden boats were used to remove algae from the canal but fell into disuse once the process was automated. I am now wondering if maybe taking the train from Porto to Sintra and staying in Sintra that night would be better. 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. Dont miss the little Castle of the Cheese (Castelo do Queijo), a 17th-century fort on the beach. 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. Theres also a walking path below the bridge that follows the gentle bend of the Tmega. 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? The tickets for every attraction in Guimares are sold here. You can also visit the Roman ruins of Conimbriga (less than 12 miles from the city center) on a half-day trip. Small villages are scattered throughout the park. / The iconic Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. The vines are grown on trellises above the ground so that crops can be cultivated underneath. Anywhere you see miradouro on a map is a viewpoint and likely a good one. Youll find two plazas connected by covered walkways. 2.1 Vila do Conde. 1 block from the train station. 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. In addition to the towns mentioned in this article, the following are also good day trips from Porto. Pour yourself a wine and lets get planning. You can even spot the port wine lodges from up there! 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. The train leaves from Braga train station and takes about 1 hour to get back to So Bento Train Station in Porto. Theres also a really good costume museum (Museu do Traje). You could rent a car, take the Flexibus, or do a guided tour with a local. There are direct train services available. Trains run regularly from Porto to Guimares. In fact, one of the most appealing day trips is over the border to the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. The Douro Valley region is a mandatory visit for those who travel to Porto. Eating fresh locally caught fish and seafood in Vila do Conde is a must. 1. With thanks to Jorge from Portugal Things for this contribution. See all. 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. 15. Cheap Day Trips from Porto - Gaia. / The holiday town of Matosinhos. Braga is a pedestrian-friendly city with atmospheric cafes, boutiques and striking water features seamlessly woven into the ancient cityscape. Espinho is a small fishing town close to Porto. After spending a few days exploring the stunning town of Porto, there are many charming villages and towns located nearby that make perfect destinations for day trips.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'herwanderfulworld_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-herwanderfulworld_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Here are 15 of the best day trips from Porto by train, car, or bus to check out. If you have the time and travel by car, you can also take the trip to the Passadios de Aveiro, a peaceful boardwalk taking you along the Ria de Aveiro. With a storied history and an old university that provided inspiration for Harry Potter, Coimbra makes for an interesting travel destination. 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. Average train ticket price. Guimares is brimming with history and said to be the countrys birthplace. 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. The best way to get to Amarante is to catch the bus from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto. In front of the church, the Ponte de So Gonalo crosses the Tmega River. Here are my picks of the best day trips from Porto by train and bus. Check the train timetables before your visit so you know what trains you want. / Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal. In the winter you can of course head to one of the many beaches in town. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. Tomar sits just 2 hours by car and 124 miles (200 km) south of Porto. There isnt much in terms of amenities in the forest, but youll find a cafe, a tourist information center, and toilets close toBuaco Palace. Near the plazas, youll find the Padro do Salado monument and the Chapel of So Nicolau. Whether youre planning to take day trips from Porto by train, bus, or car, there is no shortage of amazing destinations. After your visit, head down to the old city center. 2.2 Day trip to Braga from Porto. 352 -4050-418 Porto, next to So Bento train station for the tour with no hotel pick up included - Tour only option. 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. Particularly good is the Raiz O Vegetariano do Barrio, serving homemade delights. Its popular for surfing, which is mildly entertaining to pause and watch. There is a rocky pathway that leads out to the little islet in the river. The streets and paths can be uneven, especially when you get to some of the smaller villages. Take A Douro River Valley Wine Tour. Theres a promenade walk (2.5 miles), ideal for a sunny day with an ice cream in hand. 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. 2. So, its definitely worth a day trip from Porto by train. Are Fanny Packs Good for Travel in Europe? 1. 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. Check out all of Porto's best day trips and tours on this recommended tour booking site. Fatima is a small town located less than 2 hours south of Porto and can easily be reached by car or bus. A trip from Porto to Douro Valley will immerse you in a different world. 2 From Porto: Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch. 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. Of course, I now want to go back to Porto and do all the places Ive not yet done. Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra. Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. 08:45 AM. It is a short 2-hour drive south of Porto, and there are a few different ways to get there. 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. 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. There are several buses a day to Vila Real in the Douro Valley. So, this a great option for day trips from Porto for people travelling without a car . Here's my complete guide to the best things to do in Obidos on a day trip from Porto. Book the Arouca Bridge and/or Paiva Walkways + Aveiro and Costa Nova tour from Porto. Before we get into the day trips from Porto, its worth grasping a bit about public transport in Porto. Berlengas Islands as a day trip from Peniche. One of the best day trips from Porto by train is going to Coimbra, the third most important city in Portugal. 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. While the average ticket price for this route costs around $11 (9), you can find the cheapest train ticket for as low . 2.1 Go hiking. Alternatively, you can take a train from Porto to Nazar via Coimbra-B and Valado in around 3h 57m. It is right on the water and full of beautiful Portuguese architecture, and a lot of different options for food. 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. The town of Matosinhos isnt the most scenic place, Ill be honest. The most specialthing to see in Costa Novais the striped houses, but they are not the only attraction in town. So pack a pair of comfortable shoes to keep your feet happy. Pinhao is the main town in the Douro Valley and is located right in the middle of all the action. From Coimbra-B, you can take an urban train to Coimbra. 2.6 Check out the city of Lamego. For those looking to experience a more modern side of the city, there are lots of trendy cafes and restaurants to explore. And there are some great destinations that can only be reached by car or bus. 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. Vila do Conde is a pretty town just north of Porto. Setbal is a small city 48km southwest of Lisbon. 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. If you have extra time, take a trip to Costa Nova, a quaint fishing village near Aveiro with wooden waterfront cottages painted in vertical stripes. 11. 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 . 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. Jan. Mid-length Porto day trips (1-2 hours away) 1. Straddling an aqueduct, the ornate bridges and adorable cobblestone streets make for a lovely stroll about town. All the while following the river and having mesmerizing views of the hills with vineyards. to get trip updates and message other travellers. 2.2 Do a wine tasting & winery tour. You can also go on a guided day trip if you prefer some context and convenience - check prices, availability, and itinerary here. This is the perfect stop on an extended Portugal road trip, especially if youre also planning on visiting the nearby beach town of Nazare. Read my disclosure and privacy policy. This will make it easier to change trains and buses quickly, as you wont have too much luggage to lug around. Pickup points. There is no direct train or bus, meaning that with public transport it would take over 2 hours to wait for connections. Caroline Rowe, Pack The Suitcases, 2016-2023. Both beaches have blue flag status and are easy to access. Its better to start your trip early in the morning to have enough time to explore the area. So start planning your day trip from Porto and have an amazing time! This train ride is famous for its scenic views of Douro river. And since youll be walking a lot, the lighter your bag is, the less strain itll put on your body! 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