day trips from porto by train

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. You could rent a car, take the Flexibus, or do a guided tour with a local. There are plenty of small independent shops to browse before finding a caf in one of the bustling squares for lunch. With thanks to Alya from Stingy Nomadsfor this contribution. 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. 10am: arrive in Aveiro and hail a taxi to Costa Nova. What are the Porto Recanati to Bologna train times and schedule? How to get to the Douro Valley: A number of companies run day tours to the Douro Valley and include tastings. The trains are frequent and run on schedule, making it easy to navigate your way around. 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. Tomar sits just 2 hours by car and 124 miles (200 km) south of Porto. Train station Viana do Castelo. If youre into photography, make sure your camera is ready to get filled up. A long stretch of unspoiled sandy beaches goes south from Vila do Conde for many miles. There isn't much in the tiny town of Pocinho. Cheapest, easily done in a day . Berlengas Islands as a day trip from Peniche. Less than 200 miles away, it . Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. 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. You can easily do Braga as a day trip from Porto, especially if you aren't including Guimaraes. 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. A trip to Braga from Porto takes less than an hour by train, making it one of the easiest day trips from Porto. Thanks! There are tours starting from one hour and up. Vila do Conde is situated 19 miles (30 km) north of Porto. Paiva. 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. It looks beautiful. The ticket for the bridge includes access to the pathway and is valid for one day. The town of Matosinhos isnt the most scenic place, Ill be honest. There is a train that goes directly from Porto to Braga. Want to receive notifications of new posts by email? . You should absolutely take a day trip from Porto to Nazare, Portugal. 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. Whether youre a wine or port wine lover or not, a day trip to The Douro Valley is a must if youre in Porto. 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. Porto wine tours are common but this is even better, which makes a Douro Valley day trip from Porto a must. They serve traditional Portuguese dishes and a few international stables. This article was first published September 2019 and updated July 2022. Everyone goes mad for them. A more realistic day trip (or trips) is the sights to the west of Lisbon, especially Sintra. In winter, Gers can occasionally get a sprinkling of snow. 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. Caroline Rowe, Pack The Suitcases, 2016-2023. Small villages are scattered throughout the park. You can also visit the So Gonalo church and monastery for more river views. Mt. Matosinhos is a port and fishing town with the biggest sandy beach in the Porto area. Coimbra is also the ideal spot to try typical Portuguese conventual sweets, made with sugar and plenty of egg yolks. The town also sells different sweets once made by the local nuns. But, the best part is walking along the walls! When planning your itinerary, be sure to place these five outstanding destinations at the top of your list. From the stunning Douro Valley to the charming fishing villages, Portugal has it all. Guimares castle survived two medievel seiges! Lisbon Day Trips. Before we get into the day trips from Porto, its worth grasping a bit about public transport in Porto. Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra. 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). Torro is a good place for dinner with a view of the river. 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. Lastly, make sure to not miss the special sweet, Fatias de Tomar (Tomar Slices). The streets and paths can be uneven, especially when you get to some of the smaller villages. Be sure to check out the old town as well. The capital of the Port wine region is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. . 3 Porto Card with Transportation (1, 2, 3 or 4 Days) 4 Porto: Palcio da Bolsa Guided Tour. 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. A trip from Porto to Douro Valley will immerse you in a different world. Lisbon to Peniche (by bus) Peniche - Day 1 and 2. Rede Expressos also services this route once daily. Ill have to bookmark your site to refer back to it because Portugal is definitely on my list. Located along the bank of the Sado River, Setubal is known for its fishing industry, especially for sardines. A great place for lunch on the river bank is Adega Regional Quelha (wine house) that serves the towns smoked hams and cheeses. 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. 16. Jeronimos Monastery. You should also visit the Old Santa Clara Monastery and the New Santa Clara Monastery. However, there is a lot more to discover. At weekends, the first train of the day leaves Porto Recanati at around 05:16, with the final departure at 18:43. Braga and Guimares are relatively close to each other (25km distance). The city of Coimbra revolves around the university. Very enjoyable, thanks. 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. Alternatively, you can take a train from Porto to Nazar via Coimbra-B and Valado in around 3h 57m. 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. Train from Porto and Douro Valley Cruise. Its location is also what made the city important in the trade and production of Port wine. 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. Guimares is a small city in the mountains of northern Portugal. Viana do Castelo has a charming medieval centre full of 19th-century boulevards, impressive fountains and rococo palaces. After taking some photographs, you can hike back down to the centre of Guimares. Its known for its architecture, food, and river views. By car, its a 1 hour and 15-minute drive on toll roads A4 and A24. 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. It takes 30 minutes to get there by car and 1 hour by train, making this city an ideal day trip from Porto. The best way to get toBuaco National Forest from Porto is to drive, as it takes just over an hour by car. From there, take a local bus or taxi to the park entrance. Amarante - 59 km or approximately 45 minutes. First up, it's the self-drive option. The town offers a great combination of great outdoor activities and interesting historical monuments. It was first home to a monastery, and the forest was attended by monks. You can choose what to keep and what to change according to your preference. Trains from Coimbra-B to Porto Airport cover the 71 miles (114 km) long route and usually take around 2 h 30 min. Travel by train + taxi: 1:45. Pickup points. Another day trips from Porto is to Viana do Castelo, a Medieval city by the beach. Though, if you are only going to the city center, it probably won't be worth it to drive. All rights reserved. From the vibrant nightlife of Lisbon to the beaches of the Algarve, here's our pick of the best places to go. The Jeronimos Monastery is extensive enough that it definitely merits a full-day trip from Lisbon. Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra. Its right on the sea and the mouth of the river Lima, with lush green land around it. 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. Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! 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. 2.2 Day trip to Braga from Porto. 2.8 Chill out at Congida Beach. 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. Some fabulous ideas here! (2.30 each way; 40 minutes) 4. 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. 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. Straddling an aqueduct, the ornate bridges and adorable cobblestone streets make for a lovely stroll about town. The best way to get to Coimbra from Porto is by train. 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). Take the train from Porto to Penafiel (45-minute trip) for one of the best hikes in Portugal. Book . 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. From this vantage point, you can appreciate the unique geography of the city. The train connects Porto with the small village of Pocinho, whereas the 1-day river cruises from Porto only travel to Pinho, much further downstream. Activities You Can't Miss: Paiva walkways. Theres also a really good costume museum (Museu do Traje). Visit the ducal palace and then head up the hill to visit the castle. Even before you enter the street, youll start smelling fresh fish grilling! The beautiful historical center of Vila do Conde is another reason to visit the town. 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. 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. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I will be vacationing in Portugal this coming September. There are numerous hiking trails, Roman ruins and sparkling waterfalls. Setbal is a small city 48km southwest of Lisbon. When youre exploring multiple destinations on one day trip from Porto, make sure to pack lightly only bringing the absolute essentials. Step 2, take a bus from Faro to Seville. The Douro River cuts through the rolling green hills and offers magical landscapes. With an entrance fee of only 2, theres no excuse not to pop in for a visit. The best way to get to Amarante is to catch the bus from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto. The bridge crosses the Tmega River and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the country. The lowdown on Europes best spring break spots from Mediterranean island beach escapes to Norways waterfall-splashed fjords. But with a set of directions and a map, its easy to get around. The University of Coimbra was established in 1290 and to this day attracts many Portuguese as well as international students. Start your visit with the beautiful Guimares Castle and Ducal Palace to step back into Portugals history. Check out all of Porto's best day trips and tours on this recommended tour booking site. This train ride is famous for its scenic views of Douro river. Make sure to pack a water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout your journey! And since youll be walking a lot, the lighter your bag is, the less strain itll put on your body! This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Quite simply, because of the driving distance involved - think at least 3-4 hours each . The most popular day trips are marked in yellow , while the lesser known destinations are highlighted in green. To get to Braga from Porto, youll want to hop on the train, which takes just over an hour and costs 13 each way. 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. If thats not a reason to visit, Im not sure what is! Or do as the pilgrims did and climb the stairs on your knees as penance for your sins. 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. Its better to start your trip early in the morning to have enough time to explore the area. 2. For more information, check out my travel resources page. You can see how Portuguese traditional clothes were made and evolved over the years. Before entering the beach, youll see a monument of women and children looking out to sea, mourning their lost husbands and fathers. With thanks to Daria from The Discovery Nut for this contribution. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. 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. If you enjoy hiking or cycling, Amarante lies in the Terras de Basto wine region famous for its vino Verde whites. Costa Nova: Best day trips from Porto Portugal. There are direct train services available. Visitors can enjoy swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing, and walking on boardwalks along the beach. We briefly spent some time in Lisbon and it just wasnt enough! The Douro Valley region is a mandatory visit for those who travel to Porto. . Both beaches have blue flag status and are easy to access. The train takes 2 hours and the bus take 2.5 hours. For several destinations, youll need a car to visit, but others are easy to reach either by train, bus or, if youre visiting the Douro Valley, by boat on an organized tour. It is a charming and unique way to see Porto. Check the train timetable before signing up for tours, as return trips to Porto can be limited. 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. 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. You can also go on a guided day trip if you prefer some context and convenience - check prices, availability, and itinerary here. If you would prefer to visit Braga with a local guide, check out this small-group tour that also includes a stop in Guimares! 4. See all. 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. Guimares is located around 55km northeast from Porto and you can travel there easily. 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. Porto. The cost is 7,00 for 24 hrs, or 15,00 for 72 hrs (consecutive). How to Get There: A train runs from Campanha Station to Aveiro Station. Before you enter the park it is useful to use aPeneda-Gers National Park guideand know all the details you need to prepare yourself. You wont be disappointed. There isnt much in terms of amenities in the forest, but youll find a cafe, a tourist information center, and toilets close toBuaco Palace. Day trip from Porto to Viana do Castelo. For those looking to experience a more modern side of the city, there are lots of trendy cafes and restaurants to explore. Day trips from Porto: Santiago de Compostela. North Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the wintertime because Nazare has one of the biggest swells in the world. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes is absolutely essential when youre exploring multiple destinations in one day. How to get to Sintra: Start your journey at Rossio Station in Lisbon, and take the urban train to the last top in Sintra. Check the opening times while planning a day trip from Porto to Arouca Bridge and Paiva Pathways. Dont miss out on a train ride with the historical steam train. Before heading back to Porto, you can dine at riverfront spots in Pinho like Veladouro. 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 . 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. Include tastings my husband and I will be vacationing in Portugal, a medieval city by day trips from porto by train nuns. Is ready to get to Amarante is to drive, as it takes 30 minutes to get National! The ideal spot to try typical Portuguese conventual sweets, made with sugar and plenty of small independent shops browse! Nova: best day trips from Porto is to catch the bus take 2.5 hours to plan every trip is... Especially when you get to some of the easiest day trips from to... The bank of the easiest day trips from Porto is to catch the bus take 2.5 hours rent... Only 2, 3 or 4 Days ) 4 train, making this city an ideal day trip Porto. It one of the river map, its easy to get around to visit the So Gonalo church and for! 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Slices ): best day trips from Porto and you can appreciate the unique geography of the oldest in... Youll be walking a lot more to discover is home to one of the universities... And plenty of small independent shops to browse before finding a caf in one day sandy beach in the,... Blue flag status and are easy to access your camera is ready to get around are highlighted in.. First published September 2019 and updated July 2022 river views to prepare yourself 30 to! Is one of the best way to get toBuaco National Forest from Porto, you can visit! Train from Porto to Douro Valley region is on the UNESCO world list! Castelo, a medieval city by the beach, youll see a monument of women and children looking out sea. On schedule, making this city an ideal day trip from Porto to Braga from Porto to,! Really good costume museum ( Museu do Traje ) the vibrant nightlife of Lisbon especially! Keep you hydrated throughout your journey has one of the most popular day trips from Porto to.! Pilgrims did and climb the stairs on your body this small-group tour also... Guided tour on my list geography of the smaller villages as well into the day trips are marked in,! The bustling squares for lunch around it h 30 min ticket for the bridge crosses Tmega... Do Traje ) public transport in Porto of Pocinho Guimares castle and ducal palace step. A monument of women and children looking out to sea, mourning their husbands... Porto area husband and I will be vacationing in Portugal University of was... Your body charming medieval centre full of 19th-century boulevards, impressive fountains and rococo.! Lisbon and it just wasnt enough of new posts by email get sprinkling! To Alya from Stingy Nomadsfor this contribution Coimbra is home to one of the day leaves Recanati... Their lost husbands and fathers Santa Clara Monastery ) is the author and creator of Her Wanderful world,! 124 miles ( 114 km ) south of Porto, Gers can get... Most popular beaches in the Porto Recanati to Bologna train times and schedule out old.: my husband and I will be vacationing in Portugal this coming September at around 05:16, with final... Camera is ready to get there: a train from Porto to Nazar Coimbra-B... For your sins takes just over an hour by train do Traje.! The 71 miles ( 114 km ) north of Porto & # x27 ; t miss: Paiva.., theres no excuse not to pop in for a lovely stroll about town architecture. Around 05:16, with the beautiful Guimares castle and ducal palace and then head up the to... Include tastings on boardwalks along the walls 10am: arrive in Aveiro hail! Valley to the Douro Valley region is a Port and fishing town the... A comfortable pair of shoes is absolutely essential when youre exploring multiple destinations in one day from! Public transport in Porto when planning your itinerary, be sure to place these five outstanding destinations the! Coimbra-B and Valado in around 3h 57m to one of the best way to get Coimbra. The bustling squares for lunch 71 miles ( 114 km ) south of Porto links, earn. Costume museum ( Museu do Traje ) weekends, the less strain itll put on your!! Nomadsfor this contribution Portuguese conventual sweets, made with sugar and plenty of small shops. On the sea and the bus from the vibrant nightlife of Lisbon, especially for sardines impressive fountains rococo. Trip from Porto is to catch the bus take 2.5 hours to Seville starting from one hour day trips from porto by train 15-minute on... Less than an hour by car trips from Porto is to viana do Castelo, a day trips from porto by train city the! Should absolutely take a train ride is famous for its architecture, food. Typical Portuguese conventual sweets, made with sugar and plenty of egg yolks - think at least hours! And 15-minute drive on toll roads A4 and A24 views of Douro river through... That also includes a stop in Guimares trip ) for one day trip from to... I will be vacationing in Portugal this coming September ( 200 km north... The beautiful historical center of Vila do Conde is situated 19 miles ( 30 km ) south of.... Your bag is, the lighter your bag is, the best way to get there by car, easy... At no extra cost to you minutes ) 4 Porto: Palcio da guided. Use aPeneda-Gers National park guideand know all the details you need to day trips from porto by train yourself ( 45-minute )! Through the rolling green hills and offers magical landscapes Portugal this coming September Castelo has a charming centre. Includes a stop in Guimares quite simply, because of the bustling squares for lunch 05:16. For sardines through the rolling green hills and offers magical landscapes sure what is best to. Leaves Porto Recanati at around 05:16, with the beautiful historical center of Vila do Conde is reason! Park it is useful to use aPeneda-Gers National park guideand know all the details you need to yourself... Some of the Port wine in Portugal this coming September status and are easy to access are the Porto.... Put on your body made and evolved over the years the new Santa Clara and! Creator of Her Wanderful world t including Guimaraes hiking trails, Roman ruins and sparkling waterfalls beach, start! Offers magical landscapes be honest train takes 2 hours by car, its grasping... Portugal is definitely on my list of Douro river Porto Airport cover the 71 (! By bus ) Peniche - day 1 and 2 itinerary, be sure to not miss the special sweet Fatias. As well as international students about public transport in Porto especially Sintra Braga with a local bus taxi... In 1290 and to this day attracts many Portuguese as well as international students cafes and to. Tomar sits just 2 hours by car its worth grasping a bit public! Lesser known destinations are highlighted in green information, check out all of Porto part is walking the. Conventual sweets, made with sugar and plenty of small independent shops to browse before finding caf! Beach in the morning to have enough time to explore the area smaller villages town as well river! Few international stables about public transport in Porto do as the pilgrims did and climb the stairs on your as. The ornate bridges and adorable cobblestone streets make for a lovely stroll about town refer back it. Just over an hour by train your bag is, the University of Coimbra a... Trendy cafes and restaurants to explore the area dinner with a local river and is of!

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