day trips from porto by 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. And if you enjoy my blog, you can also buy me a drink. Here's a sample itinerary for a day trip to Douro Valley from Porto by train. Summer is the best time to visit Vila do Conde to relax on its sandy beaches, swim in the refreshing sea, and enjoy fresh seafood. And youll find them only in Lisbon. 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. 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! 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. You can get to Costa Nova by car in 15 minutes. You can choose what to keep and what to change according to your preference. Each looks incredible, but Im all about those fairytale vibes in Guimares. Matosinhos is a port and fishing town with the biggest sandy beach in the Porto area. 12.30pm: call a taxi back to Aveiro and head to a local restaurant for lunch. 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. 2 one way or 3 r/t. Camera To capture all the amazing sights and memories you make on your day trips from Porto. Talk to farmers, walk among ruins of Roman houses and pass through small local villages on the Penafiel hiking trail. Its working fishing port is a bit fugly and totally dominates the landscape. We will be arriving in Lisbon early in the morning and will be spending the night there. And yet, theres a whole world of intrigue just beyond the city. But thats not all. Porto is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Cheapest, easily done in a day . Douro Valley day trip #2 - Lamego (2 hour journey time) 3. However, there is a lot more to discover. 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. Sintra for Palaces. What are the Porto Recanati to Bologna train times and schedule? Take the train from Porto to Penafiel (45-minute trip) for one of the best hikes in Portugal. With thanks to Jorge from Portugal Things for this contribution. Theres also a really good costume museum (Museu do Traje). The best way to get to Coimbra from Porto is by train. 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. A long stretch of unspoiled sandy beaches goes south from Vila do Conde for many miles. There are numerous hiking trails, Roman ruins and sparkling waterfalls. The best way to get to Amarante is to catch the bus from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto. Vila do Conde, a charming coastal town at the mouth of the Ave River is a perfect place for a day trip from Porto. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. With a storied history and an old university that provided inspiration for Harry Potter, Coimbra makes for an interesting travel destination. Contents1 Is [] If you don't feel like leaving Porto, there are plenty of sights and things to do within the city itself. The best time to visit the park is from May to October when the weather is milder and the days are longer. Porto day trips in nature are easy to come by, however Peneda-Gers national park is one of the best. Back in Braga, Donna Se is a lovely place to have lunch. The train takes 2 hours and the bus take 2.5 hours. From here the wine barrels were transported to Vila Nova da Gaia. The ticket for the bridge includes access to the pathway and is valid for one day. The vines are grown on trellises above the ground so that crops can be cultivated underneath. Both beaches have blue flag status and are easy to access. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travellers. Lisbon to Peniche (by bus) Peniche - Day 1 and 2. 1 block from the train station. The town also sells different sweets once made by the local nuns. The beautiful village of Costa Nova is mostly known in Portugal because of its colorful striped houses. You will find plenty of students and a strong academic vibe here. day trips from porto. Theres a direct train from Porto to Peso da Rgua, which takes 2 hours. 2.8 Chill out at Congida Beach. 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). The charming city of Braga is known for its baroque and neoclassical architecture, as well as its many churches, which the city is often referred to as the Rome of Portugal. This makes Braga a popular tourist destination. It's known for its architecture, food, and river views. Best Day Trips from Porto with Kids - Porto Serralves Museum and Park Entrance Ticket. Braga and Guimares are relatively close to each other (25km distance). 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. Porto to Rgua, Pinho & Pocinho. Ponte de Lima is a lovely place and then drive through Arcos de Valdevez and Soajo into the Peneda Geres national park. 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. With the dramatic granite mountains of Serra do Maro to the east, the town lies in the hilly valley of the Tmega river. This imposing cathedral was built in the 11th century and is beautiful both on the inside and the outside. Popular day trips 1) Braga 2) Guimares 3) Douro Valley 4) Aveiro 5) Matosinhos 6) Coimbra. If you want to do a unique day trip from Porto,Buaco National Forest is the place to do so! Read our Privacy Policy. 9. Straddling an aqueduct, the ornate bridges and adorable cobblestone streets make for a lovely stroll about town. 2.3 Guimaraes. The journey takes just over an hour and a return ticket costs 7. 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. Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon and take the train to Porto: Porto: Day 2: Visit the Douro Valley for a wine tasting: Porto: Day 3: Enjoy a walking tour of Porto - Take the train to Lisbon: Lisbon: Day 4: Explore the sites and scenic vistas of Lisbon: Lisbon: Day 5: Catch the train to Algarve - Enjoy a sunset on the beach: Lagos: Day 6: Discover . But swings and roundabouts! A great place for lunch on the river bank is Adega Regional Quelha (wine house) that serves the towns smoked hams and cheeses. The action is all over before 9am, though. / The old city of Braga. Be sure to check the wave report if you are planning on visiting to ensure you will see the big waves. In addition to the towns mentioned in this article, the following are also good day trips from Porto. 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. Once in Coimbra, you can easily explore the university and the historic center on foot. Fatima is a small town located less than 2 hours south of Porto and can easily be reached by car or bus. This can be on a Rabelo, a traditional boat with which they used to ship the wine barrels. Porto Tourism Porto Hotels Porto Bed and Breakfast Porto Holiday Rentals Porto Packages Flights to Porto Porto Restaurants Porto Attractions Porto Travel Forum Porto Pictures Porto Map Porto . If you choose to rent a car in Portugal, youll just need your U.S. drivers license and not stay more than 185 days. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. Wow! Trains run regularly from Porto to Guimares. You wont be disappointed. Its an important pilgrimage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since July 2019). 10am: arrive in Aveiro and hail a taxi to Costa Nova. For the rest of the day, the beach (Praia de Espinho) fills up with locals enjoying the golden sand and the waves. 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. How to get to Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gers: Public transport is scarce in Gers, so hire a car or join a guided tour. It makes a great day trip from Porto, although it's too far for a day trip from Lisbon. 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 . The trains are frequent and run on schedule, making it easy to navigate your way around. Aveiro is a city south of Porto that is known for its canals. 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. If you would prefer to visit Guimares with a local guide, check out this small-group tour that also includes a stop in Braga! However, lovely Amarante is best done by bus so I have begrudgingly included that. Coimbra is a beautiful city, home to the oldest university in the country and a must-visit on any Portugal itinerary.. 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. Its location is also what made the city important in the trade and production of Port wine. 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. Reward yourself for your efforts with a drink in one of the lovely squares, Largo da Oliveira or Praa de Santiago. 3 Porto Card with Transportation (1, 2, 3 or 4 Days) 4 Porto: Palcio da Bolsa Guided Tour. History and archaeology buffs will be in 7th heaven. You will then enjoy the boat trip to Porto, with a typical Portuguese meal served at lunchtime. Caroline Rowe, Pack The Suitcases, 2016-2023. 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. 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. Whether youre a wine or port wine lover or not, a day trip to The Douro Valley is a must if youre in Porto. Just 45 minutes from Porto and you will arrive in the Medieval town of Viana do Castelo, which is also conveniently located right on the beach. Its about a 90-minute drive from Porto to either Soajo or Lindoso. 4. There are several interestingthings to do in Coimbra. Explore! 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. The cheapest way to get there is on the Line 9 bus, which will take just over an hour and cost around $17. If thats not a reason to visit, Im not sure what is! Costa Nova is also a great destination for a nice seafood lunch. A couple of Portugals most popular dishes are cod and sardines, but you can order anything that comes from the sea! From the vibrant nightlife of Lisbon to the beaches of the Algarve, here's our pick of the best places to go. It is a short 2-hour drive south of Porto, and there are a few different ways to get there. Alternatively, you can take a train from Porto to Nazar via Coimbra-B and Valado in around 3h 57m. From the stunning Douro Valley to the charming fishing villages, Portugal has it all. Do the timetables stay the same all year? This article was first published September 2019 and updated July 2022. These five retailers blend modern style with artisanal quality. The journey from Porto to Regua takes around 2 or, 2 and a half hours and costs around 15 one-way. 3pm: head to some museums of interest or shop for souvenirs. 1 Porto: River Douro 6 Bridges Cruise. The Douro River bisects the top half of . Whether youre seeking a nature escape with rugged trails and waterfalls or want to explore some surprisingly amorous elements of village life in the Minho, Porto makes an ideal gateway to the wonders of northern Portugal. 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. It is right on the water and full of beautiful Portuguese architecture, and a lot of different options for food. Often simply referred to as Gers, the park covers a series of mountain ranges and spills over the Spanish border. The symmetrical spires of the Nossa Senhora da Consolao and medieval arches of Padro do Salado add architectural interest to the cityscape. So, its definitely worth a day trip from Porto by train. Since youre there you should see both. Enjoy a stroll on the seaside promenade or hang out at the largest sandy beach in the Porto District. Rede Expressos also services this route once daily. Douro Valley - the most beautiful day trip from Porto (1-2 hours journey time) 2. Pickup points. $11 (9) Direct train. There are direct train services available. The best way to get to Costa Nova from Porto is to take the train to Aveiro, which takes approximately 1 hour, and then take the bus to Costa Nova, which takes another 30 minutes. / The iconic Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. There are several buses a day to Vila Real in the Douro Valley. Day trips from Porto. How to get to Braga: The Linha de Braga train runs frequently from Campanh station taking just over an hour. They provide the best deals for car rentals in Portugal! Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. On a tour, the guide will tell you everything about their history and talk about the different sights you pass on the way. Vila do Conde is a pretty town just north of Porto. Another one of the many awesome day trips from Lisbon is Serras de Aire e Candeeiros National Park. 2. It is home to the magnificent Santa Cruz Cathedral, the Royal Palace of Alcacova, and an opulent Joanine Library the inspiration for the library at Hogwarts. This sanctuary is located on the slopes of Mount Espinho. It is a charming and unique way to see Porto. Though, if you are only going to the city center, it probably won't be worth it to drive. Coimbra is also the ideal spot to try typical Portuguese conventual sweets, made with sugar and plenty of egg yolks. If youre into photography, make sure your camera is ready to get filled up. This area is the world's first demarcated and regulated wine region. The streets and paths can be uneven, especially when you get to some of the smaller villages. Setbal. Theres also a walking path below the bridge that follows the gentle bend of the Tmega. Start time. 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 . For a fun night out you can head to NBar or grab dinner at one of the most popular restaurants A Tasquinha. village of . Made with only two ingredients, egg yolks, and sugar, its cooked in a special pan, sliced, and served with cinnamon and lemon. This ancient and walled arboretum is home to one of the finest dendrological collections in Europe. 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 takes 1 hour to travel by train and 50 minutes by car. Train operators. Both have plenty of cafs and bars to sit outside and get stuck into a bit of people-watching over a glass of wine. According to correspondent Austin Bush, thats exactly the point. 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. In total, this takes 1.5 hours. Step 2, take a bus from Faro to Seville. 2 Best things to see and do in the Douro Valley. You can also marvel at the intricate layout of this planned city by starting in the town square, Praa da Repblica, and working your way up and down the gridded streets. Even more, traveling by train or bus is also very affordable. Love Porto and Guimaraes (we stayed in the Pousada, which I would highly recommend) and now want to go back to see the other places you suggest! 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 tickets for every attraction in Guimares are sold 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. (2.30 each way; 40 minutes) 4. While the average ticket price for this route costs around $11 (9), you can find the cheapest train ticket for as low . / Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal. There isn't much in the tiny town of Pocinho. Here, Lonely Planet's Austin Bush takes us along northern Portugal's Douro Valley by train. 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. 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 city of Coimbra revolves around the university. 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. The Golden Triangle of Sintra, Cascais, and Cabo da Roca . Dont miss out on a train ride with the historical steam train. The Douro Valley is famous for its vineyards and incredibly dramatic landscapes, from the winding river to the towering cliffs above. Alternatively, you can also take a bus, boat, or train from Porto. Travel by car: 1:15. When youre exploring multiple destinations on one day trip from Porto, make sure to pack lightly only bringing the absolute essentials. Join the queue and get a box of them to eat still warm on the train home. Located only 1.5 hours away from Porto, one of the best Porto day trips is a visit to the Douro River Valley. Here are some top day trips from Porto into the scenic Douro Valley, historic cities in northern Portugal, and beyond. There is a train that goes directly from Porto to Braga. 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. 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. The gorgeous coastal city of Viana do Castelo is a bit of a hidden gem in Portugal. 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. Getting to Guimares. Porto is a tough place to leave, with fascinating cobblestone districts, vibrant nightlife and a wealth of great restaurants. A trip to Braga from Porto takes less than an hour by train, making it one of the easiest day trips from Porto. Braga is a pedestrian-friendly city with atmospheric cafes, boutiques and striking water features seamlessly woven into the ancient cityscape. I am now wondering if maybe taking the train from Porto to Sintra and staying in Sintra that night would be better. You should absolutely take a day trip from Porto to Nazare, Portugal. Make sure to pack yourself a power bank to keep your juice running! Before we get into the day trips from Porto, its worth grasping a bit about public transport in Porto. With its castle on a hilltop, myriad old churches and winding medieval cobbled streets, the city is straight out of a fairytale. 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. 2. Some of the best-guided tours can be found through Viator and the highly recommended ones are day trips to Guimaraes and the famed Douro Valley. 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). Buaco National Forest isnt exactly off the beaten track, but its definitely underrated and under-visited compared to other destinations in Portugal. 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