The cost of this train is 10 one way. 2 From Porto: Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch. Step 1, travel from Porto Campanh to Faro by train as shown in the Porto to Faro section above . The cost is 7,00 for 24 hrs, or 15,00 for 72 hrs (consecutive). A great place for lunch on the river bank is Adega Regional Quelha (wine house) that serves the towns smoked hams and cheeses. 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). Pinhao is the main town in the Douro Valley and is located right in the middle of all the action. 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. 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! Less than 200 miles away, it . 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. Often simply referred to as Gers, the park covers a series of mountain ranges and spills over the Spanish border. These five retailers blend modern style with artisanal quality. Visiting the two sites back to back helps to notice the difference between the living quarters of the palace and the defense area of the tower. 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. Another excellent Porto day trip Coimbra, located approximately 75 minutes (120km) by car from Porto. How to Get There: A train runs from Campanha Station to Aveiro Station. Lisbon Day Trips. 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. For those looking to experience a more modern side of the city, there are lots of trendy cafes and restaurants to explore. Eating out in Aveiro is lovely with many restaurants and cafs offering everything from traditional to international food as well as organic vegan joints. Both have plenty of cafs and bars to sit outside and get stuck into a bit of people-watching over a glass of wine. Alternatively, you can head to Veladouro in Pinho for a delicious lunch, right before taking a river cruise. 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 . Tomar sits just 2 hours by car and 124 miles (200 km) south of Porto. 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. Guided tours are a great way to learn about the history and culture of the destinations you visit, as well as do some sightseeing along the way. One of the highlights is without a doubt S de Braga. 8:13 a.m. took 1 hour - 3:08 p.m. return took 1 hour 20 minutes. Getting to Guimares. The Douro river between Pinho and Pocinho is the most scenic section and can only be seen via car, train or boat cruise that starts in Pinho. So much to see in Portugal. Popular day trips 1) Braga 2) Guimares 3) Douro Valley 4) Aveiro 5) Matosinhos 6) Coimbra. Train operators. There are guided boat trips, canoes and pedalos to rent, and a fun water park. 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 will then enjoy the boat trip to Porto, with a typical Portuguese meal served at lunchtime. Some fabulous ideas here! Here's one highly-rated private Porto day trip from Lisbon that shows considerably more than the others. Pack The Suitcases uses affiliate links. So pack a pair of comfortable shoes to keep your feet happy. The Costa Nova is a beach area located just outside of Aveiro. Braga - 54 km or approximately 45 minutes. Its a beautiful city overflowing with history and culture as well as amazing food and drink. Braga can easily be reached by both train and bus from Porto. Thus. From here the wine barrels were transported to Vila Nova da Gaia. 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. You will find plenty of students and a strong academic vibe here. It was first home to a monastery, and the forest was attended by monks. And if you enjoy my blog, you can also buy me a drink. 2.7 Soak up the views. 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. 2.2 Day trip to Braga from Porto. Start time. This can impact your experience and may mean that the church is inaccessible. 15. / Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal. Located just over 62 miles (100 km) south of Porto, Buaco National Forest is a unique place that you have to add to your Portugal bucket list. 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. Another day trips from Porto is to Viana do Castelo, a Medieval city by the beach. 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. You are going to love spending time in Nazare one of the best places to day a trip from Porto. You could rent a car, take the Flexibus, or do a guided tour with a local. Among the most prominent landmarks in Aveiro include Igreja de So Domingos (Church of St Dominic), a Roman Catholic church built in the style of Portuguese baroque, the old train station, and the museum of Aveiro. The gorgeous coastal city of Viana do Castelo is a bit of a hidden gem in Portugal. Lastly, make sure to not miss the special sweet, Fatias de Tomar (Tomar Slices). Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes is absolutely essential when youre exploring multiple destinations in one day. 2. The Jeronimos Monastery is extensive enough that it definitely merits a full-day trip from Lisbon. Make sure your feet are well-protected as there will be a lot of walking throughout the day. According to correspondent Austin Bush, thats exactly the point. 2. Amarante is a pretty town and a popular day trip from Porto. Especially bird watchers will enjoy this walk as there are loads of interesting bird species there. 2 Best things to see and do in the Douro Valley. Costa Nova is also a great destination for a nice seafood lunch. 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. Being traditionally a fishermens village, they serve fresh fish and shellfish dishes that are to die for. With thanks to Alya from Stingy Nomadsfor this contribution. 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. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend. But swings and roundabouts! Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. 352 -4050-418 Porto, next to So Bento train station for the tour with no hotel pick up included - Tour only option. 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. The most popular beach is Praia de Matosinhos, which is where the bus typically stops. Peneda Geres National Park. Here's my complete guide to the best things to do in Obidos on a day trip from Porto. You should absolutely take a day trip from Porto to Nazare, Portugal. Several restaurants line the plazas so you have plenty of options. If you can stretch your day trip into the early evening, Braga lights up beautifully by night. History and archaeology buffs will be in 7th heaven. To get to the Peneda-Gers National Park from Porto, take a bus or a train from the Porto-Campanh station to the town of Vila Nova de Gaia. Alternatively, you can take a train from Porto to Nazar via Coimbra-B and Valado in around 3h 57m. 5 Porto: 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise. There are some nice sea views to be had from here, although the fort itself is not very exciting inside. / The Duoro Valley. 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. 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. 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. They offer good facilities, including many cafs and restaurants nearby. Train station Viana do Castelo. 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. 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. The train takes 2 hours and the bus take 2.5 hours. From the stunning Douro Valley to the charming fishing villages, Portugal has it all. Be sure to check the wave report if you are planning on visiting to ensure you will see the big waves. Matosinhos is a port and fishing town with the biggest sandy beach in the Porto area. It is a charming and unique way to see Porto. The best way to get toBuaco National Forest from Porto is to drive, as it takes just over an hour by car. Ill have to bookmark your site to refer back to it because Portugal is definitely on my list. The small town was also the birthplace of Portugals first king, Afonso Henriques. 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. Or do as the pilgrims did and climb the stairs on your knees as penance for your sins. How to get to Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gers: Public transport is scarce in Gers, so hire a car or join a guided tour. A big thank you to the other bloggers who kindly sent me their excellent tips. In front of the church, the Ponte de So Gonalo crosses the Tmega River. Since you're doing a day trip to Porto from Lisbon, chances are you'll be taking a 6:00, 7:00, or 8:00 pm train or bus back. . 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. The city can be reached by car, public transit, and boat. Guimares is a small city in the mountains of northern Portugal. But because these routes generally take longer, you may want to consider spending the night in the region or only limit your visit to exploring Pinho. 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. Top Experiences in Porto. Porto is a tough place to leave, with fascinating cobblestone districts, vibrant nightlife and a wealth of great restaurants. After your visit, head down to the old city center. All the while following the river and having mesmerizing views of the hills with vineyards. 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. 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. Berlengas Islands as a day trip from Peniche. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I will be vacationing in Portugal this coming September. Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! The best time to visit the park is from May to October when the weather is milder and the days are longer. . Caroline Rowe, Pack The Suitcases, 2016-2023. To get there take the Guimares regional train. 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. Sunscreen The sun can be quite intense in Portugal, especially in the summer months. Torro is a good place for dinner with a view of the river. Not sure if cards can be re-loaded. Buaco National Forest isnt exactly off the beaten track, but its definitely underrated and under-visited compared to other destinations in Portugal. You can also visit the So Gonalo church and monastery for more river views. It looks normal from the outside. In winter, Gers can occasionally get a sprinkling of snow. You can also go on a guided day trip if you prefer some context and convenience - check prices, availability, and itinerary here. Peso da Rgua is a perfect introduction to the region and can be a stop on aFrance Spain Portugal Road Trip. Other interesting sites in Braga city centre are the Castle of Braga and the beautiful Arco da Porta Nova. 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. 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. 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. Head to Casa Vianna for a filling brunch in one of the oldest cafes or over to Doh! Even before you enter the street, youll start smelling fresh fish grilling! 2. There is of course, a fourth travel option, which is to use buses to do various day trips from Porto. 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. Camera To capture all the amazing sights and memories you make on your day trips from Porto. Looks like Ive just added a few new spots to my bucket list. Plus you can stop at all the beautiful viewpoints along the way (and there are many!). You can follow the walk briefly or for as long as you like. Dont miss the little Castle of the Cheese (Castelo do Queijo), a 17th-century fort on the beach. It takes 30 minutes to get there by car and 1 hour by train, making this city an ideal day trip from Porto. 12.30pm: call a taxi back to Aveiro and head to a local restaurant for lunch. You can easily do Braga as a day trip from Porto, especially if you aren't including Guimaraes. And you get a sneak peak into many of Porto's highlights. 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. The city is located on the banks of the river Douro. You can be saving yourself some dollars if you only have time to do 1 or 2 day trips from Porto. The bridge crosses the Tmega River and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the country. 600+ stairs. How to eat well, go sightseeing, get around and even take a day trip for under 300 euros. 2.5 Visit the Archaeological Park of the Coa Valley. Trust me, we got ourselves burned in just a few short hours! 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. Cheap Day Trips from Porto - Gaia. 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day trips from porto by train