15 Best Day Trips from Porto, Portugal: A Local’s Guide

Nadia Podrabinek Nadia Podrabinek

Written by Nadia Podrabinek

Day Trips From Porto

Hey there, fellow travelers! If you have already done with things to do in Porto, I’ve got the list of the 15 coolest day trips from this city.

If you’re as obsessed with Porto’s dreamy river views, old-world vibes, and mind-blowing port wine as I and my husband do, you’ll be really happy for the amazing spots nearby.

There is something about these charming medieval towns around Porto, amazing vineyards, epic nature escapes, and beaches that’ll make you want stay forever. These day trips are going to make your Portuguese vacay one for the books!


Key takeaways

  • The closest cities for a day trip are Vila do Conde and Passadiços do Paiva.
  • If you’re into nature, look for a trip to Arouca Geopark, Vila Nova de Cerveira, or Coimbra.
  • Caminha, Moledo, or Aveiro have lovely beaches and restaurants.
  • Duoro Walley – for the wine tours and gastronomy.
  • For the culture: Guimarães, Viana do Castelo, and Braga.

What people say on Reddit

Sintra is a must. Don’t waste your money on the expensive bus passes and the entry to each castle. A good portion are free to enter and you can use the low-cost transit for most transportation.

thelastchickenwing

I loved Sintra and the area is so big that we needed 3 days to see it all. Especially if you also want to visit Cascais and Cabo de Roca I would recommend staying there for at least 1 or 2 nights instead of taking day trips. Porto and Douro Valley is also great. When going from Lisbon to Porto, you could stop in Obidos and Aveiro, both are unique and charming! Douro Valley was great, make sure to do a wine tasting there. I loved Portugal and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!

Liathano_

No to aveiro it’s overrated and a bit touristy (but if you go, go to costa nova). You’ll find the further north you go to Porto the cheaper things get, id recommend staying on the coast line a bit and trying coimbra, guimaraes and Santarem. I did your exact journey just in reverse so if you want any ideas for eating places or day trips just dm me! (Also in Porto I recommend going to braga for a day and going down the coast to matisihnos for lunch at the fish restaurants)

DethStar65

We flew into Porto, stayed 6 nights, took the train to Lisbon for four nights, and then came back to Porto for the last two nights. While in Porto, we took a day tour to Santiago de Compostela with a small group – about 8 of us.

The Porto food walking tours are amazing – they’re a must do.

haligolightly

Porto Day Trips Map

Day trips from PortoDistanceBy TrainBy BusBy Car
Douro Valley Wine Region60 miles2 hours2 hours1h 20m
Braga  31 miles1h 20m1 hour45 minutes
Guimarães  34 miles1h 12m1 hour45 minutes
Aveiro  35 miles50 minutes55 minutes35 min
Caminha51 miles1 h 28 m2 hours1 hour 15 minutes
Vila Nova de Cerveira   55 miles2h 15m1h 30m50 minutes
Moledo  59 miles1h 45m2h 48m1h 10m
Arouca Geopark  37 miles1h 27m1h 30m45 minutes
Coimbra71 miles2 hours1h 20m45 minutes
Viana do Castelo39 miles1h 14m1 hour35 minutes
Amarante  29 milesn/a35 minutes30 minutes
Vila do Conde & Póvoa de Varzim17 milesn/a50 minutes35 minutes
Ponte de Lima42 milesn/a1h 15m40 minutes
Fátima, Batalha, Alcobaça, Óbidos105 miles, 124 miles, 112 miles, 126 miles3 hours, 4h 48m, 3h 23m, 4h 47m  2h 20m, 3h 30m, 2h 30m, 3h 15m1h 10m, 1h 45m, 1h 15m, 1h 30m
Passadiços do Paiva20 miles1h 10m1 hour50 minutes
Here are the best car rental offers in Porto, Portugal

1. Douro Valley Wine Region

Duoro Valley Portugal

The Douro Valley Region is known as the home to the finest wines and breathtaking landscapes. It is a wonderful place where, in summer, you can get lost for a few days amid spectacular nature, enjoy the silence, swim in the river, visit ancient towns, and taste exceptional wines.

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2001, the Douro Valley region is Portugal’s most famous wine region with a magical atmosphere that many call the enchanted valley.

Vineyards are arranged on the slopes and rows, sometimes in waves. From afar, this creates a pattern resembling a greenish carpet. Thick gnarled trunks with delicate shoots and emerald leaves make the vineyard look excellent.

Yes, guided day trips to the Douro Valley are definitely worth it. For example, with this guided tour, in addition to wine tastings and a lunch, you get a cruise along the Douro River, delivering a well-rounded introduction to the countryside of Porto.

How to get to the Douro Valley Wine Region from Porto by train

  • Departure: IR train from Porto Campanha Station
  • Arrival: Pinhão, Régua, Pocinho (depending on what you want to see)
  • Shortest travel time: 2 hours
  • Tickets: from €13

By bus

  • Departure: Porto’s Campo 24 de Agosto Station
  • Arrival: Régua
  • Shortest travel time: 2 hours
  • Tickets: from €9

Helpful tip The train and bus are good options to get you from Porto to the Douro Valley; however, you will need to pay for a taxi to drive you to the vineyards, as not many of them are near the train stations.

By boat

  • Departure: Vila Nova de Gaia’s Quay
  • Arrival: Pinhão or Peso da Régua quay
  • Shortest travel time: 6 hours
  • Tickets: from €67

By car

  • Departure: Route N-222 linking Régua and Pinhão
  • Arrival: Douro Valley
  • Shortest travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Renting a car: from €39

Helpful tip It is better to rent a car if you do not plan to stop by the winery to taste port wine; otherwise, it is better to use a private transfer service, which will cost a little more, but you can relax and enjoy your trip.

Read also: A Detailed Comparison – Porto vs Lisbon

2. Braga

Braga is one of the largest cities in Portugal, located in the heart of the fertile Minho province in the northwest of the country. It is known for its solemn atmosphere and luxurious baroque architecture.

Due to its ancient history and numerous monuments of sacred architecture, Braga is often called “Portuguese Rome.”

The best sights to visit in Braga include:

  1. Praca da Republica, a significant public space known locally as “Arcada.” The name refers to the 18th-century arcaded building on the west side of the square. It’s best to begin your visit to Braga from this point, partly because the tourist office is here, and there are many sights on the square (Igreja da Lapa and the beautiful fountain) and the radiating streets.
  2. Bom Jesus do Monte, the city’s most visited tourist attraction on a hilltop to the east. It is known for its stairway, which rises over 100 meters and has 640 steps. You could always take the funicular railway, which shuttles up and down the side of the hill.
  3. The Garden of Santa Barbara is worth visiting, as many tourists here call the attraction the most picturesque in the country. The garden is decorated in the Renaissance style, and the territory is well-groomed. Here you can see boxwood beds planted in the correct geometric form and adorned with cedars.
  4. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro is also one of the most significant sights of Braga. The sanctuary is notable for its beautiful, exquisite white granite altar. There is also a shrine made of silver and a sculpture of the Madonna. A long staircase leads to the sanctuary, and the entrance is decorated with columns adorned with statues of the Virgin Mary and Christ.

How to get to Braga from Porto by train

  • Departure: Porto Campanha station
  • Arrival: Braga
  • Shortest travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Tickets: from €3

How to get to Braga from Porto by bus

  • Departure: Porto – TIC Campanha or Vila Nova de Gaia
  • Arrival: Braga (Centro Coordenador de Transportes de Braga
  • Shortest travel time: 1 hour
  • Tickets: from €3

3. Guimarães

Guimarães is a city in northern Portugal in the district of Braga. It is considered the cradle of the Portuguese nation and is rightfully proud of its unique place in its history.

Guimarães was the first capital of independent Portugal and is famous for its abundance of preserved ancient buildings and historical monuments scattered in picturesque narrow streets. Tourists here are attracted primarily by ancient castles.

The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza is perfect as its courtyard and interiors.

Guimarães Castle is more like its ruins; only massive walls and a central tower have survived. You can enter here completely free of charge, walk along these walls and try to imagine how everything was arranged here and how the Portuguese fought for their independence.

How to get to Guimarães from Porto by train

  • Departure: São Bento Railway Station
  • Arrival: Guimaraes Railway Station
  • Shortest travel time: 1 hour 12 minutes
  • Tickets: from €3

How to get to Guimarães from Porto by bus

  • Departure: Porto – TIC Campanha or Vila Nova de Gaia
  • Arrival: Bus station on Av. Alberto Sampaio
  • Shortest travel time: 1 hour
  • Tickets: from €3-4

4. Аveiro

Аveiro is a tiny beautiful town that is worth a visit! It has an ancient monastery with a royal tomb, museums and factories with unique exhibits, many fine examples of architecture, and an adorable lighthouse. And in a few minutes drive – wide white beaches, which seem to be explicitly made to observe the setting sun’s beauty.

The first thing to see in Aveiro is the Museu de Aveiro – Santa Joana. It is in the center, a mile away from the railway station, in the building of the former Dominican monastery Monastery of Jesus of the XV century.

Just a minute’s walk from the monastery is Sé Catedral de Aveiro with its outstanding architecture, you won’t need much time to explore it, so after 15 minutes of studying it, you can go to the Parque Dom Pedro Infante. It is a local oasis of greenery and tranquility. Before seeing the rest of the city’s sights, here you can make a small picnic, watch the birds on the lake and take many beautiful photos.

Also, be sure to visit the highest lighthouse in Portugal. From the lighthouse, there is a breathtaking overview for the town. The lighthouse area has plenty of restaurants and cafes and the luxurious beaches of Barra and Costa Nova with a wide shoreline.

Helpful tip Take a traditional Moliceiro boat trip along the city’s canals.

Moliceiro Boat Tour
Moliceiro boat

How to get to Aveiro from Porto by train

  • Departure: São Bento railway station or Campanhã railway station
  • Arrival: Aveiro station
  • Shortest travel time: 45-50 minutes
  • Tickets: from €6

How to get to Aveiro from Porto by bus

  • Departure: Campanha or Vila Nova de Gaia
  • Arrival: Aveiro Bus Terminal
  • Shortest travel time: 50 minutes
  • Tickets: from €5

5.  Caminha

Caminha is located in Portugal, at the mouth of the Minho River, in the district of Viana do Castelo.

In ancient times, Caminha was a frontier fortress. Now, it is a small port city, offering regular ferry service to Spain. Now, Caminha is one of the favorite holiday destinations for both the Portuguese and tourists.

You can visit the Clock Tower (Torre do Relógio), built in the 12th century as part of the city’s fortifications, which is considered the symbol of Caminha. Additionally, don’t forget to visit the magnificent Renaissance fountain and the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a monument of Portugal’s architectural heritage.

Also, you can relax and have fun with your family at Praia do Camarido beach or get to the Miradouro Da Fraga viewpoint.

How to get to Caminha from Porto by train

  • Departure: São Bento railway station or Campanhã railway station
  • Arrival: Caminha railway station at Av. Saraiva de Carvalho,
  • Shortest travel time: 1 hour 28 minutes
  • Tickets: from €8

How to get to Caminha from Porto by bus

  • Departure: TIC Campanha or Vila Nova de Gaia
  • Arrival:  Caminha bus station
  • Shortest travel time: 2 hours
  • Tickets: from €12

6. Vila Nova de Cerveira

Vila Nova de Cerveira is a Portuguese village on the bank of the River Minho, amazing with its historical architecture.

This small town exudes art: Even the most indifferent to art person will not remain unaffected by the atmosphere that reigns in this small, cozy, and colorful town.

As you stroll through the city streets, you can see multi-colored umbrellas hanging above the roads and various unusual sculptures that catch the eye. I recommend exploring Vila Nova de Cerveira Castle, built by King Dinis’s order to defend his township. The castle features many architectural elements from various eras.

Another great activity for the whole family is a kayaking trip down the Coura to Caminha, starting at the Roman bridge in Vilar dos Mouros. It’s possible to rent bikes and kayaks from the hut in the park, or if you’re not a fan of kayaking, you can take boat trips on the River Minho.

In any case, there is something special for everyone who visits this fantastic place.

How to get to Vila Nova de Cerveira from Porto by train

  • Departure: São Bento or Campanha
  • Arrival: Vila Nova de Cerveira train railway station on Rua Alto
  • Shortest travel time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Tickets: from €8

How to get to Vila Nova de Cerveira from Porto by bus

  • Departure: Campanha or Vila Nova de Gaia
  • Arrival: Vila Nova de Cerveira station
  • Shortest travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Tickets: from €11

7. Moledo

Moledo

Moledo boasts a beautiful beach that is a landmark of the country’s Northern region.

The air and water quality in the Moledo area are beneficial for health and well-being. Besides its healing properties, Moledo has other advantages.

This picturesque location is framed by rocky formations, making it incredibly photogenic. Your children will love the playground on the beach, and the presence of animators and lifeguards ensures a comfortable family vacation.

If you’re interested in cultural attractions, I recommend visiting the 17th-century Ínsua Fort, constructed in the shape of a 6-pointed star. You can reach the island where the fortress is located by boat.

How to get to Moledo from Porto by train

  • Departure:  Sao Bento 
  • Arrival: Moledo Do Minho
  • Shortest travel time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Tickets: from €11

How to get to Moledo from Porto by bus

  • Departure: from Campanha or Vila Nova de Gaia to Viana Castelo
  • Arrival: Viana Castelo – Moledo Do Minho station
  • Shortest travel time: 2h 48m
  • Tickets: €10-€15 

8. Arouca Geopark

The Arouca Geopark joined the European and Global Network of National Geoparks under UNESCO’s auspices in 2009. Located in the northern part of Portugal, the park is approximately 31 miles from the cities of Porto and Aveiro.

This destination is also renowned for its national archaeological, historical, and cultural heritage, as well as its ancient mines, all of which provide visitors with a memorable experience.

The park is ideal for nature tourism and offers a variety of sports and outdoor activities such as rafting, canoeing, canyoning, rock climbing, and hiking.

The stunning landscapes, local traditions, and dishes create lasting impressions of this remarkable location.

How to get to Arouca from Porto by train

  • Departure: from Porto – Sao Bento
  • Arrival: Recarei-Sobreira and then take a bus or taxi
  • Shortest travel time: 1 h 30 m
  • Tickets: from €11

How to get to Arouca from Porto by bus

  • Departure: Porto — Campo 24 de Agosto (50 minutes by bus) to Rio Mau
  • Arrival: Rio Mau and then take a bus or taxi to Arouca
  • Shortest travel time: 1h 27 m
  • Tickets: from €12

9. Coimbra

Coimbra
Photo by Uriel Soberanes on Unsplash

Coimbra is situated in central Portugal’s Beira region, between Lisbon and Porto. This lively commercial center features numerous shops, boutiques, and a tempting array of cafes and restaurants.

Coimbra’s historic heart is perched high above the Mondego River on Alcasova hill, which the Romans knew as Aeminium. The old university is surrounded by a medieval monastery, cathedrals, and some excellent museums.

The city’s steep hills, narrow streets, and green parks offer beautiful views, making Coimbra an inviting place for a leisurely stroll. Additionally, I recommend visiting Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela, a rugged mountain range perfect for hiking and even skiing!

What to Do in Coimbra

  1. Explore the University of Coimbra: As one of the oldest universities in Europe, the University of Coimbra is a must-see attraction. Be sure to visit the stunning Baroque-style library, Biblioteca Joanina, and the picturesque courtyard.
  2. Stroll through the Old Town: Coimbra’s historic center features narrow, winding streets that invite exploration. Discover medieval architecture, charming squares, and quaint shops as you wander through the Lower City and Upper City.
  3. Visit Monasteries and Cathedrals: Coimbra is home to several religious monuments, including the Old Cathedral (Sé Velha) and the New Cathedral (Sé Nova). Don’t miss the chance to explore their rich history and impressive architectural styles.
  4. Relax in City Parks: Coimbra offers several green spaces for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Visit Jardim da Sereia or Jardim Botânico for beautiful views and peaceful surroundings.
  5. Discover Local Cuisine: Sample traditional Portuguese dishes at local restaurants and cafes. Try the famous “Pastel de Tentúgal” (a delicious pastry), “Chanfana” (a goat stew), or “Leitão da Bairrada” (roast suckling pig).

How to get to Coimbra from Porto by train

  • Departure: Campanhã Station
  • Arrival: Coimbra or Coimbra-B
  • Shortest travel time: approximately 2 hours, but with a high-speed train only 1 hour
  • Tickets: from €14

How to get to Coimbra from Porto by bus

  • Departure: Terminal Intermodal de Campanhã or Garagem Atlantico
  • Arrival: Coimbra Central Bus Station
  • Shortest travel time: 1h 20m
  • Tickets: from €6

10. Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo has long been recognized as an important center for maritime activities throughout history. Situated along the riverbanks, a leisurely stroll along the lengthy barrier is quite enjoyable.

Start by taking a sightseeing tour to Forte de Santiago, as it offers an excellent panoramic platform with stunning views of the sea and the city’s coastal area. Afterward, consider taking a leisurely walk around Campo da Agonia, where you can find the 17th-century Catholic church Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Agony (with breathtaking views over the town!).

You can also relax at Praia do Cabedelo, which is just a short ferry ride across the river from Viana do Castelo. This sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing and chilling with some beach reads.

If you’re visiting during the summer months, you can attend a local festival such as the Romaria de Nossa Senhora da Agonia, featuring traditional dances, processions, and music.

Finally, you can take a kayak tour on the Rio Lima for the scenic descend along the river (suitable for beginners and pros).

How to get to Viana do Castelo from Porto by train

  • Departure: Campanha
  • Arrival: Viana Do Castelo
  • Shortest travel time: 1 hour 14 minutes
  • Tickets: from €6

How to get to Viana do Castelo from Porto by bus

  • Departure: Campanha
  • Arrival: Viana Do Castelo (Bus Station)
  • Shortest travel time: 1 hour
  • Tickets: €6

11. Amarante

Amarante is a stunning destination with majestic landscapes and the magnificent Serra do Marão mountain range. The Tâmega River divides the city into two halves, showcasing picturesque houses and beautiful nature along its banks.

The city is believed to have been founded by a Roman centurion named Amaranthus. In the 13th century, the monk Gonçalo settled here after his pilgrimage, becoming the patron saint of the city and the builder of many attractions, such as the Amarante Bridge. This bridge holds the memory of the heroic resistance by the city’s inhabitants during the Napoleonic invasion of Portugal in the 19th century.

While in the city, you can try the traditional sweets such as Papos de Anjo, Brisas do Tamega, Toucinho do Céu, and Bolos de São Gonçalo, which you can find in lovely cafés all around the town.

How to get to Amarante from Porto by bus

  • Departure:  Campanha or Vila Nova de Gaia
  • Arrival: Amarante (Bus Station)
  • Shortest travel time: 35 minutes
  • Tickets: from €8

12. Vila do Conde and Póvoa de Varzim

Vila do Conde is a peaceful and serene town that experienced rapid growth during the era of the great geographical discoveries when a shipyard was established here.

This town is also known as the capital of exquisite handmade lace, which has been woven here since the 17th century and has spread throughout the Portuguese coast. Be sure to visit the Lace Museum (Museu das Rendas) and admire the magnificent works of local artisans – these are truly stunning and beautiful pieces of art.

Additionally, one of Portugal’s largest fairs, Feira Nacional, takes place in Vila do Conde during July and August. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend. Folk crafts play a significant role in the city’s life, which is evident when visiting the National Fair (Feira Nacional). This event, held in July and August, is one of the largest handicraft fairs in Portugal.

How to get to Vila do Conde from Porto by bus

  • Departure: Gonçalo Cristovão Terminal 
  • Arrival: Vila do Conde station
  • Shortest travel time: 55 minutes
  • Tickets: from €3

Póvoa de Varzim is a town near Vila do Conde, situated in the northwestern part of the republic along the Atlantic coast, between the Cavado River and the Ave River. The picturesque landscape of the resort allows vacationers to enjoy hiking along Povoa Bay’s shores, exploring the tropical ecosystem, and observing local fauna in the Northern Littoral Nature Park.

You can also visit historical and architectural monuments such as the Saint Peter of Rates Church, Sanctuary of Alexandrina of Balasar, and Fort of Our Lady of the Conception. For shopping enthusiasts, a wide range of goods can be found in Continente and Vila do Conde.

How to get to Póvoa de Varzim from Porto by train

  • Departure: Terminal Intermodal de Campanhã
  • Arrival: Central de Camionagem Povoa De Varzim
  • Shortest travel time: 50 minutes
  • Tickets: from €6

13. Ponte de Lima

Ponte de Lima
Photo by Jesus David Gomez on Unsplash

Ponte de Lima is an ideal destination for a day trip. Founded in 1125, Ponte de Lima is a delightfully picturesque small town situated along the banks of the Lima River.

I highly recommend to visit the medieval bridge and enjoy a picnic lunch in Parque do Arnado. To fully appreciate the charm of this area, consider spending a night in one of the rural manors just outside of town.

The town boasts excellent restaurants and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss the opportunity to try Serrabullo rice, a traditional dish from this region.

How to get to Ponte de Lima from Porto by bus

  • Departure: Campanhã
  • Arrival: Ponte De Lima,
  • Shortest travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Tickets: from €8

14. Fátima, Batalha, Alcobaça, Óbidos

Fatima is a renowned center of Christian pilgrimage, with events that took place over a century ago transforming it into a tourist destination. There is a pilgrimage path where believers walk on their knees.

The Basilica of the Holy Virgin Mary, built in honor of the apparition of the Mother of God, is situated in Fatima. Eyewitnesses claim that the Holy Virgin appeared to three local children—Lucia Dos Santos, her cousin Francisco, and cousin Jacinta Marto – six times in 1917. The children maintained that the Virgin Mary visited them on the thirteenth day of every month from May to October 1917, delivering messages to them. She is said to have predicted three major events: the rise of Communism, the Second World War, and the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Whether you believe it or not is up to you, but this enchanting place is undoubtedly worth a visit.

How to get to Fatima from Porto by bus

  • Departure: Campanhã
  • Arrival: Fátima (Comboios De Portugal )
  • Shortest travel time: 3 hours
  • Tickets: from €18

How to get to Fatima from Porto by train

  • Departure: Campanhã
  • Arrival:  Fátima, Terminal Rodoviário
  • Shortest travel time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Tickets: from €18

Batalha is one of the most fascinating and unique towns in Portugal. Despite its small population of 7,000, there is no shortage of things to see. Batalha’s attractions extend beyond just one monastery, as visitors can also explore local theme parks, an archaeology museum, participate in historical reenactments, and much more.

The Batalha Monastery is the town’s primary attraction. This ancient Dominican temple is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a striking blend of Gothic and Manueline styles.

Additionally, it is a great idea to visit the town’s Main Square, which features numerous cafes, souvenir shops selling local ceramics, and wine cellars offering the famous Portuguese port wine.

How to get to Batalha from Porto by train

  • Departure: Campanhã
  • Arrival: Batalha
  • Shortest travel time: 4 hours 48 minutes
  • Tickets: from €18

How to get to Batalha from Porto by bus

  • Departure: Campanha or Vila Nova de Gaia to Viana Castelo
  • Arrival: Batalha
  • Shortest travel time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Tickets: from €18

Alcobaça is a small but cozy town with a stunning monastery where you can take great photos. You can find there lots of street cafes and great restaurants and lovely streets. Nearby are other great places such as the beachfront town of Nazaré (with spectacular waves), the larger town of Rainha Koldas, the Old Walled City of Obidos, Batalha Monastery, and many churches and a castle. And, of course, the advantage of this town is that many excellent cafes and restaurants offer their exquisite dishes, and each has its zest.

How to get to Alcobaça from Porto by train

  • Departure: Campanhã
  • Arrival: Alcobaça
  • Shortest travel time: 3 h 23 m
  • Tickets: from €16

How to get to Alcobaça from Porto by bus

  • Departure: Campanhã
  • Arrival: Alcobaça
  • Shortest travel time: 2h 30
  • Tickets: from €16

In just one day, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Óbidos and explore its local attractions. The most famous sight in Obidos is its castle fortress, which symbolizes the city.

Castelo de Obidos is a majestic, square-shaped castle built in the 12th century in the Manueline style. Entrance to the castle grounds is free, and the complex is considered one of the country’s main wonders, holding the status of a national monument of history and culture.

You can walk along the fortress walls, where a narrow passage offers views of the city and vineyards with windmills. Knightly tournaments, horse races, and fire performances are often held here as part of the annual Mercado Medieval de Óbidos fair, during which the city fully embraces a medieval atmosphere.

How to get to Obidos from Porto by train

  • Departure: São Bento railway station
  • Arrival: Obidos
  • Shortest travel time: 4 h 47 min
  • Tickets: from €18

How to get to Obidos from Porto by bus

  • Departure: Campanhã
  • Arrival: Obidos
  • Shortest travel time: 3 h 15 min
  • Tickets: from €16

15. Passadiços do Paiva

Passadicos do Paiva is a unique place in Portugal, a must-visit for all Northern Portugal travelers. An 8 km walk along the wooden stairs and suspension bridges along the Paiva River is considered the most beautiful in Portugal.

You will see lush vegetation, beautiful waterfalls, sparkling clear river water, and wildlife in all its glory.

But be careful; this walk is not for those who like to lie on the couch because this adventure will keep you moving. The route is tricky, but if you still decide to hit the road, stock up on water and sandwiches, and hit the road! This place will give you a lot of impressions!

How to get to Passadiços do Paiva from Porto by train

  • Departure: São Bento railway station
  • Arrival: Aveiro and then take a taxi to Paiva Walkways
  • Shortest travel time: 1h 10 m
  • Tickets: from €13

How to get to Passadiços do Paiva from Porto by bus

  • Departure: Campanhã
  • Arrival: Sebolido  and then take a taxi to Paiva Walkways
  • Shortest travel time: 1h 10 m
  • Tickets: from €13

Day and weekend trips from Porto FAQ

How many days should you spend in Porto?

There is no definitive answer to how much time you should spend in Porto, as it depends on various factors, such as whether you plan to stay only in Porto or visit nearby cities as well. Regardless, if your itinerary does not include other cities, it’s best to plan at least two days in Porto to see all the sights at a leisurely pace. However, if you intend to visit other locations, you should allocate at least one day for each trip. Traveling to and from these destinations, along with exploring them, can be time-consuming and require energy, so you’ll undoubtedly need some time to recuperate.

Can you take a day trip to Douro Valley from Porto?

Yes, you can take a day trip to the Douro Valley from Porto. You can reach the Douro Valley by train, bus, or car. The fastest and most convenient way to travel there is by driving/private transfer. A private transfer is advantageous, especially for larger groups, as you can visit wineries, enjoy wine tastings, and not worry about your return journey. If you have enough time, you can also start your day trip with a boat cruise from Porto to the Douro Valley and return by train or bus. Alternatively, you can begin your day with private bus transportation to Peso da Régua and then enjoy a Douro River tour by boat, returning to Porto by boat as well.

Are guided day trips to the Douro Valley worth it? 

Yes, guided day trips to the Douro Valley are definitely worth it. For example, with this guided tour, in addition to wine tastings and a lunch, you get a cruise along the Douro River, delivering a well-rounded introduction to the countryside of Porto.

Notice
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Become smarter traveler in just 5 minutes!