Top 16 Day Trips from Porto Portugal

Escape the bustling city of Porto and explore the charming surroundings that are just a short drive away. Whether you’re a fan of beaches, history, or stunning natural landscapes, these day trips promise memorable experiences for every type of traveler. Here’s our guide to the best day trips from Porto, including must-visit spots and hidden gems.

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Our Top Day Trips include:

• Aveiro
• Barcelos
• Braga
• Coimbra
• Conimbriga Ruins
• Foz do Douro
• Guimarães
• Leça da Palmeira
• Matosinhos
• Nazaré
• Paiva Walkways
• Peneda-Gerês National Park
• Peso da Regua
• Ponte de Lima
• Senhor da Pedra
• Viana do Castelo

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1. Aveiro

Recommended by Tina from Veganderlust

Aveiro is one of the most popular day trips from Porto, and for good reason. Known as the “Venice of Portugal,” this charming city is located just under an hour south of Porto and can easily be reached by train or bus.

One of the best things to do in Aveiro is to go for a boat ride in one of the so-called moliceiros through the canals. The colorful “moliceiro” boats are a signature of Aveiro and were originally used for harvesting seaweed. They now provide a unique way to explore the city.

Aveiro is a great destination to visit in spring, summer, and fall. The advantage of visiting in summer is that you can include a trip to the nearby beach in Costa Nova to your day trip.

Costa Nova is known for its colorful striped buildings. There’s also a beautiful sandy beach in Costa Nova. Strolling next to the interesting buildings and relaxing on the beach are the best ways to end your day trip to Aveiro. Just don’t forget to head back to Aveiro early enough so you don’t miss the last train back to Porto.

2. Barcelos

Recommended by by Ana Veiga from We Travel Portugal

Barcelos is a lively smaller city just 60km north of Porto. It’s a great day trip to experience some market town life, the beautiful Minho countryside, and of course the history of Portugal’s enigmatic rooster symbol – Galo de Barcelos.

Getting to Barcelos is straightforward, with an easy rail connection direct from Porto taking around 60 minutes. Alternatively, the road is a quick and flexible option giving you opportunity to make other stops nearby, by car it will take just 40 minutes.

Barcelos is a traditional market town and if you can visit on a Thursday, this is when it is most lively. Reportedly the largest open market in Portugal takes place every week in Campo da República. You’ll find everything from flowers to vegetables, basketry, ceramics, clothing, and for those looking, also souvenirs. A much smaller market is held in the same place daily for anyone that can’t make it on Thursday!  

Elsewhere in the city, you’ll find ruins, fortifications, and of course historic churches, all within easy walking distance and easy to explore. There’s great local food, and even local pastries specific to the city for you to try. You’ll also be able to explore the origins of the Galo de Barcelos, which takes its name from the city. The colorful rooster is found in almost every souvenir shop in Portugal. The history of the rooster, and ceramic production in Portugal can be found in the Ceramic Museum in the town. Barcelos is a great place to explore a slower and more traditional side to Portugal!

3. Braga

Braga, often referred to as Portugal’s religious capital, is an ideal day trip destination from Porto. It is easily accessible from Porto by a roughly one-hour train or bus ride. Once in Braga, start by exploring the historic center, where you’ll find charming cafés perfect for a quick coffee and pastry. Don’t miss the Braga Cathedral, the oldest in Portugal, showcasing a rich blend of architectural styles.

The highlight of any visit to Braga is the Bom Jesus do Monte, a stunning sanctuary located just outside the city. To get there, drive or take bus #2 from the city center, both options taking about 20 minutes. This baroque masterpiece is renowned for its dramatic, zigzagging stairway with 577 steps. They lead to a majestic church, symbolizing the spiritual journey to heaven. Each step is adorned with statues and intricate details. If you want to experience this but need to avoid walking the stairs, there is a water-driven funicular that ascends next to the staircase.

Conclude your visit with a stroll through the Garden of Santa Barbara, a municipal garden running next to the Archbishop’s Palace. This compact tour combines history, architectural wonders, and the beauty of northern Portugal, making for a perfect day away from the bustling streets of Porto.

4. Coimbra

Recommended by Marga from Discover Portugal

Did you know Lisbon wasn’t always Portugal’s capital? A few hundred years ago, it was Coimbra, and the city still has many great things to see! It’s very close to Porto, and you can reach Coimbra within 1 to 1,5 hours by bus, train or car. You can cover a lot in one day from Porto, so let’s take a look at some highlights. 

Coimbra is known for its university, and most people will start the day at the Coimbra University grounds. Highlights are the stunning library and Royal Palace! However, your entrance ticket will also include access to the Chemical Laboratory and the Academic Museum. The university’s botanical gardens are free to visit and should not be missed!

You can find an old cathedral, new gates, and remnants of the walled city in the old town. On the other side of the Mondego River, you can discover some religious landmarks in Coimbra. There is an old monastery, Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha, and a new one, Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Nova! If you travel with children, it’s fun to visit the miniature theme park Portugal dos Pequenitos on this side of the river.

5. Conimbriga Ruins

Recommended by Leah from Officer Travels

Located just over an hour south of Porto are some of the best preserved Roman Ruins in Portugal. The Conimbriga Ruins are somewhat of a hidden gem. While the occasional tour group does visit, it doesn’t attract the crowds you’d expect for such a beautiful and historic site. This is likely due to being quite difficult to access without hiring a car, or being willing to pay for a taxi but nevertheless it should still be on your radar as a day trip from Porto.

Entrance to the ruins starts at €4.50 for a standard ticket, with discounts available for under 12’s and over 60’s. Once inside the gate, you’re free to explore this ancient city, which has been dated to be over 2000 years old, at your own leisure. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of signs around to help guide you and explain what you’re looking at.

Some highlights include the roman baths (of course, would it be a Roman city without them?), amphitheater, the old city wall, remnants of mansions and regular homes, and some of the most pristine floor mosaics that you’ll ever see.

You’ll want to set aside at least a couple of hours and pack plenty of water because there’s very little shelter available around the grounds.

6. Foz do Douro

Foz do Douro sits just 30 minutes west of Porto, where the river meets the sea. It’s an affluent town, backing to the Douro River on its south side and the Atlantic Coast on its west.

Getting to Foz do Douro is very easy. Tram 1 rattles along the street by the Douro River, taking about 30 minutes each way. If the tram is full (or more expensive than you’d like to pay), take the bus that runs the same route. You can walk on paths by the river in about an hour. Bikes are much faster, but have to share the lane with the tram for portions of this ride.

Enjoy strolling through the Jardim do Passeio Alegre, which runs along the Douro River, watching sailboats and fishermen. Turn north as you reach the Atlantic Coast, walking along the sandy beaches with pounding surf. Walk through the coastal promenade, or stop for a coffee or bite to eat at a waterfront café.

Don’t miss exploring Foz’s mix of chic boutiques, restaurants, and the traditional mercado. In addition to a being a day trip destination, Foz do Douro is a great place to stay for someone who wants to visit Porto, while staying in a smaller and quieter beach town.

7. Guimarães

Guimarães, located approximately 60 km northeast of Porto, is known as the birthplace of Portugal. It is great to visit to see its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Guimarães Castle, Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and beautiful churches.

You can reach Guimarães from Porto by car in less than an hour. The train ride goes through beautiful countryside, taking just under 1.5 hours.

Take a leisurely walk through old town, explore the castle and palace, and visit Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira in town. Don’t miss taking a funicular ride (or a moderately strenuous hike) up to Sanctuary of Penha. The destination is beautiful and so are the views along the way.

One of the most enjoyable things about visiting Guimarães is the lack of crowds. Even old town has a fraction of the crowds that you see in Porto or Braga.

8. Leça da Palmeira

Explore Leça da Palmeira, notable for its architectural landmarks like the Boa Nova Tea House and Piscinas de Marés, both designed by the famous Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. Enjoy a day at the beach or visit the picturesque marina.

Take the metro to Matosinhos and walk over the draw bridge into Leças (45-50 min total), or take a bus from Porto directly into Leças da Palmeira (45-60 min).

The beaches of Leça da Palmeira are the big draw, bringing surf competitions, stunning sunsets, and enjoyable visits to the Piscinas de Marés. The Piscinas de Marés trap the ocean water, making for a safe swimming environment when open during the summer months. Walking the oceanfront promenade at sunset is a popular pastime.

9. Matosinhos

A haven for seafood lovers and just north of Porto, Matosinhos offers a delightful retreat with its wide sandy beaches and renowned seafood restaurants.

Matosinhos is a quick 40-45 minute metro or bus ride from Porto. Drive times vary widely based on traffic, but can be as short as 20 minutes. Walking from Porto to Matosinhos vs Foz do Douro is part of the Litoral Camino Route. This might not be on everyone’s list of things to do, but it is a beautiful (long) walk along the river and oceanfront.

Once in Matosinhos, enjoy a walk along the oceanfront promenade or dive into the surf. Don’t miss the chance to savor freshly grilled fish at one of the many fish restaurants. Enjoy a visit to the Forte de São Francisco Xavier do Queijo, also known as the Castelo do Queijo. To learn more about Matosinhos’ fishing heritage and for a sardine tasting, visit the Pinhais sardine factory.

10. Nazaré

Recommended by Victoria from Guide Your Travel

Nazaré, Portugal, is a charming seaside town known for its picturesque beaches, vibrant culture, and thrilling surfing scene. One of the top attractions is Praia do Norte, famous for its gigantic waves that attract surfers from around the world. Visitors can watch the surfers take on the massive waves from the safety of the beach or enjoy a stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade.

For a taste of local culture, explore the narrow streets of the town center, where you’ll find traditional shops, restaurants serving delicious seafood, and charming cafes. Don’t miss the chance to visit the O Sitio, the historic part of town perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, offering breathtaking views of the coastline.

The best time to visit Nazaré is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and perfect for beach activities. However, if you’re interested in witnessing the famous big waves, the best time to visit is between October and March.

To get to Nazaré from Porto, you can take a direct bus operated by Rede Expressos or Flixbus, which take around 2 hours 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive in approximately 2-2.5 hours depending on traffic.

11. Paiva Walkways

Important note (19 September 2024): the Paiva Walkways are impacted by a forest fire. The extent of damage is unknown as we update this post. Please check status on the Paiva Walkways website or via your tour operator before heading to the walkways.

For nature lovers, a trip to the Paiva Walkways (Passadiços do Paiva) is an experience not to be missed while visiting Northern Portugal. Located in the Arouca Geopark, these wooden walkways stretch over 8.7 kilometers, winding along the Paiva River. They offer spectacular views of gorges, waterfalls, and diverse ecological landscapes. The walkways are designed to provide a close connection with nature, allowing you to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of untouched forests and dramatic rocky terrain. Note that there are many stairs on the walkways.

Getting to the Paiva Walkways from Porto by car takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. You will be driving on small mountain roads. Public transportation options are available but less direct; you can take a train or bus to Arouca and then a taxi to the trailhead at Areinho or Espiunca. If you don’t have a car, it is easiest to take a tour from Porto. If you do take public transport, consider spending a night in Arouca so that you can further explore the area.

You can choose to walk one way (with taxis and open air jeeps available to take you back to your starting point) or walk both directions. Combine this with a walk over the suspension bridge to add some adventure. Entrance to the walkways is €2, Access to the suspension bridge is extra.

12. Peneda-Gerês National Park

Head off of the beaten path to Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal’s only national park, located about 1.5 hours north of Porto. This expansive park offers a wide variety of biodiverse habitats, with lush forests, sparkling rivers, rugged hills, and peaceful lakes.

Getting to Peneda-Gerês from Porto is straightforward. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. If you don’t have a car, a tour from Porto or Braga may be your best bet to get the most out of your park visit. You can go by bus with a few transfers. Once you arrive in the town of Gerês, you will need to walk or bike longer distances between the various areas of the park.

Peneda-Gerês is wonderful for outdoor enthusiasts, providing various opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and even spotting wildlife like Iberian wolves and Garrano horses. You can explore historical villages, megalithic tombs, São Bento da Porta Aberta sanctuary, waterfalls, and thermal springs.

Visiting Peneda-Gerês provides a refreshing break from your city visit in Porto, and a chance to connect with Portugal’s stunning natural beauty.

13. Peso da Regua

Recommended by Cosette from KarsTravels. 

Peso da Régua is a city in Northern Portugal, situated on the banks of the river Douro. From this city the wine barrels with Port wine were transported to Vila Nova da Gaia. Due to its location Peso da Régua is important in the production and trade of Port wine, placing it on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 

A must do in Peso da Régua is a scenic boat ride on the Douro river. There are different types of boats to choose from. The most fun is a Rabelo, a traditional boat that was used to ship the wine barrels. Tours start from one hour and up. 

Another thing to do in Peso da Régua is to board the historical steam train. It’s a 3-hour round trip to Tua and back. The tracks follow the river Douro and you’ll have excellent views on the hills with vineyards. 

The best time to visit Peso da Régua is from May to October. It’s warm in those months and there’s almost no rain, which makes it the perfect time to explore the region.

Peso da Régua can be reached by car via toll roads A4 and A24. It will take 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you’re on a France Spain Portugal Road Trip then taking the rota N222 is perfect. It takes half a day, but this scenic road winds along the Douro river in between the vineyards.   

14. Ponte de Lima

Ponte de Lima, just north of Porto, is known for being Portugal’s oldest village. This charming town is famous for its Roman bridge and its flower-lined streets. The Roman bridge was built somewhere around the 1st century by Emperor Cesar Augustus, in order to have a road across the Lima River.

It is very easy to get to Ponte de Lima from Porto. Driving usually takes less than 1 hour. The bus (via Viano do Castelo) takes about 1.5 hours. There is also a nice bike ride (just under 30 km) on the Ecovia along the river between Viano do Castelo and Ponte de Lima.

Take a leisurely walk through the medieval streets, visit the Museu dos Terceiros for a glimpse of sacred art, or enjoy the tranquility of the Japanese-style International Garden Festival held annually. Ponte de Lima hosts one of the oldest markets in Portugal every two weeks along the riverbanks. Though the town is crowded those days, you can enjoy many local artisan made goods and foods.

Ponte de Lima is a perfect blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.

15. Senhor da Pedra

Nestled on a beach just south of Porto, the Chapel of Senhor da Pedra is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Porto. This unique chapel is perched on a rock in the middle of Miramar Beach, where it is surrounded by water at high tide. It offers not only a spiritual retreat but also stunning ocean views. The chapel is a blend of religious and natural marvel, with legends and folklore adding to its mystique. The site is particularly magical during the annual festival, when it becomes a hub of cultural celebrations.

Getting to Senhor da Pedra from Porto is straight forward. By car, it’s an easy 20-minute drive south. Alternatively, take a train from São Bento or Campanhã station in Porto to Miramar station (on the Aveiro train line). From there, a brief 15-minute walk towards the beach will lead you directly to the chapel. You’ll find café’s just up the street from the chapel, in case you’d like a bite to eat before or after your visit. Consider combining this with a day at the beach or perhaps an onward trip to Aveiro.

Whether you’re a photographer, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to relax, Senhor da Pedra is a destination that promises a memorable experience.

16. Viana do Castelo

Travel north from Porto to Viana do Castelo, known for its rich maritime history and beautiful landscapes. Viano do Castelo is an easy hour drive or train ride. Once in town, you can park your car and walk to most areas of town.

While in town, be sure to visit Santa Luzia Hill to visit the sanctuary and to take in the breathtaking views of town. This is a bit of a workout to hike up the many stairs to the sanctuary, or you can choose to take the funicular. Take some time to wander around the historic center, enjoying the beautiful churches and palaces. Find a spot in the Praça da Republica to have a coffee break.

After exploring town, head over to Praia Norte. Enjoy the beach, which has natural pools, which capture the seawater, creating for a safe and scenic place to swim. After your swim, take a walk or bike north from the beach to the fort. For those looking for a longer hike or bike, the Coastal Camino route extends both north and south of Viana do Castelo for miles, and the Ecovia connects Viana do Castelo with Ponte de Lima.

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Porto Day Trip Wrap-Up

Each of these destinations offers a unique glimpse into the diverse beauty and heritage of the Porto region. Whether you’re looking to relax, explore the history of the region, or simply escape the city for a day, these trips will enrich your Portuguese experience with unforgettable memories.

Where to Stay in and Around Porto

Wine & Books Porto Hotel	Porto: 5-star hotel in prime location, with room service, 24-hour front desk, spa and wellness center with an indoor pool, fitness center, sauna, as well as a restaurant
Hotel das Virtudes	Porto: Unique modern hotel built into 15th century stone, located just off of the Parque das Virtudes
Ribeira Douro Hotel	Ribeira, Porto: 2 star hotel with large air conditioned rooms, great location, and friendly staff
Casa do Arquiteto – Townhouse – Architect’s House	Porto: 2-star accommodations in the older area of Porto, 10-12 minute walk from the center
Casa Kala	Bonfim: Great location, walking distance to the main sights, but providing a quiet place to recharge
Casa da Marechal – Boutique Hotel by Oporto Collection – Adults Only	Foz do Douro Boutique hotel 0.3 miles from the beach, with outdoor pool and private parking
Gallery Hostel	Porto: Just 10 minutes walk from Clérigos Tower, the Gallery Hostel offers clean air conditioned rooms, wifi, breakfast, restaurant, and a terrace.

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