Our guide on the best day trips from Porto for your next trip to Portugal.
Porto, the charming city by the Douro River, serves as a great base for exploring the north of Portugal. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and picturesque towns nearby, there are several destinations perfect for day trips.
Here’s a curated list of Porto’s top day trip destinations, featuring a mix of cultural gems, natural beauty, and unique experiences.
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Travel Tips for Day Trips from Porto
Transport Options: Trains are reliable and cost-effective for destinations like Braga, Guimarães, and Aveiro. For more remote areas, renting a car is recommended.
Seasonal Considerations: The Douro Valley and Peneda-Gerês are best visited in spring or autumn for optimal weather.
Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour for wine tastings in the Douro Valley or historical tours in Braga and Guimarães to enrich your experience.
Day trips from Porto
1. Douro Valley Wine Region
Distance: 1-2 hours by car/train.
Why Visit: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its breathtaking terraced vineyards, scenic landscapes, and world-renowned wine estates.
Highlights:
Wine Tasting: Visit quintas (wine estates) like Quinta do Seixo or Quinta da Pacheca for tours and tastings of port wine.
Boat Cruise: Take a river cruise from Peso da Régua or Pinhão for stunning views.
Train Journey: The Linha do Douro train route offers scenic rides through the valley.
Recommended Towns: Peso da Régua, Pinhão, and Lamego.
2. Braga
Distance: 40 minutes by train or car.
Why Visit: One of Portugal’s oldest cities, Braga is known for its Baroque churches, vibrant cultural scene, and historical significance.
Highlights:
Bom Jesus do Monte: A stunning hilltop sanctuary with an iconic staircase.
Sé de Braga (Braga Cathedral): The oldest cathedral in Portugal.
Historic Center: Explore charming squares, cafés, and shops.
3. Guimarães
Distance: 1 hour by train or car.
Why Visit: Considered the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães has a well-preserved medieval center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights:
Guimarães Castle: Explore the legendary castle and learn about its role in Portuguese history.
Palace of the Dukes of Braganza: A grandiose 15th-century palace.
Largo da Oliveira: The heart of the historic center with beautiful squares and churches.
4. Aveiro
Distance: 45 minutes by train or car.
Why Visit: Often called the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is famous for its network of canals, colorful moliceiro boats, and Art Nouveau architecture.
Highlights:
Canal Cruise: Take a ride on a traditional moliceiro boat.
Costa Nova: Visit this nearby beach town, known for its vibrant striped houses.
Aveiro Museum: Housed in a former convent, it’s rich in religious art and history.
5. Viana do Castelo
Distance: 1 hour by car.
Why Visit: A scenic coastal town with a strong maritime heritage and sweeping views.
Highlights:
Santa Luzia Basilica: Perched on a hilltop, it offers panoramic views over the city and Atlantic Ocean.
Historic Center: Wander through narrow streets lined with Renaissance and Manueline architecture.
Praia do Cabedelo: A beautiful beach ideal for surfers and sunbathers.
6. Amarante
Distance: 1 hour by car.
Why Visit: A quaint riverside town known for its picturesque setting along the Tâmega River.
Highlights:
São Gonçalo Church and Bridge: A beautiful bridge and church dating back to the 16th century.
Wine & Pastries: Amarante is known for its vinho verde (young wine) and delicious pastries like papos de anjo and toucinho do céu.
River Views: Relax by the riverside cafés.
7. Coimbra
Distance: 1.5 hours by train or car.
Why Visit: Once the capital of Portugal, Coimbra is famous for its prestigious university, historic charm, and Fado music.
Highlights:
University of Coimbra: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, don’t miss the stunning Biblioteca Joanina.
Old Cathedral (Sé Velha): A 12th-century Romanesque cathedral.
Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha: A hauntingly beautiful ruin along the Mondego River.
8. Peneda-Gerês National Park
Distance: 1.5-2 hours by car.
Why Visit: Portugal’s only national park, offering dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Highlights:
Hiking Trails: Choose from various routes, like the Path of the Roman Geira or the Tahiti Waterfalls.
Villages: Visit traditional villages like Soajo and Lindoso, known for their granite espigueiros (granaries).
Wildlife: Spot wild horses, eagles, and unique flora.
9. Matosinhos
Distance: 20 minutes by car or metro.
Why Visit: A coastal suburb of Porto, Matosinhos is perfect for a beach day and seafood feast.
Highlights:
Praia de Matosinhos: A wide sandy beach, great for surfing and sunbathing.
Seafood Restaurants: Renowned for its seafood, especially grilled fish.
Port of Leixões: Walk along the promenade for views of the ocean and modern architecture.
10. Valença and Tui (Spain)
Distance: 1.5 hours by car.
Why Visit: Two border towns connected by a bridge over the Minho River, offering a fascinating blend of Portuguese and Spanish cultures.
Highlights:
Valença Fortress: A star-shaped fortress overlooking the river.
Tui Cathedral: A Romanesque and Gothic cathedral in the Spanish town of Tui.
Cross-Border Experience: Walk or cycle across the bridge between Portugal and Spain.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.