Jess Bergin

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17 Day Trips from Porto

Ah, Porto. Lapped with lyrical landscapes, iconic landmarks and world-famous Port wine bars, this city is steeped deep in fun. Mix up your sightseeing and escape the city buzz on one of these top day trips from Porto, Portugal.

Portugal is well-known for its colourful palaces, breezy beaches and thriving cultural scene. Nestled in the northwest of the country, Porto promises all that, and more! The city serves as the ideal base to discover top travel destinations like the vineyards in the Douro Valley and record-breaking waves in Nazare.

Whether you’re interested in culture, cuisine or the colourful scenery, this part of Europe lives up to all the hype. Spend your days relaxing at the beach or roaming around rural towns - it’s all up to you!

Having travelled to Portugal a handful of times, I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy a dazzling diversity of experiences. So, I’ve pieced together the best day trips from Porto, so that you can spice up your itinerary and make the most of your trip to Portugal.

In this guide, we cover the best time to visit, how to get around and where to stay. Plus, there are a few 7- and 14-day Portugal itineraries to choose from.

17 Day Trips from Porto

Whether you want to explore on foot or by train, boat or car, you’ll have plenty of options to pick from.

This corner of Portugal serves as the perfect base to discover the region’s delights. Here’s a basic breakdown of the top day trips from Porto, Portugal:

  • Amarante

  • Santa Maria da Feira

  • Serras de Porto Natural Park

  • Ponte de Lima

  • Vila do Conde

  • Santiago de Compostela

  • Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês

  • Viana do Castelo

  • Coimbra

  • Braga

  • Guimaraes

  • Aveiro

  • Nazare

  • Matosinhos

  • Barcelos

  • Capela de Senhor da Pedra

  • Douro Valley

17. Amarante

Let’s kick off this list with Amarante, a charming town that’s nestled in northern Portugal’s hilltops.

If you’re a history buff, you’re going to fall in love with Amarante. This top-rated travel destination is perched along the Tâmega River and boasts picture-perfect vistas at almost every angle.

Stroll across the 18th-century São Gonçalo Bridge and hike to the top of the Serra do Marão viewpoint. Spend an afternoon waltzing around the historic centre and set aside plenty of time to discover highlights like the Baroque-style São Gonçalo Church.

Amarante is one of the top day trips from Porto by train. You can reach this destination from São Bento Station. If you prefer to drive, you can arrive in Amarante in just under 50 minutes by car.

16. Santa Maria da Feira

Porto is fringed with fun-filled activities and fascinating attractions, and a day trip to Santa Maria da Feira could help to break up your itinerary.

This travel destination is the perfect fit for your holidays in Portugal, and here’s why. Boasting a small town atmosphere, military architecture and an awe-worthy castle, it’s easy to find its appeal.

Don’t miss the Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria da Feira, one of the main churches, Igreja da Misericórdia and Convento e Museu de Lóios, a monastery and museum with an extensively impressive ethnographic and archaeological collection.

Santa Maria da Feira is a popular day trip from Porto by train. But, you’ll have to take two of them to get here and it will take around one and a half hours.

15. Serras de Porto Natural Park

Venture beyond the city buzz and escape to the lyrical landscapes of Serra de Porto Natural Park.

In my opinion, the perfect holiday in Porto is made up of a mix of sightseeing and natural scenery. This place is crowned as a nature lover’s paradise, with charming villages, rock salt mines and lush terrain.

Get off the beaten track as you embark on an adventure through the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park. Admire the surprising rock formations and deep grottoes of Santo António, Moeda, Mira d’Aire and Alvados. See if you can spot the 18 species of bats! Trek around the rock salt mines near the River Maior, all of which have been in use for over eight centuries.

If you only have time to do one thing, don’t miss the collection of sauropod dinosaur footprints from the mid-Jurassic period. With around 20 tracks that are over 175 million years old, the “Pedreira do Galinha” is a must-see.

There’s no doubt that this is one of the best day trips from Porto by car, but there are plenty of organised tours available too. This off-road buggy adventure takes you into the heart of the Serras do Porto Natural Park.

You’ll learn about ancient Portuguese history at Castro Mozinho, see the village of Quintandona and navigate the rocky terrain. Sounds pretty epic, right?

14. Ponte de Lima

Porto is coined with a world of experiences, and a day trip to Ponte de Lima could be the perfect way to spice things up.

This lush region of Portugal is home to one of the oldest towns in the country. Tucked along the banks of the Lima River, this travel destination is surrounded by rolling hilltops and natural wonders. It’s also an important part of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago.

Wind through the narrow streets and indulge in traditional cuisine in the local restaurants. Vinho Verde is the town’s famous wine, so be sure to pair a glass with your meal.

After tasting the region’s cheese and smoked sausage, stop by the Viana do Castelo. The 14th-century old bridge, Ponte Medieval, makes this spot one of the top day trips from Porto. Other highlights here include the Largo de Camōes and the Festival Internacional de Jardins, which takes places between May and October.

Ponte de Lima is around an hour’s drive from Porto, making it an ideal choice for a short day trip.

13. Vila do Conde

City life and sightseeing can be a fun way to experience Porto, but when the summer heat hits, why not escape to the beach?

Vila do Conde is situated around 30 kilometres north of Porto and it only takes about 50 minutes on the metro to arrive from Porto. You can check out several beaches here, making it a popular place for any summertime getaway.

Vila do Conde’s beach is over 6 kilometres long and ends in the Rio Ave River. The beach is located close to the centre and is also popular with local surfers and fishermen. Grab your travel buddies, pack a picnic and set up camp for the day!

12. Santiago de Compostela

If you’re on the hunt for day trips from Porto to Spain, be sure to add Santiago de Compostela to your bucket list.

The pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela is home to a huge haul of highlights, from the cathedral and to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre.

This is one of the most popular travel destinations in Spain, being the end point of the famous pilgrimage routes. Most tours take around 14 days to complete and span around 250 kilometres in total.

If you’re not an active traveller, you can ditch the multi-week hike and jump on a day trip by bus from Porto.

Better yet, join an organised tour and learn about the history and cultural significance from a local guide!

This full day trip combines Santiago de Compostela with a trip to Valença do Minho, a historic town that sits on the border of Spain and Portugal.

11. Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês

There are many day trips from Porto, but the Peneda-Gerês National Park is well worth every penny.

The Peneda-Gerês National Park is about a 90-minute drive from Porto. Explore the heart of Gerês and discover the stunning lagoons, misty mountains and rolling streams. The natural scenery here is unparalleled and you can even swim, hike and canoe.

Spot the waterfalls and wild horses, or head into the local villages to indulge in a mouthwatering lunch. This Peneda-Gerês National Park Tour takes you to all the highlights and hot spots. You’ll visit ancient villages, swim in crystal clear waters and check out the waterfall and lagoon. Sound pretty perfect, hey?

10. Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo is known for its charming old town and spectacular natural surroundings. Home to a well-known sanctuary and top attractions like the Gil Eanes hospital ship, it’s easy to spend the whole day here.

Viana do Castelo is one of the top day trips from Porto by car. Located just 78 kilometres north of Porto, you can reach the town in under 50 minutes. Highlights include the Santuário Santa Luzia, a basilica that’s situated in the enchanting historic centre. Head up in the cable car and bask in the beautiful views of the estuary and the Vale do Lima Valley.

If you don’t plan on hiring a car, this Viana Castelo and Ponte Lima Private Tour takes you to all the highlights and panoramic viewpoints. Plus, it includes lunch and a local guide too.

9. Coimbra

Coimbra was once coined as the major university city in Portugal and it’s home to the oldest college in Europe, which dates back to the 13th century.

This character-packed destination boasts highlights like the Sé Nova Cathedral, which is the only church in the entire country that survived the Reconquista. take a stroll through the historic city centre and check out the Quebra Costas, Porta do Barbacã, Arco da Almedina and Rua Ferreira Borges.

This waterfront city is one of the best day trips from Porto by train. It takes around 2 hours by public transport or one hour by car. It’s fairly underrated and given its extensive history and links to the Roman empire, it’s well worth visiting.

This Fátima and Coimbra Full-Day Tour from Porto includes all the hot spots. You’ll wind through the religious centres and tick highlights like the Santuário de Fátima off your bucket list. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to learn about the history of one of Europe's oldest university cities in Coimbra.

8. Braga

Home to an iconic inventory of attractions, Braga is known for one of the most impressive monuments in northern Portugal, the Bom Jesus do Monte.

This captivating church is famous for its Baroque stairway that’s tucked along the side of a steep hill. Depicting the ascent to heaven, it looks particularly magical in the early morning or late afternoon.

If you’re feeling fit, climb up the 537 steps to see the panoramic views of the city.

Portugal’s oldest city straddles cobblestone streets, awe-inspiring architecture and a handful of historic churches.

Hang out in the city centre and don’t miss the Praca da Republica and Sé de Braga Cathedral, Arco da Porta Nova, Raio Palace and Santa Barbara Garden.

Braga is one of the top day trips from Porto by train, but there are also organised tours available.

To arrive in Braga by train, on the yellow metro line (D Line) from the São Bento Station in Porto. The trip takes around 45 minutes by train or car.

This Braga and Guimarães Full Day Tour also winds through the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Guimarães. Combined with a visit to Braga and Minho, you’ll learn about the intriguing history of Portugal.

7. Guimaraes

Next up on this list; Guimares! Nestled in northern Portugal, this town is well-known for its medieval buildings and stunning views.

This ancient city is also referred to as the birthplace of Portugal and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The well-preserved monuments and medieval castle make Guimares well worth visiting.

Highlights include the hilltop-hugging 10th-century Guimarães Castle and the restored Dukes of Bragança Palace. Influenced by the style of a French chateau, the palace houses a museum with weapons, furniture and tapestries. Between both of those attractions is the Romanesque São Miguel do Castelo Church, which was built back in the 13th century.

Guimares is one of the top day trips from Porto by train and it’s located just 70 minutes to the north. Spend your day wandering through the maze-like streets, marvelling at the architecture and feeling like you’ve stepped back in time. Make plenty of time for a drink or meal inside the beating heart of the ancient city, in Largo da Oliveira.

6. Aveiro

This character-packed town is located on the west coast of Portugal and tucked along the Ria de Aveiro lagoon. Well-known for its canals and colourful boats (barcos moliceiros), it’s often referred to as the ‘Venice of Portugal’.

Aveiro is also famous for well-preserved art nouveau buildings, like the Cathedral of Aveiro and its bell tower. Don’t miss the Costa Nova neighbourhood and the marble-made tomb inside the Museu de Aveiro.

Aveiro makes for a great day trip from Porto by car and it’s just a short 50-minute drive to the south. If you don’t want to rent a car in Porto, jump on this organised Half-Day Tour from Porto. You’ll get to cruise through the canals in a unique "Moliceiro" boat and learn about the city’s culture and traditions. Plus, you’ll see colourful Costa Nova and dive deep into the historical importance here.

5. Nazare

If there’s one place in Europe that’s known for its wild waves, it’s Nazare.

This iconic surf destination in Portugal is coined as one of the best day trips from Porto. Famous for its gigantic waves, this place draws in thousands of tourists and surfers year after year. It takes around 2 hours to drive from Porto to Nazare, so be sure to make this an early one.

Even if you decide to visit outside of the big wave season (October to March), there are still lots of things to do. Hang out in the lighthouse surfing museum, head up high on the Nazare funicular and swing by the sun-dried fish exhibit near the traditional boats.

4. Matosinhos

Matosinhos is one of the best day trips from Porto, Portugal. Especially on a warm summer’s day!

Get away from the summertime heat in central Porto and head to the crashing coastline. Located next to the Foz district, Matosinhos is the closest beach to Porto, locally known as Praia de Matosinhos. You can easily take the metro here, making it an ideal day trip by train.

After you’ve spent the day swimming and soaking up the sunshine, venture inside the village of Matosinhos. For more highlights, architectural attractions include the Casa da Arquitectura and the Mercado Municipal de Matosinhos.

Stop to eat at one of the 200-and-something fish restaurants and enjoy the catch of the day. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, feast your senses at Terrárea or daTerra.

3. Barcelos

Located in the north of Portugal, Barcelos is well-known for its unique handicrafts, ceramics and lively market. This city is worth visiting if you’re interested in the creative arts scene and local experiences.

You’ll find everything from intricate, hand-painted clay figurines to unique local crafts. Barcelos is one of the best day trips from Porto, especially if you’re a fan of pottery and ceramics.

The city centre is home to a Gothic medieval bridge which dates back to the fourteenth century. Be sure to visit the 15th-century Pillory, the Gothic-style Parish Church and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Ponte.

Other hot spots include the Palace of the Condes of Barcelos, the Archaeological Museum, the Pottery Museum, the Tower of Porta Nova and the Church of Senhor Bom Jesus da Cruz. The list goes on and on!

2. Capela de Senhor da Pedra

Not all of the best day trips from Porto are far away. In fact, the Capela de Senhor da Pedra is located just a short 13 kilometres from Porto.

The best part about this attraction is that it can be easily reached by a 15-minute drive or a leisurely cycle. If you want to get active and experience the landscape from a fresh perspective, I’d highly recommend opting for a bike ride.

The Capela do Senhor da Pedra is a chapel that’s tucked on the cusp of the beach. Woven with a rich history, the chapel dates back to 1686. This unique spot has held cultural significance as a place of pilgrimage. Every year, hundreds of Portuguese people gather for the Lord of the Stone.

Despite it’s close location to Porto, the Capela de Senhor da Pedra is often overlooked by travellers. Although top spots like the Douro Valley are well worth the visit, this destination provides a local, fun, outdoors experiences at a fraction of the cost. If you’re a budget traveller, this could be the best fit for you.

1. Douro Valley

Last but not least, the breathtaking Douro Valley. This striking landscape is lapped with verdant vineyards, undulating mountains and the rolling River Douro.

The Douro Valley is one of the most popular travel destinations in Portugal. This UNESCO World Heritage site was coined as one of the first established wine regions in the world.

The region is renowned for its world-class wineries, stunning scenery and gourmet gastronomy experiences.

There are many options for day trips from Porto to Douro Valley. You could opt for an organised tour, jump on a high-speed train or drive in a rental car.

The train can be caught from Porto to Pinhão, which is possibly the Douro Valley’s most famous village. This option is budget-friendly, but be sure to plan and book your tickets in advance.

Driving a rental car is a great alternative that allows you to set your own schedule and make stops along the way. Just take note that the roads are particularly steep and windy, so if that’s not for you then I wouldn’t recommend it.

I’d personally recommend opting for a guided tour. This way, you’ll have transport and activities all taken care of. So you can sit back and fully immerse yourself in the landscape.

There are many Douro River day trips from Porto, but this full-day trip with a wine-tasting and lunch is an absolute must-see. You’ll wind through the best of Douro and visit two unique locations. Throughout the day, you’ll savour the samples of Port wine at each stop, before embarking on a relaxing 1-hour cruise on the Douro River. Then, you’ll wind up the day with a traditional Portuguese lunch. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, you can’t go wrong with this tour.

More Day Trips in Porto

If you’re looking for more day trips to squeeze into your Porto itinerary, consider some of these top spots:

  • Conimbriga Ruins, Roman settlement ruins located in Condeixa-a-Nova

  • Paiva Walkways, Passadiços do Paiva Trailhead (Areinho)

  • Batalha, a town located in Central Portugal

  • Obidos, a hilltop medieval settlement

  • Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain range in Continental Portugal

  • Monsanto, a village in Monsanto e Idanha-a-Velha

  • Lamego, a city in Viseu District

  • Povoa de Varzim, a coastal town in Northern Portugal

  • Espinho, a city in the Aveiro district

  • Sintra, an iconic town known for its palaces and ruins (roughly a 3-hour drive)

  • Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city (roughly a 3-hour drive)

Portugal Itinerary for 7 & 14 Days

If you’re on a tighter schedule and are wondering how to spend 1 week in Porto, this itinerary is the best bet for you.

This 7-Day Portugal Itinerary takes you into all the hilltop-perched palaces and quaint coastal regions. With the ideal mix of city life and rural adventure, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds. Here’s a snapshot of this 1-week itinerary:

               Day 1: Porto

                  Day 2: Day Trip to Duoro Valley 

                  Day 3: Lisbon

                  Day 4: Day Trip to Sintra

                  Day 5: Day Trip to Cascais

                  Day 6: Algarve

                  Day 7: Day Trip Around Algarve

Now that you’ve got the rundown on the best day trips from Porto, it’s time to get planning!

If you’re wondering how to spend two weeks in Portugal, I’ve got you covered. You’ll visit major cities like Lisbon and Porto, see nonpareil national parks and discover areas off the beaten path. This 14-day Portugal Itinerary has everything you need to know before you go. Here’s a quick look into this two week itinerary:

Day 1 - 2: Porto

Day 3: Duoro Valley

Day 4: Aveiro

Day 5: Coimbra

Day 6: Nazare

Day 7- 9: Lisbon

Day 10 - 11: Sintra

Day 12: Cascais

Day 13 - 14: Algarve Coast

Best Time to Visit Porto

The best time to visit Porto comes down to you, your travel budget and personal style. Visiting Portugal hones in on a world of experiences year-round, from summertime boat trips to the wintertime Christmas Markets.

Here’s a brief breakdown of what to expect and things to do in Porto during each season:

Spring

From March to May, you can expect occasional rain and mild temperatures between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). This is considered one of the best times for sightseeing and exploring Porto’s historic centre. Places like the Ribeira district, Crystal palace Gardens and the Clerigos Tower are less crowded during this time, making it an ideal time for those who want to avoid the big tourist crowds. Plus, there are a handful of cultural events, like the lively street festivities of Festa de São João in late June.

Summer

From June to August, you can experience sunny days and hot temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This is the best time to relax at nearby beaches like Matosinhos or Foz do Douro and take boat trips on the Douro River. The summertime is also ideal for outdoor activities and relishing the cuisine and riverside cafes and restaurants. As it’s Porto’s peak season, you can expect higher prices on accommodation, airfares and activities, as well as bigger crowds.

Autumn

From September to November, you can expect occasional showers and mild temperatures similar to spring. The autumn season is ideal for wine tasting, so be sure to visit the Douro Valley for grape harvesting and wine tours. This is also a great time to experience cultural events like Port Wine Day in September and do sightseeing without the crowds.

Winter

From December to February, you can experience rainy days and cool temperatures around 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Keep warm with a visit to Porto’s port wine cellars and don’t miss the December holiday festivities and Christmas markets. If you’re keen to check out popular tourist attractions like the Livraria Lello (Lello Bookstore) and the São Bento Railway Station without the crowds, the winter season is your best bet.

Things to do in Porto

Now that you’re up to speed on the best time to visit Porto, let’s help you figure out what to do. This part of northern Portugal is nestled with a world of fun activities and iconic landmarks. From surfing and riverboat tours to wine tasting and live music experiences, the list goes on and on. 

For the full scoop, check out my comprehensive guide on the Best Things to do in Porto, Portugal. Here’s a slice of what’s on offer: 

How to Get Around Porto

Porto boasts a well-connected public transport system, making getting around largely hassle-free. 

The metro, trams and buses are operated by the Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto. In Porto, there are six different metro lines, A (blue), B (red), C (green), D (yellow), E (purple) and F (orange). 

With more than 80 metro stations dotted throughout the city, making your way to the top attractions is fairly straightforward. 

The closest airport to Porto is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO). Located in the city’s northwest, it’s also commonly known as Porto Airport. You can reach Porto’s city centre by boarding the E (purple) metro line, or you can get a shuttle bus or catch a cab for around €20 to €30. 

The best way to see Porto is on foot, especially in the historic city centre. Porto is a very walkable city and navigating the old town’s narrow streets can help you discover hidden gems as well as all the popular tourist attractions. 

Where to Stay in Porto

For the full neighbourhood breakdown, check out this guide on the Best Places to Stay in Porto, Portugal

If it’s your first time in Porto, the three top areas to stay in are Ribeira, Cedofeita and Foz do Douro. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect in each neighbourhood. 

Ribeira 

Ribeira is pinned as one of Porto’s oldest districts and it’s sandwiched in the beating heart of the Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an array of attractions, like the Ponte Dom Luis I Bridge and fort-like Cathedral. 

Explore the age-old alley-woven streets, enjoy a night out in the Praça da Ribeira (Ribeira Square) and tick off the top things to do in Porto. If you’re wondering where to stay in Porto for nightlife, this neighbourhood is the best choice. 

Best Places to Stay in Ribeira:

Cedofeita  

Cedofeita is well-known as the city's up-and-coming district. You’ll encounter a mix of traditional architecture, trendy cafes and traditional Portuguese restaurants. 

Located in Porto’s downtown area, Cedofeita is dotted with art galleries and shopping opportunities, especially down Cedofeita Street. If you’re keen to shop ‘til you drop, don’t miss a stroll down the Rua de Miguel Bombarda. 

Best Places to Stay in Cedofeita:

Foz do Douro 

Foz do Douro is located at the foot of the Douro River and this is considered one of the best places to stay in Porto, Portugal. 

From the sandy beaches to the pergola-paved promenade, this place is as picturesque as it' gets. Enjoy a traditional meal on the beachside avenue, Avenida do Brasil and be sure to make your way through the Pérgola da Foz and Praia do Carneiro or Praia dos Ingleses Beach. 

Best Places to Stay in Foz do Douro:

FAQs

How many days is enough for Porto Portugal?

It comes down to your personal preferences and budget. Generally speaking, three days is enough to experience the city at a leisurely pace. You’ll be able to see the top tourist attractions and a handful of hidden gems. To enjoy the best day trips from Porto, it’s best to set aside 4 to 5 days. 

Is there a direct train between Porto and Douro Valley? 

Yes, so if you don’t plan on hiring a car, you can still enjoy this day trip. There’s a direct train from Porto Sao Bento that arrives in Caldas De Moledo and total journey takes approximately 2 hours. 

Where to take the train from Porto?

You can reach many destinations via train, including Guimarães, Braga, Aveiro, Coimbra and Matosinhos. One of the most popular day trips by train is to the Douro Valley. 

How long is the high-speed train from Porto to Lisbon?

The high-speed train to Lisbon takes about 2 and a half hours from Porto. The total distance is 332 km (206 mi) and the Alfa Pendular bullet train is faster than driving in a car. 

Why Should You Take a Day Trip from Porto?

Exploring Porto’s historic centre and awe-worthy attractions will not disappoint, and a day trip could amplify your itinerary. Whether you want to experience the beautiful beach towns or escape to enchanting rural villages, there are plenty of destinations to choose from. 

Before you jet-set off to Portugal, be sure to save this guide on the best day trips from Porto.