10 fab day journeys from Porto by prepare or bus

Listed below are my picks of the very best day journeys from Porto by prepare and bus. I firmly imagine in all the time doing journey – particularly overseas – with out a automobile. Porto is good for this because it’s so effectively linked with public transport, so there’s no must put your self by way of the stress of hiring a automobile and driving overseas.

There’s a lot to do in Porto itself (take a look at my major information to Porto for plenty of concepts) that you would be able to simply simply go to town and keep there. It’s a good looking metropolis overflowing with historical past and tradition in addition to superb food and drinks. However Porto can be an ideal base for getting out and about on day journeys to see much more of the encircling space. When you’re staying for longer than just a few days or returning to Porto for a second go to, just a few day journeys can be effectively price it. And there are some lovely hidden gems in northern Portugal that you would be able to simply attain in a day.

So I needed to share with you a few of my favorite day journeys from Porto by prepare (and some by bus) that I’ve loved. To make this a extra complete record of potential day journeys, I roped in another journey bloggers to offer me their concepts too. A giant ‘thanks’ to the opposite bloggers who kindly despatched me their wonderful ideas. After all, I now wish to return to Porto and do all of the locations I’ve not but finished.

When you’re planning on just a few day journeys from Porto by prepare or bus, I hope this blogpost is beneficial. Pour your self a wine and let’s get planning…

Info on public transport for doing all your day journeys from Porto

Earlier than I get into the day journeys from Porto, it’s price greedy a bit about public transport in Porto. As somebody who hates driving on the uncommon occasions I’ve to do it at dwelling within the UK, the considered renting a automobile in Portugal offers me chills. Fortunately there’s no want as public transport is dependable and first rate. 

There are three rail-based choices that can mean you can go to just about the locations on this information.

• First, for shorter journeys, you should use the Porto metro service. That is excess of only a central metropolis service because it extends deep into the suburbs. It’s an inexpensive and dependable approach of getting about.
• Second, for barely longer journeys, Porto has an city prepare service of its very personal. There are 4 strains to select from, and the very best factor about them is that these trains head out from some of the superb railway stations in all of Europe: the tiled deal with that’s São Bento.
• Third, the inter-regional and inter-city prepare companies, which head from Campanhã, the principle station. These trains cowl a lot higher distances, as much as the Spanish border to the north, to Coimbra and Lisbon to the south, and deep into the Douro Valley to the east.

There may be in fact, a fourth journey possibility, which is to make use of buses to do varied day journeys from Porto. I’m not a fan of buses and can all the time go for the prepare possibility if potential. Actively selecting to stare out of the window at a collection of automobiles on the opposite aspect of the street when you would be on a prepare staring out to the ocean or down by way of a verdant valley is past me. Nonetheless, pretty Amarante is finest finished by bus so I’ve begrudgingly included that. You’ll want to make use of Porto’s Rodonorte bus service, which is often clear and dependable.

10 lovely day journeys from Porto by prepare and bus

1. A day journey for fairytale vibes: Guimarães

Guimarães is a small metropolis within the mountains of northern Portugal. With its citadel on a hilltop, myriad previous church buildings and winding medieval cobbled streets, town is straight out of a fairytale. 

Guimarães is brimming with historical past and stated to be the nation’s birthplace. It even has UNESCO World Heritage standing. But you’ll discover that it’s quieter and calmer than different cities on the vacationer path of Portugal. It virtually has a dreamlike high quality to it, making it an ideal day journey from bustling Porto.

Begin your go to with the gorgeous Guimarães Fortress and Ducal Palace to step again into Portugal’s historical past. Head again into town’s winding streets and luxuriate in its combination of architectural types from completely different ages. I’d additionally advocate shopping town’s impartial retailers for some souvenirs to take dwelling. You can even get a cable automobile up Penha mountain, the place there’s a park with some terraces to take a seat and take within the panoramic views throughout town and the gorgeous surroundings surrounding it. After taking some images, you possibly can hike again right down to the centre of Guimarães. Reward your self to your efforts with a drink in one of many pretty squares, Largo da Oliveira or Praça de Santiago. Each have loads of cafés and bars to take a seat outdoors and get caught right into a little bit of people-watching over a glass of wine.

I’ve a full publish on issues to do in Guimaraes, so please learn by way of that for extra on this magical metropolis.

Find out how to do a day journey from Porto to Guimarães

• Transport: Practice or bus.
• Journey particulars: Practice is the best choice. It takes about 75 minutes from Porto’s São Bento station: examine the timetable earlier than you go.
• If you wish to keep longer than only a day journey: You might simply lengthen your day journey and keep over. Deal with your self to a keep at a transformed Twelfth-century convent Pousada Mosteiro de Guimaraes. (round 130€ an evening) or hold to a finances on the fashionable Lodge Toural (round 90€ an evening).

2. A day journey for historical past buffs: Braga

With due to Lotte from Phenomenal Globe for this contribution. 

Among the finest Porto day journeys is Braga, the third-largest metropolis in Portugal. Braga can simply be reached by each prepare and bus from Porto. 

Braga is likely one of the oldest cities in Portugal and as such you could find many historic buildings within the attractive metropolis centre. One of many highlights is unquestionably Sé de Braga. This imposing cathedral was constructed within the eleventh century and is gorgeous each on the within and the surface. With an entrance payment of solely €2, there’s no excuse to not pop in for a go to. You received’t be dissatisfied. Opening hours are between 8:30 and 18:30. Different attention-grabbing websites in Braga metropolis centre are the Fortress of Braga and the gorgeous Arco da Porta Nova.

However that’s not all. Simply outdoors of Braga, you could find Bom Jesus do Monte, which is probably much more spectacular than Sé de Braga. This sanctuary is positioned on the slopes of Mount Espinho. It’s an vital pilgrimage web site and a UNESCO World Heritage Web site (since July 2019). The stroll to the highest includes 577 steps on a seemingly countless stone zig-zag staircase (you probably have youngsters with you and wish to take the steps to the highest, it’s finest to go away your pushchair in your lodging in Braga). Alternatively, you possibly can go up through a small cable automobile. Or do because the pilgrims did and climb the steps in your knees as penance to your sins….

Again in Braga, Donna Se is a stunning place to have lunch. Alternatively, seize some pastel de nata and a takeaway cup of espresso at Pastelaria A Ritinha and have a picnic at one of many benches at Jardim da Praça do Município.

Find out how to do a day journey from Porto to Braga

• Transport: Practice or bus.
• Journey particulars: Practice is a greater and sooner possibility. They often depart from São Bento and Campanhã: examine the timetable earlier than you go. The journey takes round 75 minutes.
• If you wish to keep longer than only a day journey: You might simply lengthen your day journey and keep over. Attempt the attractive lodge Porta Nova Assortment Home (round 100€ an evening) or e book a good looking condo at Tea 4 9 Visitor Home (round 90€ an evening).

3. A brief journey to the closest seaside: Matosinhos

Matosinhos is a port and fishing city with the most important sandy seaside within the Porto space. It’s very near town, which makes it one of many best day journeys from Porto by prepare and massively well-liked with locals.

Matosinhos can be a good suggestion if you wish to escape the warmth and hustle and bustle of Porto for a day on the golden sand. There’s a promenade stroll (2.5 miles), superb for a sunny day with an ice cream in hand. Don’t miss the little Fortress of the Cheese (Castelo do Queijo), a Seventeenth-century fort on the seaside. There are some good sea views available from right here, though the fort itself will not be very thrilling inside.

The city of Matosinhos isn’t essentially the most scenic place, I’ll be trustworthy. Its working fishing port is a bit fugly and completely dominates the panorama. However swings and roundabouts! The native fishing business signifies that there are many cafés serving recent seafood straight off the boats. 

Find out how to get from Porto to Matosinhos

• Transport: Metro prepare or bus.
• Journey particulars: The blue metro line A from Porto will take about half-hour. Alternatively, you will get the five hundred bus, which takes 40 minutes to get there. There’s additionally a strolling/cycle path alongside the size of the river between Porto and Matosinhos, so in case you’re feeling energetic you would even sort out that.

4. A day journey from Porto to get pleasure from lovely canals: Aveiro 

With due to Daria from The Discovery Nut for this contribution. 

Aveiro is a metropolis south of Porto that’s identified for its canals. The very best factor to do in Aveiro is take a experience in a moliceiro by way of the community of Aveiro’s lovely canals that run by way of city. Moliceros are vibrant boats which can be much like the long-lasting gondolas you see in Venice.

Among the many most outstanding landmarks in Aveiro embody Igreja de São Domingos (Church of St Dominic), a Roman Catholic church constructed within the fashion of Portuguese baroque, the previous prepare station, and the museum of Aveiro.

Small cafés and eating places dotting the city promote scrumptious pastries, espresso and different Portuguese delicacies. Cease off to attempt some native meals as you wander round and really feel the spirit of this outstanding place.

You probably have further time, make a journey to Costa Nova, a quaint fishing village close to Aveiro with picket waterfront cottages painted in vertical stripes.

Find out how to do a day journey from Porto to Aveiro

• Transport: Practice or bus.
• Journey particulars: Practice is the best choice. The city prepare from Porto (examine the timetable) takes beneath 50 minutes to get you to Aveiro. 
• If you wish to keep longer than only a day journey: You might simply lengthen your day journey and keep over. Try a pleasant fashionable lodge like Lodge das Salinas (round 90€ an evening) or hire a shocking condo like Aveiro City Loft (round 90€ an evening).

5. An actual hidden gem: Viana do Castelo 

The attractive coastal metropolis of Viana do Castelo is a little bit of a hidden gem in Portugal. It’s due to this fact comparatively free from the same old vacationer crowds so is an actual delight to discover. Begin your day right here by taking within the spectacular views from the Santa Luzia hill, dwelling to the hanging white Santa Luzia church looming over town. From this vantage level, you possibly can admire the distinctive geography of town. It’s proper on the ocean and the mouth of the river Lima, with lush inexperienced land round it. When you’re into images, be certain that your digital camera is able to get stuffed up.

Viana do Castelo has an enthralling medieval centre filled with Nineteenth-century boulevards, spectacular fountains and rococo palaces. There are many small impartial retailers to browse earlier than discovering a café in one of many bustling squares for lunch. Be sure you additionally pop inside some of the spectacular church buildings in Portugal (in my opinion), the Igreja da Misericórdia. It appears to be like regular from the surface. However inside it’s a riot of attractive gold and blue-and-white azulejo tiles, with an intricate ceiling fresco. There’s additionally a extremely good costume museum (Museu do Traje). You may see how Portuguese conventional garments had been made and advanced over time.

Oh and don’t go away earlier than making an attempt Viana do Castelo’s native delicacy. When you’re there on the proper time, you may spot a whole lot of locals queuing up outdoors a reasonably non-descript little bakery referred to as Confeitaria Natário. That is the unassuming dwelling of bolas de berlim, the Portuguese model of the custard-filled Berliner doughnut. Twice a day (11.30 and 16:30), the bakery releases a batch of those scrumptious little beauties. Everybody goes mad for them. Be part of the queue and get a field of them to eat nonetheless heat on the prepare dwelling.

Find out how to do a day journey from Porto to Viana do Castelo

• Transport: Practice or bus.
• Journey particulars: Practice is quickest and the regional prepare is frequent. Verify the timetable. It takes about an hour and 20 minutes.
• If you wish to keep longer than only a day journey: You might simply lengthen your day journey and keep over to get pleasure from this attractive metropolis additional. Deal with your self on the lovely and central townhouse Casa Manuel Espregueira e Oliveira (round 126€ an evening) or hold to a bit extra of a finances on the trendy and historic Casa Melo Alvim (round 78€ an evening).

6. The very best day journey from Porto for native meals: Amarante

With due to Chrysoula from Journey Passionate for this contribution. 

Amarante is a reasonably city and a preferred day journey from Porto. With the dramatic granite mountains of Serra do Marão to the east, the city lies within the hilly valley of the Tãmega river. Among the finest-known views is of the river with the São Gonçalo bridge and the church of Igreja de São Gonçalo. Amarante is known as ‘dwelling of the artists’ as a number of early Twentieth-century Portuguese artists had been born there, together with the favored expressionist, Antonio Carneiro. Their work is displayed within the Municipal Museum, which is in a renovated convent.

The Parque Florestal de Amarante incorporates lots of of unique bushes and has playgrounds, aviaries, and a deer enclosure. There’s a rocky pathway that leads out to the little islet within the river. There are guided boat journeys, canoes and pedalos to hire, and a enjoyable water park. When you get pleasure from climbing or biking, Amarante lies within the Terras de Basto wine area – well-known for its vino Verde whites. The vines are grown on trellises above the bottom in order that crops could be cultivated beneath.

An excellent place for lunch on the river financial institution is Adega Regional Quelha (wine home) that serves the city’s smoked hams and cheeses. Attempt the standard roasted child goat or bacalhau (salted cod) with mustard mayonnaise. The city additionally sells completely different sweets as soon as made by the native nuns.

Find out how to do a day journey from Porto to Amarante

• Transport: Bus.
• Journey particulars: Catch the bus to Amarante from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto. The journey takes round 50 minutes. Verify the small print on the Rodonorte web site.
• If you wish to keep longer than only a day journey: You might simply lengthen your day journey and keep over. Deal with your self on the luxurious Monverde – Wine Expertise Lodge (180€ an evening) or hold to a finances on the conventional nation home Casa do Fontão (60€ an evening).

7. A day of historical past and sandy seashores: Vila do Conde 

With due to Alya from Stingy Nomads for this contribution. 

Vila do Conde is a reasonably city simply north of Porto. It’s an ideal place for break from town. Summer time is the very best time to go to Vila do Conde to calm down on its sandy seashores, swim within the refreshing sea, and luxuriate in recent seafood. The city affords an amazing mixture of nice outside actions and attention-grabbing historic monuments. One can simply spend the entire day right here. It’s higher to start out your journey early within the morning to have sufficient time to discover the world.

Praia do Forno and Praia Azul are the preferred seashores in Vila do Conde. Each seashores have blue flag standing and are simple to entry. They provide good amenities, together with many cafés and eating places close by. Guests can get pleasure from swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing, and strolling on boardwalks alongside the seaside. Vila do Conde has a number of outstanding historic monuments which can be price visiting such because the Convento de Santa Clara, the Fort of São João Baptista, the Aqueduct, Church of Manueline Matriz. One of the best ways to discover the city is on foot to walk alongside the slender cobbled streets, stopping at charming avenue cafés that supply nice espresso and scrumptious freshly baked pastry.

In addition to being an amazing place for a day journey from Porto, Vila do Conde is a well-liked cease for pilgrims strolling the Portuguese Camino de Santiago.

Find out how to do a day journey from Porto to Vila do Conde

• Transport: Practice.
• Journey particulars: There’s a direct prepare from Porto to Vila do Conde, the metro pink line B, which takes round an hour.
• If you wish to keep longer than only a day journey: You might simply lengthen your day journey and keep over. Vila do Conde has some lovely lodging choices. Casa do Rio Allure Suites have superb views of the river from their trendy rooms (round 100€ an evening) or benefit from the Nordic interiors and spa amenities on the Lodge Villa C Boutique Lodge (round 115€ an evening).

8. A day journey from Porto to the previous college metropolis: Coimbra

With due to Jorge from Portugal Issues for this contribution. 

Among the finest day journeys from Porto by prepare is going to Coimbra, the third most vital metropolis in Portugal.

Coimbra is dwelling to one of many oldest universities on the planet, the College of Coimbra. This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Web site since June 2013. The town of Coimbra revolves across the college. You can find loads of college students and a robust educational vibe right here. When visiting town, your high precedence is visiting the college advanced: the Paço das Escolas, Joanina Library (some of the lovely libraries of Portugal), S. Miguel Chapel, Botanical Gardens, and the Science Museum.

In addition to the College of Coimbra, Coimbra has a good looking riverside and the beautiful Quinta das Lágrimas, well-known for being the setting for the love story of Prince Pedro and Inês de Castro (Portugal’s reply to Romeo and Juliet). You must also go to the Outdated Santa Clara Monastery and the New Santa Clara Monastery.

Coimbra can be the best spot to attempt typical Portuguese ‘conventual sweets’, made with sugar and loads of egg yolks. They’re merely scrumptious!

Find out how to do a day journey from Porto to Coimbra

• Transport: Practice.
• Journey particulars: By intercity prepare, it takes about an hour and 10 minutes to get to Coimbra from Porto. Verify the timetable.
• If you wish to keep longer than only a day journey: You might simply lengthen your day journey and keep over. Deal with your self on the super-stylish Sapientia Boutique Lodge (round 115€ an evening) or hold to a finances on the conventional however fashionable República Visitor Home (round 71€ an evening).

9. The Douro Valley: most likely the toughest of the day journeys from Porto by prepare – keep in a single day! 

With due to Kat from Wandering Hen for this contribution. Please remember that that is the toughest of all of the day journeys from Porto by public transport, however it’s nearly doable, particularly in case you keep over.

The Douro Valley is legendary for its vineyards and extremely dramatic landscapes, from the winding river to the towering cliffs above. Working for 150km, a lot of the Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage web site and one of many world’s oldest demarcated wine areas. If that’s not a motive to go to, I’m undecided what’s! 

There are dozens of quintas (wine estates) within the Douro, every producing superb wine. 

Though it’s potential to do with public transport, the Douro Valley as a day journey from Porto is best by tour or with your individual car. When you’re campervanning in Portugal, you possibly can even keep in a single day at one of many wine estates (don’t drink and drive!).

Find out how to get from Porto to the Douro Valley (I warned you this is likely one of the hardest to do by prepare…)

• Transport: Practice or bus (with some issue!) or guided tour.
• Journey particulars: To get to Pinhao (a village within the Douro Valley) by prepare, take a prepare destined for Pocinho from Sao Bento Station. This can take 2 hours and 20 minutes; examine the timetable. By bus, a line hyperlinks Porto to Regua 6 occasions a day. It additionally takes about 2 hours. As you possibly can think about, though that is technically doable as a day journey, it’s a stretch. I’d advocate doing a well-rated small-group wine tour of the Douro Valley. That one contains lunch, eight wine tastings (at two completely different wineries) and a river cruise for round 100€ every, which I believe is definitely first rate worth and can be lots simpler.
• If you wish to keep longer: When you do wish to go to the Douro Valley utilizing public transport, it’s a good suggestion to remain in a single day. You might actually deal with your self on the extraordinarily luxurious and Instagrammable Lodge Quinta Nova Vineyard Home – Relais & Châteaux (round 280€ an evening). If you wish to hold to a bit extra of a finances, try Dois Lagares Home (round 90€ an evening).

10. A brief journey from Porto for a coastal stroll: Espinho

Espinho is a small fishing city near Porto. Vibrant boats are sometimes pulled up on the seaside whereas a loud open-air fish market takes place within the early hours of the morning. The motion is throughout earlier than 9am, although. For the remainder of the day, the seaside (Praia de Espinho) fills up with locals having fun with the golden sand and the waves. It’s well-liked for browsing, which is mildly entertaining to pause and watch.

When you’re on the lookout for a morning or afternoon exercise outdoors of Porto, a coastal stroll in Espinho is a good suggestion. This can be a nice and flat stroll alongside the shoreline utilizing a picket boardwalk. The route stretches all the best way to Vila Nova de Gaia again in Porto. You may comply with the stroll briefly or for so long as you want. There are many factors (comparable to Granja, Aguda or Miramar) the place you possibly can go away and stroll inland to a railway station and catch the prepare again to Porto.

Find out how to get from Porto to Espinho

• Transport: Practice or bus.
• Journey particulars: It’s best and quickest to get to Espinho with the city prepare from Porto. Verify the timetable; it is going to take round 25 minutes.

A couple of further ideas for doing day journeys from Porto by prepare and bus

These are some issues I’ve realized from years of journey. Some could also be apparent however you by no means know…

• Put on comfortable footwear. We aren’t right here for blisters. After all, we’re additionally not right here for ugly footwear. Cozy footwear can nonetheless be trendy. I like crisp white trainers in summer season and black ankle boots in winter.
• Deliver one thing to learn. Studying on a bus is a one-way ticket to journey illness. However studying on a prepare is one in all life’s best pleasures. I take my Kindle when travelling. A load of books taking over helpful baggage house appears bonkers to me. I do know some folks flip their noses up at Kindles although. Both approach, it’s good to have one thing to learn, particularly in case you’re travelling again at nighttime so you possibly can’t see out of the window.
• Tempo your self. I do know some folks hardly get any annual go away and wish to cram stuff in. I sympathise. However don’t knacker your self out. Choose just a few day journeys from Porto that attraction most.
• Verify the climate forecast when planning. On a wet day, it may be higher to remain and discover Porto’s indoor points of interest. 
• Know what time it’s good to be again on the bus cease or prepare station to return to Porto. Burn this data into your mind. Set a reminder in your cellphone. Providers may not be frequent, relying on the place you’re off to. It’s no enjoyable being caught someplace in a single day.
• When you’d slightly not do any planning your self, attempt organised excursions. You will discover hundreds on Get Your Information, which is likely one of the most respected tour operators.

Save and share: 10 of the very best day journeys from Porto by prepare (and bus) 

When you loved this publish on a number of the nicest day journeys from Porto by prepare and bus, why put it aside by pinning it to your Pinterest board?

You may also like my different Portugal posts:

And in case you’ve used one in all my journey guides and loved it, you too can purchase me a drink. Cheers. 

Share this publish