At the mouth of the Duero River is one of the most beautiful cities in the entire Iberian Peninsula. Porto steals hearts with its streets full of charming corners, with the spectacular views of the Luis I bridge (the best known of the entire city) and of course with its delicious cuisine and its famous Porto wine. If after letting yourself be seduced by her, you still have some time, keep reading because next we will tell you what they are the best excursions you can do from Porto.
The city of Guimarães is one of the most interesting day trips from Porto. This fascinating town, considered the place where Portugal was born that we know today and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is full of places to discover. The call Sacred Hill where will you find the Castle from the city, the San Miguel's Church and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança It's just a small example ... but the list is long. Do not miss the opportunity to explore Guimarães, without a doubt one of the best excursions if you have time on your trip to Porto.
For free
Getting to Guimarães from Porto by public transport is convenient and cheap. Virtually every hour a train leaves from San Bento station (you can also take it at Campanha station) that arrives in Guimarães in just over an hour. Ticket price: € 3.25. More information about schedules and prices. The bus company Getbus has a direct service between Porto Airport and Guimarães for € 8. In addition, from the Campo 24 Agosto station, buses from the National Rede Express Station also leave. More information.
On tour
If you prefer to go with an organized excursion, we recommend the one that includes a guide in Spanish and thus will allow you to know in depth the historic city of Guimarães. Reserve here.
Baptized as the “Venice of Portugal”, Aveiro is a must-see place on any tour of the center-north of the country, and of course, a perfect excursion from Porto. That his nickname does not deceive you, because although the channels that cross it can vaguely remind you of the famous Italian city, Aveiro has its own personality and many other attractions. Your celebrities are essential “art nouveau” style buildings and its picturesque Fish market.
Although Aveiro has no beaches (although it does meander lagoon full of birds), you can easily approach public transport to practically virgins Barra and Costa Nova beaches, to complete a great trip.
For free
Aveiro is easily accessible by train from the beautiful and central station of Sao Bento in Porto. Less than one hour of travel and only € 3.55. More information here. Although there are also buses that cover the route Oporto - Aveiro, it does not make much sense to use this means of transport because you are going to pay and take longer than with the train. If you are interested anyway, you have all the information here.
On tour
The best idea is to take an excursion that takes you to Aveiro and Costa Nova, and includes a ride aboard the traditional “Moliceiros” boats. Reserve it here.
Despite being one of the largest cities in all of Portugal, a much slower pace is quickly perceived in Braga than in Lisbon or in the neighboring city of Porto. But it is also true that, hosting aof the most important universities in Portugal, in it you can enjoy a lively nightlife full of young university students.
Considered the religious center of the country, in Braga you will find a perfect combination of history and culture. Do not miss among many other tourist attractions the Bom Jesus Church with its beautiful and well-known baroque staircase that represents access to paradise.
For free
The train is the best way to travel by free from Porto to Braga. Throughout the day trains leave from Sao Bento station that take approximately one hour to arrive. Ticket price € 3.25. Find all the information you need on the official website of Portuguese trains. As with Guimarães and Aveiro, getting to Braga by bus is not as convenient in terms of price as doing it by train. Anyway you can check schedules and prices here.
On tour
There is a half-day excursion to explore the main attractions of the city. And if you want to kill two birds with one stone, you can visit Braga and Guimarães on the same day with this organized excursion that includes food.
The great Douro River puts an end to its more than 800 km of route merging with the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the city of Porto, but before this happens it runs quietly through the charming landscapes of the valley of the same name. Explore this beautiful region that meets the ideal conditions for Porto sweet wine production For 2000 years, it is one of the best day trips that can be done from Porto. A perfect place for lovers of nature, the wine and the good eating... and to know characteristics little towns as Pinhão, Lamego or Peso da Régua. Sounds good, right?
For free
No doubt renting a car is the alternative that gives more freedom to know the Douro Valley for free. If you do not have your own vehicle or do not want to rent one, the centennial railway line that runs through the Douro Valley is a much more romantic way to get to know this area. During the course of the call “Linha do Douro”, You can enjoy stunning views as you cross mountains, ravines and bridges (nothing more and nothing less than a total of 30!). Check all schedules here.
On tour
Browse in a cruise It is one of the excursions preferred by travelers to know the Douro Valley. The package from Porto is more comfortable and usually includes food, wine tastings ... but if you want to save yourself a little money, you can also hire a boat trip from the Douro Valley itself. Some of the best options from Porto:
- One day cruise to Regua, the capital of wine and return to Porto by train. More info.
- Day cruise on the Douro to Pinhão and return to Porto by train. More info.
- Two-day cruise to explore the Douro Valley region in depth and return to Porto by train. More info
If sailing is not your thing, you can also visit the Douro Valley with this road trip from Porto. If you prefer to explore the Douro Valley walking, this all-day excursion will allow you to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of this region walking along the river.
Portugal is one of my greatest weaknesses, a country full of magical places that deserve to be visited. There is no better example of this than the beautiful Coimbra. Dedicate one or two days to discover the main tourist attractions of this University City It will not disappoint anyone. However, as with many other destinations, the senses take center stage here. Coimbra you have to smell it, listen to it, taste it ... Coimbra you have to feel it. Do not miss it!
For free
The bus is a good way to get to Coimbra from the Campo 24 Agosto station in Porto. Less than an hour and a half of travel and about € 12. Check all schedules here. About an hour and a half will take you to reach Coimbra by train from the Sao Bento station in Porto. There are trains every hour throughout the day. Prices from € 14. More information here.
On tour
Already set to take an excursion, we recommend that, in addition to visiting Coimbra, it also takes up Fatima, one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the world. Reserve here. Or you can also discover on the same day Coimbra and the Buçaco Palace (the last legacy of the kings of Portugal) with this other excursion.
You see that the attractions of Porto are not only found among its streets. A very short distance from the city we can enjoy very interesting excursions for all tastes. Just decide which one motivates you the most! These are the best excursions from PortoHave you done any
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