Even though there are so many amazing things to do in Porto, to really get a feel for Central and Northern Portugal you’ll want to explore further a field. To help you with that, I’ve put together a list of some of the best day trips from Porto.
From nature escapes and beach relaxation, to historic towns and adrenaline junky adventures, whatever your preference there’s a day trip from Porto that we know you’re going to love!
After living in Portugal for two years, we enjoyed spending time in many of these places and highly recommend you check them out. However, to give you even more of a reason to go, we’ve teamed up with some of our favourite bloggers who are sharing their experience with these day trips from Porto.
Close by Day Trips From Porto 60 Minutes or Less
If you’re looking for quick access to some of the best day trips from Porto, this selection won’t disappoint! All of these locations are easily accessible and make great day trips from Porto by train, car or bus! If you’re short on time, don’t want to travel far, but want to hit up more of Portugal, these would be my first choice:
Aveiro Day Trip From Porto
Aveiro makes the perfect day trip from Porto if you want to spend an afternoon at a slower pace without driving into rural Portugal.
Just a short 50 minute drive South of Porto, Avieor is often referred to as the Venice of Portugal due to its intricate network of canals and rivers that were once used to transport salt and seaweed around the region.
One of the most popular things to do in Aveiro is taking a canal tour on one of the traditional Moliceiro boats. These tours are dog friendly, much more affordable than their Italian counterpart, and offer a unique way of seeing the town while also learning about its history.
We’ve done several boat tours with various family members that have visited us, and each guide has been full of knowledge that added their own flair to the presentation.
After a boat tour, take a free walking tour (self guided, or join a group!) to see the town’s most beautiful old architecture and sample some of the regional delicacies: Ovos Moles. These sweet egg-based treats are still made in the traditional way and can be picked up from most cafes in Aveiro!
You can also see flamingos in Aveiro if you head slightly out of town to the Cais Da Ribeira De Esgueira Boardwalk.
Surrounding Aveiro are some of the most beautiful dog friendly beaches in Portugal which make a great extension to your day trip from Porto if you have a bit more time on your hands.
Douro Valley From Porto
By Jess from Travel + Tannins
The Douro Valley is one of the highlights of Portugal, and is easily accessible as a day trip from Porto. As a UNESCO World Heritage and one of the first designated wine regions in the world, the Douro Valley is a must-visit for its fantastic wineries and beautiful scenery . The easiest and most convenient way to visit the Douro Valley would be to take a tour of the Douro Valley, as there are many that depart from Porto each day. Or, you could take the train from Porto to Pinhão, the Douro Valley’s most famous village. The final option would be to rent a car, but just be warned that the roads in the Douro Valley are narrow and winding. On your day trip to Douro Valley, be sure to take a river boat cruise of the Douro River, where you will get to see the impressive 6 bridges and surrounding vineyards!
Guimarães Day Trip From Porto
By Daniela from Olá Daniela
When you enter Guimarães you step back in time. The ancient Portuguese city – known as the “birthplace of Portugal” – is a UNESCO-protected World Heritage site filled with incredible landmarks, churches, and homes that date back to the Middle Ages. It was near here that Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, won the Battle of São Mamede and established himself as the leader. A few years later, in 1143, the Kingdom of Portugal was recognised as independent. Now Portugal is the oldest nation-state in Europe – and it all began here, where Afonso was born.
The small city is just a 50-minute drive – or 70-minute direct train – north of Porto, making Guimarães an easy day trip to discover Portugal’s rich history. Spend a day stepping through the narrow streets, along huge flagstone pavers while admiring the well-preserved architecture, iron verandas, and granite porticos.
The heart of the ancient city is Largo da Oliveira, where you can enjoy coffee in the square while looking at the Collegiate Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira and town hall. After exhausting the city centre, venture up to the 10th-century castle and explore the 15th-century Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. If you have time, ride the cable car up Monte da Penha where you’ll find a lush mountain park with huge boulders, views over Guimarães, and the 20th-century Santuário da Penha.
Visit Santa Maria da Feira From Porto
By Joana at Joana Takes A Walks
Santa Maria da Feira is not on top of everyone’s mind when it comes to day trips from Porto, but sometimes the least hyped places can become a really good surprise.
Within just half an hour of reach (by car or bus), it is the perfect place to wander through the unique perks of small towns’ atmosphere in a city. Extra points if you are brave enough to get there by train: it will take you around one hour and a half and you will have to catch two trains, the latter will certainly give you the experience of Portugal in the 1900’s.
Mostly famous for its castle, an unique symbol of the military architecture dated from the X century and that served many purposes prior to the Portuguese foundation, this city, like many others in Portugal, has its biggest expression in religious symbols.
Here we have three: Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria da Feira (the main church), Igreja da Misericórdia and Convento e Museu de Lóios (a monastery and museum with an ethnographic and archaeological collection).
Very near the castle you will find one of the biggest pearls of Santa Maria da Feira: the castle gardens (jardins da Quinta do Castelo). With a very bucolic ambiance, it is the perfect place for a romantic stroll or a solo walk, breathing in the wonders of nature (if you love the Palácio de Cristal gardens or Parque de São Roque in Porto, you will definitely be dazzled here).
When it comes to events, there are two that are definitely not to miss: the mediaeval journey (August), with big historic recreations, and Perlim (December), with its Christmas stalls and fun events for the children.
And don’t leave before trying the famous “fogaças”. The Fogaça da Feira is a traditional sweet bread that resembles the castle tower and it is a must-have on a trip to this city.
Amarante Day Tour From Porto
By Eleanor at Elevate Your Escapes
Amarante, Portugal is a charming town located in the hills of northern Portugal. It’s a great day trip from Porto, especially for history lovers.
The town offers a picturesque setting along the Tâmega River. Travellers can stroll across the iconic São Gonçalo Bridge, which was built in the 18th century. The area offers nice views of the river and the town.
Explore the historic centre – it’s filled with narrow cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and quaint cafes. The São Gonçalo Church is an icon of the town. It’s dedicated to the town’s patron saint. Admire the baroque architecture.
Travellers can also take a walk along the riverbanks or a hike up to the Serra do Marão viewpoint for beautiful vistas of the surrounding landscapes.
To get to Amarante from Porto by train you can take a direct train from São Bento Station. It’s a scenic journey through the Portuguese countryside. Driving is also an option. The town is located about 60 kilometres east of Porto via the A4 highway and takes only 50 minutes by car
Visit Ponte de Lima From Porto
By Colleen at Then We Walked
Ponte de Lima, called Portugal’s oldest town, received a royal decree in 1125, but its history stretches beyond this having been founded by the Romans in the 1st century.
Settled on the banks of the River Lima, surrounded by northern Portugal’s rolling hills, Ponte de Lima is today a popular destination and an important stage on the Portuguese Camino de Santiago.
Less than an hour’s drive from Porto, and with regular daily buses, it’s perfect for a day trip, with a few group tours running to the area too.
The town retains many historical features including :
- Ponte Medieval: Cross the iconic 14th-century bridge, that gives the town its name
- Largo de Camões: Wander the historical centre with it’s cobbles streets and charming praça (square), lined with historical buildings, small shops and cafes
- Festival Internacional de Jardins: If you’re visiting between May and October, don’t miss this renowned garden festival showcasing stunning floral creations.
- Vinho Verde: The town’s famous wine. Visit the town co-operative or order a glass of this glorious light local wine in one of the many cafes
- If you love shopping look for local filigree jewelry, hand-embroidered linens or liqueurs made with fruits and herbs.
There’s also a daily fresh produce market, a much grander bi-weekly market and on some Sundays a thriving Arts and Crafts and Antique Market.
Day Trip To Braga From Porto
By Jenifer At The Evolista
Embark on a day trip from Porto to Braga, Portugal’s oldest city, with cobbled streets, beautiful architecture, historic churches, and lots of colourful flowers. The best way to see Braga is to stroll through the city centre and Praca da Republica.
Visit the historic Sé de Braga Cathedral with a huge organ inside, pass through the Arco da Porta Nova, and snap a picture at Raio Palace. Santa Barbara Garden is one of the prettiest spots in the city, just bursting with colour and seasonal blooms.
The most exciting attraction in Braga is Bom Jesus do Monte, an iconic church with an impressive Baroque staircase. Make your way up 537 steps to see the panoramic views overlooking the city or ride the funicular.
For lunch in Braga, try Restaurante Retrokitchen for local cuisine, or enjoy a delicious plant-based meal at Semente.
To get to Braga by train, take the yellow metro line (D Line) from the São Bento station in Porto. The trip is approximately 45 minutes by train or car. Alternatively you can join a guided tour to Braga from Porto.
Relax At Matosinhos Beach
By Helen at Helen on Her Holidays
If you’re looking for a quick day trip to the beach from Porto city centre, Matosinhos fits the bill perfectly. Just half an hour from the central Trinidade metro stop by tram, Matosinhos is a former fishing village that now boasts a fantastic surfing beach, a street full of some of Porto’s best fish restaurants and fascinating attractions.
The main reason to visit Matosinhos is for the wide, sandy beach. Praia de Matosinhos is a mile-long stretch of pale golden sand that’s great for surfing as well as sunbathing. At one end is Porto’s cruise ship terminal and port, with plenty of ships coming and going to watch, while at the other end is the 17th century Castelo do Queijo.
The sunsets from here are beautiful and there are several beach bars for a daytime break or an evening cocktail. For dinner, try out one of Matosinhos’s fish restaurants. Concentrated around R. Heróis de França near the port, you’ll find several independent restaurants serving some of the freshest fish and seafood you’ve ever had. For vegans and vegetarians, visit Terrárea, a lush, plant-filled vegetarian cafe, or daTerra, a vegan buffet with a constantly-changing menu of inventive dishes.
Matosinhos is also home to some of Portugal’s best architectural attractions. The Casa da Arquitectura tells the story of Portuguese architecture, while the Mercado Municipal de Matosinhos is a spectacular 1950s building.
Mid Length Porto Day Trips Hours Away 1-2 Hours
The next set of locations are great options for day trips from Porto by car. While some do have public transport options, having your own car will allow you to really make the most of them without having to rush around. For full or half-day trips from Porto, these would be my go to;
Explore Conimbriga Ruins From Porto
Ready to step out of Portugal and into ancient Rome? Well, what will feel like ancient Rome anyway.
At just under an hour’s drive South, the first of our mid length day trips from Porto takes us to The Conimbriga Ruins. These are some of the most impressive Roman ruins in the whole of Portugal and while they’re a little tricky to get to without transport, if you’re happy to hire a car or pay for a taxi, they’re a must do day trip from Porto for anyone interested in ancient history.
Here you’ll be amazed at how many intact, extremely detailed, floor mosaics there are inside the old roman palaces and mansions, as well as wall murals and distinct communal areas around the town. Including, of course, old Roman baths, a wall and a famous Roman road that once led from Lisbon all the way to Coimbra.
Conimbriga was once a huge and thriving city and that can be easily visualised when you stand in the middle of the ruins. However, it’s thought that they continue to stretch out into the surrounding hills and countryside, waiting to one day be discovered.
Along with a walk around the ruins, there’s also a cafe and museum on site. The Conimbriga museum is home to interesting artefacts that were found during the archeological dig. Including some really pretty jewellery, pottery, tools and even old coins.
You’ll want to pack layers and plenty of water for this day trip from Porto. The site is large and there’s minimal shade. We visited in early summer and even then it was bordering on too hot in the sun.
Paiva Walkways Day Tour From Porto
By Sara at Big Adventures With Little Feet
One of our favourite things to do in Porto with our sons when we visited was hiking the Paiva Walkways. The Paiva Walkways are a stunning wooden boardwalk that zig-zags down the rocky hillsides along the left bank of Paiva River. The views and scenery are stunning and the park that it’s in, Arouca Geopark, is a UNESCO Geological site.
The start of this amazing hike is in Areinho, just over an hours drive from Porto. To be able to get there you’ll need to either take a small group tour from Porto or drive, as there aren’t any public transport links. We drove there and found that there was plenty of parking, plus a cafe too. You’ll need to buy a ticket to enter the walkways, as they use the money to keep them looking as great as they do.
Not only is this an area of natural beauty, it’s also home to The Arouca 516, which is the second longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world at 516m long. It hangs very high at 175m above the Paiva River. You don’t have to cross The Arouca 516 to enjoy the Paiva Walkways, as this is an additional bridge across the river and back again.
We didn’t cross as our sons were too young (you have to be over 6 years old) and even without the kids, I wouldn’t cross it as I’m scared of heights, haha!
The Paiva Walkways are 8,7km (5.4miles) long and take about 2.5-3 hours to complete (or 5 hours if your 3 year old decides he wants to walk!). About two thirds of the way to the end of the hike at Espiunca is a popular little spot where you can take a swim in the river. Heads up – bring some extra bread to feed the fish, they’re also keen on nibbling on your toes too.
At the end of the walk there are taxi’s waiting to take you back to your car at Areinho that cost about 15-18€.
Top tip – tickets for the Paiva Walkways and The Arouca 516 sell out days in advance in the peak season, so make sure to book them early to avoid missing out!
Coimbra Cultural Day Trip From Porto
Once the capital of Portugal, Coimbra is a beautiful waterfront city that I don’t think gets enough love from tourists who fly in and out of Porto or Lisbon. So, here it is as an option as a day trip from Porto!
Given Coimbra’s expansive history and links to the Roman empire, you won’t be surprised to find here that there’s plenty of old architecture to explore here.
From historic monuments to one of the oldest Universities in Europe, beautiful gardens and quirky boutiques, there’s plenty to keep you busy during one day in Coimbra!
Coimbra is a really accessible city from Porto. Driving will get you there in about an hour, whereas the public transport options typically take around 2 hours from Porto. Both the train and bus station here will put you in the centre of it all.
Visit Batalha From Porto
Just under 2 hours from Porto is one of my favourite small towns in Portugal – Batalha (Pronounced Bat-alyia).
Now, there isn’t much to do here so it really is best done as a day trip from Porto (or Lisbon) but it definitely deserves a place on your Central Portuguese road trip.
Why? Purely for the monastery – Monsteiro Da Batalha – that sits central to the town. This beautiful example of European architecture was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385, and now serves as the tomb for King Joao (King John), his wife and their four sons. It became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983 and is up there as one of my favourite buildings in Portugal.
Besides the Monastery, there’s also the Interpretation Centre of Aljubarrota Battle, a museum located on the military camp of St.George where the battle between the Portuguese and Castilians took place in 1385 and the Batalha Conselhia Community Museum, two great options if you want to learn more about the history and culture of area. If you do decide you want to spend the night at Batalha, we highly recommend Hotel Lis.
The Farfield Porto Day Trips 2+ Hours
If living and travelling in a van has desensitised us to anything, it’s long drives. If you’re like us and don’t mind getting comfy in your car (or van!) for a few hours, these day trips from Porto will get you further afield than your average day tripper.
Serra da Estrela Day Trip From Porto
By Mara at Discover Portugal
Serra da Estrela national park is perfect if you want to trade in city life for a day in nature! The mountain range has incredible villages to explore and a paradise for hikers. You’ll arrive in Seia after a 2.5-hour drive, where you can visit the one and only bread museum Museu do Pão and the Natural Museum of Electricity.
From here, you can explore the stunning landscape. Visit waterfalls such as Calhão Mogueiro and Poço do Inferno. Or hike to the (now famous) Covão dos Conchos, a spillway that looks like the world slowly inverts into the ground! Don’t forget to bring swimming gear in nice weather as there are many fluvials where you can take a refreshing dip in the water!
When you’re here in winter, you can even expect snow! Head over to the tallest mountain on Portugal’s mainland, Torre. You’ll also find two abandoned towers that look unique in the landscape. Ski resort Serra da Estrela contains about 6 kilometres op piste, and a ride in the cable car is not to be missed!
If you prefer visiting more Portuguese towns, Manteigas in the heart of Serra da Estrela is worth your time. Fabulous restaurants are serving the famous Serra da Estrela cheese and warm stews. And on the mountain roads, you might meet and greet the many goats and sheep that roam the fields. Belmonte has a stunning castle and valley views. Or discover the larger town of Covilhã with plenty of shops and cafes.
Historic Day Tour To Obidos From Porto
By Samantha Oppenheimer at Find Love and Travel
Taking a day trip from Porto to Óbidos is one of the best things you can do while on your trip to Portugal. It’s something I always recommend doing!
Óbidos is a unique Portuguese town filled with charming cobblestone streets, mediaeval charm, and incredible architecture.
Some of the best things to do in Obidos are seeing Óbidos Castle, which is a mediaeval castle, the Óbidos Walls, which are fortress walls that you can walk along, and the church of Santa Maria, which is a 16th-century Church.
While there, make sure to try ‘Ginjinha’, which is one of Óbidos most famous drinks. The drink is a sour cherry liqueur often served with a cherry, and it is usually just one euro.
You should also make sure to check out a bunch of the boutique shops. There are so many unique souvenirs that you can take home!
As for places to eat, there are plenty of lunch options to choose from. Real Casa does Petisco serves traditional Portuguese food and was one of my favourite restaurants during my trip to Portugal.
Finally, even just walking around the streets is an activity within itself. Every corner is so picturesque, and there are plenty of photo opportunities.
Óbidos is located two hours south of Porto, and the best way to get there is by driving. You could take a train, but it will take a while. There are also group tours that you can book to take you to and around the town.
Nazare Day Trip From Porto
Having lived in Nazare for 6 months, it would be rude not to include it in our list of day trips from Porto. Especially since Porto itself was often a day trip choice from Nazare!
Nazare is famous for its giant waves which draw in thousands of tourists and surfers each year, but if you’re visiting outside of big wave season, there’s still plenty of other great things to do in Nazare, such as the lighthouse surfing museum, riding the Nazare funicular and checking out the traditional boats next to the sun dried fish exhibit; yes, that’s a thing!
The best time to see the big waves in Nazare is through the winter seasons so you’re not guaranteed to get sunshine and epic waves, although it does happen!
The journey time fromPorto to Nazare is just over 2 hours drive south from Porto, you’ll want to set off early to really make the most of your time here. Setting aside the full day to really explore
Visit Portugal’s Most Portuguese City
With a journey time of 3 hours from Porto, this next day trip recommendation will take you off the beaten path of most tourists.
Monsanto, named one of the most Portuguese villages in 1995, is close to the Spanish border and played a huge role during the Spanish Succession. With strong roots in prehistory and mediaeval eras, it’s a really interesting place that I encourage everyone to visit at least once.
Once here, you’ll find a unique Portuguese town built onto and into the side of a hill. Houses and businesses are surrounded by boulders, with many incorporating them into their architecture.
You could spend hours wandering the narrow stone laneways but the main thing to do in Monsanto is take the steep walk to the castle fortress ruin at the top of the hill where you’ll also get incredible views across rural Portugal and Spain.
The ruin and its surrounding area were film locations for the House of Dragons series, and as you wander around it becomes clear why they chose Monsanto with its trapped in time feel.
Day Trip To Sintra From Porto
Admittedly, this makes a better day trip from Lisbon as the journey time from Porto by car is 3 hours, but if Lisbon isn’t already on your itinerary for your time in Porto, you might want to consider a day trip to Sintra. This isn’t really an option for public transport day trips, trains are quite often delayed (or cancelled) along this route and by bus it would take 4+ hours, leaving you very little time to explore.
Anyway, if you do decide to visit Sintra from Porto, my advice would be to pick one or two of the key locations rather than trying to cram them all into one day. My key choices would be either Pena Palace or Quinta da Regaleira, with Tivoli Palácio de Seteais and the Moorish Castle being extras if you have more time. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to do in Sintra though.
Which Is The BEST Day Trip From Porto?
We love nothing more than escaping to nature, so for us the best day trip from Porto is probably the Paiva Walkways. Even if, like me, you’re scared of heights and don’t want to do the bridge, the walkway itself is breathtaking – just note you can’t take dogs unfortunately.
After that, I’d probably say the Douro Valley and vineyard tours but mostly because I know they’re probably the most popular day tours from Porto too, the countryside is beautiful but wine tours aren’t up everyone’s street.
Final Thoughts On Day Trips From Porto
Porto is a great city to explore in its own right, but it’s also a great launching pad for North and Central Portugal. Whether you’re flying into Portugal and looking for day trips from Porto by public transport, or taking a road trip around this amazing country and using Porto as a base, there’s definitely plenty of options for you!
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