15 BEST Day Trips From Porto By Train, Bus, Or Tour
As the second largest city in Portugal, there are so many incredible day trips from Porto. Whilst Porto is one of our favourite cities in Europe, with so much to do just in the city centre, it’s also a great base for exploring the surrounding area. If you’re staying longer than just a couple of days, we’d highly recommend picking a day trip or two.
The North of Portugal is such an underrated place, with many places sitting well beneath the tourist radar. With rolling green hills, a dramatic coastline with long golden sand beaches, quaint towns, and unique cities, there is something for everyone.
The bonus is that Porto is very well connected with an extensive bus and train system meaning you absolutely don’t need a car. Our favourite way to explore is by public transport or with an informative guide, so you won’t find any places in this guide that you’ll need your own transport for.
In a rush and don’t have time to read the whole post? Click Here for our favourite day trip you can take from Porto!
QUICK GUIDE
Best Day Trips From Porto, Portugal
1. Douro Valley
Famous for its rolling hills and vineyards as far as the eye can see, the Douro Valley is arguably one of the most beautiful places in Portugal. The River Douro snakes through the landscape, creating a postcard-perfect scene.
The Douro Valley has a world-wide reputation for wine production, with some of the world’s finest port wines produced in this region. The whole of the valley is a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is worth visiting if you love beautiful landscapes and fine wines.
The best way to see the Douro Valley is to take a relaxing boat cruise along the winding river (even better if there are wine tastings too!). This is easily done from the main town of Pinhão.
How To Get To The Douro Valley
By Public Transport – To reach the Douro Valley from Porto, we’d highly recommend visiting the town of Pinhão before taking a boat trip from there if you wish to.
Pinhão is easily accessible from Porto Campanhã station by train. It costs €12 per person each way, and there are several trains per day.
On A Tour – To cut out the hassle of arranging your own transport, it is super easy to take a tour from Porto to the Douro Valley. This will include transfer there and back, visits to local villages and viewpoints, a wine tasting tour, and a river boat cruise. This tour is incredible value.
2. Braga
Braga is easily one of the best places to visit from Porto. As one of Portugal’s odlest cities, Braga is full of history and charm. Wander the cobblestone streets, stopping in quaint cafés and admiring the beautiful beautiful buildings. I would highly recommend a walking tour of Braga to be able to understand the historical significance of the city.
The best part about visiting Braga is by combining it with a visit to the nearby Bom Jesus do Monte. This was our personal favourite day trip from Porto.
Bom Jesus do Monte is an impressive hilltop sanctuary with an iconic staircase zig-zagging up the hill. The views from the top are absolutely stunning, and there’s a small park and grotto to explore, as well as the beautiful Basilica.
The walk up is quite long, but there is a funicular-style elevator you can catch for just €3 euros round trip if you’d prefer. Click here for more info on Bom Jesus do Monte.
How To Get To Braga
By Public Transport – Braga is so easy to reach by train. Catch a 40 minute train from Porto Campanhã station to Braga, costing around €17 each way.
To then reach Bom Jesus do Monte, catch the line 2 bus from the city centre. There are several stops throughout the city, including the train station and just outside the Palácio fo Raio. The journey takes 20 minutes, winding up mountain paths. You can buy your ticket from the driver for around €1.65.
On A Tour – A tour is honestly the easiest way to visit both Braga and Bom Jesus do Monte. It saves a lot of hassle waiting for public transport, and will include a guided tour of the town too. Plus, you will also get to visit Guimarães, another of the best day trips from Porto. This would be our preference for a day trip to Braga.
3. Guimarães
Known as “the birthplace of Portugal”, Guimarães had to make it to this list. This charming city is where Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, was born.
With well-preserved medieval streets, a historic castle, and the impressive Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, it’s easy to spend a day exploring Guimarães. Explore the city’s maze-like cobblestone streets with vibrant squares, cozy cafés and small boutique shops.
The highlight of visiting Guimarães is it’s heavily-fortified 13th-century castle. There’s honestly no need to go inside, the photo opportunities from the outside are much better. Bring a picnic and grab a spot right in front of the castle for the best views.
How To Get To Guimarães
By Public Transport – It takes around 54 minutes to reach Guimarães by train from Porto. The journey costs around €14 each way, departing from Campanhã Station.
On A Tour – As mentioned previously, Giumarães can easily be combined with a day trip to Braga and Bom Jesus do Monte. We would highly recommend this in order to maximise your time and enjoyment with a knowledgeable tour guide.
4. Aveiro
Aveiro is nicknamed “the Venice of Portugal” and is synonymous with colourful moliceiro boats and beach huts that may have graced your instagram feed. Honestly, the whole town is incredibly colourful, and super clean, and it felt like something out of a film to us.
With charming canals weaving through the town out to sea, you have to catch one of the famous moliceiro boats for a ride. Alternatively, explore the canals at your own pace, stopping at incredible cafés (of which Aveiro has many to choose from), soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Whilst in Aveiro, you have to head down to the Costa Nova beach, famous for its brightly coloured stripey beach houses. This makes for such a cute photo, and the beach itself is vast.
How To Get To Aveiro
By Public Transport – The train to Aveiro takes 45 minutes and costs around €10 each way, departing from Campanhã Station.
On A Tour – A tour to Aveiro will encompass all your transport, including a moliceiro boat ride, with an informative guide. This is one of the most comprehensive tours to Aveiro out there, including the salt flats, sand dunes, Costa Nova beach, and many sites throughout the town itself.
5. Coimbra
One of Portugal’s most historic cities, Coimbra offers a fantastic day trip from Porto. Home to Europe’s oldest university, Coimbra seamlessly blends the old and new, with its historical streets brimming with youthful energy.
Like many Portuguese towns, Coimbra is built on a hill, with a river running through its center, dividing the city into two halves. Be sure to explore the stunning university, including the magnificent Joanina Library, as well as the downtown area, which is filled with eclectic shops perfect for finding unique souvenirs.
Coimbra has fewer crowds than many cities in Portugal and a far more local vibe, allowing you to enjoy a truly authentic experience.
How To Get To Coimbra
By Public Transport – The train from Porto to Coimbra takes between 1hr 10mins to 1hr 45mins, departing from Campanhã Station. The journey costs between €10 and €20 each way.
On A Tour – Most tours to Coimbra will also include the beautiful town of Aveiro, which we would highly recommend visiting. This makes the perfect hassle-free day trip, with all your transport included. Plus, you get more than enough time to explore both towns without rushing.
6. Viana do Castelo
Located along the far northern coast of Portugal, Viano do Castelo is one of the best day trips from Porto that combines a stunning coastline with historic charm. With a charming old town, complete with cobblestone streets and Renaissance architecture, Viano do Castelo forms an important part of Portugal’s ship-building history.
The most impressive site has to be the Basilica of Santa Luzia, perched proudly atop a hill, dominating the skyline. You can climb to the top of the basilica for some of the most incredible views in the city, if not Portugal.
For the more adventurous souls, you can go kitesurfing, kayaking, or SUP-ing along the coastline and beautiful Lima River. This day trip has something to offer everyone.
Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with a stunning sandy coastline and vibrant atmosphere, Viana do Castelo is a bit of a hidden gem. We’d highly recommend a visit.
How To Get To Viana do Castelo
By Public Transport – The train from Porto to Viano do Castelo takes just 1hr 10mins, departing from Campanhã Station. Tickets cost €8-10 per person each way.
On A Tour – We love a good day tour and this one to Viana do Castelo is no exception. Save time and faff, whilst gaining a greater understanding of the city with a guided tour. There is plenty of time to explore on your own, and see the nearby Ponte de Lima (another destination on this list!).
TIP – Some Trains May Have A Transfer Halfway. All Journeys Can Be Taken WITHOUT Transfer Unless Stated Otherwise. Please Double Check To Ensure You Book The Correct Train Without Transfer.
7. Matosinhos
Matosinhos is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Porto, particularly for families. Located a short metro or bus ride from the historic centre of Porto, Matosinhos is a wonderful place to spend a day.
Matosinhos is one of the closest beach towns to Porto, with a long and wide sandy beach, rock pools, and great surf. This makes it ideal for both families and adrenaline seekers. In fact, it is one of the best places to learn to surf in Portugal!
The beachfront is lined with cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops, though, as a working port, the actual town is not the most picturesque. Regardless, Matosinhos has stunning beaches and makes a wonderful day trip from Porto.
How To Get To Matosinhos
By Bus – Catch the line 500 bus from São Bento Station to Praia de Matosinhos. The journey costs €2 each way if you purchase from the driver. Alternatively, it is free with the Porto Card. The journey takes 20 minutes and follows the Douro River, making it incredibly scenic.
By Metro – Catch the metro from Trindade to Matosinhos Sul. The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs €2 each way if you purchase from the driver. Alternatively, it is free with the Porto Card.
8. Espinho
Whilst Matosinhos is the closest beach to Porto, Espinho is another great option for a day trip, just south of the city.
Similar to Matosinhos, Espinho boasts a pretty pedestrianised centre and a golden sand beach with incredible surf. However, Espinho is set apart by two things: it’s boardwalk and it’s market.
Home to the largest outdoor market in Portugal, Feira de Espinho is held every Monday from 7am to 7pm. It is home to a huge variety of fresh produce, baked goods, meats, clothes, and just about anything else you could imagine!
Espinho is also home to a 3-mile boardwalk along the coast, through sandy dunes and along the sandy beaches. We saw this from the train from Porto to Aveiro and it looks incredible. The views are amazing and it seems so peaceful.
How To Get To Espinho
By Public Transport – The train from Porto to Espinho takes just 20 minutes, departing from Campanhã Station. Tickets cost around €15 per person each way, or is FREE with the Porto Card.
9. Arouca Geopark
Arouca Geopark is a UNESCO site situated in the Paiva Valley in Northern Portugal, an area of superb beauty. This is a massively underrated part of Portugal, allowing visitors to experience the incredible Portuguese nature and landscapes.
Two unmissable attractions include the 516 suspension bride and the Paiva Walkways. Measuring 516m in length and suspended 175m in the air, the suspension bridge is supposedly the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world which is a huge claim to fame! The Paiva Walkways are less visited but offer a boardwalk 8.5km up and down the valley with exceptional views.
Numbers of tourists are closely monitored and controlled as the Portuguese authorities have implemented a number of methods aimed at sustaining the natural beauty of Arouca. Therefore, even on a summers day, Arouca still feels peaceful.
How To Get To Arouca Geopark
By Public Transport – There are no good public transport options to visit Arouca Geopark. We’d therefore highly recommend hiring a car for the day or heading on the tour below.
On A Tour – The best way to visit Arouca Geopark is on a guided tour. This tour will include all your transport to the most beautiful spots within the geopark, including both the Paiva Walkway and the 516 Bridge. You will see rivers, waterfalls, and forests, and get the chance to try local delicacies!
10. Ponte de Lima
Winning the title for the oldest village in Portugal, Ponte de Lima is a small town located to the north of Porto. Sitting on the edge of the Lima river, Ponte de Lima is full of charm and character. Spanning the Lima River is a the Ponte Medieval, a beautiful historic stone bridge built by the Romans in 1AD.
With cobblestoned streets, traditional houses, an impressive church, and a stunning location, Ponte de Lima is definitely worth visiting for a day. The village is small but quaint, and is surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. It is truly beautiful.
How To Get To Ponte de Lima
By Public Transport – Regular buses run from Porto to Ponte de Lima. The journey takes 1hr 15mins and costs around €10.
On A Tour – The best tour to Ponte de Lima is combined with a stop in Viana do Castelo, maximising your time. This will ensure comfortable transport and a knowledgeable local guide. The tour can also be adapted to your preferences!
11. Amarante
Amarante is another of the oldest and most beautiful towns in Portugal. In fact, “amar” means to love in Portuguese, making this a romantic place to visit.
Situated on the banks of the Tâmega River, Amarante is known for its iconic São Gonçalo Bridge and the adjacent Church of São Gonçalo. On a calm day, the arched bridge is reflected perfectly in the river running below, offering amazing photo opportunities. The Church is truly beautiful, like something straight out of a fairytale.
The town itself is picturesque, with traditional houses and cute cafés all adorned with colourful flowers. With such a beautiful setting, it’s no wonder that Amarante has produced many internationally acclaimed artists and writers.
How To Get To Amarante
By Public Transport – Regular buses run from Porto to Amarante. The journey takes between 35 and 50 minutes, and costs just €5.
On A Tour – Whilst there are no tours specifically to Amarante, several Douro Valley tours stop in Amarante for an hour on the way, as it is located around halfway between Porto and the Douro Valley.
12. Barcelos
If you’ve seen anything about Portugal, or visited before, you’ve probably seen the colourful rooster that is synonymous with the country (and Nandos!). Well, that rooster actually originates from Barcelos, where local legend has it that it saved the life of a traveller wrongly accused of theft.
Apart from being home to the logo of a famous chicken shop, Barcelos is actually a very pretty medieval walled town. The town is filled with character, with cobblestoned streets, an iconic bridge crossing the river, and flowers on every corner. It is surrounded by the iconic rolling green hills you’ll come to know and love during your time in Porto and the north of Portugal.
The town hosts one of the biggest and best weekly markets in the country. Every Thursday, the town comes to life with fresh produce, textiles, pottery, and souvenirs.
How To Get To Barcelos
By Public Transport – Both trains and buses run to Barcelos, however you will need to change along the way. The best way to visit Barcelos by public transport is to get a train from Campanhã Station to Nine, then change train to reach Barcelos. This is not as bad as it sounds, with the journey taking just 1hr 15mins, including a 20 minute stop in Nine. However, I would recommend booking tickets in advance for ease and peace of mind.
On A Tour – Most day trips to Barcelos are half-day trips due to the small size of the town. This means you could easily combine it with an afternoon in Porto or Matosinhos to make the most of your time.
13. Santa Maria da Feira
If you’re looking for a vibrant town and an impressive castle close to Porto, Santa Maria da Feira is a great option. Located just south of Porto, this quaint town is the ideal day or half day trip to escape the city.
The Castle of Santa Maria da Feira really steals the show, with its imposing walls towering over the town. Built in the 15th Century, this castle is unlike most other castles in Portugal and genuinely looks like the sort you’d dream up in fairytale.
The town’s historic center is a charming blend of narrow cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and cute cafés, where you can try the local sweet bread – fogaça.
How To Get To Santa Maria da Feira
By Public Transport – Santa Maria da Feira is located just a 20 minute bus ride from Porto, costing just €7.
On A Tour – There are no tours that run from Porto to Santa Maria da Feira since it is located so close to the city.
14. Vila do Conde
Located just a 20-minute bus journey north of Porto, Vila do Conde is one of the prettiest coastal towns in the area. Despite being overlooked by most tourists, Vila do Conde has so much to offer.
Sweeping golden sand beaches, a beautiful harbour, a historical aqueduct, and charming cobblestoned streets are just some of the things you can see on a day trip to Vila do Conde. The aqueduct has 99 arches and runs for 4km, making it the second longest in Portugal.
The Convento de Santa Clara is a prominent feature of the skyline, reflecting beautifully in the harbour waters. The oldest part of the convent dates back to the early 14th century. It is well worth a visit on a day trip to Vila do Conde.
If you’d like to learn more about the history of Vila do Conde, there are informative guided tours that will take you to all the main sites.
How To Get To Vila do Conde
By Public Transport – Catch a 20-minute bus from Porto to Vila do Conde, costing just €5.
On A Tour – As it is located so close to Porto, there is no tour that runs to Vila do Conde.
15. Santo Tirso
Nestled on the bank of the Ave River, Santo Tirso was originally built around the monastery of São Bento, the standout attraction of the town. The monastery dates back to the 10th Century, making it one of the oldest in the whole of Portugal.
Santo Tirso showcases the typical whitewashed Portuguese buildings, with yellow and blue accents and orange tiled rooves. Whilst the town is small, it offers a taste of the ‘real’ Portugal, away from the majority of tourists.
Besides the monastery, the town is home to a sculpture park and has a weekly market on Mondays. It may not take an entire day to explore, but it’s the perfect place to slow down for a day after a few hectic days in the city!
How To Get To Santo Tirso
By Public Transport – There are regular trains from Campanhã Station connecting Porto to Santo Tirso. The journey takes just under 30 minutes and costs around €15. There is a free shuttle from the train station into the town centre.
On A Tour – As it is located so close to Porto, there are no tours that run to Santo Tirso.
FAQs
Still have a few questions about taking a day trip from Porto? We’ve answered the most common below!
Do I Need A Car To Go On A Day Trip?
Absolutely not! Portugal is very well connected with public transport and the journeys are comfortable. We travelled the entire country by train and bus so you absolutely do not need a car.
If you’re not confident with catching public transport, there are plenty of tours you can take instead.
Is It Possible To Do A Day Trip To Lisbon From Porto?
Whilst it is possible in theory to do a day trip from Porto to Lisbon, it is not something we would recommend. Trains from Porto to Lisbon take around 5 hours, therefore you’d only get an hour or so in the city before turning around.
That being said, Lisbon is definitely worth visiting. We would recommend spending at least one day in the capital to have time to explore. There are plenty of affordable accommodation options to suit every type of traveller.
How Many Days Should I Visit Porto?
Porto is a really beautiful city with so much to do and see. We’d recommend spending three days in Porto to allow yourself to see everything and take a daytrip to one of the many beautiful places nearby.
What Is The Best Beach Near Porto?
The best beach near Porto is Matosinhos Beach. It is a long, wide, sandy beach with plenty of space for everyone. Children will enjoy the rockpools located at the ends of the beaches, whilst the more adventurous people can take advantage of the incredible surf.
Can I Do A Day Trip From Porto To Spain?
Yes! Porto is only 2hr 20mins from the nearest city in Spain – Vigo. This would definitely be doable in a day, but it would be a long day. There are several tours that run daily from Porto to the beautiful town of Santiago de Compostela in Spain which would likely be the best option to maximise your time.
Wrap Up: Best Day Trips From Porto
Whilst Porto is a beautiful city in it’s own right, there are also so many incredible day trips you can take (and we would highly recommend you do!).
Whether you love the beach, nature parks, or quaint towns and villages, there really is something for everyone. For a quick trip to the beach, we’d highly recommend visiting Matosinhos, whilst nature lovers will want to visit Arouca Geopark and the Douro Valley. For those after a quaint town or city, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Guimarães are well worth the trip.
However, the best place to visit on a day trip from Porto has to be Braga. With a quaint town, incredible views, historical sites, and beautiful natural surroundings, we’d highly recommend you visit. This was our favourite day trip and we know you’ll love it too!
PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP
OUR TRAVEL RESOURCES
Fly
Tours
Found This Post Useful? Pin It For Later!
