The Best Day Trips from Porto: Discover Northern Portugal

If you’re staying in Porto for more than a day or two—and you definitely should—you’re in the perfect spot to explore the best day trips in northern Portugal.

From charming towns to UNESCO World Heritage sites, lush wine regions, and rugged natural wonders, these destinations make for an amazing day trip from Porto. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, there’s a perfect day trip waiting for you.

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Douro Valley Wine Tasting: Scenic Vistas and Port Wine Traditions

No list of Porto day trips is complete without the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s oldest wine regions. Just a short drive or train ride from the city center, this stunning valley offers terraced vineyards, breathtaking views of the Douro River, and historic quintas (wine estates).

Our Experience
We’ve taken the Douro Valley wine tour twice—once in the scorching summer months of August, and once in the chilly, rainy days of March. Both times, the tours included stops at two wineries for port wine tastings, an authentic Portuguese lunch, and a relaxing boat ride along the Douro River. The steep hills surrounding the valley offer some of the best views in Portugal.

How to Get There

• Best way: Book a guided tour with hotel pickup for a stress-free day.
• Rental car: If you’re confident driving narrow roads with hairpin turns, renting a car gives you flexibility to explore Peso da Régua, Pinhão, and other picturesque villages.
• Train ride: A scenic train from Porto’s São Bento station takes you along the river for one of Europe’s most beautiful train journeys.

Highlights

• Wine tasting at traditional quintas
• Panoramic views of terraced vineyards
• Boat trips on the Douro River
• Pinhão and the lovely train station tiles

Aveiro: The Venice of Portugal

A quick train ride down the Atlantic coast from Porto brings you to Aveiro, a charming small city known for its colorful moliceiro boats, canals, and beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. Often called the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is a perfect day trip destination with a unique character all its own.

We love just hanging out in Aveiro. It was on our list of possible places to live. The city is very flat and walkable and has a laid-back vibe. We almost always stop here on our way north or back down to have lunch or just enjoy the town.

Best Things to Do in Aveiro

• Take a traditional moliceiro (gondola) ride along the city’s canals to admire the narrow streets and pastel-colored houses.
• Visit the Museu de Aveiro, housed in the Convento de Jesus, with beautiful religious art.
• Stroll the main street (Rua João Mendonça), lined with bakeries selling ovos moles, Aveiro’s famous egg-yolk sweets.
• Enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants like Maré Cheia.

Best Way to Visit

• Public transportation: Direct trains from Porto’s Campanhã or São Bento stations make Aveiro an easy day trip.
• Guided tour: Many tours combine Aveiro with Costa Nova for a full-day adventure.
• Rental car: Gives you freedom to explore the nearby Costa Nova and its candy-striped beach houses.

Bonus: Costa Nova

Just a short drive from Aveiro is Costa Nova, famous for its colorful striped fishermen’s cottages along the beach. It’s a great place to walk along the Atlantic Ocean, take photos, and enjoy fresh seafood.

Braga: Portugal’s Spiritual Capital

Braga is one of our favorite cities to visit. The food is the best we have had in Portugal, the city is alive with entertainers, and the vibe is just incredible.

Braga is also one of the oldest cities in Portugal and the country’s religious center—a fascinating city known for grand churches, lively squares, and rich history dating back to Roman times.

Highlights in Braga

• Sé de Braga: Portugal’s oldest cathedral, blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles.
• Bom Jesus do Monte: The iconic zigzag staircase leading up to a hilltop sanctuary with spectacular views over the city—take the historic cable car, the oldest water-powered funicular in the world!
• Explore the historic center with its vibrant main square, Praça da República.

How to Get There

• Direct train: From Porto’s São Bento station, trains take about 1 hour and are a good option for an easy day trip.
• Guided tour: Perfect for combining Braga with nearby Guimarães.

Best Time to Visit
Braga is especially lively during Holy Week (Semana Santa), with processions and traditions dating back centuries. Be aware that it gets very hot during the summer. Early May is a great time to explore the area.

Barcelos: Home of the Portuguese Rooster

Barcelos is a small city in northern Portugal, best known as the birthplace of the Galo de Barcelos—the colorful ceramic rooster that’s become a national symbol of good luck.

🐓Why Visit Barcelos?

• Weekly Market: Every Thursday, Barcelos hosts one of the largest and oldest open-air markets in Portugal. It’s the best place to find local crafts, textiles, fresh produce, and ceramics.
• Local Legends: The legend of the Rooster of Barcelos is tied to a miraculous tale involving a wrongly accused pilgrim and a roasted rooster that came back to life. There’s even a statue commemorating the story near the medieval bridge.
• Historic Center: Stroll through narrow streets lined with historic buildings, charming plazas, and views of the Cávado River.
• Museu de Olaria: This pottery museum highlights the region’s deep connection to ceramics and folk art.
• Barcelos Castle ruins: Explore what’s left of this ancient castle, now part of a pleasant riverside park.

🚗 How to Get There

• By train: About 1 hour and 15 minutes from Porto (with a transfer in Nine station).
• By car: Around 50 minutes—a short drive and easy parking make it an ideal spot for a spontaneous day trip.
• Best Option: Go on a Thursday for the market if possible. It’s a great day trip for culture lovers, souvenir shoppers, or anyone looking for a relaxing small-town vibe.

Guimarães: Birthplace of Portugal

Just a short drive or train ride from Braga lies Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a well-preserved medieval city with narrow streets, ancient squares, and some of the country’s most important historic buildings.

We loved the Palace of the Duke and Rua de Santa Maria. It conveyed Guimarães’ classic old-world charm.

Highlights in Guimarães

• Guimarães Castle: A 10th-century fortress where Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, was born.
• Palace of the Dukes of Braganza: A stunning 15th-century palace showcasing medieval architecture.
• Walk along the Rua de Santa Maria, one of the oldest streets in Portugal, lined with shops selling local crafts like embroidery and cutlery, perfect for souvenirs.
• Relax in Largo da Oliveira, the heart of the well-preserved old town, with beautiful views of the medieval buildings.

How to Get There

• Train ride: About 1.5 hours from Porto.
• Guided tour: A small group tour combining Braga and Guimarães is a great option.

Ponte de Lima: Portugal’s Oldest Village

Ponte de Lima, considered one of the oldest towns in Portugal, is a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists. This charming town features a medieval bridge crossing the Lima River, narrow cobbled streets, and beautiful botanical gardens.

Best Things to Do in Ponte de Lima

• Walk across the medieval bridge dating back to Roman times.
• Visit the International Garden Festival (spring–fall) with creative themed gardens.
• Stroll the riverside promenade and explore traditional markets on Mondays.

How to Get There

• Rental car: About 1 hour 15 minutes from Porto, a scenic drive through the Minho region.
• Guided Tour: Most guided tours include other cities but the best one is the private tour of the Minho Region

Peneda-Gerês National Park: Nature Lovers’ Paradise

For breathtaking landscapes, head north to Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, Portugal’s only national park. Known for spectacular views, remote villages like Castro Laboreiro, wild horses, and hidden waterfalls, Gerês is a dream destination for hikers and adventure seekers.

Highlights in Gerês

• Hike to viewpoints like Pedra Bela for panoramic views over the mountains and lakes.
• Swim in natural pools like the Cascata do Arado waterfall.
• Explore traditional granite villages where time seems to stand still.

How to Get There

• Rental car: The best option, as public transportation is very limited. The park entrance is about a 1.5–2 hours’ drive from Porto.
• Guided tour: Join a small group day tour for hikes and waterfalls.

Santiago de Compostela: A Journey into Spain

If you want to cross a border on your Porto day trip, head north to Santiago de Compostela, Spain—a UNESCO World Heritage site famous as the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

Highlights

• Marvel at the impressive Cathedral of Santiago, said to hold the tomb of Saint James.
• Explore the medieval old town with its narrow streets, bustling squares, and traditional tapas bars.
• Visit the historic markets for local Galician specialties.

How to Get There

• Guided tour: The best option for a single day, as it includes border formalities and guided exploration.
• Rental car: About 2.5–3 hours’ drive from Porto.

Matosinhos: Beach, Seafood, and Surfing

For an easy half-day trip, visit Matosinhos, a beach town just a short metro ride from Porto’s city center. It’s famous for long sandy beaches, fresh seafood restaurants, and lively summer vibes.

Best Things to Do in Matosinhos

• Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at one of the many grill restaurants near the waterfront or take a food tour.
• Relax on the beautiful beaches with views of surfers riding the Atlantic waves.
• Get a surfing lesson from a professional
• Visit the striking Senhor de Matosinhos Church and nearby markets.

How to Get There

• Public transportation: Take the metro (Blue Line) from Trindade station—about 30 minutes.

Peso da Régua: Gateway to the Douro Valley

Peso da Régua, often simply called Régua, is considered the capital of the Douro Valley region and a fantastic base for wine tasting, boat trips, and scenic drives along the river.

Highlights in Peso da Régua

• Visit the Museu do Douro to learn about the region’s rich wine history.
• Stroll the riverside promenade with beautiful views of vineyards climbing steep hills.
• Take a boat ride on a traditional rabelo boat for a unique perspective of the valley.

How to Get There

• Train ride: About 2 hours from Porto along one of Europe’s most scenic railway lines.
• Guided tour: Many Douro River wine tours start or stop in Peso da Régua.

Viana do Castelo: Atlantic Charm and Stunning Views

Heading north along the coast, Viana do Castelo is one of the most beautiful cities in northern Portugal, famous for its hilltop basilica and sweeping ocean views.

Highlights in Viana do Castelo

• Ride the funicular to the Santuário de Santa Luzia for panoramic views of the city, river, and Atlantic Ocean.
• Explore the historic center with its charming squares and medieval buildings.
• Visit Praia do Cabedelo, one of the best beaches for surfing.

How to Get There

• Rental car: About 1 hour 15 minutes’ drive north of Porto.
• Direct train: From Porto’s Campanhã station.
• Guided Tour: As part of a tour to Braga and Guimarães.

Arouca and the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge

For something unique, head to Arouca to cross one of the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges—the 516 Arouca, suspended 175 meters above the Paiva River. Combine it with the Paiva Walkways for a full day of adventure.

Highlights

• The bridge offers spectacular views of the Paiva Gorge.
• Enjoy local cuisine at Arouca’s traditional restaurants, known for dishes like posta arouquesa (beef steak).

How to Get There

• Rental car: About 1.5 hours from Porto—parking available near the trailheads.
• Guided Tour: 516 Arouca Bridge and Paiva Walkways

Paiva Walkways (Passadiços do Paiva): A Hiker’s Dream

For outdoor lovers, the Paiva Walkways are an 8-km wooden trail along the Paiva River, offering beautiful views of the river gorge and surrounding mountains. It’s often rated among the most scenic hikes in Europe.

Practical Info

• Located in Arouca Geopark, about 1.5 hours from Porto.
• Advance ticket booking is recommended.
• Great for a day of exercise, nature, and stunning photography.

Practical Tips for Day Trips from Porto

Best Option: A guided tour can be the most stress-free way to explore, especially if you want to visit wine regions, Gerês, or combine Braga and Guimarães.

Public Transportation: Many destinations like Braga, Guimarães, Aveiro, and Viana do Castelo have direct trains from Porto’s city centre—great for a single day trip.

Rental Car: Essential for more remote spots like Gerês, Ponte de Lima, or the Paiva Walkways.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer months are popular but can be hot, especially inland.

Packing Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets and steep hills, bring layers, and don’t forget sunscreen and water.

Booking: Reserve tickets in advance for popular tours, Douro Valley wine tastings, and Paiva Walkways to avoid disappointment.

Final Thoughts: The Best Porto Day Trips

Whether you’re looking for a great day trip filled with history, nature, or culinary delights, Porto is the perfect base to explore northern Portugal. From the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Guimarães and Braga, or the coastal beauty of Aveiro and Viana do Castelo, there’s a perfect day trip for every traveler.

By planning ahead—choosing the best way to travel, whether by rental car, train, or guided tour—you’ll be able to experience the best Porto day trips stress-free. Don’t miss these incredible opportunities to discover the fascinating cities, charming towns, and breathtaking natural landscapes that make northern Portugal so special.

So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the rich history, beautiful beaches, and unique places waiting just beyond Porto’s city limits. Happy travels!

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