5 Unforgettable Day Trips From Porto, Portugal

The stunning coastal city of Porto is a crowning jewel in Portugal. It boasts brilliant views, architectural masterpieces, and delicious wines, and that isn’t even half of it. It’s an ideal vacation destination for all ages, but even those in their later years will find an experience here magical.

These day trips from Porto provide a variety of different kinds of scenery and experiences. From the rolling hills in Douro Valley to the imposing architecture in Viana do Castelo, you’re bound to enjoy time spent in these beautiful, unique places near Porto.

Let’s have a look at five of the best day trips from Porto that you can add to your itinerary. 

Explore the Beauty of Portugal With These Day Trips From Porto

Porto isn’t just a hub for excitement and incredible scenery. It’s a prime location along the coast with plenty of worthwhile cities surrounding it, so a day trip from here is a must. Let’s look at the best destinations near Porto that you can visit, plus some tour recommendations.

1. Douro Valley

Photo by Rach Sam on Unsplash

Douro Valley is likely one of the more popular spots to visit in Portugal, and it’s no secret why. The Alto Douro Wine Region has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is unsurprisingly famous for its top-notch wine production. It boasts vast vineyards, wineries, and scenic views as far as the eye can see.

A day trip to the valley will be packed with sightseeing, whether by renting a car or taking a train. The distance from Porto to the main village, Pinhão, is around 79 miles (127 km) or a one-hour-53-minute drive. However, driving through the valley can be daunting for new visitors, especially with the long, narrow, and winding roads. 

A train ride is a bit longer, at around two hours and 15 minutes, but it’s much easier for senior travelers and offers beautiful views of the landscape and Douro River. Trains running through the valley will also stop at smaller villages, like Pocinho and Barca d’Alva, so you’ll get to spend time at each stop.

Tour Suggestion: This Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting, & Lunch starts by traveling to Peso da Régua before heading to Pinhão. You’ll enjoy an hour-long boat tour along the river and two wine tastings. A traditional Portuguese lunch is also included before returning to Porto.

2. Braga

Photo by Angela Compagnone on Unsplash

You can’t miss out on an opportunity to visit the oldest city in Portugal, and luckily, Braga is just 40 minutes away. The city itself is impressive — the third largest in the country — so a day trip is the perfect way to take in the cobblestoned streets and impressive architectural masterpieces.

But what exactly can you get up to on your journey? There is much more to do than sauntering through the gorgeous streets. Braga is home to incredible sights like the Bom Jesus do Monte and the iconic, Baroque-style steps that lead up to it. You can also visit the Praça da República, Sameiro Sanctuary, the lush Santa Barbara Garden, and more.

Yet, while the buildings and charming streets are worth the visit, you must set aside time to indulge in the city’s gastronomy, from the most delectable savory fish dishes to the sweetest tarts. Definitely spend time at one (or many) of the various restaurants. 

Tour Suggestion: This Best of Braga and Guimaraes Day Trip is affordable and gives a taste of the highlights of both cities. The tour includes entrance to Braga’s Cathedral and Guimarães Castle and a walking tour of Porto before you depart. Lunch is included at an additional cost.

3. Guimarães

Photo by Lucas Mamoru on Unsplash

Guimarães is a picturesque city in northern Portugal. Its well-preserved medieval buildings take you back in time. Located 33 miles (53 km) from Porto and just over 40 minutes away, a day trip here is quick and easy. Due to the sheer brilliance of the historic center, this city is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The foundation of your trip should focus on viewing the grand palaces and churches, with their eye-catching designs that are sure to impress. The Largo da Oliveira square has a few quaint shops and some cafés to stop at for a drink or a bite to eat. While you’re there, you can marvel at the grandeur of the Collegiate Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira.

Other must-see sites include the Castle of Guimarães, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, the Church of São Miguel do Castelo, and the Praça de São Tiago plaza. You’ll rarely run out of things to do here.

Tour Suggestion: On this Hidden Charms, Guimarães & Braga Day Tour, you’ll start by touring the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and the Castle of Guimarães. After lunch, you’ll head to Braga to the Sameiro Sanctuary, Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, and Braga Cathedral.

4. Aveiro 

Photo by Ricardo Resende on Unsplash

For a more relaxed escape from the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities, consider a day trip to Aveiro. They call it the “Portuguese Venice,” with boats floating across the canals and rivers. It’s truly a beautiful place to visit while you’re in Portugal.

Being such a hallmark feature of the city, you simply must have your go at taking a Moliceiro boat tour. They’re affordable and allow you to take in the views of Aveiro in a more unique way. Plus, their colorful design makes for splendid photo opportunities for photographers.

Aveiro is also known for its art and Art Nouveau architecture, so walk through the pretty paved streets and admire local buildings or the scattered mosaics across the sidewalks. The Aveiro Museum is another brilliant display of intricate artwork. You can’t forget to stroll along Costa Nova to see those brightly colored homes and shops.

Tour Suggestion: This Full-Day Tour from Porto to Coimbra and Aveiro with a River Cruise is a phenomenal option for travelers, providing the best of two stunning destinations. It starts with a visit to the Universita Di Coimbra and Coimbra Historical Center. Then, it sets off for Aveiro to explore Costa Nova and enjoy a Moliceiro boat ride.

5. Viana do Castelo

Photo by Max Kukurudziak on Unsplash

Last, you can try a day trip from Porto to Viana do Castelo, which is about 46 miles (74 km) and 50 minutes away, so easy to reach via car or train. It’s a seaside town, so you can enjoy the ocean in all of its splendor and indulge in delicious seafood and other maritime activities. 

The Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the most impressive sites here, sitting on top of Santa Luzia Hill and giving panoramic views of Viana do Castelo. If the walk to the top seems too daunting, don’t worry — you can take a funicular or tram.

Other than that, visiting museums like the Costume Museum or the Decorative Arts Museum of Viana do Castelo is a good idea. The historical Praça da República square is bustling with life and places to enjoy the local food. And, of course, the beach is just a stone’s throw away, so visiting the Praia do Norte is a must.

Tour Suggestion: To experience the beauty of this locale in all its glory, consider this Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima – Full Day trip. You’ll start with a glimpse of Ponte de Lima before embarking toward Viana do Castelo. Once here, the tour takes you to the historical center, the Hospital Ship, the Sanctuary on Santa Luzia, and the Forte Santiago da Barra.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Days Is Enough for Porto, Portugal? 

Porto is a gorgeous city with many sights, but a well-rounded experience shouldn’t take more than two full days. That makes Porto perfect for a brief weekend trip and leaves space for those day trips you’re after.

What’s Close to Porto? 

Near Porto, you’ll find many popular and beautiful cities to explore that are less than three hours away. Braga, Guimarães, and other locales on this day trip list are all close. Other nearby places include Montesinho Natural Park, Miranda do Douro, Ponte de Lima, Fátima, and Amarante.

Where Can I Travel to By Train From Porto?

From the mentioned locations, Braga, Guimarães, Viana do Castelo, and Douro Valley are all easily reachable by train. When planning your transport, be sure to check schedules on sites like Metro de Porto or Trainline.

Traveling from the U.K. to Porto

Traveling from the U.K. to Porto is quite convenient, with several major cities offering direct flights to this vibrant Portuguese city. The most common departure cities include London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Bristol.

• From London, you can fly directly to Porto from airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, and Stansted. Major airlines offering direct flights from London include British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, and TAP Air Portugal. British Airways operates from Heathrow and Gatwick, while easyJet and Ryanair fly from Gatwick, Luton, and Stansted.
• Manchester offers direct flights to Porto with Ryanair and easyJet. These airlines provide several options throughout the week, making travel flexible.
• Birmingham also has direct flights to Porto, primarily operated by Ryanair. This is a good option for travelers located in the Midlands area.
• For travelers in Scotland, Edinburgh provides direct flights to Porto, usually through Ryanair.
• Bristol serves the southwest region of the U.K., with direct flights to Porto on easyJet.

Overall, budget carriers like Ryanair and easyJet dominate the U.K.-to-Porto route, making it an affordable and accessible destination for British travelers.

Traveling from the U.S. to Porto

While direct flights from the U.S. to Porto are fewer compared to routes to Lisbon, there are still several major cities with direct connections to Porto. The primary cities offering direct flights include New York City and Boston.

• From New York City, direct flights to Porto are available from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). TAP Air Portugal is the main airline operating non-stop flights from both JFK and Newark. These flights typically run year-round, with an increase in frequency during the summer months.
• Boston also has direct flights to Porto, operated by TAP Air Portugal. Boston’s direct flights are especially popular during peak travel seasons.

For other U.S. cities like Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, while there may not be direct flights to Porto, many U.S. travelers opt for connecting flights via Lisbon, London, or another major European hub.

Traveling from Major Cities in Western Europe to Porto

Porto is well-connected to various major cities across Western Europe, making it a popular destination for both weekend getaways and longer stays. Here are some of the major cities that offer direct flights to Porto:

• From Paris, you can fly directly to Porto from Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports. Airlines like Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, and Transavia operate these routes frequently, offering a mix of budget and full-service options.
• Madrid has numerous direct flights to Porto, mainly through Iberia, Ryanair, and Air Europa.
• Barcelona is another key hub, with direct flights to Porto operated by Vueling, Ryanair, and TAP Air Portugal.
• From Amsterdam, you can fly direct to Porto on KLM, easyJet, and Transavia, providing plenty of options for Dutch travelers.
• Brussels is served by Brussels Airlines and Ryanair, both offering direct flights to Porto.
• Zurich connects to Porto via Swiss International Air Lines and easyJet, giving Swiss travelers multiple options for direct travel.
• Frankfurt and Munich offer direct flights to Porto through Lufthansa and Ryanair.
• From Rome and Milan, airlines such as Alitalia, Vueling, and easyJet operate direct flights to Porto, making it easy for travelers from Italy to reach Portugal.

In general, Ryanair, easyJet, and TAP Air Portugal dominate the European routes to Porto, providing frequent, affordable flights from a variety of major European cities. Full-service airlines like KLM, Lufthansa, and Air France also offer direct connections for travelers who prefer more comprehensive services.

Wrapping Up Day Trip Ideas From Porto, Portugal

Photo by Siddhant Kumar on Unsplash

From solo travel experiences to couples’ adventures, these day trips are fantastic for 50+ year-olds. Whether you want to explore the religious capital, Braga, or the so-called “Portuguese Venice,” Aveiro, this list has you covered.

Ultimately, you can enjoy day trips from Porto on hosted guided tours or on your own as long as you have a good idea of what you want to achieve. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get packing and prepare for a well-deserved vacation.

Read Next: For more tips and life-changing experiences amongst like-minded travelers, learn how to become a Freebird — you won’t regret it!