Porto has become one of the most popular spots in Portugal after Lisbon. Known for its slower pace off live, relatively cheaper costs and great ambiance, this city has attracted loads of tourists every year. Quite frankly, I find that the city gets more and more crowded which each passing season. This is why I always suggest keeping some day trips from Porto planned.
Exploring further than Porto will give you a chance to see more of what the Portuguese life is all about. There are some really great places nearby which are easily accessible. Plus there are plenty of tours that head out daily.
I personally prefer to stay in one of these locations and make a day trip to Porto because I prefer a quiet pace. But that’s me and I know most people prefer to go about it the other way which is why I’m drawing up this list. Anyway, I’m rambling a bit here. So I will get back on track and take you through my list of favorite spots near the city that are awesome day trips from Porto.
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Table of Contents
Since there are so many points of interest, I thought I would divide the day trips from Porto into sections so it is easier for you to find something that works well with your itinerary.
Cities
1. Espinho
Distance From Porto: 22 km
Espinho is located just a short way away from Porto and is easily accessible by train, bus or your own transport. One of the main things that Espinho is famous for is its beaches but after staying here for a couple of days, I can attest that Espinho is far more than just a beach side town.
It is laid back with some amazing restaurants. It has beautiful walking paths that you can stroll on or cycle. There are plenty of sports that you can engage in. A lot of cafe culture can be seen here but probably not in the way that you are used to in bigger cities.
These tiny pastelarias bake up a variety of local snacks and serve them with a side of coffee. You’ll see many people just sitting and enjoying the vibe while they nibble on a midday snack.
The best part is obviously the beaches which have soft white sand and plenty of place. It has great public amenities. Just make sure to bring a parasol because there isn’t much shade.
2. Braga
Distance From Porto: 54 km
Braga is definitely well known but it still a little off the beaten path where tourists are considered. I love the city. It is lively and yet small. There are plenty of things to do in Braga as well from museums, to parks and a great night life. It is also a great place to visit with young kids in tow.
One of my fondest memories of this city is when we listened to the fados sung in the streets and danced along with the locals. The city is very walkable which makes it easy to move about without your own transport. If you don’t want to walk then you can easily take he public transport.
The best part is that it is easily accessible from Porto. So you can easily head here on a day trip. Since Braga is relatively small, you can also walk all about the city and take in the main attractions within a limited amount of time.
Recommended Tour: Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Trip
3. Guimaraes
Distance From Porto: 55 km
Guimaraes is located very close to Braga and Porto which makes it a good day trip from either location. The quaint quiet town is rich in history and there is plenty to do. We did this as part of a day trip on our way to stay in Braga and we spent the better part of the day here.
One of the most famous landmarks is the 10th century castle that is located in the city. It is also one of the most important landmarks in the country because it is considered the birthplace of Portugal. This is where Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal was born and lived. The Ducal Palace of Guimaraes is another attraction in the city.
Aside from the unique architecture and the interesting history, there are numerous squares where you can sit down and have a drink at or just have a coffee. It is quiet with tourists pouring in and out. Due to its proximity with Braga, you will find that most of the day trips from Porto combine it with the bigger city.
Recommended Tour: Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Trip
4. Viana Do Castelo
Distance From Porto: 74 km
If you want a chill seaside town with lots to do but with the flexibility to choose then Viana do Castelo is your spot. I love love love this city and honestly I think that it should not just be one of the day trips from Porto. Instead, pick a spot and stay here for a couple of days like we did.
The city has a lot to see including the main historical square, loads of museums, plenty of old buildings, an old ship that you can enter, great playgrounds for the kids and beaches very close by. There are great coffee shops to sit and lots of great places to eat.
Viana do Castelo even has a great nightlife. Now I know that not everyone has the flexibility to stay here for long so if a day trip is all you have, then so be it. The city is definitely worth visiting.
As you can see below, some people combine it with a trip to Braga and Guimaraes. I find that a very fast pace to be honest but it is definitely doable. All three cities could easily take up a whole day on their own. That being said, when you are pressed for time and you want to do a lot, choosing an organized tour is pretty perfect because you can check the reviews online.
Recommended Tour: Viana do Castelo, Braga and Guimarães Day Tour
5. Vila Real
Distance From Porto: 97 km
During our first visit to the Duoro valley, we met a couple who couldn’t stop talking about Vila Real. They kept telling us it was the nicest city to visit. Since we were short on time, we did not get a chance to see it then but this time round, we made sure that we did. Now the city is a little far when you consider the distance from Porto but it is totally worth it.
Vila Real is one of the bustling zones in the area. It has a lot of old architecture and some really good spots to eat at. If you are interested in shopping then you will find that the city has loads of local designers and plenty of great shops to browse through. They even alter the clothes which is why we made two trips in just three days to the city.
Natural Parks
6. Douro Valley
The Douro valley is huge and I can’t really mark it down at an exact distance. This great expanse of green that surrounds the Douro river is one of the most popular day trips from Porto. Why? Because it is green, beautiful, peaceful and it is also where a large number of vineyards are located.
Like Viana do Castelo, this is one of the places where I prefer to stay rather than visit for a short while because it is refreshing to be in the peace and quiet of the region. We’ve here multiple times and each time we have not been disappointed. Depending on which part of the region you head to and the season, you will find that there is plenty to see and do.
Cruising down the Douro river is also another cool way to see the region.
Recommended Tours: Douro Valley with Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch
7. Peneda-Gerês National Park
Peneda-Gerês National Park is much further than all the locations that I have added to the list but I’m going to talk about it anyway. This is the oldest national park in Portugal and it is huge. We spent three days in the park and did not even see one fourth of it. From hiking trails and water falls to riverside beaches and damns, there’s a lot to see in Peneda-Gerês National Park.
There’s even a pilgrimage site called Church Sao Bento da Porta Aberta. This is the second largest pilgrimage site in Portugal and it draws in numerous devotees every single day. If you have time visit the museums in the area too. The Ethnographic museum was our favorite.
Recommended Tours:
- Kayaking & Lunch in Peneda-Gerês National Park
- Hike & Swim in Gerês National Park
- Peneda-Gerês National Park Tour with Lunch
Since Porto is located in the north of Portugal it gives you great access to so many of the cool sites in the north of the country. The laid back pace and the beautiful scenery is always a feast for the eyes. That is the reason why I always encourage people to add one or more day trips from Porto to their itinerary.