16 day trips from Porto

Do you want to explore northern Portugal? Discover our selection of the best day trips from Porto!

Second city of Portugal after Lisbon , Porto is a cosmopolitan destination conducive to adventure and relaxation. Developed on the slopes of the Douro Valley, close to the coast, the city is a great starting point for a few hours.

During your stay, enjoy all the tourist options of the region: seaside resorts, picturesque villages, historic sites, natural parks...

To guide you through all these treasures, we have listed the most beautiful excursions from Porto!

1. Braga

Often regarded as the religious center of the country, this city hosts the oldest cathedral in Portugal, Se de Braga, and many Gothic churches.

They are surrounded by baroque buildings, beautiful squares and one of the most beautiful monuments in the country, the sanctuary of the Bom Jesus do Monte. Take the time to climb its stairs, they lead to sublime panoramas.

2. Coimbra

A former medieval capital of the country, Coimbra is divided into two parts: the Cidade Alta (higher city) and the Baixa (lower city).

In the heights, don’t miss the Moorish fortifications, gothic buildings and gardens, without forgetting its famous campus, articulated around a former royal palace, which houses an incredible library.

3. Guimaraes

Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Guimaraes deserves to be mentioned among the best day trips from Porto.

Start your visit by the centre (Largo da Oliveira, Largo Republica do Brasil, Largo do Toural), before going to the hill of Largo. It contains the Castelo de Guimaraes, the Paço dos Duques de Bragança and the chapel of Sao Miguel.

4. Ponte de Lima

Looked like one of the oldest cities in the country, Ponte de Lima has a place all found in our ranking of excursions from Porto. Its most emblematic monuments are the church of the Matrix and the Ponte Romana, a Roman bridge built around the year I.

Take a look at his museums, the tower of Cadeia Velha and the Place de Camões, which you find on all postcards.

5. Vila do Conde

With its strong identity, influenced by its maritime history and beautiful beach, Vila do Conde is one of the excursions from Porto that will appeal to both the curious and the families.

The richness of its heritage is symbolized by the chapel do Socorro, built in 1559, and the arches of the aqueduct of Santa Clara. The Shipbuilding Museum and the Lace Museum will provide you with a lot of information on the history of the city and its economy.

6. Douro Valley

Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Douro Valley is a splendid wine region. To discover it, two options are available: the cruise and the car. If the boat is a friendly alternative, it is better to take the road to access the remote villages (Pinhao, Vale de Mendiz, Linhares...).

The visit of Museu do Douro in Peso da Régua is an interesting stop to learn more about local history.

7. Aveiro and Costa Nova

Aveiro is renowned for its colourful canals and boats, the " moliceiros". Embark on one of them to discover gently its authentic fishing district, its Art Nouveau houses and its religious heritage, marked by the presence of the Sé Cathedral.

From Aveiro you can easily reach Costa Nova, its small colourful houses and its huge beach.

8. Matosinhos

This seaside resort is a must-see stop during the summer season. In addition to its huge beach, the city hosts the Castelo do Queijo, a fort of the seventeenth century open to the visit, the Parque da Cidade, a large landscaped park, and a fresh fish market.

On the outskirts of Matosinhos, there is also the Sea Life Porto aquarium and its 3,000 residents.

9. Povoa de Varzim

Povoa de Varzim is a lively summer centre with excellent infrastructure: restaurants, bars, hotels, various sports grounds... The city is also renowned for its agitated sea, a Eden for surfers, and for its casino, one of the most beautiful in Portugal.

10. Barcelos

Developed on a shore of the Cavado, the town of Barcelos houses an open-air archaeological museum and the medieval Bridge, a 14th century Gothic monument that connects Barcelos and Barcelinhos.

Around the Campo da República, the former market square, are erected the churches of Bom Jesus da Cruz and Nossa Senhora do Terço (XVIIIth century).

11. Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle

Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle Spain ) is one of the destinations to visit at least once in his life. Accessible on foot from the Portuguese Road or by car, it is a place to the particular atmosphere that is among the best excursions from Porto.

After a walk in the historic centre, venture on the side of the majestic cathedral. Classified Historic and Artistic Monument, its construction began in the 11th century.

12. Peneda-Gêres National Park

This national park of more than 70,000 hectares is a step in the listing of excursions from Porto. It gives access to beautiful landscapes of land, waterfalls and mountains, while sheltering granite villages and vestiges (medium-aged buildings, sanctuaries...). On your way, maybe you'll cross the wolf and the bunny.

13. Serra da Estrela

This mountain of rare beauty is the highest mountain in continental Portugal (1,993 m). In this natural setting, close to 375 km of marked trails are accessible on foot, by horse or by bike. In cold weather, you can ski, sledge and snowboard.

14. Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo unveils its wild beaches, its pretty shores and squares to all the strollers that swirl its picturesque alleys.

The most curious can visit the Vessel Hospital Gil Eannes, one of the best museums in Portugal, the Museu do Traje, a very educational regional museum, the interior of the Santa Casa da Misericordia and the pre-Roman ruins of the Basilica of Santa Luzia.

15. Espinho

Charming seaside resort, Espinho is renowned for its casino – the largest in Portugal – and for its beach. Long 17 km, it extends to the estuary of the Douro. If the water is fresh, it offers pretty waves for water sports, especially for surfing.

16. Lamego

Lamego is one of the best excursions from Porto. The city overlooks two hills, the first houses the ruins of a 12th century castle and the second the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios.

You are advised to visit its municipal museum, housed in an episcopal palace of the eighteenth century.