Here are my 13 favorite day trips from Porto, Portugal!

Porto is a fabulous city in Northern Portugal that should be on everyone’s European bucket list.

There are so many reasons to visit Porto, from the food, music, and wine to the colorful architecture and beautiful river scenery.

I spent one month in Porto and never got tired of this gorgeous city. However, I did take quite a few day trips from Porto to explore more of the area.

With an excellent public transport system and lots of charming small towns nearby, it’s super easy and cheap to take day trips from Porto.

Whether you want guided tours, a rental car, or a cheap train ticket, you can venture out to little fishing villages, wine countries, and other Portuguese cities. Day trips are such a fun and convenient way to expand your experiences in a city. So here are some of my favorite day trips from Porto so you can explore more of Portugal on a budget!

Read next: 50 Budget Travel Tips: How To Travel The World Cheaply

How to get around on day trips from Porto

For these day trips from Porto, you can take public transport, book a tour, or rent a car.

☼ Public transport is definitely the cheapest way to get around Portugal. Local trains in particular are super cheap and they travel from Porto to nearby towns daily. This is how I did most of my own day trips from Porto! Check Rome2Rio or Bookaway to compare transport methods in Europe.

☼ Guided tours are a more upscale option. They are more expensive and not always necessary if you prefer to explore on your own. But if you prefer transport and a local guide, tours are amazing! I recommend tours for educational experiences such as wine tours and historic city tours.

☼ Renting a car is another option if you want more freedom, and flexibility. I never rented a car in Portugal because the public transport is so cheap and convenient. But if you want to rent a car to explore Portugal, go for it!

Check Bookaway for easy and cheap transport around Portugal!

13 Best Day Trips From Porto

For each of these day trips from Porto, I’ll include the travel time for driving as well as recommendations for public transport and tours.

It’s so easy to get around Portugal and Europe in general because of the amazing public transport. All of these day trip destinations are within a 3 hour drive from Porto.

Some of the day tours combine two nearby locations, such as Fátima and Coimbra or Braga and Guimarães. These are great for travelers on a tight schedule who want to see as much as possible in one day.

1. Aveiro

• Travel time: 50 minutes
• Public transport: You can catch a direct train to Aveiro from Vila Nova De Gaia. Or get one from the more central São Bento Station (you may have to change at Vila Nova De Gaia).
• Recommended tour: Aveiro is so cheap and easy to explore on your own so I wouldn’t recommend a tour, unless you want to splurge for your own private tour guide.

Aveiro is often called “The Venice of Portugal”. The adorable seaside city is full of tranquil canals lined with beautiful buildings. Not only are the buildings in Aveiro colorful, they showcase incredibly detailed Art Nouveau architecture.

The canals of Aveiro are stunning, and you can take a moliceiro boat tour along the scenic waterways.

Though you could spend all day just roaming along the canals, Aveiro is full of fun activities as well. Stop in some local shops, cafes, and markets. Hang out in a park or look for fascinating street art. Aveiro is full of art and beauty, and it’s one of the most convenient day trips from Porto.

Check out my Budget Travel Guide to Aveiro for more things to do!

2. Matosinhos

• Travel time: 15 minutes
• Public transport: Take the line 500 bus from São Bento Station in Porto. Or you can take the metro from Trindade Station.
• Recommended tour: Matosinhos is so close to Porto that there aren’t any fully day guided trips. But you can book individual activities which I’ll link to below!

Matosinhos makes a quick and easy day trip from Porto to the seaside. It’s technically in the Porto area and is just 15 minutes from downtown Porto via public transport.

This coastal town is the perfect place to enjoy some sun, sand, sea, and surf! Surf lessons in Matosinhos are super popular for travelers in Porto.

Aside from the surf, Matosinhos is also know for its incredible seafood. To sample the freshest catch you can join a food tour that includes selecting, cooking, and eating your own fresh fish. Or tour a traditional and historic sardine factory to learn about the industry that is so prominent in the area.

3. Guimarães

• Travel time: 40 minutes
• Public transport: Catch a direct Rede Expressos bus from Polo Universitario (Bus Terminal).
• Recommended tour: From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Trip

Guimarães, often referred to as the “birthplace of Portugal,” is a historic city located in the northern part of the country. The city played a vital role in the establishment of the Portuguese nation.

The city’s well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, alongside its charming cobblestone streets and squares, make it a a gorgeous city to explore. It is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Guimarães is a lovely day trip from Porto for history lovers. And the town is just so charming and scenic that you could have fun just walking around and snapping photos.

4. Braga

• Travel time: 40 minutes
• Public transport: Catch a direct train from São Bento Station. Or there are numerous direct buses departing from Campanhã Station.
• Recommended tour: From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Trip

Braga is another city in northern Portugal that is worth visiting. It’s not far from Guimarães, so you can easily combine the two into one day trip.

As one of Portugal’s oldest cities, Braga is also a top destination for those interested in history, religion, and culture.

Founded over 2,000 years ago, Braga boasts an array of stunning churches. Highlights include the iconic Braga Cathedral, the oldest in Portugal, and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, known for its impressive baroque stairway.

The city also has beautiful gardens, scenic alleyways, delicious food, and authentic Portuguese charm.

5. Santiago De Compostela

• Travel time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
• Public transport: A bus or train to Santiago De Compostela from Porto takes about twice as long as driving so I wouldn’t recommend this method for a day trip. But the quickest way is a bus from Campanhã Station (can take 3.5-4 hours).
• Recommended tour: Santiago de Compostela Full Day Tour from Porto

This day trip from Porto takes you across borders! Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain is a city steeped in religious and cultural significance.

It is best known for being the convergence point of the Camino de Santiago, the ancient Christian pilgrimage route that dates back to the Middle Ages. The Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is believed to house the remains of St. James the Apostle, making it a revered spiritual destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Beyond its religious heritage, Santiago de Compostela is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene and a well-preserved medieval old town.

There are lots of scenic alleyways and fascinating museums, including the Museum of the Galician People and the Cathedral Museum which offer insights into the region’s history, art, and traditions.

Explore more of Portugal with these day trips from Lisbon!

6. Peneda-Gerês National Park

• Travel time: 1.5 hours
• Public transport: There is no direct public transport to the national park from Porto. A car or tour is recommended. You can also take the train to Braga and then catch a bus or taxi from there.
• Recommended tour: Peneda-Geres National Park Tour From Porto with lunch

One of the best day trips from Porto for nature lovers is Peneda-Gerês National Park. This gem of northwest Portugal is right near the Spanish border and has some truly jaw-dropping landscapes.

Full of rugged mountains, deep valleys, lush forests, diverse flora and fauna, and cascading waterfalls, this is a stunning place to connect with the natural world.

Visitors can go hiking and backpacking through the mountains or kayaking on the crystal clear rivers.

The park is also home to traditional villages, Roman roads, and ancient tombs that showcase the area’s historic background.

7. Lisbon

• Travel time: 3 hours
• Public transport: A flixbus from Terminal Intermodal Campanhã is the easiest public transport from Porto to Lisbon.
• Recommended tour: Porto to Lisbon with stops in Aveiro, Coimbra, Fátima, Nazaré, Óbidos

Lisbon is an ambitious day trip from Porto, but it can be done. However, you’re better off spending at least a few days in Lisbon because it is Portugal’s capital and it’s packed with things to do!

Lisbon is an incredible city that shows off the best of Portuguese cuisine, architecture, and scenery.

From the impressive São Jorge Castle, to the intricate tiling of Praça do Comércio, to the precious UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, there is no shortage of beautiful landmarks in Lisbon.

The city is also known for its iconic neighborhoods. Check out Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district that is full of narrow streets, colorful houses, and traditional Fado music venues. Or head to Bairro Alto for the best bars, clubs, and restaurants.

8. Óbidos

• Travel time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
• Public transport: There is no direct public transport from Porto to Óbidos so a car is recommended. You can get there by bus, but you would need to change two times and it can take up to 4 hours.
• Recommended tour: No direct day trips from Porto, but you can book a medieval guided walking tour when you get there

Another Portuguese city known for its history is Óbidos. This charming medieval town is surrounded by ancient walls, and filled with mazes of cobblestone streets.

The town’s centerpiece is the imposing Óbidos Castle, which dates back to the 12th century and now serves as a historic hotel.

Óbidos is also known for its delicious food and lively festivals. You can find all the best parts of a Portuguese city here, from history and culture to cuisine and photogenic streets.

9. Duoro Valley

• Travel time: 1.5 hours
• Public transport: You can get the train from Campanhã Station and stop in Régua, Pinhão, and Pocinho in the Duoro Valley. But you may need taxis to get to each winery. A guided tour is ideal because a local can drive you from place to place.
• Recommended tour: Duoro Valley with Boat Tour, Wine Tasting, and Lunch

The Duoro Valley is one of the absolute best day trips from Porto. It’s only 1.5 hours away by train or car, and it’s one of Europe’s most famous wine regions!

Porto is known for its rich, sweet port wine. The Duoro Valley, located just east of the city, is where all the grapes are grown. The valley’s winemaking heritage dates back over two thousand years!

Visitors can join guided wine tours to see the rolling green vineyards and tour traditional wineries for themselves. And of course, you’ll get to sample some of the finest wines in the world.

Many wine tours also include a cruise on the Duoro River so you can get the most magical views of the picturesque countryside.

10. Viana Do Costelo

• Travel time: 50 minutes
• Public transport: Take the train from Campanhã Station. Some trains are direct and some require a change in Nine.
• Recommended tour: Only private tours available

This is another one of the easiest day trips from Porto. Viana Do Costelo is a tranquil little town by the Atlantic Coast with rich cultural heritage and beautiful scenery.

When I visited here there were barely any tourists. So it’s a great place to escape the crowds in Portugal.

The best thing to do in Viana Do Costelo is hike up to Santa Luzia Basilica, a majestic neo-Gothic basilica on top of a hill. The views of the surrounding area are amazing.

Viana do Castelo is also known for its folklore traditions and festivals, and its proximity to the stunning Lima River which is great for paddleboarding and kayaking.

11. Arouca Bridge And Paiva Pathway

• Travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Public transport: This is another day trip from Porto that is best done with a car or a tour. You can take line 8027 bus from Campanhã Station to Sebolido, but then you need a taxi for the remaining 35 minutes.
• Recommended tour: From Porto: Arouca 516 and Paiva Walkways Guided Day Trip

The Arouca Bridge and Paiva Pathway is a majestic landmark just over an hour from Porto. It’s located in Portugal’s Arouca Geopark, known for its rocky landscape that is great for hiking and canyoning.

The Arouca Bridge, known as the 516 Arouca, is one of the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges. You can walk across the 516m-long bridge for breathtaking views of the Paiva River and canyon walls. Not for those who are afraid of heights though!

Another walking trail is the Paiva Pathway, an 8-kilometer wooden walkway that winds through the enchanting landscape.

Don’t forget travel insurance for your trip to Europe! I always use Squaremouth Insurance to compare plans for the best prices.

12. Coimbra

• Travel time: 1 hour and 16 minutes
• Public transport: You can get a direct train to Coimbra from Vila Nova De Gaia.
• Recommended tour: Fátima and Coimbra Day Tour From Porto

Located in central Portugal, Coimbra is known for its history and its education.

The city is home to one of the world’s oldest universities, the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290. History nerds like myself would enjoy strolling around the historic campus and checking out the magnificent library full of old texts.

Other than the university, Coimbra also has impressive Roman ruins and an exquisite Romanesque Cathedral called Sé Velha. And the medieval city streets are just beautiful, so take some time to get lost.

13. Fátima

• Travel time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
• Public transport: There is a direct bus from Campanhã Station to Fátima.
• Recommended tour: Fátima and Coimbra Day Tour From Porto

Coimbra and Fátima are both located south of Porto. So if you are driving from Porto to Lisbon, these are popular stops to make along the way.

But Fátima is another one of the best historic day trips from Porto, thanks to its amazing religious architecture.

The city is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Catholics. Even if you’re not a religious person, you can still appreciate the city’s spiritual centerpiece, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima.

This sprawling complex that includes the towering Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Chapel of the Apparitions, and the modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity. It’s the coolest building in the city, and Fátima also has a few museums and gardens to check out.

Thanks for reading my list of the best day trips from Porto!

I truly had a blast exploring Porto and the amazing places around it. Portugal is a beautiful, affordable, and culturally rich country. Any traveler would be lucky to spend some time there!

Check out my other articles about Portugal:

How I Lived in Portugal for One Month and Only Spent 200 Euros

22 Best Things To Do In Porto, Portugal

10 Reasons To Visit Porto, Portugal

Budget Travel Guide to Aveiro, Portugal

6 Reasons To Visit Sintra, Portugal

12 Best Day Trips From Lisbon