One of the best places to discover the North of Portugal ist Porto. This great location makes it easy to navigate around by bike, boat, or bus for a day trip from Porto. Portugal is well-known for its stunning scenery, and from Porto, it's simple to take a day trip to popular locations like the Douro Valley. Following are the top day trips from Porto:
Visit Douro Valley
Given the grandeur and charm that its landscapes offer, the Douro Valley may just as readily be referred to as the enchanted valley.
There are many ways to explore this cultural landscape, which is listed as a World Heritage Site, starting from Porto, where the river empties into the sea and where the Douro wines (table wines and Port wine), produced on its hillsides, also end up. These include by road, by train, on a cruise boat, and even by helicopter. You won't be bored by any of them.
You need to cross the river from north to south and back again, along a path between the viewpoints that provide the best views. However, there are stunning views of the river along the road, as well as towns, villages, and vineyards.
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Visit Aveiro
Because of its numerous exquisite canals, Aveiro is frequently referred to as the Venice of Portugal. Moliceiros (local boats) meander through a network of canals that span Aveiro, which is situated near to the sea and the ria (estuary). These narrow, vibrant boats were once used to gather algae and seaweed, but now they are utilized for excursions. Since the city is flat, traveling there on foot won't require much effort, and those who prefer cycling can use one of the "BUGA" bicycles that the city council of Aveiro has made accessible for free.
Guimaraes - The Birthplace of Portugal
Afonso Henriques, who later became the first king of Portugal, was born in Guimares, which is why it is regarded as the birthplace of Portugal.
Due to the originality and authenticity used in its restoration, the historical center located within the Guimares city walls, which is connected to the creation and identity of Portugal, was designated a World Heritage site. The elegant iron verandas, granite balconies and porticos, mansions, arches spanning the winding lanes, worn-down paving slabs, towers, and cloisters all bear witness to the city's harmonious, well-preserved legacy. For a brief while, you might imagine yourself in a medieval environment where the nobles constructed their mansions throughout time, including the Mota Prego house, the Vila Flor and Toural palaces, and the numerous other structures that give Guimares its distinct feel.
Day Trip to Braga - best Day Trips from Porto
Braga is one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. Renowned for its historical structures, markers, gardens, and fountains the picturesque city of Braga, which is located in the lush Minho region, is frequently referred to as the "Portuguese Rome" because to the abundance of ecclesiastical structures there. The region of Portugal with the most development is where the city is situated. The commercial and business hub of the area is this town.
The town is regarded as the most traditional, the most religious, or the most fanatical by various people. One of Portugal's most picturesque cities is this one.
Matosinhos
Matosinhos has always benefited from its near proximity to the sea because it was established at the mouth of the river Leça. The 11th century is the earliest time that Matesinus is mentioned in writing. King D. Manuel I issued a royal charter in 1514, but Matosinhos didn't become a town until the 19th century (1853), and then it became a city in 1984.
This city's foundations are in salt manufacture and fishing. Despite industrialization (canning, engineering, and wood processing) and diversification, Matosinhos continues to be Portugal's most significant fishing port. The Leixes container port, the Petrogal refinery, and the Exponor conference center are now located there.
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Visit Coimbra
Only Oporto and Lisbon are ahead of Coimbra in terms of population. The elegant buildings of the renowned University of Coimbra are its crowning glory, and they cling to the slope of the hill that rises over the curves of the river Mondego.
With roughly 19,000 students, Coimbra has been one of the oldest university cities in all of Europe since 1290. In reality, Coimbra is a landmark that serves as Portugal's intellectual and spiritual center. Coimbra was established together with its several institutions, including the Jardim Botanico and Biblioteca Joanina. The only church in Portugal to have survived the Reconquista is the Sé Nova Cathedral, which is located in Coimbra. Take a stroll through the Quebra Costas, Arco da Almedina, Porta do Barbac, and Rua Ferreira Borges as you pass through Coimbra's old center. The baroquely designed Joanine library is something you shouldn't miss while you're in Coimbra.
Ponte de Lima
The old and stunning town that bears the name of the Roman bridge was granted its first charter in 1125 by D. Teresa, the mother of the first king of Portugal (some time before the establishment of the kingdom).
In the heart of a thriving agricultural region, where the renowned vinho verde is made. There are the most manor houses and palaces to be discovered, and many of them provide lodging to tourists through the Turismo de Habitaço system.
A massive, exuberant fair that goes back to the Middle Ages is held on the banks of the river every two weeks, bringing this historic town to life. The "Vaca das Cordas," a traditional June celebration in which a bull is taken onto the sand and forced to "fight" with the locals, also takes place on the same stretch of sand, is held there. The merry event known as the Feiras Novas (New Fairs) brings the town to life again in September. This is the town festival, which also has a sizable market, fireworks, a funfair, carnival-themed attire, and a brass band contest.
Viana do Castelo
Viana do Castelo was established in the thirteenth century by D. Afonso III, the monarch of Portugal, under the name Viana da Foz do Lima. It is located near to the mouth of the river Lima, 65 kilometers to the north of Porto, and 50 kilometers from the Spanish border at Valença. It is with certainty that Viana do Castelo is one of the loveliest cities in northern Portugal. Her involvement in the Portuguese Discoveries and later in cod fishing demonstrates her long-standing ties to the ocean.
At one point, it had 70 merchant ships, and during the Age of Discovery (the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries), carracks and caravels sailed from the shipyards of Viana to follow the sea routes to India and North and South America, returning with cargoes of sugar, ebony, ivory, and other exotic goods.
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Peneda-Geres
You may drive to the Peneda-Gerês National Park from Porto. You may reach the center of Gerês after a about 90-minute journey. Beautiful lagoons, mountains, streams, and other natural features can be found here. Between the rainbows and the waterfalls, you may canoe, climb, or swim. You might be able to see wild horses in the valley with a little luck. Later in the day, when you start to get peckish, you can stop by nearby villages to eat a sumptuous lunch or to mingle with the residents. Gerês has a lovely vantage point from which to end the day.
Capela de Senhor da Pedra
You can rent a bike in Porto and ride it to Capela do Senhor da Pedra if that's what you like to do. A church with a long history can be found by the beach 13 kilometers from Porto. On a rock beside the sea, the chapel was constructed in 1686. This has long been a popular destination for pilgrims. Hundreds of people still visit the chapel each year to watch Lord of the Stone. The chapel is also known as "the house of magic" or "the house of miracles." The church was constructed on the rock because legend has it that Christ emerged from the sea there.
Vila do Conde
Do you want to unwind at the beach? You can then travel to Vila do Conde, which is about 30 kilometers north of Porto. Several beaches and other points of interest can be found here. Vila do Conde's beach extends for more than 6 kilometers until coming to an end in Rio Ave. The beach is accessible from the city and is utilized by surfers and fisherman in addition to visitors and locals. Take a 50-minute metro journey from Porto to Vila do Conde for a leisurely beach day.
Discover Lisbon
The distance between Porto and Lisbon's capital is 300 kilometers. This distance may be traveled in roughly 3 hours by car, bus, or train. It is not wise to visit Lisbon for just a day vacation because there is so much to see in both Lisbon and the stunning Sintra. There are so many attractions in the city that you could easily have fun there for a few days. If you schedule your return flight from the other airport, you can easily combine Porto and Lisbon as a lengthy city trip. Find here the best Hotels in Lisbon for your stay in this fabulous Capital of Portugal.
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