Things to do around Porto, Portugal
Ready to know the best places to visit close to Porto? Let’s get started!
💡 If you’re interested in discovering what to see in and around Porto, this guide covers the top places to visit near the city. And if you’d like to explore Porto itself, I recommend checking out my itineraries for one day in Porto, two days in Porto, and three days in Porto.
1. Aveiro and its beautiful Costa Nova
Aveiro and the famous Costa Nova is one of the most popular places to see near Porto. I myself decided to include it in my first road trip in Portugal.
The town of Aveiro has its charm. Although what really attracts tourists to this area of Portugal is the Costa Nova neighborhood, located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria de Aveiro. This place stands out for its little houses painted with vertical stripes of color and white.
Before visiting Costa Nova, I advise you to take a walk in Aveiro. In Aveiro I recommend you to walk along the canals, visit the Fish Square and its fish market, the Cathedral of Aveiro, the train station and the Monastery of Jesus.
When you finish visiting this charming town, it’s time to visit the famous Costa Nova houses. Some of the most beautiful and popular ones are located on José Estevão Avenue.
In the area, I also recommend you to visit Praia da Barra beach with its lighthouse and Praia da Costa Nova beach. Both beaches are very popular for water sports.
From Porto, it takes about 50 minutes to reach Aveiro by car. If you don’t have a car, the quickest and easiest option is the train. It takes about 45 minutes and costs about 8€, depending on the time.
If you prefer, you can book this organized tour to Aveiro and Costa Nova from Porto. It lasts about 4 hours and includes a boat ride.
🛏️ On my latest trip to Porto, I stayed in this lovely apartment. It’s spacious, bright, very comfortable, and well located. If you haven’t booked your hotel yet, I’ve put together more recommendations on where to stay in Porto here, including both areas and specific accommodations.
2. Visit Braga, one of the best things to do around Porto
The city of Braga is another ideal destination to visit near Porto, especially if you are going to spend a few days in the destination.
It is one of the oldest cities in Portugal and has beautiful places. One of the most beautiful places in Braga is located on the outskirts and is the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a must-see!
Other attractions in Braga are the Cathedral of Braga, the Basilica of Our Lady of Sameiro, the Arco da Porta Nova, the Monastery of Tibães, the Garden of Santa Barbara, the Castle of Braga and the Parque da Praia Fluvial de Adaúfe, among many other places. As you can see, Braga has many places of tourist interest.
Located just under 60 km from Porto, it takes approximately 45 minutes to get there by car. If you don’t have private transportation, the best option is the train.
Another alternative is to book this organized tour to Braga and Guimarães from Porto. It consists of a 9-hour visit to both locations.
3. Douro region, one of the most beautiful places in Portugal
One of the most charming places in the north of Portugal is the Douro Region. If you visit this area, you can enjoy beautiful landscapes with the Douro River as the protagonist. The most popular things to see in this region are the wineries, terraced vineyards and small charming villages.
Some of the most interesting places to see in the Douro Region are Peso da Régua, Lamego, the Mateus Palace, Quinta do Vallado, Amarante, Casal de Loivos, Pinhão, Miranda Do Douro, Santar, Viseu…
If you have your own car, you can get lost in these corners on the banks of the Douro with total freedom. Another great option is to book this organized tour to the Douro Region from Porto.
The tour starts in the village of Amarante, where you can see the famous São Gonçalo Bridge. The next stop is Galafura, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Douro. After lunch, you will visit a winery and do a wine tasting. Finally, the tour includes a boat ride on Pinhão.
4. Amarante, if you are looking for beautiful villages near Porto
I already mentioned Amarante earlier since it’s part of Portugal’s Douro region, but it really deserves its own spotlight. Just under an hour from Porto, this charming little town makes for a perfect half-day getaway. Located about 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) outside of Porto, the drive to Amarante is about 45 minutes.
Its historic town center is especially scenic, with the Támega River running through it and the iconic São Gonçalo Bridge stretching across, a powerful symbol of the town’s resistance to the French invasions. The original bridge was built in the 13th century but succumbed to a devastating flood in 1763. The one you see today was built in 1790.
Beyond strolling along its cobblestone streets and enjoying riverside views, make time to visit notable attractions such as the Church of São Gonçalo, the Church of São Domingos, and the Magalhães Manor (Solar dos Magalhães).
5. Guimarães, a charming medieval town
Guimarães is another of the most popular places to see near Porto. This Portuguese town stands out for its beautiful historic center, which retains much influence from its medieval times. In addition, in 2001, it was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
It is a perfect place to stroll and get lost among its charms. Among the places to see in Guimarães, do not miss the Castle of Guimarães, the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, the Church of Our Lady of Oliveira, Largo da Oliveira Square, Citania de Briteiros, or Santa Maria Street.
Guimarães is located about 60 km from Porto. It takes about 45 minutes to get there by car, depending on traffic. By train, it is also very easy to get there. Another option is to book this organized tour to Guimarães from Porto. You will also visit Braga.
6. Capilla do Senhor da Pedra, one of the best places to visit near Porto
A very interesting thing to do around Porto is the Chapel of the Lord of the Stones.
What is really striking about this chapel is its location, as it is built on a rock, as its name suggests, on the coast of Miramar (Vila Nova de Gaia). Tucked by the waves of the sea, this place is the protagonist of many myths and legends, mysticism that adds to an enchanting natural landscape.
The Chapel of the Lord of the Stone is located half an hour’s drive from Porto. It can also be reached by public transport, thanks to the train. You will have to take a train towards Aveiro and get off at Miramar. Then you only have to walk a few minutes to the coast.
7. Serra da Freita and the Paiva Passages, natural paradise
If you feel like visiting one of the best natural spots near Porto, I recommend you take a look at the Serra da Freita.
It is a region that is home to several municipalities and authentic natural wonders. The Serra da Freita has peaks of over 1,000 meters and is home to one of the highest waterfalls in the Iberian Peninsula, called Frecha da Mizarela.
It is possible to do many routes on foot through very well-marked trails. If you visit this area, don’t miss the Pasadizos do Paiva, located in Arouca, next to the Paiva River. It is an eight-kilometer linear route through nature. You can start in Espiunca or Areinho.
If you do not have private transportation, the best option is to book this organized tour to the Paiva Passages. You can also visit the 516-Arouca Bridge.
8. Castle of Santa Maria da Feira, a journey into Portugal’s past
For those who love castles, I have the perfect place to visit near Porto. I am talking about the Castle of Santa Maria da Feira. This imposing castle is located in the town of Santa Maria da Feira, belonging to the district of Aveiro, and has a rich history dating back to the 11th century.
Over the years, the castle has been the subject of several military conflicts and has witnessed important historical events. Visitors can explore the interior of the castle, which includes a chapel, a tower and different exhibition rooms.
The easiest way to get there is by car. It takes only half an hour. It is also possible to go by train. First you have to take a train to Espinho and then another train to Vila da Feira.
9. Viana do Castelo, a beautiful seaside town near Porto
Viana do Castelo is a pleasant seaside town about 75 kilometers (46 miles) north of Porto, located on the Rio Lima estuary. While the beaches and surrounding natural beauty are cause enough to visit, the old-world allure of the town is just as enticing.
One prominent must-see is the Basilica of Santa Luzia, which towers over the Santa Luzia Hill and oversees the city. It is simply breathtaking, both for its location and its interior and exterior design. One can access it by car or on foot or travel by cable car for those breathtaking views.
Apart from this, the Praça da República (main square), the Gil Eannes Foundation (currently a museum in a former hospital ship), the Eiffel Bridge, the Cathedral of Viana do Castelo, and Cabedelo Beach, visited by surfers and beach users in equal numbers, should not be missed.
10. Peneda-Gerês National Park
If you feel like visiting a natural destination, a great option is Peneda-Gerês National Park, also known as simply Gerês. It is located 107 kilometers northeast of Porto, bordering Spain. If you visit it, you will find a mountainous landscape full of forests and some small villages.
There are several hiking trails that will take you to stunning viewpoints, many of which overlook the Limia River. Another great attraction of the park are its natural pools and waterfalls, where you can swim during the warmer months.
Among the most interesting villages to visit in the Peneda-Gerês National Park are Lindoso and its 13th-century castle, or Soajo and its famous espigueiros.
If you have a car, I recommend you go and get lost in search of its best hidden treasures. If not, the best thing to do is to make an organized visit. Check out this organized tour to Gerês from Porto. It lasts 9 hours.
11. Coimbra, one of the best things to do around Porto
Coimbra is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal and another great option if you are looking for a day trip from Porto. It is located 125 km away. By car, it takes about an hour and a quarter.
Coimbra is noted for housing the oldest university in the country and for being the birthplace of six Portuguese kings. It is a perfect city to stroll around and discover all its places of interest.
If you visit Coimbra, do not miss the University of Coimbra, the Joanina Library, the Chapel of San Miguel, the National Museum of Machado de Castro, the Monastery of Santa Cruz, the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, the gardens of Quinta das Lágrimas, or the New Cathedral of Coimbra.
If you do not have a car, the best option is the train. Another option is to take an organized tour. Check out this tour to Coimbra and Fátima.
12. Fatima and its sanctuary
A little further from Coimbra is Fatima, 200 km south of Porto. It owes its popularity to the fact that supposedly, during the summer of 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared several times to three shepherds. It has become one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Christianity.
The must-see places in Fatima, especially for the most devout, are the Sanctuary of Fatima, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima, the Chapel of Apparitions, and the Basilica of the Holy Trinity. Another interesting place to see near Fátima are the Grutas da Moeda.
You can go by car, by public transport, or join this organized tour to Fatima and Coimbra.
Map of what to see around Porto
In the following map, you can see Oporto marked with the icon of the little red house and the places you can visit from this city marked in blue.
I hope this article about the best things to do around Porto has been very useful to organize your trip to the second-largest city in Portugal. If you have any doubts or contributions, I encourage you to leave a comment or write me an email. See you next time!
