Porto is one of the most popular travel destinations in Portugal, visited by thousands of tourists every month. Port wine and wine lodges, churches covered in azulejos, a magical bookstore, a lovely old town named UNESCO World Heritage Site, picturesque winding streets, delicious local cuisine, and pastels de nata… All of that makes Porto a famous travel destination. But what if you would like to be more adventurous and see more than just this city? Stay with us, and discover great one-day trips from Porto to Northern Portugal.
Note. In this post, we’ll only focus on day trips from Porto to the lush and green Alto Minho region. It’s our favorite area in Portugal full of breathtaking landscapes and small charming towns. Bonus points? It’s yet undiscovered by many! All mentioned places are located max 1.5h away from Porto if you’ll be driving by car.
Learn more: Day Trip To Porto, Portugal – 15+ Things To Do
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One-day trips from Porto to Northern Portugal
Ponte de Lima
Ponte de Lima is located about 85km from Porto. It’s Portugal’s oldest village, founded in 1125 by Teresa de Leão, the countess of Portugal and the mother of the first king of Portugal – Afonso I.
What is waiting for you in Ponte de Lima? Beautiful stone Ponte Romana bridge behind which lies fascinating legend, charming well-preserved old town, beautiful views, and fancy gardens displays. Not that big, yet not that small, and absolutely worth the visit!
Tip. A trip to Ponte de Lima can be connected with a visit to Ponte da Barca.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Ponte de Lima, Portugal’s Oldest Town
Ponte da Barca
Ponte da Barca is located about 100km from Porto. It’s a small and truly charming Portuguese town that sits on the banks of the Lima River and at the foot of Peneda-Geres National Park.
Beautiful landscapes, many green areas near the river perfect for relaxing or having a picnic, charming old town with iconic stone medieval bridge and lovely streets perfect to get lost in. Chill vibes, tasty food, and Vinho Verde wine at every step… All of this, and more, can be found there.
Tip. A trip to Ponte da Barca can be connected with a visit to Ponte de Lima.
Learn more: Ponte Da Barca, Portugal – Hidden Gem In Alto Minho Region
Guimaraes
Guimaraes is located about 55km from Porto, which makes it a perfect destination for a day trip from the city. This remarkable town is considered the birthplace of the Kingdom of Portugal as it’s a place where Afonso Henrique, the first Portugal king, was born! Guimaraes is full of history and its streets invite you to take a step back in time, straight to the Middle Ages.
It’s a pure delight to slowly stroll around Guimaraes old town. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most beautiful and authentic historic centers you’ll find in Portugal. Narrow streets, old stone houses with typical medieval wooden upper parts, vibrant squares, and a well-preserved castle makes an impressive combination. No wonder Guimaraes Old Town was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Guimaraes, Portugal In One Day
Viana do Castelo
Viana do Castelo is located about 75km from Porto, at the mouth of the Lima River. It’s a very enjoyable and interesting Portuguese coastal city, and a popular travel destination ready to win your heart.
There you’ll find a charming old town, with many historical buildings, an iconic mountaintop church – Santuario de Santa Luzia, fascinating Gil Eannes Hospital Ship museum, and even some beaches where you can relax for a moment… All of this makes Viana do Castelo a great day trip destination from Porto.
Learn more: Best Things To Do in Viana Do Castelo, Portugal in One Day
Caminha
Caminha is located about 100km from Porto. It’s a small and pleasant Portuguese town located at the mouth of River Minho. It was founded in the 13th century and for hundreds of years played an important military role in defending Portugal’s northern borders.
Caminha is still not a well-known destination but it has its own charm, and history and for sure offers proper Northern Portugal vibes. Slowly, it’s becoming a popular spot for today’s invaders – travelers and digital nomads. Apart from the lovely old town full of medieval streets and buildings, you’ll find there stunning landscapes with beaches, mountains, river, ocean, forests…
Tip. A trip to Caminha can be connected with a visit to Vila Nova de Cerveira and/or Valenca do Minho.
Learn more: One Perfect Day In Caminha, Portugal – Best Things To Do
Braga
Braga is located about 55km from Porto. It’s one of the oldest cities in Portugal and definitely the most religious one. Thanks to a huge number of churches, as many as 47, Braga is often called the Rome of Portugal. It’s also an important stop for many walking Camino Portugues. If you are a huge fan of churches you’ll have a blast in Braga!
Thankfully this city has more to offer than just dozens of churches and spiritual experiences. In its old town, you’ll find a building predating Portugal itself! There are as well a lot of streets and squares full of old buildings and historical landmarks. Magnificent viewpoints are waiting just outside the city (mostly from churches like the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus or the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro). But they are worth taking a look too!
Learn more: 15 Best Things To Do In Braga, Portugal In One Day
Vila Nova de Cerveira
Vila Nova de Cerveira, or just Cerveira, is located about 100km from Porto. This small and pleasant Portuguese town is located on the banks of the River Minho, right across from Spain. Cerveira was named after the deer population that used to inhabit the area (cervos means deer).
Stunning viewpoints with magnificent panoramic views over the area, an iron deer statue that carefully observes the village from above, a huge cerLove swing, a small but charming old town perfect for a lazy stroll, a castle, and a huge weekly Saturday market – Vila Nova de Cerveira has it all.
Tip. A trip to Vila Nova de Cerveira can be connected with a visit to Caminha and/or Valenca do Minho.
Learn more: 10 Things To Do In Vila Nova De Cerveira, Portugal
Explore local attractions
Valenca do Minho
Valenca do Minho, or just Valenca, is located about 115km from Porto on the left bank of the River Minho, right across from Spain. This unique Portuguese fortress town’s history goes back up to Roman times, and over the years it played an important military role in defending the Portuguese borders.
Valenca do Minho fortress is without a doubt the most recognizable highlight of the town and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in North Portugal. Inside, among its narrow stone-paved streets, you’ll find many beautiful old buildings, a few churches, historical landmarks, and of course many restaurants and cafes perfect for a short break.
Tip. A trip to Valenca do Minho can be connected with a visit to Caminha and/or Vila Nova de Cerveira.
Learn more: Discover Best Things To Do In Valenca do Minho, Portugal
Lindoso
Lindoso is located about 120km from Porto, in a very scenic spot in Peneda-Geres National Park. This small, remote, and slightly-forgotten village for many centuries played an important military role in defending the Portuguese frontier. Now it’s a village where you’ll forget what century you live in now.
There, you won’t find many places to see but will take you on an amazing journey back in time hundreds of years. The well-preserved 13th-century medieval castle from which great views extend, the picturesque cluster of more than 50 granite granaries that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, and the stone old town with the quaint houses are waiting for you to discover.
Tip. A trip to Lindoso can be combined with a visit to some other places in Peneda-Geres National Park.
Learn more: Lindoso, Portugal – Stone Village In Peneda-Geres National Park
Soajo
Soajo is located about 120km away from Porto, at the foot of Peneda-Geres National Park at an altitude of 1416m a.s.l. It’s a remote and traditional village and you won’t find many places to see there. But the ones you’ll find will impress you for sure!
24 picturesque granaries that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. These are accompanied by wonderful views of the surroundings and fresh mountain air. Nearby, you’ll find a traditional stone old town with quaint houses and winding streets. There is also an unusual stone pillory with a carved anthropomorphic face… All of that creates a really charming picture.
Tip. A trip to Soajo can be easily combined with a visit to some other places in Peneda-Geres National Park.
Learn more: Soajo, Portugal – Remote Village In Peneda-Geres National Park
Peneda-Geres National Park
Peneda-Geres National Park or just Geres, is the first and only National Park in Portugal. It’s located at its northern end, right on the border with Spain. It consists of four mountain ranges: Peneda, Geres, Soajo, and Amarela. Together with Parque Natural Baixa Limia on the Spanish side, they form the UNESCO Geres-Xures Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, a protected territory divided by borders but united by the characteristics of nature and culture. Peneda-Geres is a truly unique and beautiful place on Portugal’s map, filled with breathtaking landscapes and great places to visit.
Learn more: Peneda-Geres National Park, Portugal – Day Trip Ideas
Barcelos
Barcelos is located only 60km from Porto. What makes it worth visiting? Barcelos is the birthplace of the famous and colorful Rooster of Barcelos! It’s probably the most recognizable and iconic symbol of Portugal, behind which lies a fascinating and miracle legend…
There’s also a pleasant old town that has retained some of its medieval vibes. It’s full of charming and well-kept streets that invite for a lazy stroll while admiring buildings dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries.
Learn more: 10+ Things To Do In Barcelos, Birthplace Of Portuguese Rooster
Arcos De Valdevez
Arcos de Valdevez is located 100km from Porto. It’s a small and quiet Portuguese town that sits on the banks of the Vez River and at the foot of Peneda-Geres National Park. The town was founded in 1515, and despite the passage of time, it has retained lots of its charm and traditional architecture.
19th century four-arches stone bridge, Valdevez Tournament statue depicts two knights on (legless) horses armed with long spears, a small old town full of churches… Arcos de Valdevez isn’t the most interesting town in the Alto Minho region but while in the area it’s worth taking a look and wandering around a bit.
Learn more: Best Things To Do In Arcos De Valdevez, Portugal
One-day trips from Porto to Northern Portugal – Summing up & our TOP3
Lots of ideas for one-day trips from Porto to Northern Portugal, right? You definitely won’t be bored if you’re planning on staying longer in the area! Enjoy your trips and let us know which villages, towns, and cities you chose to explore.
So far we’ve spent almost 2 months in the Alto Mingo region and it quickly became our favorite in Portugal! We loved our trips during which we explored all mentioned white villages, towns, and natural sites. We stayed there during April & May, so there were no wild crowds and we explored most of the places in peace.
So what are our TOP3 places there? Guimares, all places in Peneda-Geres National Park, and Ponte de Lima.
One more tip. Traveling by car is the best and the fastest way of getting to all the mentioned places in Northern Portugal. So if you’re not traveling by car, we recommend you rent one via Rental Cars.
