Quick Summary:

  • Porto is one of the most vibrant and appealing cities in Portugal.
  • Although it has more than its fair share of attractions, a trip to Portugal isn't complete without taking some time to explore the surrounding area as well.
  • Visit one of the charming medieval towns in the north for a change of scenery.
  • Admire the architecture in Viana do Castelo or the town of Fátima.
  • Head to one of the many nearby beaches for some fun in the sun.
  • If you like wine, consider touring the Douro Valley or the stunning Vinho Verde Province.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Aveiro ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Aveiro | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© Rafael/stock.adobe.com

2. Barcelos ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Food & Drink
Barcelos | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© Lia Aramburu/stock.adobe.com

3. Braga

Braga | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© whitelook/stock.adobe.com

4. Coimbra

Coimbra | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© Elena Kharichkina/stock.adobe.com

5. Costa Nova

Costa Nova | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© mehdi/stock.adobe.com

6. Douro Valley

Douro Valley | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© kite_rin/stock.adobe.com

7. Espinho

Espinho | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© David/stock.adobe.com

8. Esposende

Esposende | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© Appreciate/stock.adobe.com

9. Fatima

Fatima | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© Jose/stock.adobe.com

10. Figueira da Foz

Figueira da Foz | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© moedas1/stock.adobe.com

11. Guimaraes

Guimaraes | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© peizais/stock.adobe.com

12. Lamego

Lamego | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© vouvraysan/stock.adobe.com

13. Matosinhos Beach

Category: Beaches
Matosinhos Beach | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© Belikart/stock.adobe.com

14. Miramar Beach

Category: Beaches
Miramar Beach | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© joyt/stock.adobe.com

15. Paiva Walkways

Category: Activities
Paiva Walkways | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© Friedberg/stock.adobe.com

16. Peneda-Geres National Park

Category: Activities
Peneda-Geres National Park | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© Mandy Raasch/stock.adobe.com

17. Ponte de Lima

Ponte de Lima | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© TMAX/stock.adobe.com

18. Povoa de Varzim

Povoa de Varzim | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© Bruno/stock.adobe.com

19. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© LENTEJA/stock.adobe.com

20. Serralves Park

Category: Activities
Serralves Park | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© TasfotoNL/stock.adobe.com

21. Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© tsuguliev/stock.adobe.com

22. Vigo

Vigo | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© jmubalde/stock.adobe.com

23. Vila Do Conde

Vila Do Conde | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© Barry/stock.adobe.com

24. Vila Real

Vila Real | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© yorgen67/stock.adobe.com

25. Vinho Verde Province

Vinho Verde Province | Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal
© Pedro M Ferreira/stock.adobe.com

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