Weekend & Day Trips from Porto, Portugal

1. Aveiro

Sitting on the shore of a lagoon known as the Ria de Aveiro, Aveiro is a colorful city known for its art nouveau buildings and its many canals. The top attractions include the beautiful Cathedral of Aveiro, the bustling fish market, and the monastery of Jesus, which also houses the city museum.

After you've seen the sights, the historic old town center is a wonderful place for an afternoon stroll, but you also shouldn't miss the change to take a ride through the canals on one of the cheerful painted boats traditionally used to harvest seaweed. Aveiro Map

2. Barcelos

A charming medieval town in the north of Portugal, Barcelos is the proud home of the Rooster of Barcelos, the country's unofficial symbol. The best day to come is on Thursday, when the famous Feira de Barcelos takes place in the center of town, but you certainly won't be disappointed if you visit on a different day instead.

The Monastery of São Martinho de Tibães is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture, while the nearby Northern Littoral Natural Park is perfect for nature lovers. The Museum of Pottery is another great stop, especially if you have time to take a class. Barcelos

3. Braga

Home to Portugal's oldest cathedral, the beautiful city of Braga is widely regarded as the country's religious and spiritual center. The city has more than its fair share of spectacular historic and religious buildings, but the highlight is the Bom Jesus do Monte, a massive 18th-century pilgrimage complex that features a magnificent baroque stairway, a funicular, and a wonderful viewpoint. Other architectural and religious highlights include the medieval Braga Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Holy Cross Church, but if you're looking for something different, you can stroll through the Santa Barbara Garden, browse the shops on Avenida da Liberdade, or visit the Biscaínhos Museum. Braga

4. Coimbra

Nestled in a bend of the Mondego River, Coimbra is a vibrant university town with an incredibly rich history. Not only is it the country's former medieval capital, but it's also home to the oldest university in Portugal, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a magnificent baroque library and an 18th-century bell tower that offers stunning views of the city. After touring the university, you can learn about the city's fascinating history at the Machado de Castro National Museum, admire the beautiful Quinta das Lágrimas gardens, or relax at a cafe with a delicious Santa Clara pastry. Coimbra

5. Costa Nova

Portugal is known for its spectacular beaches, and although many of them are found in the Algarve, Costa Nova is a picturesque seaside destination less than an hour away from Porto. The beautiful sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing on a sunny day, but it's best known for the colorful striped houses that line the shore, which were originally built by fishermen who needed to store their equipment. The area still has a strong fishing presence, but these days, it's also a popular vacation spot, and there's a convenient wooden boardwalk that runs along the sand. Costa Nova

6. Douro Valley

Carved out by the Douro River as it flows from Portugal down to the sea, the Douro Valley is known for its enchanting scenery and its many vineyards. The winding roads are perfectly suited to a road trip, and although the magical landscapes have the potential to be the highlight of your day, there are plenty of other things to do as well. Stop at a few wineries to sample the region's excellent port, tour the vineyards, and perhaps even crush grapes if it's harvest season. If you feel like getting out of the car, you can also take a scenic cruise down the river. Douro Valley

7. Espinho

Another beautiful beach within easy driving distance of Porto, Espinho is a bustling resort town that provides a stark contrast to the sleepy fishing village atmosphere of Costa Nova, and it's the perfect place to spend the day if you want some holiday-style sun and sand. The strong waves mean that the water here is generally better suited to surfing than to swimming, and boards and wet suits can be rented on the beach if you don't have your own. There are also plenty of nearby restaurants serving freshly caught fish and other delicious local dishes. Espinho

8. Esposende

Set at the junction of the Cávado River and the Atlantic Ocean, Esposende is a charming seaside town that doesn't attract nearly as many tourists as other beach towns like Espinho and Costa Nova. However, the white sand beaches here are truly spectacular, and the water is perfectly suited to watersports like surfing and standup paddle boarding. If you get tired of the beach, you can rent a bike and explore the historic city center, go for a walk on one of the trails in the Northern Littoral Natural Park, or visit the fort of St. Lourenço.

9. Fatima

If you're interested in religious history, few destinations are as worthwhile as the town of Fátima, the proud home of a famous Catholic pilgrimage site called the Sanctuary of Fatima.

The sanctuary marks the spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in 1917, and it boasts two beautiful basilicas, a massive main plaza, and a chapel. The best time to visit is on the 13th of each month between May and October, but no matter when you come, you can admire the architecture and visit the Museum of Sacred Art and Ethnology next to the sanctuary. Fatima

10. Figueira da Foz

Conveniently located halfway between Porto and Lisbon, Figueira da Foz is a cosmopolitan resort town with a glitzy casino and a spacious beach lined with lounge chairs, restaurants, and bars. Spending some time at the beach is a must-do, but the city boasts a handful of other wonderful attractions as well, including the extravagant Sotto Mayor Palace, the fascinating municipal museum, and the Fort of Santa Catarina. If you want to do some shopping, you should also stop by the Engenheiro Silva Municipal Market, where you can pick up some local produce and fresh flowers. Figueira da Foz