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Excursions to the North of Portugal from Porto

Written on : 25 February 2021
By : Elisa PINHEIRO
Excursions to the North of Portugal from Porto

Porto, the capital of the North is the second-largest city after Lisbon. It is a port city very popular with tourists and is a must to visit. But the region also has other cities of interest that are located near Porto. You can of course get there by car, but there is also the Comboios railway network operating in Portugal. It allows you to get to these cities quickly and cheaply. The city of Oporto is connected to many cities in the north and makes it easy for travellers to get around. There are two railway stations in the city, São Bento and Campanha, both of which are also connected to the metro.
 
Here is a selection of cities to visit from Porto, in the north of Portugal.

>>> Discover luxury villas in Porto and the North
 

The Douro Valley

The line towards Calde from Porto-São Bento
Duration: 2h20
 
The Douro Valley runs alongside the river of the same name which flows into the Mediterranean Sea in Porto. It is in this valley that the many wineries used to produce the famous Port wine are located. Green landscapes in the heights that stretch on both sides of the river will make your dream. To get there, you must stop in the town of Pinhão. You can then walk through these mountains and admire the scenery. If you feel like taking a break, why not stop at a restaurant and enjoy a glass of port wine. It is also possible to book a vineyard tour. It is also possible to reach the valley with a cruise on the Douro River.

Guimarães

Guimarães

Line to Guimarães from Porto-São Bento
Duration: 1h15
 
This ancient medieval city is considered to be the cradle of Portugal. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its most famous places of interest are the Castle on the Hill and the Palace of the Dukes. The Largo República do Brasil square impresses with its long sloping garden that stretches from the fountain to the church. It is possible to visit the mountains that can be seen in the background. Accessible from a cable car, you can climb up to the church on Mount Penha. You will have a breathtaking view of the town of Guimarães. This corner of nature is ideal for relaxing and enjoying a picnic.
 

Braga

Line towards Braga from Porto-São Bento
Duration: 1 hour
 
Braga is known to be home to one of Portugal's most imposing and well-known monuments, the Bom Jesus do Monte. This church is perched high up, at the top of many steps. The best way to get there is by bus. The city is a crossing point for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. You will find many sacred sites such as the Sé de Braga and the Church of Santa Cruz. Head to the Plaza da Republica to enjoy Portuguese gastronomyin the sunshine. A day's sightseeing can be enough to visit the city.
 
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Barcelos

Barcelos

Line towards Viana do Castelo from Porto-Campanha 
Duration: 1 hour
 
One day is enough to visit this small town where one of the symbols of the country, the rooster, was born. Walking through the streets, it is impossible to miss the many sculptures of this rooster. The ceramics industry is very well represented in the town, you will find the ceramics museum (Museu da olaria) which exhibits various objects including, of course, the rooster. The city is crossed by a river that you can admire from the remains of the city castle (Paço dos Condes de Barcelos). You will have a wonderful view of the city, the river, the gardens and the medieval bridge. You will also find many churches.
 
>>> Stay in Barcelos

Viana do Castelo

Line towards Viana do Castelo from Porto-Campanha  
Duration: 1h40
 
At the top of the hill of Santa Luzia nestles the Sacred Heart of Jesus. After climbing the many steps to reach this monument, you will be rewarded with a view of the bay, the mountains and the city. On your walk, you will discover many buildings such as the Igreja Matriz and the Costume Museum. Relax in the square or head to the beach to watch the sunset over the sea.
 
The railway network also connects Porto to the south of Portugal, for example, you can go to Aveiro, considered to be the Portuguese Venice, Coimbra or Lisbon, but these are big cities that require several days of sightseeing.
 
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