Porto & The Best of Nature: 12-Day Road Trip

• Suggestions for the day: Today, embark on a scenic drive through the Peneda-Gerês National Park. The park's winding roads offer stunning views of the mountains, forests, and valleys.
  • Stop at the Mata da Albergaria National Forest, a beautiful area with walking paths and picnic areas. You can relax here, enjoy the fresh air, and admire the scenery.
  • Continue your drive to the Pedra Bela Viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Here you can take in the breathtaking beauty of the park and capture some amazing photos.
  • Drive to Fecha de Barjas/Tahiti Waterfalls, a series of beautiful cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery.
  • In the afternoon, drive to the Caniçada Dam, a large dam nestled in the mountains. There's a viewpoint here where you can admire the dam and the lake it creates. You can also go for a boat ride on the lake or have a picnic lunch by the water.
  • If you're more active and feel like going on a hike or mountain bike adventure, we recommend Pitões das Júnias (4 km), 7 Lakes of Gerês (10-12 km), or Miradouros Trail (10 km).
  • To finish your day and before returning to the hotel, enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner in one of the many restaurants in Gerês. Some of the traditional dishes here include "papas de sarrabulho", "rojões", goat meat, Portuguese stew, and lamprey.

• Suggestions for the day: Explore the charming villages in Gerês and immerse in the local culture.
  • Castro Laboreiro: Drive to the village of Castro Laboreiro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique granite houses and Celtic roots.
  • Soajo: Continue your journey to Soajo, known for its traditional "espigueiros," granaries raised on stone pillars to protect crops from rodents. Walk around the village and visit Matriz de Soajo Church.
  • Lindoso: In the afternoon, continue your drive to the village of Lindoso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lindoso is also famous for its "espigueiros" and has a charming historical center, including a beautiful 13th-century castle. Explore the village and soak up the local atmosphere. You can also visit some of the local shops and sample regional products.
  • Portela do Homem: Head to the iconic Portela do Homem waterfall, and take a refreshing dip in the natural pool at the base of the falls (weather permitting).
  • Before returning to the hotel, consider stopping at the São Bento da Porta Aberta Sanctuary, a 16th-century monastery perched on a mountaintop.

Say goodbye to Gerês and drive to Douro (about a 2-hour drive following the A7 route). Check-in to your hotel in the Douro region. We recommend adding an early check-in to your hotel for a more comfortable arrival.

• Suggestions for the day: 
• • Go on an unforgettable Douro River Boat Trip: In the afternoon (or during sunset), embark on a tranquil boat trip along the Douro River and discover why it's one of the region's top experiences. Glide through stunning landscapes of terraced vineyards and quaint villages, soaking in the beauty of Portugal's renowned wine country. Click here to see our offers for a Douro boat trip.
  • In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as the "alheira de Mirandela" (typical Portuguese sausage), "leitão" (roasted suckling pig), or "bacalhau" (codfish), accompanied by a glass of one of the many incredible Douro wines.

• Suggestion for the day: Visit one (or more!) of the fantastic wineries ("quintas") of the Douro Valley. Many of them offer tours and tastings, so you can learn about the winemaking process and sample some of the region's finest wines. 
  • Quinta do Naval
  • Quinta do Seixo
  • Quinta da Vega Sicilia
• In between winery visits, take some time to explore the charming villages and towns of the Douro Valley. Most of these villages are small and walkable, and they offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the region.
  • Peso da Régua
  • Pinhão
  • Lamego
  • Mesão Frio
  • Favaios
  • Alijó

Suggestion for the day:

• If you're feeling active, today is a great day to go for a hike or bike ride through the vineyards. There are many hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging.
  • Casal de Loivos (7 km/ 4.3 miles)
  • São Salvador do Mundo (8 km/5 miles)
  • Covas do Douro (10 km/ 6.2 miles)
• Take the afternoon to enjoy your hotel's amenities, enjoy a picnic in the middle in the middle of the vineyards (many hotels in the Douro are used to preparing a picnic basket so that clients can take to the vineyards), or have dinner/lunch at a local vineyard restaurant.

Say goodbye to the Douro and drive to Porto (about a 2-hour drive following the A4 highway). Arrive in Porto and check in at your hotel. Please consider adding early check-in for more comfort.

• Suggestion for the day: Immerse yourself in Porto's vibrant spirit with a walking tour through its historic downtown! Uncover the city's hidden gems and iconic landmarks, like:
  • D. Luís I Bridge
  • Ribeira District
  • Livraria Lello
  • Torre dos Clérigos
  • Porto Cathedral (Sé Catedral do Porto)
  • São Francisco Church
  • Majestic Café

• Suggestion for the day: Explore other highlights in Porto. You can easily walk or catch the metro to visit these places.
  • Capela das Almas
  • Mercado do Bolhão
  • Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
  • Casa da Música
  • Serralves Museum & Gardens
  • Vila Nova de Gaia

• Suggestion for the day: Explore the Venice of Portugal.
  • Day Trip to Aveiro: Unveiling Portugal's "Venice"! Explore Aveiro, a coastal gem nestled by the sea. Cruise calm canals in colorful moliceiro boats, or rent a BUGA bike for a breezy tour. Admire stunning Art Nouveau architecture and delve into Aveiro's history at its museums. Don't miss the "ovos moles" pastries! You can book this tour here.

• Suggestion for the day: Explore the city of the archbishops and the birthplace of Portugal.
  • Visit Braga & Guimarães: Explore the captivating north of Portugal on this exciting tour that unveils the region's rich history and youthful energy. Discover the ancient Roman city of Braga, famous for its stunning churches and enduring role as a religious center. Immerse yourself in the city's youthful atmosphere, a bustling hub for students. Travel back in time to Guimarães, the cradle of Portugal. Witness the city where the first king, Afonso Henriques, launched the Christian reconquest, shaping the nation's destiny. This tour includes an expert guide, comfortable travel in an air-conditioned van, landmark visits like the Bom Jesus sanctuary with included funicular tickets, a traditional lunch, and convenient pick-up & drop-off*. You can book this tour here.

• Suggestion for the day: Enjoy your last day in Porto to relax at the beach!
  • Praia de Matosinhos: This lively beach is the most popular option accessible by metro. Take the Yellow Line (Line D) to Estação Matosinhos Sul stop. The journey takes about 27 minutes from Trindade (the main metro station in Porto). Praia de Matosinhos offers a long stretch of golden sand, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach walks. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes lining the beachfront promenade.
  • Praia da Aguda: For a more relaxed beach experience, head to Praia da Aguda. Catch the Yellow Line (Line D) to Aguda station. The beach is a 15-minute walk from the station. Praia da Aguda boasts a beautiful setting with fine sand and calm waters, ideal for families with young children.
  • Praia de Gondarém: If you're looking for a beach with a natural feel, this is a good choice. Take the Yellow Line (Line D) to Póvoa de Varzim station and then grab a taxi or use a ride-sharing app for a short ride to the beach. Praia de Gondarém is backed by dunes and offers a more secluded atmosphere compared to other beaches in the area.

Thank you for choosing Portugal Getaways! We hope you had an incredible time on this trip, and we can't wait to embark on more adventures with you soon.