We will be spending 3 days in and around Oporto and thought we would take a day-trip for one day.
Has anyone visited Guimares? Is it worthwhile? are the sites similar to Oporto?
What about beaches - within a 45 minute drive or bus transportation - that are worth a visit?
Other suggestions for a day trip?
Thank you
Guimares is the original capital of Portugal, an historic town with many sites to visit. We spent several days there before arriving in Porto. These two places are totally different from each other.
Are you planning a day in the Douro valley? If not, that would be my suggestion. There are several ways to do a Douro day trip, either alone or on a small group tour. It’s lovely and was the highlight of my first trip to Porto.
Guimarães is also quite nice and an easy day trip. There are much better places in Portugal for a beach day than around Porto IMO.
Thank you to Suki and kathrynj.
Suki - Very helpful to know you spent several days - given that I have one day what were the "highlights" and any place that was not considered a highlight, but you felt was very worthwhile.
Kathrynj - definitely an excellent idea - we will be spending 3 days in and around Pinhao before heading to Oporto.
Andrew,
thank you for the information RE Guimares and your suggestion. We opted to take a 2 hour boat tour on the Duoro from Pinhao rather than from Oporto. From what I read that section of the Duoro is less traveled and more scenic (S curves in the river and terraced hills)
