Any recommendations for 1 or 2 days north of Porto? We will have a car. Never been to this area before. Thanks!
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
8700 posts
Braga and Guimarães are near Porto and frequently mentioned as places to visit,
If you wanted further north, Baiona is Spain is only a two hours drive from Porto and worth a day. If you like Celtic ruins, Castro de Santa Trega at A Guarda is worth visiting.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
8524 posts
Ditto. We really liked Braga and Guimarães. Some them as one day for both. I think, Guimarães, in particular needs its own day. If you want to do Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga would also need its own day. We found easy parking in both cities, just look at google maps before you get there. In Guimaraes, we parked by the castle.
Posted by
10253 posts
Also, not far across the Spanish border is Santiago de Compostela.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
8700 posts
Santiago de Compostela is 2.5 hours from Porto, but an easy drive. Taking the non toll road will take longer, but save you money.
Posted by
17 posts
Welcome to Portugal, but most important to Porto!
I wouldn’t overthink it, just pick one direction and enjoy it properly. If you feel like towns and history, head to Braga and Guimarães, they’re close, easy, and very atmospheric.
If you’re more into scenery, just drive into the Douro Valley and take your time stopping along the river, it’s one of the most beautiful areas in Portugal.