Hello! My husband and I are planning a trip to Portugal in late April / early May, and we've built in time for an overnighter somewhere between Lisbon and Porto for his birthday. We will have a rental car, and we're looking for a unique experience outside of the main cities. I've narrowed it down to Douro Valley, Aveiro or Monsanto, and I'm looking for advice from those who have been. Any recommendations, or other options I haven't listed would be great, I need help narrowing it down! Thank you! For context, we are in our late 30s and love to explore on foot.
Posted by
New York, NY
1586 posts
@knodellj - I would also add Coimbra in that mix. Coimbra is a charming town full of history, wonderful architecture, and it makes a great stop from Lisbon to Porto.
https://wild-about-travel.com/best-things-to-do-in-coimbra/
Aveiro is like the Venice of Portugal. The boat ride in the canal and the pastel colors of the waterfront houses are appealing. However, there is not much sights to tour and see in Aveiro. This city is more suitable for a day trip than an overnighter. Coimbra or Douro Valley would be my choice. If you do choose the Douro Valley as your overnighter, stay in the charming village of Pinhão. It sits on the river bank of the Douro Valley and is a great location for a river cruise and the town is surrounded by terrace vineyards. It would be a romantic location to celebrate a birthday.
https://curioussparrowtravel.com/2022/07/01/what-to-do-and-see-in-pinhao-portugal/
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7172 posts
Since it’s for a special occasion night, consider the 18th century Parador Casa da Ínsua in Penalva do Castelo. It is off by itself so very quiet and relaxing and has an on-site restaurant. A number of rooms remain as they would have been back then and there’s also a museum, chapel, and gardens. If so inclined, you can walk into the small town.
It isn’t as far to get to as Monsanto and less than a two hours drive to Porto. We ran out of time last autumn and didn’t make it to Monsanto. I assume the Monsanto in the east of Portugal near the Spanish border is the one you’re referring to.
From that area en route to Porto you could stop in Lamego, park the car, and walk up the 600 steps to Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. Since you will have a car, look up free parking lots in the places you will be visiting. That will save you time as your navigation system will take you directly to the lot.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1817 posts
Aveiro is underwhelming IMO and Monsanto is quite a bit out of the way, being very close to Spanish border.
Coimbra or Tomar would be my picks - or if you’re into wine - the Douro. The views are spectacular in the Douro and staying in a Quinta is a very special experience.
Coimbra and Tomar are both wonderful small towns. The Roman ruins outside of Coimbra are very much worth a stop and the monastery above Tomar is very interesting.
Posted by
USA
134 posts
Based on recent visit, recommend Coimbra.
Averio is quite underwhelming compared to its "Venice of Portugal" marketing hype.
Whoever came up with that slogan should be given double sided compliment.
Smart way to attract visitors and sure way to ensure that they return disappointed.