Porto and nearby (Portugal)

cactusgal

Hi everyone,

My boyfriend and I are going to Portugal for a week n June, flying in and out of Porto.

We are planning to stay in Porto for the first three nights, but then want to travel around a bit.

We're only staying for one week in total, but would like to visit two more places apart from Porto.

My vote is a beach and a winery, he wants a smallish, non touristy place with some old historical sites.

We were hoping to just use public transport for getting around.

Any tips or recommendations from seasoned travelers??

Thanks!

Ponster

> My vote is a beach and a winery, he wants a smallish, non touristy place with some old historical sites.

Porto is one huge old historic site so that'll keep the boyfriend happy. There are plenty of Port tours (Taylors, Hardys, etc) some free, some you have to book. It's worth doing at least one of these.

For getting away, I'd recommend a 1 or 2 day boat cruise up the Douro and take the train back. You can go as far as Pinhao in about 2.5 hours by train, visit some wineries and then get the boat back to Porto.

cactusgal

That sounds great, will look into it. Thanks for your reply

Ponster

No worries. I've only driven to Pinhao and from there down south but I'm heading back there in September and taking the train this time.

Sorry that I don't have any particular tour companies to recommend.


EDIT : Use this site for train bookings

http://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/how-to-travel

Meself

I'd highly recommend you visit Averio which is not too far from Porto. Under an hr I think. It's known as the Venice of Portugal. Really nice to walk around. There's a great hostel in the centre next to the canal if that's you bag. Portugal really opened my mind to hostels. High standard.
There is a lovely beach not far from Aveiro called Costa Nova. The beech front houses are like something out of willy wonka ! Google it. Beautiful striped houses. Well worth a visit

Enjoy

cactusgal

Excellent! Will definitely check that out, sounds great!! Thanks:)

Meself

No worries. Porto is a great spot as well. Great hostel there called the gallery, quite central as well. It's an art gallery on the ground floor. With rooms above. Think they have private double rooms as well.
The owners are cool. They make local food in their kitchen for guests. 4 course meal with local port for €10. The lads that own it sit at the table as well so it's good to get a locals take on the city.
Anyway, just an idea for you if u don't have accommodation sorted yet

cactusgal

Sounds like a lovely place to stay, thanks for the tip!

cactusgal

Ponster wrote: »

> My vote is a beach and a winery, he wants a smallish, non touristy place with some old historical sites.

Porto is one huge old historic site so that'll keep the boyfriend happy. There are plenty of Port tours (Taylors, Hardys, etc) some free, some you have to book. It's worth doing at least one of these.

For getting away, I'd recommend a 1 or 2 day boat cruise up the Douro and take the train back. You can go as far as Pinhao in about 2.5 hours by train, visit some wineries and then get the boat back to Porto.

Hey Ponster,

Do you remember which company you went with for the Douro river cruise? Seems there are a few companies who do it.

Thanks! Cg