4 must-visit towns near Porto
From a historic tinned-fish factory tour to the best wine of Douro Valley.
As a local, I’ve spent years exploring Porto’s labyrinthine charm and discovering new gems. From the colorful houses lining the Douro River at Ribeira—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—to the azulejo-tiled churches that whisper tales of saints and explorers, Porto's past comes alive on every corner.
But sometimes, I just need a break from the city—luckily, the wild Atlantic Coast with its charming fishing villages and the world-famous Douro Valley, a UNESCO-recognized landscape marked by terraced vineyards and award-winning wineries, are just a short trip away. While the allure of exceptional wine may attract visitors to areas around Porto, there are tons of historical sites, art galleries, and amazing culinary experiences to be enjoyed, too. Ahead, you’ll find a list of the best day trips from Porto, each of which offers another beautiful (and delicious) layer of the region.
Take in the best view of Porto in Villa Nova de Gaia
If you don’t have a car, wandering across the Dom Luís I Bridge to explore the other side of the river makes for the perfect day trip. Here, in Villa Nova de Gaia, you'll find countless port wine cellars, such as Niepoort or Sandeman, to visit and sample some of the best wines in the region. But that's not all—Villa Nova de Gaia offers some of the most spectacular views of Porto, including the perfect vantage point from the bar at the Yeatman Hotel. From there, you can take in the panoramic views of the Old Town and marvel at the city’s unique architecture built into the hillside and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.
Don’t miss: Take a tour of Niepoort. An Aladdin’s cave of aging port barrels awaits, and during the tour, you'll learn how to distinguish between tawny port and ruby port. If you're lucky, you might even get to try a vintage.
Visit one of Portugal’s oldest tinned fish factory
The Pinhais cannery—in operation since 1920, making it one of the country’s oldest—is located about 10 minutes from Porto’s center, near Matosinhos. With the rhythmic clatter of machinery and the scent of the ocean filling the air, a visit to this tinned fish emporium feels like a step back in time. Skilled workers move quickly and expertly to clean and pack the day's catch, preserving a generations-old tradition. Your guide will take you through the whole factory, unveiling its secrets—legendary recipes for flavorful sardines, meticulous hand-packing processes, and the history of this iconic brand. Your tour will end with delightful tasting.
Tip: Visit the factory on a weekday to see the production team in action, hand-treating or hand-wrapping the fish.
Visit Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal
Famous for its colorful canals and remarkable Art Nouveau and modern architecture, Aveiro is just over an hour from Porto by train. Your first stop should be a canal tour in a traditional moliceiro (similar to the gondolas of Venice) to soak in the waterside views and photo ops. Next up, spend at least an hour or two at the Art Nouveau Museu de Aveiro, which boasts an impressive collection of decorative arts and artifacts. It’ll serve as a masterclass in the region's artistic heritage and the development of Art Nouveau architecture in Portugal.
When it's time for lunch, head to Restaurante Cais do Pescado. From grilled sardines to succulent shrimp, the seafood here is top-notch. And don't forget to try ovos moles, Aveiro’s signature sweet treat made with egg yolks and sugar. My favorite place to get them is Confeitaria Peixinho.
Where to stay: Bed down at MS Collection Aveiro Palacete de Valdemouro, a stunning hotel in a restored 18th-century building in the heart of the city. The hotel’s courtyard is truly mesmerizing, thanks to murals by the world-renowned Portuguese street artist VHILS. And don’t miss the spa’s indoor heated pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and sensory shower.
Take a port-wine tour of the Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is a quintessential day trip from Porto for a reason and there are a few ways to see it for yourself. You can take a leisurely cruise along the majestic Douro River, with breathtaking views of the terraced vineyards that cling to the impossibly steep slopes. Or you can stop into the vineyards and tasting rooms themselves. If you DIY your trip, you’ll want to pre-book your winery tours. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Quinta do Noval: This historic winery that is renowned for its velvety Douro reds and elegant vintage ports. You can savor the award-winning wines at its tasting room in Pinhão. The terrace offers stellar views of the river.
- Quinta do Seixo: You’re spoiled for tour choices here—they offer everything from a three-hour port masterclass to a historical walking tour of the grounds—or you can sample the ports and crisp whites while enjoying the breathtaking views from the on-site restaurant.
- Quinta do Vale Meão: This vineyard and 140-year-old olive grove’s products are bursting with the terroir of the valley's sunshine. One- and two-hour tours and tastings that’ll have you traipsing through the vines are on offer.
Where to stay: The Six Senses Douro Valley is the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Set in a 19th-century manor, it offers historic charm with all the modern amenities you could wish for. You’ll find a fantastic spa, a heated pool with forest views, wine tastings, and a range of quirky workshops, from tile-painting to pickling and yogurt-making. The cherry on top: The breakfast is one of the best I’ve ever had, with a spread that includes eggs Benedict, colorful fruit bowls, Portuguese cheeses, freshly baked bread, and much more.