6 destinations to visit within an hour of Porto

Porto is Portugal’s second largest city, it has many charms. But if you want to go beyond this city center, we propose you 6 cities and villages that are within an hour of Porto. Rent your car, pick it up at our counter and set course for your adventure. These destinations are great to visit with family, friends or alone.

Vila Nova de Cerveira 

Take the A28 highway and you will reach this village in one of the northernmost points of the country, very close to Spain,. In Vila Nova de Cerveira you will find beaches and culture. There is a lot to see, but we suggest you: the San Payo Convent, the Minho River Aquamuseu and the Vila Nova de Cerveira Castle and Lookout.

Ponte de Lima

The oldest village in Portugal is a part of the rustic and historic Miño, where nature is unspoiled. From Porto, take the A3 highway and visit the village known as the garden capital: the International Garden Festival, the Arnado Theme Park, the botanical garden and the Labyrinth Garden.

Lamego

Lamego is half an hour from Porto, on the A4 highway, but it's worth the extra time. Visit the imposing Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Remedies, the Cathedral and the Lamego Castle. The São Leonardo de Galafura lookout is also a must, from where you will enjoy a privileged view over the Douro and the Port wine vineyards.

Braga 

Driving along the A3 highway, you will reach Braga, known as the "City of Youth", with a lot of history to see: the famous Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, an example of Portuguese neoclassical architecture, and the Tibães Monastery. You can also explore the Braga Cathedral, Portugal’s oldest cathedral, and the contemporary architecture of the Tree of Life Chapel.

Castillo de Paiva

On the national highway 222 you will find this impressive village with amazing views. In the historic center you can visit the Town Hall, the Parochial Church, the Fountain and the Prison Building. The Schist Villages of Midões and Gondarém. Before leaving the village, you must also visit the Amores island at the confluence of the Douro and the Paiva rivers.

Arouca

Arouca is one of the most beautiful villages in the country. Sierra de Montemuro is the eighth highest mountain in continental Portugal. Serra da Freita has two very important things to see: the Frecha da Mizarela waterfall, 900 meters high, and the Pedras Parideiras, a rare geological phenomenon, where the stones sprout from a parent rock. The road to this village, from Porto, goes through the A32 motorway and the national 326.