Are you in the mood to relax and explore other places? Then you really must read our article to the end! After all, you don’t even need to get on a plane to see the most beautiful landscapes. This is because there are incredible getaways within an hour or so of Porto to enjoy. In fact, you’ll find a bit of everything.
From long sandy beaches, magical mountains and secret villages, crystal-clear rivers and ‘super instagrammable’ places. From the district of Viana do Castelo without forgetting Aveiro, these are some of the most beautiful getaways near Invicta. Let’s go?
Table Of Contents
District of Viana do Castelo
1 – Caminha & Moledo do Minho
The municipality of Caminha and its beaches are one of the crown jewels in the art of summer vacationing in Minho. Around here, one of our favorites is undoubtedly Moledo beach.
Its many tourist attractions include the following:
- The Camarido National Forest;
- The Ínsua Fort, located on a small island in front of Moledo beach;
- The Santo Antão viewpoint, with a breathtaking view of Galicia in the background, among others
2 – Viana do Castelo
A district capital and sister region of Galicia due to its proximity, Viana do Castelo is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful getaways near Porto. Located at the mouth of the Lima River, between the sea and the mountains, this city is a treat for the eyes.
Viana do Castelo is famous for its beaches, but also for the filigree and the typical Festas d’Agonia. In addition, the gastronomy and the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia are other attractions of this Minho pearl.
3 – Ponte de Lima
This is one of the oldest villages in Portugal and therefore one of the most beautiful getaways just an hour or so from Porto, at any time of year.
Ponte de Lima surprises with its medieval features, the beauty of the Roman bridge and the charm of its gardens.
An emblematic point of the Portuguese Way of St. James, it is forbidden to leave Ponte de Lima without tasting its famous Sarrabulho .
4 – Arcos de Valdevez
In the poetic landscape of the Minho region, Arcos de Valdevez emerges as one of his most beautiful sonnets. Every feature of its landscape seems to rhyme perfectly with its history, architecture and, above all, its people
With Gerês in the distance, there is no shortage of green nooks and crannies, crystal-clear streams and mountains that carry the weight of memories from other times.
In these parts, a visit to Soajo and Sistelo, known as the “Portuguese Tibet”, is practically obligatory in what is one of the most beautiful getaways in Portugal.
Braga District
5 -Braga
The capital of Minho is one of the most beautiful getaways less than an hour from Porto. In the City of Archbishops, as it is also known, there is history and good food to taste.
We recommend a stroll through the center, where the Cathedral of Braga stands out, not forgetting the emblematic Theatro Circo.
Outside the city, but a must-see, is the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary (classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Sameiro Sanctuary.
6 – Esposende
When we think of Esposende, images of its beautiful beaches immediately spring to mind. However, this municipality has more to offer visitors than just its blue flag beaches.
Among its many points of interest, we highlight the following:
- The cinematographic Praia da Apúlia and its windmills;
- The Castro of São Lourenço;
- The Fort of St. John the Baptist;
- The Restinga do Cavalo viewpoint, among others.
7 – Guimarães
The “Cradle City” is one of the pearls of Minho and the North, or it wouldn’t be known as the place where Portugal was born.
The medieval features of its historic center, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, make this one of the most beautiful getaways less than an hour from Porto.
In a city steeped in history, it’s no wonder that there are so many points of interest. However, we’ve picked out some of our favorites:
- Guimarães Castle, one of the most beautiful in the north of the country;
- The Palace of the Dukes of Bragança;
- The Penha Park and Cable Car, among many others.
Porto District
8 – Vila do Conde
Vila do Conde is one of the most beautiful municipalities in Portugal Porto Metropolitan Area. It is a destination marked by its beaches and strong fishing tradition.
There are several points of interest, but we’d like to highlight the following:
- Church and Convent of Santa Clara;
- Bobbin Lace Museum;
- José Régio House;
- The 16th century ship, among others.
9 – Amarante
The historic center and the riverside promenade make Amarante a perfect romantic destination for a getaway less than an hour from Porto.
It is worth visiting the Church of São Gonçalo and the Convent of São Gonçalo, which houses the Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Museum, one of Portugal’s greatest painters.
In summer, you can enjoy the fresh air of the Serra do Marão, or dive into the waterfalls of the Amarante Water Park.
10 – Penafiel
The municipality of Penafiel has so much (but so much) to visit! Known as the land of Vinho Verde, here there is no shortage of little charms to behold.
One of our favorite places is Quintandona. However, the village of Cabroelo is also worth a visit. In addition, a visit to Quinta da Aveleda is (almost) obligatory.
By the way, if you’re a fan of historical sites, then take the opportunity to visit the Castro de Monte Mozinho, one of the most surprising in the Iberian Peninsula!
Aveiro District
11 – Castelo de Paiva
In the municipality of Castelo de Paiva, cradled by rivers and magical mountains, the memories and traditions of other times persist.
Around here, you can visit the villages of Midões and Gondarém, or contemplate the views from the Monte de São Gens Viewpoint and Swing (one of the most beautiful in Portugal).
But the ‘treasures’ don’t stop there. The Terras de Paiva hide a well-kept ‘secret’: the idyllic Ilha dos Amores.
12 – Arouca
Located in the district of Aveiro, and part of the Porto Metropolitan Area, the municipality of Arouca is a must-see destination for those who love nature.
Here, in addition to the famous Paiva Walkways – one of the most beautiful in the country, there is no shortage of attractions to discover, for example:
- The bucolic setting of Serra da Freita;
- The magical village of Drave;
- The Boulders – a rare phenomenon in the world, among others.
13 – Sever do Vouga
A getaway to Sever do Vouga is synonymous with tranquillity. Between rivers and waterfalls that invite adventure sports, time seems to slow down here.
The Cabreia Waterfalls, one of the most beautiful in the country, the Quinta do Barco River Beach, or the green areas around the ruins of the Braçal Mines are just some of its attractions.
14 – Ovar
The municipality of Ovar is blessed by nature. Far from the rural features of Arouca, here the scenery is dominated by the estuary and the sea.
Its main attractions , which are well worth a visit, include the following:
- Furadouro Beach;
- Cortegaça Beach;
- São Pedro de Maceda Beach,one of the most fantastic places near Porto –due to its long sandy beach and the surrounding forest;
- Buçaquinho Environmental Park, among many others.
15 – Torreira
Praia de Mar da Torreira is one of the most popular beaches in the Aveiro district during the summer months. The São Paio festivities (in September) are also famous here.
If you prefer to swim away from the hustle and bustle of the Atlantic, then you can look for the small beaches along the Ria de Aveiro. On these sides, the waters are calmer and more suitable for sailing or windsurfing, for example.
16 – Aveiro
We’re fans of ovos moles, so we’re fans of Aveiro! The “Portuguese Venice”, as it is known, is one of the most Instagrammable Portuguese cities and one of the most beautiful getaways, but its charms go beyond photogenic.
We advise you to take a ride on its famous moliceiros, visit the salt pans and, of course, to enjoy its beaches. Want some advice? Try Praia da Barra; it ‘s near Aveiro and stands out for its imposing lighthouse.
17 – Costa Nova
Since you’ve decided to go to Aveiro, take the opportunity to visit the Costa Nova. In recent years, this fishing village has become one of the main tourist attractions in the Aveiro district… And all thanks to its colors!
The marginal wooden ‘haystacks’, painted in stripes of colors alternating with white, are an attraction for photography fans. However, there is more to appreciate.
For example, you could visit the Costa Nova beach in Prado, or opt for the calm waters of the Ria de Aveiro, just across the road. There are plenty of options to choose from.
18 – Águeda
The colorful streets, where umbrellas are the protagonists, have thrust Águeda into the limelight. In fact, they have become a kind of postcard for the city.
However, the municipality itself has more to admire. For example, nearby, you have one of the most fantastic places near Porto:the Pateira de Fermentelos – the largest natural lagoon on the Iberian Peninsula.
