There are fantastic places near Porto, some less than an hour away and others a little longer, that deserve to be visited or photographed. Villages, chapels, monuments and natural wonders; we have suggestions for all tastes.
Table Of Contents
- The Lourido Wire Bridge
- Casa do Penedo: "the strangest in the world"
- Parque das Serras do Porto
- Castle Island
- Mills of Apúlia Beach
- Santa Maria da Feira Castle
- Chapel of Senhor da Pedra
- Quinta da Aveleda
- Serra da Freita
- Tidal Pool
- Senhora do Salto Park
- Leça do Balio Monastery
- São Pedro de Maceda Beach
- Quintandona
- Cabreia Waterfall
- Boa Nova Tea House
- 516 Arouca, a world-famous bridge
- Trebilhadouro
- Monte Mozinho Hillfort
- Pateiras de Fermentelos and Espinhel
- Ecovia do Litoral Sul (Vila do Conde)
- Lanhoso Castle
- Gramaxo Foundation
- Quinta de Santiago Museum
The Lourido Wire Bridge
Almost a century old, the Ponte de Arame de Lourido is one of the places near Porto that is worth a visit. After almost three years ofrehabilitation, it was inaugurated at the beginning of March this year.
The infrastructure connects the municipalities of Celorico de Basto and Amarante, in the districts of Braga and Porto, and is one of the most recent tourist attractions in the northern region due to the beauty of its landscapes.
Casa do Penedo: “the strangest in the world”
Just an hour from Porto, in the mountains of Fafe, is the fascinating Casa do Penedo, known as “the strangest house in the world”.
This unique building, perfectly integrated into the mountainous landscape, has become an international tourist attraction, offering guided tours and exclusive experiences.
Opened in 1974 as a vacation home, today it allows visitors to immerse themselves in a bucolic atmosphere, without electricity or modern technology, providing a real disconnection from the outside world.
Parque das Serras do Porto
We begin not with a specific suggestion, but an area in its own right: the Parque das Serras do Porto.
Comprising the municipalities of Valongo, Gondomar and Paredes, it includes several towns and access routes.
So, before you leave home, it’s a good idea to check on the Internet which route to take. This is so that you don’t get lost, but also so that you can make the most of the natural wonders of Parque das Serras do Porto.
Castle Island
For those who have had the opportunity to take a boat up the Douro River, an experience we highly recommend, it is possible to see Ilha do Castelo.
Affectionately known as “Ilha dos Amores”, it lies at the junction of the Paiva and Douro rivers, in the area belonging to the municipality of Castelo de Paiva.
With traces of ancient times, today it stands out as a tourist attraction for the summer season.
Mills of Apúlia Beach
In the municipality of Esposende, a short distance from Porto, you can enjoy the balmy air of the sea, but also contemplate beautiful windmills. Located in the dunes of Praia da Apúlia, there are a number of typical windmills with a circular plan.
These buildings stand out for their schist and granite, giving this bathing area a unique landscape. As well as looking good in any photograph, you can stroll along the walkway or sit on the wooden benches while you feel the tranquillity and the breeze of the wind.
Where: Av. Marginal Cedovém 3, Apúlia
Santa Maria da Feira Castle
This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles near Porto, and it’s not far away at all. Located just half an hour’s drive from Invicta, Santa Maria da Feira Castle becomes even more beautiful in August, when it serves as the backdrop for one of Europe’s largest medieval re-enactments.
In times gone by, this beautiful castle was the seat of the “Lands of Santa Maria”, whose domains extended as far as the current municipality of Arouca (part of the Porto Metropolitan Area).
For those who haven’t been, we recommend a visit, as the setting of the monument on top of the hill and the surrounding woods takes you back to a fairy tale.
Where: Alameda Roberto Vaz de Oliveira, 4520-201 Santa Maria da Feira
Chapel of Senhor da Pedra
About half an hour’s drive from Porto is a spectacular religious temple: the Capela do Senhor da Pedra. Located in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, this religious temple looks like something out of a painting.
Built in the 18th century, with its back to the sea and on top of a rock, the chapel is sought after by many photographers due to the spectacular scenery.
Where: Alameda do Sr. da Pedra, 4410, Vila Nova de Gaia
Quinta da Aveleda
Quinta da Aveleda is one of the most fantastic places near Porto that we’ve ever been to. Less than an hour’s drive from Porto, this is one of several reasons to visit the municipality of Penafiel.
With a centuries-old history, Quinta da Aveleda is part of the Vinho Verde Region and stands out not only for its wine production, but also for the beauty of its gardens.
Where: Rua da Aveleda 2, 4560-570 Penafiel
Serra da Freita
Located just over an hour’s drive from Porto, Serra da Freita covers the municipalities of Arouca, Vale de Cambra and São Pedro do Sul.
This place is a perfect nature destination and has several points of interest, such as:
- Frecha da Mizarela, the highest waterfall in mainland Portugal and one of the most beautiful to visit near Invicta;
- The parideiras stones, a rare phenomenon;
- The Detrelho da Malhada, a viewpoint with a spectacular view.
Tidal Pool
For those who love salt water but don’t like sand, the Piscina das Marés is an excellent option.
Located in Leça da Palmeira, this is a refreshingspot for the summer, but also a true work of art.
The Piscina das Marés was designed by the famous architect Siza Vieira and has been classified as a National Monument since 2011.
Where: Av. Liberdade, 4450-716 Leça da Palmeira
Senhora do Salto Park
Have you ever heard of Senhora do Salto? If not, then it’s time to take a trip to the municipality of Paredes.
Located about half an hour from Porto, this area stands out for its scenic beauty, being nestled between mountains where the river Sousa flows.
The scenery you’ll find there is practically dreamlike and will look great in any photograph. In summer, it’s a coolspot to escape the heat.
Where: Largo da Senhora do Salto, 4585-003 Aguiar de Sousa
Leça do Balio Monastery
Classified as a National Monument in 1910, the Monastery of Leça do Balio is one of the fantastic places near Porto that you must visit. Located in Recarei, near the mouth of the River Leça, this is an excellent example of fortified religious architecture.
It was the first seat of the Order of the Hospital in Portugal and witnessed important events in Portuguese history, such as the wedding of King Fernando I and Leonor de Teles in 1372. It also played an important role in assisting pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela.
Where: Rua de Santos Lessa, 4465-332 Leça do Balio
São Pedro de Maceda Beach
It’s hard to believe that there are still beaches like this, with a long stretch of sand and surrounded by pure pine forest. There is only one bar here, which delights bathers in the summer, serving snacks and light meals.
Located 11 km from the center of Ovar, Praia de São Pedro de Maceda is sought after by surfers, but also by all those looking to ‘escape’ the hustle and bustle of urban beaches.
However, as it is becoming increasingly well-known, it can sometimes be difficult to park nearby. Especially in high season.
Quintandona
For those who like ‘secret’ schist villages, you don’t have to go all the way to the Serra da Lousã to find ‘examples’ of this kind. In the municipality of Penafiel, Quintandona offers this and more.
Although it’s small in size, the truth is that it’s full of nooks and crannies to admire. It’s worth discovering.
Cabreia Waterfall
This is one of the most fantastic natural places to visit near Porto. Just over an hour’s drive away, the Cabreia Waterfall, in the municipality of Sever do Vouga, is a destination to consider for the summer.
After all, if there’s one adjective that describes this fresh water, it’s undoubtedly refreshing. Surrounded by a leisure park with tables and benches, the space is welcoming and inviting for a family picnic.
Where: Cabreia Leisure Park, Silva Escura, Sever do Vouga
Boa Nova Tea House
Built in a privileged location, side by side with the Atlantic Ocean, the Boa Nova Tea House is a symbol of architecture and gastronomy.
Designed by the famous architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, it was classified as a National Monument in 2011. It is also a Michelin restaurant.
Where: Rua da Boa Nova, 4450-705 Leça da Palmeira
516 Arouca, a world-famous bridge
If you like nature and adventure tourism, then 516 Arouca is perfect for you! Located just over an hour from Porto, this is one of the largest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world and one of the great attractions of the Porto Metropolitan Area.
Made up of steel railings and cables, the infrastructure in the municipality of Arouca is 516 meters long, 1.20 meters high and 175 meters above the waters of the Paiva River.
Crossing this bridge is a unique experience in one of the most fantastic places to visit near Porto.
Where: Areinho, 4540-257, Arouca
Trebilhadouro
This is one of the secret villages near Porto that you really must visit.
Located on the terraces of Serra da Freita , in the municipality of Vale de Cambra , the village has been abandoned.
However, in recent years, its restoration for tourism has given it a new lease of life and today it is an excellent destination for those seeking tranquillity.
Where: Village of Trebilhadouro, Vale de Cambra
Monte Mozinho Hillfort
The municipality of Penafiel never ceases to amaze. In addition to its enchanting villages and swings, this is where you’ll find one of Portugal’s most surprising hill forts. This is truly one of the most fantastic places to visit near Porto.
Built in the 1st century AD, this settlement is located in the parishes of Oldrões and Galegos and stands out as an excellent example of Castro culture. The Monte Mozinho hillfort covers a vast area and belongs to the Penafiel Municipal Museum as an independent nucleus. A different suggestion for your weekend, to say the least.
Pateiras de Fermentelos and Espinhel
They say this is the largest natural lagoon on the Iberian Peninsula, but what really impresses is not its size but its beauty.
Located more than an hour from Porto, the Pateira de Fermentelos and Espinhel, or simply Pateira, are a good destination for those who enjoy walking in nature.
Ecovia do Litoral Sul (Vila do Conde)
We already know that footbridges are a ‘trend’ that is here to stay, with more and more of them appearing in recent years. But nature is also synonymous with the sea.
That’s why we recommend a stroll along the Ecovia do Litoral Sul, in the municipality of Vila do Conde. In all, you can walk along around 6000 meters of wooden walkways.
Lanhoso Castle
Lanhoso Castle, in the municipality of Póvoa de Lanhoso, is one of the most beautiful in the northern region.
Located more than an hour’s drive from Porto, this medieval fortification served as a refuge for D. Teresa, mother of D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal.
Where: Rua do Pilar, 4830-513 Póvoa de Lanhoso
Gramaxo Foundation
When it comes to architecture, Siza Vieira dominates the references in this article. It’s not just Matosinhos where you can find incredible works by the Portuguese architect.
In the municipality of Maia, the Gramaxo Foundation Museum was recently inaugurated. Located in Quinta da Boa Vista, this seven-hectare manor house is now a center for art and culture.
Where: Rua Conselheiro Costa Aroso 601, Maia
Quinta de Santiago Museum
This is one of the museums worth visiting near Porto and is located in the municipality of Matosinhos.
With 19th century features, the sculptures and the swimming pool (one of the best in Greater Porto), designed by Siza Vieira, are also worth mentioning.
Where: Rua de Vila Franca, 137, Leça da Palmeira