There are some fantastic places near Porto, some less than an hour away and others a little longer, that are well worth seeing or photographing. Villages, chapels, monuments and natural charms; we have suggestions for all tastes.
Table Of Contents
- Porto Mountain Park
- Castle Island
- Mills of Praia da Apúlia
- Santa Maria da Feira Castle
- Chapel of Senhor da Pedra
- Quinta da Aveleda
- Serra da Freita
- Tidal Pool
- Senhora do Salto Park
- Monastery of Leça do Balio
- 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
Porto Mountain Park
We begin not with a specific suggestion, but with an area itself: the Serras do Porto Park.
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 you don’t get lost, but also so you can make the most of the natural wonders of the Serras do Porto Park.
Castle Island
For those who have had the opportunity to climb the Douro River by boat the Castle Island can be seen, an experience we highly recommend.
Affectionately known as “Ilha dos Amores”, it is located at the junction of the Paiva and Douro rivers, in the area belonging to the castelo de Paiva municipality.
With traces of ancient times, today it stands out as a tourist attraction for the summer season.
Mills of Praia da Apúlia
In municipality of Esposende just a short distance from Porto, you can enjoy the balmy sea air, but also gaze at the 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 photo, 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 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 the past, this beautiful castle was the seat of the “Terras de Santa Maria”, whose domains extended to the current municipality of Arouca (belonging to 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 woods around it 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 Chapel of Senhor da Pedra. Located in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia this religious temple looks like it’s straight out of a painting.
Built in the 19th century. With its back to the sea and perched on top of a rock, the chapel is sought after by many photographers for its spectacular setting.
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 have ever been to. Less than an hour’s drive from Oporto, this is one of several reasons to visit the city municipality of Penafiel.
With a centuries-old history, Quinta da Aveleda is located in 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:
- A Frecha da Mizarela the highest waterfall in mainland Portugal and one of the most beautiful to visit near Invicta;
- The birch 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 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 you haven’t already, 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 it looks 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
Monastery of Leça do Balio
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 long stretches of sand and surrounded by pure pine forests. Here, there is only one bar, which delights bathers at 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’ villages and schist, you don’t have to go all the way to Serra da Lousã to find ‘specimens’ of this kind. In municipality of Penafiel quintandona offers this and more.
Although it’s a small town 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 summer destination to consider.
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 invites you to a picnic in the family.
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 the 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 railings and steel cables, the infrastructure of 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, which 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 recovery 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 their villages and swings it is here that you will find one of the most surprising castros in Portugal. This really is one of the most fantastic places to visit near Porto.
Erected in the century. I. 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 center. At the very least, a different suggestion for your weekend.
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 walkways are a ‘trend’ that is here to stay, with more and more 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 6,000 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 features from the century. XIX, the sculptures and the swimming pool (one of the best in Greater Porto), designed by Siza Vieira.
Where: Rua de Vila Franca, 137, Leça da Palmeira