This post is based on my trip to Porto in May 2024
Porto has become increasingly popular for tourists in recent years. From vineyards to bridges to national parks, Porto offers a great variety of excursions for everyone who visits. I would argue that Porto is a better place to stay for a vacation than Lisboa, especially if it’s your first time in Portugal. If you’re a nature lover like me, be sure to save plenty of time on your holiday to explore Porto. That was my only regret when visiting the country, spending more time in Lisboa than in Porto. Here are some of the best tours to book while you’re in Porto:
#3: Douro Valley Tour (Get Your Guide Tours)
I’m not much of a wine lover, but how often do you get to taste fresh wine from its source? The Douro Valley produces many varieties of wine each year and is known for its high quality in taste. Red and white wines are the most produced in the area and they are also the most consumed by the locals. This tour lasts the majority of the day and is sure to make you tired by the conclusion of the tour. You’ll hear about the history of the region, some fun facts about the wine, and even stop at a local community to grab some sweets if you like. You’ll enjoy beautiful views throughout the whole day to take stunning pictures. The tour includes transportation to the Douro Valley, a boat tour on the Douro River, and a complete lunch for the price of EUR 90. Get your tickets here
#2: Peneda-Geres National Park (Get Your Guides Tours)
I particularly enjoyed this tour because I like hiking, and the views were amazing. The hiking is not crazy, but it’s enough to get you tired and feel pumped throughout the day. The Peneda-Geres National Park is a gem, with waterfalls, streams, and even lagoons sitting out there. I was able to see the park from the highest point possible and learn a lot about the history of the area. We were driven in a Jeep as shown in the photo, which made it a bit uncomfortable, but hey, if you don’t mind being a little squished than you’ll have a good time. I really liked that the tours are divided into small groups, so everyone gets to interact with each other much more easily. The tour is EUR 100 and includes a complete lunch at a local restaurant. Get tickets here
#1: Arouca 516 and Paiva Walkway (Get Your Guide Tours)
Without a doubt, this was my favorite part of my trip to Porto. The views in the entire park were breathtaking and the thrill of crossing a bridge in the middle of nowhere compares to nothing else you can do near Porto. There’s a river flowing beneath you in the bridge and a waterfall next to the bridge. Once you’re done crossing the bridge and back, you get to walk the walkway that goes underneath the bridge until you reach the end. There are so many great views and you even get to stop to swim at a lagoon along the way. The whole walk is about three miles long, but it’s definitely worth it. We got to stop at a local pastry shop before reaching the bridge to try out some of the region’s favorite sweets. Lunch was the best meal I had in Portugal, with two traditional dishes being served in sort of a potluck style where everyone shares what’s on the table. Green wine is an option to drink, and it comes included with the ticket for a price of EUR 120. Get tickets here
I think Porto is definitely more diverse in nature than Lisboa, which I really loved about the area. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes to take advantage of all the great views Porto has to offer. Don’t limit yourself to just the main touristy area of Porto, try to explore the areas outside. If I could go back in time, I’d spend more time in Porto than in Lisboa. If you choose to visit Portugal, have fun and consider the tours I mentioned above, as well as the ones for Lisboa from a separate post. Be sure to also read how you can save money on your trip if you travel to Portugal alone. Enjoy!
