La Porto city It is one of the most sought after destinations in Portugal along with the Algarve and Lisbon area. But sometimes we skip places and corners that may have the same charm but are perhaps not as touristy or well known. Near Porto we have a few places and attractions that everyone can enjoy, and that we can visit in one day from the city of Porto.
We are talking about cities like little Braga, the Portuguese Venice called Aveiro or Guimaraes with its incredible castle. They are places where we can find a different Portugal, to see it from more perspectives than those of the city of Porto. Small places full of charm that surprise with their personality.
Guimaraes
In Guimaraes we can visit three different areas. On one side is the historic center of the city, on the other the Montaña da Penha and on the other the Castle and Doge's Palace, its two most important monuments. In the historic center of the city we will find a place with a lot of charm, with typical spaces, quiet squares and cafes. We can also see the traditional architecture of Portugal in its buildings. In the Penha mountain we can go up in a cable car and enjoy the hiking trails in the area. The most important visits in this city are the Castle, which is a part in ruins that is actually visited quickly because there is not much to see. The Palace of the Dukes of Braga is more interesting, with some relics and rooms with details from past centuries. It is a city that can be visited perfectly in one day.
Coimbra
This was the capital of Portugal during the Middle Ages, so it is also another historically important city that does not receive as many visits as it should. It is also the university city of Portugal par excellence, with the oldest university, the called Velha University, in front of the current one, the Nova University. The historic center can be explored on foot so as not to miss any corner, and it is next to the Mondego river. We can see in it the Moorish-style Arch of Almedina and the Clock Tower. We can also see the Palace of Sub Ripas from the XNUMXth century.
Braga
Braga is another one of those ancient cities in Portugal that have a lot to offer in terms of monuments and history. Bom Jesus do Monte It is one of the most representative images of this city, a church that has beautiful steps to reach it. It is 7 kilometers from the center but it is worth seeing and taking photos of those incredible stairs. On the other hand, in Braga we have the oldest Cathedral, the Sé, in which we can appreciate various architectural styles.
Aveiro
Aveiro is known as the Portuguese or Portuguese Venice through those channels, which are three that divide the city. The boats are the moliceiros, although they look like the typical gondolas, but they are an exclusive vessel from Aveiro. Before they were used to transport merchandise to the city, but today they are used much more as tourist transport for those who go to the city. One of the things that are essential is to ride a moliceiro to enjoy these channels. We must also visit the Aveiro Museum, which is located in an old convent and in a beautiful historic building. There are also nearby beaches such as Barra, where you can enjoy a swim in the Atlantic and see its lighthouse, or Costa Nova, where you will be surprised by picturesque colored and striped houses.
Vila Nova de Gaia
If we want to change third but we don't feel like moving around Porto a lot, we just have to cross the river to meet in Vila Nova de Gaia. In this other part of the river we can enjoy a walk along the shore or take a boat cruise. This shore has a great tourist interest for visitors to Porto, and it is that in it are the best wineries of the famous wine, so in the end it is always a must. You can get there by crossing the famous Luis I Bridge in order to visit some of the most important wineries, such as Sandeman or Calem. There are entrances that offer wine tastings and tours of various wineries.
Valenca do Minho
This is the furthest city from Porto, and it is closer to the border with Galicia. In Valença what is most popular is visit his fortress, where we also find countless small stores such as a market where you can walk to shop, especially shopping for clothing and home textiles. Although we do not think about buying anything, the truth is that walking through those beautiful and old streets watching the bustle is something interesting, and we can see some shops with typical products. In addition, it is a good idea to walk through the quieter area of the wall to have great views of Valença.