15-Day Porto Adventure Itinerary

  • Day 1: Explore Ribeira
    15 minutes (2.2 km) from Porto Cathedral

    Begin your trip by exploring Porto's historical Ribeira neighborhood located on the bank of the Douro River. Take a relaxing stroll along the colorful streets and down to Cais da Ribeira where you'll find many restaurants, cafes, and street performers along the riverfront.

  • Day 2: Hike the Douro Valley
    1 hour and 15 minutes (118 km) from Ribeira

    Escape the city and hike the picturesque Douro Valley for breathtaking views of Portugal's wine country. Take a scenic train ride or rent a car to explore the various hillside vineyards and small towns along the way.

  • Day 3: Sandboarding in Matosinhos
    25 minutes (8 km) from Ribeira

    Spend the day at Matosinhos beach, known for its excellent waves perfect for surfing, windsurfing, and sandboarding. Relax on the beach, fly a kite, and take a dip in the Atlantic ocean.

  • Day 4: Kayak the Rio Minho
    2 hours and 40 minutes (130 km) from Matosinhos

    Drive north to the border between Spain and Portugal for a peaceful kayak trip on the Rio Minho. The river runs through a beautiful landscape of forests, vineyards, and quaint towns.

  • Day 5: Surfing in Espinho
    30 minutes (25 km) from Ribeira

    Espinho is a popular surf spot with consistent swells and a long beach break. Take surfing lessons or rent a board to enjoy the sea, sand, and sun.

  • Day 6: Visit Casa da Musica
    15 minutes (5 km) from Ribeira

    Visit Porto's iconic music venue, Casa da Musica, an architectural masterpiece with an international reputation for hosting world-class performances.

  • Day 7: Canyoning in Gerês National Park
    1 hour and 40 minutes (117 km) from Casa da Musica

    Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with a canyoning expedition in Gerês National Park, where you'll jump, slide, abseil, and swim through beautiful canyons, waterfalls, and lagoons.

  • Day 8: Surf at Praia do Cabedelo
    2 hours (114 km) from Gerês

    Located south of Porto in Viana do Castelo, Praia do Cabedelo is known for its consistent waves and strong winds, making it an ideal surfing spot for experienced surfers.

  • Day 9: Explore Aveiro
    1 hour and 10 minutes (83 km) from Praia do Cabedelo

    Visit the charming town of Aveiro, known as the Venice of Portugal, for its beautiful canals, Art Nouveau architecture, and delicious Ovos Moles pastry.

  • Day 10: Visit Serralves Museum
    15 minutes (6 km) from Ribeira

    Serralves Museum is a contemporary art museum located in a beautiful park designed by French architect Jacques Gréber. Explore the exhibition galleries, gardens, and buildings designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza.

  • Day 11: Rafting in the Paiva River
    1 hour and 10 minutes (52 km) from Serralves Museum

    Experience the rapids and calm waters of the Paiva River with a thrilling rafting excursion. The river runs through impressive granite walls, waterfalls, and pools, forming a unique natural amphitheater.

  • Day 12: Visit Guimarães
    40 minutes (55 km) from Paiva River

    Guimarães is known as the birthplace of Portugal, where the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, was born. Explore the medieval castle, narrow streets, and charming squares in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Day 13: Discover Peneda-Gerês National Park
    1 hour and 15 minutes (78 km) from Guimarães

    Explore the natural beauty of Peneda-Gerês National Park with a hike to one of the many waterfalls or lagoons, or simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, and forests.

  • Day 14: Visit Lello Bookstore and Clérigos Tower
    10 minutes (750 m) from Porto Cathedral

    Visit two of Porto's most iconic landmarks, the Lello Bookstore known for its Gothic Revival architecture and impressive staircase, and the Clérigos Tower offering panoramic views of the city.

  • Day 15: Relax at Boa Nova Beach
    30 minutes (10 km) from Clérigos Tower

    End your adventure trip with a relaxing day at Boa Nova Beach, a hidden gem surrounded by cliffs and vegetation. Take a refreshing swim, sunbathe, or have a picnic on the soft sand.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Ribeira (Free)
  • Douro Valley (∼ 8 hours, €50-150 for transportation, wine tasting fees vary)
  • Matosinhos Beach (Free)
  • Kayaking on Rio Minho (∼ 5 hours, €50 for kayak rentals)
  • Espinho Surfing (∼ 5 hours, €25 for surfboard rentals)
  • Casa da Musica Tour (∼ 1 hour, €10 per person)
  • Canyoning in Gerês National Park (∼ 5-6 hours, €60-100 per person)
  • Praia do Cabedelo Surfing (∼ 5 hours, €25 for surf rentals)
  • Aveiro Visit (∼ 5 hours, €10 for public transportation)
  • Serralves Museum Tour (∼ 2 hours, €10 admission fee)
  • Paiva River Rafting (∼ 3-4 hours, €35-50 per person)
  • Guimarães Visit (∼ 5 hours, €15 for public transportation)
  • Peneda-Gerês National Park Hiking (∼ 6-8 hours, €20-30 for public transportation)
  • Lello Bookstore and Clérigos Tower Visit (∼ 1-2 hours, Free)
  • Boa Nova Beach Relaxation (Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €380-610 per person

Transportation

Porto has a good public transportation system, including buses, taxis, and metro. The metro is the most affordable and efficient way to travel around the city and between the suburbs. It operates from 06:00 to 01:00, and a single ticket costs €1.50. Taxis are also widely available, but they are more expensive, with a starting fee of €3.50 and an average cost of €0.47 per km. During the adventure activities, rental cars, transportation, and activity costs were factored into our estimated costs.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the picturesque city of Braga, known for its Baroque churches, gardens, and a historic center. Alternatively, spend an extra day in Peneda-Gerês National Park to explore its fauna and flora, or have a wine tasting tour in the Douro Valley. If you have less time, you can skip one or two of the activities or plan a less active day to rest and enjoy the local cuisine.

Airports

The Porto Airport (OPO), also known as Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, is an international airport located 11 km north of Porto city center. It serves as the main gateway to northern Portugal and is easily accessible by public transportation, taxi, or rental car. Lisbon is the closest international airport (312 km, around a 3-hour drive), and there are direct flights from major cities such as New York, Paris, and London.

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