Porto, Nazaré & Óbidos Day Tour from Lisbon

Porto and the historic centre by the Douro

Porto is the main reason for this day trip, and it is a city that rewards even a few hours. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with steep streets dropping to the Ribeira waterfront, colourful houses, blue-and-white tiled churches and the iron Dom Luís I Bridge spanning the Douro river. São Bento station, with its huge tile panels, and the Clérigos Tower are famous landmarks.

Porto is around three hours from Lisbon by road, so this Porto day trip from Lisbon is a long one, and your guide uses the time in the city to point out the highlights and leave you free time to walk the riverside, take photos and eat. If you ask whether Porto is worth visiting in a day, the answer is yes, as a first taste, though a longer stay lets you see much more.

Nazaré and its Atlantic cliffs

Nazaré is a traditional fishing town on Portugal's Silver Coast, split between a beach below and the clifftop district of Sítio above. From the viewpoint at Sítio you look down on the long curve of the beach, and on the headland you can see the lighthouse fort that made the town internationally famous for its giant winter waves.

The big waves arrive mainly from autumn to early spring, when swells from the North Atlantic funnel into a deep underwater canyon. In summer the beach is calmer and popular for walking. Locals are known for the traditional dress of seven layered skirts worn by fishermen's wives, and you have time here to stroll, photograph and browse the small shops.

Óbidos, the medieval walled village

Óbidos is one of Portugal's best-preserved medieval villages, enclosed by 13th-century walls and topped by a castle. Enter through the Porta da Vila gate, decorated with blue tiles, and walk along Rua Direita, the main street of whitewashed houses with yellow and blue trim and flowers spilling from balconies.

Many visitors search for a day trip to Óbidos from Lisbon because it is only about an hour away, and it makes a perfect first stop before the long drive north. You have free time to walk the lanes, look inside the small shops and climb onto sections of the walls if you have the energy, where the views over the tiled roofs are the best of the village.

A long day by coach: what to expect

The tour covers around 700 kilometres in total, so the coach and the guide make the day comfortable. The guide gives background as you travel and tells you what to look for at each stop, while the coach is air-conditioned for the summer heat.

Because the day is long, come rested and bring water, a light snack and a charger for your phone. The exact order of the stops and the time in each place are confirmed with your booking and can change with traffic. Lunch is included in the default option, while the other option leaves lunch to you.