Porto to Miranda do Douro Road Trip Itinerary
Experience the best of Portugal on the Porto to Miranda do Douro Road Trip! This 4-day journey covers 361 km of stunning scenery, historic monuments and vibrant towns. Start your journey in the vibrant city of Porto, home to the world-famous Port wine and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then take a journey through the towns of Braga, Chaves and Braganca, each offering its own unique culture and attractions.
The best time to take this road trip is during the summer months, when you can enjoy the warm weather and stunning landscapes. Along the way, you will be able to explore numerous UNESCO Heritage Monuments, including the old city of Braganca, the Castle of Chaves and the University of Coimbra. The roads are generally in good condition, although there are some narrow and curvy roads in certain areas.
This road trip provides an unforgettable experience that is suitable for all drivers, regardless of experience or budget. With its stunning views and vibrant towns, the Porto to Miranda do Douro Road Trip is sure to provide you with a lifetime of memories.
4
number of days
361 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Porto
Distance 361 km
Driving time 8.3 h
Pace: slow
83.0 kWh
Airports
OPO
,
VRL
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Porto, Portugal is a vibrant and beautiful city that is a great starting point for the "Porto to Miranda do Douro Road Trip". It is the second largest city in the country and offers a great number of attractions for visitors of all ages. The city is home to a wide variety of architectural styles and boasts some of the most iconic sites in Portugal. A must-see is the Clérigos Tower, a Baroque-style bell tower that is one of the most well-known landmarks in the city. The impressive São Bento train station is also worth a visit, as its façade is decorated with more than 20,000 azulejo tiles depicting historical scenes.
The city is also home to a great number of cultural attractions, including the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art and the Soares dos Reis National Museum. For those interested in history, the Casa do Infante and the São Francisco Church are a must-see. Nature lovers can explore the nearby Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The closest international airport to Porto is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) and there are a number of car rental companies located at the airport for those wishing to start the road trip. With so much to see and do in the city and its surroundings, Porto is an ideal starting point for the "Porto to Miranda do Douro Road Trip".
1
Porto
- Braga
Distance 56 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: slow
12.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a memorable road trip from Porto to Braga! This 56 km journey will take you fewer than 2 hours and you will be able to explore some of the most interesting places in Portugal. Start your journey in Porto, where you can visit the Clérigos Tower, the most iconic symbol of the city. Then, drive to the historical city of Guimarães, where you can find the Castle of Guimarães and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After that, take a break in the beautiful town of Barcelos, where you will find the famous Galo de Barcelos (Rooster of Barcelos). Finally, you will arrive in Braga, the oldest city in Portugal, where you can visit the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte and the Sé de Braga, the oldest cathedral in the country. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Braga - Portugal - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay.com
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2
Braga
- Chaves
Distance 126 km
Driving time 2.7 h
Pace: modest
32.7 kWh
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Embark on a memorable journey from Braga to Chaves! This 126 km drive will take less than 3 hours and you will get to admire some of the most beautiful landmarks of the region. Start your road trip with a visit to the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, an iconic site in Braga. Then, head towards the historical centre of the city, where you can explore its monuments and churches. As you continue your journey, you will be charmed by the winding roads and the stunning views of the countryside. Don't forget to take a break and enjoy the scenery! Upon arrival in Chaves, you can visit the Castle of Chaves and the Thermal Spa, two of the most important sights of the city. All along the route, you will find plenty of places to rest and enjoy a delicious meal. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Chaves - Portugal - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Chaves
- Braganca
Distance 96 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: modest
24.9 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Chaves to Bragança? This route is only 96 km and it takes less than two hours to drive. So, you can easily enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. The road is full of steep ramps and winding sections, so you should pay extra attention while driving. You'll find plenty of interesting places to visit in both Chaves and Bragança. In Chaves, you should definitely check out the Castle of Chaves, the Thermal Springs, and the Church of Santa Maria Maior. In Bragança, you can explore the Castle of Bragança, the Church of Santa Maria, and the Ethnographic Museum. As this is just one stage of a larger tour, make sure to check out the "Itinerary" for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!
Braganca - Portugal - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Braganca
- Miranda do Douro
Distance 83 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: slow
19.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Bragança, Portugal to Miranda do Douro! This 83 km journey will take you less than three hours and will offer you the chance to explore some of the most beautiful places in the region. From the steep ramps to the winding roads and narrow sections, you will be mesmerized by the stunning scenery around you. As you drive along, keep an eye out for the breathtaking views of the Douro Valley and the stunningly picturesque villages. Stop by the historic city of Bragança and explore its ancient walls and castle. Then, make your way to Miranda do Douro and visit its stunning old town, where you can explore the narrow cobbled streets and admire the stunning architecture. Make sure to also visit the beautiful São Miguel de Miranda Church and the Mirandese Museum. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Miranda do Douro - Portugal - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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Miranda do Douro
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Miranda do Douro is a charming municipality located in the northeast of Portugal, close to the border with Spain. It is the perfect ending point for the Porto to Miranda do Douro Road Trip, a journey through the stunning landscapes of Northern Portugal.
On this trip, you can admire the breathtaking views of the Douro River, the mountain ranges of the Serra da Estrela, and the medieval villages of the region. You can also visit interesting places such as the Castle of Miranda do Douro, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, and the Casa de Farinha, a traditional flour mill.
If you like outdoor activities, you can go hiking in the mountain ranges and enjoy the beautiful nature of the region. You can also go canoeing and kayaking in the Douro River and take a boat ride along the river.
If you are traveling by air, the closest international airport is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) in Porto, which is located about 180 kilometers from Miranda do Douro.
At the end of your Porto to Miranda do Douro Road Trip, you can relax in the charming municipality and enjoy the beauty of its landscapes and its unique local culture.
Porto to Miranda do Douro Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Porto
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End:
Miranda do Douro
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Distance:
361 km
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Stay:
4 days
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Getting there:
Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO),
Vila Real Airport (VRL)
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When to drive:
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on an enchanting 4-day Porto to Miranda do Douro Road Trip, covering 361 km through the heart of Portugal's diverse landscapes and rich history. Beginning in the vibrant city of Porto, famous for its Port wine and Douro River vistas, this journey traverses through charming towns, each offering unique cultural experiences and an array of attractions.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Porto: Admire its UNESCO World Heritage status, visit the historic Ribeira district, and taste the world-renowned Port wine in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.
- Braga: Experience the grandeur of the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary and the city's numerous Baroque churches.
- Chaves: Explore the Roman bridge and thermal springs, alongside the imposing Castle of Chaves with roots dating back to medieval times.
- Bragança: Wander through the cobbled streets of the old city center, and uncover the medieval Cidadela with the well-preserved Bragança Castle and the Domus Municipalis, a unique Romanesque civic building.
- Miranda do Douro: Immerse yourself in the distinctive culture, with the town's own language variant, Mirandese, and enjoy the panoramic views of the Douro River Gorge.
Best Time to Go:
The ideal time to journey is during the summer months, where you can enjoy pleasant warm weather and witness the lush landscapes and cultural festivities of Portugal in full bloom.
Potential Risks:
Travelers should exercise caution on some stretches of the route with narrow and winding Roads. It is advisable to check weather forecasts and Road conditions, particularly when planning to travel outside of the summer season.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Porto's historic center, Ribeira, is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a living museum of cobblestone streets and traditional boats called 'rabelos' on the river.
- Braga is known as the `Portuguese Rome` for its abundance of religious architecture and historic churches.
- Chaves has been a site of human settlement since Roman times, with its thermal baths being used for over two millennia.
- Bragança is home to the Montesinho Natural Park, one of Portugal’s largest natural conservation areas, offering lush landscapes and a variety of wildlife.
- Miranda do Douro offers a breathtaking natural spectacle with the Miradouro do São João das Arribas, a viewpoint over the International Douro Natural Park.
A good choice for:
From the intoxicating charm of Porto's wine culture to the serene beauty of Miranda do Douro, the Porto to Miranda do Douro Road Trip is an inspiring journey of discovery. The route reveals Portugal's multifaceted heritage, stunning natural settings, and the warmth of its people, promising an array of unforgettable memories for every RoadTripper.