Day 3: Porto: Sao Bento Station - Guimaraes: Castle, Monte de Penha - Porto
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Today we wake up early and after breakfast at the Universal Residential Hotel we head to Guimaraes, a town near Porto that is a World Heritage Site and that after seeing it, we can say that it is a beautiful town.
We take the train from Porto to Guimaraes at Sao Bento Station, very close to the hotel, on Avenida dos Aliados, one of the most beautiful stations we have ever seen.
This is another of the places to see in Porto and it is that although you do not have to take any train, it is very worthwhile to come here and you can enjoy its incredible architecture.
Sao Bento Station
Guimaraes is north of Portugal, a short distance from Braga and not too far from Porto (55 kms), and is according to many, "the cradle of Portugal”.
You can also visit the city from Porto with this bus tour with a guide in Spanish that also includes a visit to Braga.
Medieval city in perfect condition, with walls, a spectacular castle and a huge variety of styles that make it a essential visit from Porto. Without a doubt, the best way to get to know it is to get lost among its streets that continue to preserve the appearance they had in medieval times and transfer us to a story on each street.
Another option to learn more about the history of the city and not miss anything important is to book this free tour of Guimaraes Free! With guide in Spanish.
The first thing we visit when we arrive in the city is the Castle of Guimarães, classified as a National Monument that is located on the outskirts of the historic center.
Castle of Guimarães
Near to Castle of Guimarães is the Chapel of San Miguel, another recommended visit if you are in the area.
Chapel of San Miguel
After visiting Guimaraes Castle we take the funicular to reach the top of the Penha Mountain, Where is he Sanctuary of Penha, an important pilgrimage site in Portugal.
Cable Car to Penha Mountain
On top of the Penha Mountain There are incredible views of Guimaraes and the surrounding forest.
Guimaraes views from Penha Mountain
We are in this area for a while, walking around the Sanctuary and the surrounding area, before taking the funicular down again.
Sanctuary of Penha
Too bad we have the right time and after a couple of hours, we have to go back to the station, to catch the train again Guimaraes to Porto.
We take the train and take this time to review the places we have left to see on this trip to Porto and Guimaraes and in a few minutes we arrive again in Porto.
Book the best rated tours and excursions in Spanish from Porto by travelers:
- Cruise of the six bridges
- Guided tour of Porto
- Full Porto tour with tickets
- Excursion to Guimarães and Braga
- Night tour with dinner and fado show
- More excursions and tours here
Book the best rated tours and excursions in Spanish from Porto by travelers:Once at the Porto Station we decided to go to Ribeira to enjoy the sunset, which we have read is incredible in this area of the city.
Sunset on the banks of the Douro
We climb to the top of the Luis I Bridge to see the best sunset in Porto, that we could have imagined. Without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in Porto. The night views from here of the city are spectacular.
Sunset in Porto
Sunset in Porto
Sunset in Porto
As you can imagine we get tired of taking photos and more photos from all possible perspectives and from all angles, trying to capture every change of light that is happening with the passing of the minutes.
Port
After this incredible sunset we are going to have another francesinha dinner, it has been the star dish of this getaway and we go directly to the Universal Residential hotel to rest.
Today has been one of the most complete days and tomorrow we want to take advantage of the whole morning in Porto, before catching our flight back home.
Day 4: Porto: Church of San Francisco, Church of San Ildefonso, Ribeira del Duero, Vila Nova de Gaia- Girona
