4-Day Adventure: Vila Nova De Gaia, Portugal

Experience the flavors of Portugal through a sip of port wine in Vila Nova de Gaia.

22 April 2023

Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal is a picturesque destination located on the Douro River across from Porto. It is renowned for its production of Port wine, where visitors can tour the many wine cellars and sample delicious varieties. Alongside its wine, the city offers beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, and a vibrant culture, making it a must-visit destination for any tourist.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

History and Wine Tasting

  • Check into the stunning Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel and enjoy the river views
  • Head to the Port Wine Cellars for a tour and tasting of the finest Porto wines
  • Walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge to the historic Ribeira district for lunch at Cozinha da Clara
  • Visit the magnificent Church of São Francisco and its golden interior
  • Take a short boat trip on the Douro River to admire the city from a different perspective
  • End the day with dinner and drinks at the trendy BASE Porto rooftop bar
Day 2

Exploring the Serra do Pilar

  • Start the morning with a delicious pastel de nata and coffee at Canelas pastry shop
  • Take the cable car up to the Serra do Pilar monastery and enjoy the panoramic view of the city
  • Visit the Jardim do Morro for a peaceful stroll and more views over the river and city
  • Head back down to Vila Nova de Gaia and have lunch at the charming A Grade restaurant
  • Wander through the peaceful Carmo and Carmelitas churches, part of the Baroque Route
  • End the day with a sunset at the Miradouro da Serra do Pilar and dinner at the cozy O Paparico restaurant
Day 3

Beaches and Seafood

  • Take a short train ride to the stunning Praia de Miramar, famous for its chapel on the rocks
  • Walk along the beach and enjoy the peaceful scenery, then have a light lunch at the beach bar
  • Head back to Vila Nova de Gaia for a visit to the famous Livraria Lello bookstore
  • Enjoy a late afternoon snack and drink at the iconic Majestic Café
  • End the day with a seafood feast at the laid-back Marisqueira do Porto restaurant
Day 4

Art and Culture

  • Visit the contemporary art exhibitions at the Serralves Museum and Park
  • Have lunch at the charming Flor dos Congregados restaurant, known for its traditional dishes
  • Walk around the historic Cedofeita and Carlos Alberto squares, full of trendy shops and cafes
  • Have a drink at the quirky Rua de Cima cocktail bar, with its eclectic decor
  • End the trip with a delicious dinner at the elegant DOP restaurant, with its Michelin-starred cuisine.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Vila Nova de Gaia by plane is to fly into Porto Airport (OPO) and then take a taxi or public transportation to your final destination.

Car

The best way to get to Vila Nova de Gaia by car is to take the A1 motorway from Lisbon or the A28 from Vigo, Spain. Once in Porto, follow signs to Vila Nova de Gaia.

Train

Although there is no train station in Vila Nova de Gaia, there is a train station in the nearby city of Porto. The best way to get to Vila Nova de Gaia by train is to take a train to Porto's Sao Bento station, then transfer to the metro and take Line D to Vila Nova de Gaia.

Boat

The best way to get to Vila Nova de Gaia by boat is to take a cruise that stops in Porto and then take a taxi or public transportation to Vila Nova de Gaia.

Bus

The best way to get to Vila Nova de Gaia by bus is to take a bus from Lisbon to Porto, then transfer to a local bus or metro to Vila Nova de Gaia.

More travel plans

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