Guimarães: Around 45 minutes from Porto, Guimarães is one of the most important historic cities in the whole of Portugal. The centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it has an unspoiled, authentic feel. Spend time wandering through the cobbled streets and attractive plazas, lined with cafés and quirky shops. For spectacular views over the city, take the cable car which runs between Guimarães and the Penha Mountain — at the top, there are restaurants, bike trails, walking paths and even a crazy golf course to keep youngsters entertained.
Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary: Situated on a hillside just outside the city of Braga (about 45 minutes from Porto), the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary is a popular pilgrimage site — and one of the most fascinating sights in Portugal. The stunning church is accessed by the beautiful Baroque staircase, which zig-zags up the hill for more than 100 metres. With beautiful architecture and picturesque gardens for you to explore, the sanctuary is well worth a visit. If you don’t fancy climbing the stairs, a funicular railway will take you to the top.
Espinho: Escape the city and take a drive to the seaside resort of Espinho, just 20 minutes from Porto. Once a small fishing village, Espinho is home to a sandy beach, fine restaurants and numerous shops. If you’re there on a Monday, be sure to visit the Feira de Espinho — a huge outdoor market where you can buy an array of locally produced goods.