Portugal is the most remote country in the west of Europe, so it takes me the longest to get here. A flight from Moscow to Lisbon will take five and a half hours if the flight is direct. With transfers, you will get from seven and a half hours to one and a half days.
Lisbon and Porto are the largest cities in Portugal to visit when setting out on a trip around the country. Every corner of Portugal breathes the Middle Ages, all cultural, architectural monuments are literally filled with history. Every corner of Lisbon and Porto recalls the past greatness of these cities.
Portugal for tourists
Two main airports can take you from Russia to Portugal . Portela Airport is located in Lisbon, Francisco di Sa Carneira is located in Porto. Ticket prices range from ten to twenty thousand rubles, depending on the season.
If you plan on a trip not only acquaintance with the sights, but also a beach holiday, then you can go from May to September. The air temperature in this period is from plus 25 to plus 35 degrees. And you will not swim somewhere, but in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean!
Lisbon or Porto. Where to stay
About how we have Moscow and St. Petersburg - the two capitals of Russia, Lisbon and Porto - the capital of Portugal. It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of where it is better to stay. While in Portugal, you should definitely visit both cities. You can find out how to get from Lisbon to Porto from local residents - they will tell you the cheapest and fastest way.
Lisbon in 1755 was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake, much was lost, but despite this fact, the restored city is no less interesting. Moving around the city is not difficult. The transport network here works smoothly. Metro and funiculars, buses and trams are at your service. In the capital of Portugal, you should definitely visit such places:
- Prasa do Comercio is the most beautiful square in Europe.
- Augusta Street - Lisbon's pedestrian boulevard.
- Alfama district with medieval architecture surviving after the earthquake.
- Belem Tower, which was created in honor of the discovery of Vasco da Gama by the way to India.
Porto is the second city of Portugal, built on granite rocks. This settlement is known for the following historical fact: the most famous product of Portugal - port - was named precisely after this city. Walking along the promenade, you will see old ships carrying wine.
Between cities established bus and rail links.
Lisbon - Porto. How to get there
We will get acquainted with one of the options how to get from Lisbon to Porto. You landed at Portela Airport. The distance from Lisbon to Porto is about three hundred kilometers. Oriente Train Station is a five-minute drive from the airport. The station is the main transportation hub in Portugal. Trains on the Lisbon - Porto route are high-speed. Travel time by train Alfa Pendular will take 2:32 or 2:42 hours. The ticket will cost from thirty to forty-three euros. The Lisbon - Porto train (Intercidades) takes you to your destination in three hours. For a ticket you will give from twenty four to thirty six euros.
Organized tour
Another option for the Lisbon - Porto train ride is an organized tour. You pay the cost of the mini-tour and hit the road. The duration of such an excursion is from ten to twelve hours. You will be introduced to the sights of Portugal in Porto, a boat ride along the Douro River, introduced to local taverns. The tour is very interesting and not tiring. The fare is included in the price of the tour, after which you can refuse to travel back to Lisbon and stay in Porto. This option is suitable for those who want to see the sights of several cities in Portugal and are not limited to the strict route of the trip.
Bus ride
There is a bus service between Lisbon and Porto. The main bus company between cities is Rede Expressos. A bus ticket will cost twenty euros one way. A ticket can be booked or bought in advance.
Rent a Car
Common in Portugal is car rental. If you have sufficient driving experience, you can choose this option. You must be 21 years old, and your driving experience should be one year or more. You will cover the distance from Lisbon to Porto by car in four and a half to five hours. More comfortable than train, but a little longer in time.
You can get from Porto to Lisbon by car. Here, as in Russia, the right-hand traffic, so that there will be no difficulties.
Route
We offer one of the travel options from Lisbon to Porto. We leave east on Praça do Comércio, and then follow the route:
- after 5.3 km we continue to move along Av. Infante Dom Henrique
- After driving 1 km in a circle, turn onto the 1st exit onto R. Cintura do Porto;
- after 0.8 km we continue to move along Av. Mar. Gomes da Costa;
- after 200 m, turn right to Av. Infante Dom Henrique
- after 300 m, turn right onto Av. Infante Dom Henrique
- after 2.3 km, keep left and continue on Av. Infante Dom Henrique follow the signs for A1 Norte / A12 Sul / P.te V. Gama / Pq.das Nações;
- after 700 m, take the exit A1 A1 Norte / IC 17 to the A8 Oeste;
- after 292 km at the fork, move closer to the left, follow signs for A1 Norte and merge onto A1;
- after 12.8 km at the fork, move closer to the left, continuing on the A200;
- after 6 km we turn onto the exit to Porto Centro;
- after 700 m we move along R. de Faria Guimarães;
- after 300 m R. de Faria Guimarães goes left and turns into R. de Bolama;
- after 84 meters, turn left onto Tv. Álvaro de Castelões;
- after 86 meters, turn left onto R. do Alto;
- after 50 meters, turn right.
The city of Porto is located on the left. This is the shortest and most convenient route, but if you wish, you can choose another option for the trip.
Where to stay in Lisbon
Alfama is an old district in Lisbon. Small cozy apartments, narrow streets, lack of traffic. A great option for a quiet holiday. Nearby are the Fadu Museum, the Jewish Museum, the flea market and so on. The Grasse district used to be the working quarter of Lisbon. Now it offers a wonderful view of the city. From public transport - tram and buses. Mouraria is one of the oldest districts of the city. Many immigrants live here, respectively, there are various international restaurants, supermarkets. Very colorful area. Of the attractions - the castle of St. George.
Baisha is the most comfortable area for tourists. A large number of hotels and restaurants, a convenient location for walking in any direction. The Museum of Design and Fashion, the Museum of Money are located in the area. One of the attractions here is the Santa Giusta elevator, which takes Lisbon guests to the Chiado district.
Avenida da Liberdade - a city street built in the image of the Champs Elysees. It is the most expensive street. A shopping center, train station and historical center are located here.
Chiado is a very busy area. Many cafes, restaurants, shops, attractions. Bairo Altu is an area for night lovers. Night clubs, cafes, restaurants. Principe Real is a fashion district. Shops, designer galleries are located in the area.
Where to stay in Porto
Kordoaria is a classicist style district with many shops and a green park. Boavista - a large number of restaurants specializing in cuisine, design workshops. Be sure to visit the House of Music and the Museum of Art. Foz do Douro is an area with promenades and beaches. Ribeira is suitable for hiking.
Beach Holidays in Lisbon
Going on holiday to Portugal in the summer, you can not only wander through the beautiful streets and neighborhoods, admire the old buildings and visit local attractions, but also enjoy a vacation on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Around Lisbon there are beautiful beaches with the necessary infrastructure for recreation. You can get to the coast from Lisbon by train, on average it will take twenty-five to thirty minutes.
Closest to Lisbon is Caxias Beach. A little further away is Carcavelos Beach, a little over a kilometer long. Restaurants and bars on the beach are open even at night. There is a volleyball and soccer court. Paso de Arcos is perhaps the most visited beach. Here you can go fishing and water sports. Praia de Torre is a beach with a saltwater pool and the official residence of the Portuguese Ministry of Defense.
There are not many beaches in Porto. The most famous are Matosinhos and Espinho. The second beach is a favorite place for surfers, as winds often blow here. Espinho will suit you if you want to enjoy the view of the Atlantic Ocean in seclusion.
So, going to Portugal and wanting to combine all types of recreation, it would be nice to stay in Lisbon. And from there, be sure to go to Porto. How to get from Lisbon to Porto - you already know. Have a nice rest!