Portugal is the most remote country in Western Europe, so getting here is the longest. The 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 a day and a half.
Lisbon and Porto are the biggest cities in Portugal to visit when traveling around the country. Every corner of Portugal breathes with the Middle Ages, all cultural and architectural monuments are literally filled with history. Every corner of Lisbon and Porto is reminiscent of the former greatness of these cities.
Portugal for tourists
Two main airports can take you from Russia to Portugal. Portela Airport is located in Lisbon, Francisco de Sa Carneira is located in Porto. Ticket prices range from ten to twenty thousand rubles, depending on the season.
If you are planning on a trip not only sightseeing, but also a beach holiday, then you can go from May to September. The air temperature during this period ranges from plus 25 to plus35 degrees. And you will swim not just anywhere, but in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean!
Lisbon or Porto. Where to stay
Similar to Moscow and St. Petersburg - the two capitals of Russia, Lisbon and Porto - the capitals 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. How to get from Lisbon to Porto, you can ask the locals - 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. Getting 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 these places:
- Praça do Comercio is the most beautiful square in Europe.
- Augusta Street - Lisbon's pedestrian boulevard.
- Alfama district with medieval architecture that survived the earthquake.
- Belem Tower, which was created in honor of Vasco da Gama's discovery of the route 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 wine - was named after this city. Walking along the embankment, you will see old ships carrying wine.
Bus and rail links between the cities.
Lisbon- Porto. Getting there
Let's get acquainted with one of the options on how to get from Lisbon to Porto. You have landed at Portela Airport. The distance from Lisbon to Porto is about three hundred kilometers. Oriente train station is five minutes drive from the airport. The station is the main transport hub in Portugal. Trains on the route Lisbon - Porto - high-speed. Travel time on the Alfa Pendular train will take 2:32 or 2:42 hours. The ticket price will be from thirty to forty-three euros. The Lisbon-Porto train (Intercidades) will take you to your destination in three hours. For a ticket you will give from twenty-four to thirty-six euros.
Organized tour
Another option to travel by train from Lisbon to Porto 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, take a boat ride on the Douro River, and get acquainted with local taverns. The tour is very interesting and not tiring. The fare is included in the cost 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 by a strict travel route.
Trip by bus
There is a bus service between Lisbon and Porto. The main bus company between the cities is Rede Expressos. Ticket forthe bus will cost twenty euros one way. Tickets can be booked or purchased in advance.
Rent a car
Renting a car is common in Portugal. If you have sufficient driving experience, you can choose this option. You must be 21 years old and have a driving experience of one year or more. The distance from Lisbon to Porto by car will take you four and a half to five hours. More comfortable than by train, but slightly longer.
You can get from Porto to Lisbon by car. Here, as in Russia, right-hand traffic, so there will be no difficulties.
Route
We offer one of the options for travel from Lisbon to Porto. We leave east along Praça do Comércio, and then follow the route:
- after 5, 3 km we continue moving along Av. Infante Dom Henrique;
- After 1 km roundabout, take the 1st exit onto R. Cintura do Porto;
- after 0, 8 km we continue moving along Av. Mar. Gomes da Costa;
- after 200 m turn right towards Av. Infante Dom Henrique;
- after 300 m, turn right onto Av. Infante Dom Henrique;
- after 2, 3 km keep to the left and continue moving along Av. Infante Dom Henrique; follow signs for A1 Norte/A12 Sul/P.te V. Gama/Pq.das Nações;
- after 700 m we move along exit A1 Norte/IC 17 to A8 Oeste;
- after 292 km at the fork, move closer to the left side, follow the signs for A1 Norte and merge onto A1;
- in 12, 8km at the fork, move closer to the left side, 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 300m R. de Faria Guimarães turns left and joins 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 on the left. This is the shortest and most convenient route, but you can choose another option if you wish.
Where to stay in Lisbon
Alfama is an old district in Lisbon. Small cozy apartments, narrow streets, lack of traffic. An excellent choice for a quiet getaway. Nearby are Fado Museum, Jewish Museum, Flea Market and so on. The Grasse area used to be the working quarter of Lisbon. Now there is a wonderful view of the city. Public transport includes trams and buses. The Mouraria district is one of the oldest districts of the city. Many immigrants live here, respectively, there are various international restaurants, supermarkets. A 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 Justa elevator, which raisesguests of Lisbon to the Chiado area.
Avenida da Liberdade is a city street built in the image of the Champs Elysees. It is the most expensive street. The shopping center, train station and historical center are located here.
Chiado is a very lively area. Lots of cafes, restaurants, shops, attractions. Bairro Alto is an area for those who like to relax at night. Night clubs, cafes, restaurants. Principe Real is the fashion district. Shops, design galleries are located in the area.
Where to stay in Porto
Cordoaria is a classicist area with many shops and a green park. Boavista is a large number of restaurants of author's 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 vacation to Portugal in the summer, you can not only wander through the beautiful streets and quarters, admire the old buildings and visit local attractions, but also enjoy your vacation on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Around Lisbon there are beautiful beaches with the necessary infrastructure for relaxation. 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 the beach of Carcavelos, a little over a kilometer long. Restaurants and bars on the beach are open even at night. There are volleyball and footballsites. Paço de Arcos is perhaps the most visited beach. Here you can go fishing and water sports. Praia de Torre is a beach with a s altwater 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 the winds often blow here. Espinho is the place for you if you want to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean in privacy.
So, going to Portugal and wanting to combine all kinds of holidays, it would be good to stay in Lisbon. And from there, be sure to go to Porto. How to get from Lisbon to Porto - you already know. Enjoy your holiday!
