Maia, Portugal: Top 5 Unforgettable Day Trips

Maia, that is located near Porto, that is a fabulous spot to kinda set up your base in Portugal. While Maia has its very own charm, with like, parks and plazas, the magic truly comes from the simple accessibility to some very, very cool spots nearby. So, are you prepared to spread your wings a little? Pack a snack, that is, and maybe your camera too, ’cause we’re checking out five very awesome day trips that start near Maia.

1. Vila do Conde: Seaside Charm and History

First off, is Vila do Conde, which is a coastal town, and it’s, like, so easy to get to from Maia. It’s just, like, a short drive and, like, bam, you’re, I am talking there, smelling the sea breeze. This is the kinda place where you can stroll next to the river Ave, or perhaps, if you’d prefer, hang around on the beach a little bit. One of the highlights, you see, and there’s quite a few of them if I do say so myself, happens to be the Santa Clara Monastery; so you get yourself down to see it. It’s enormous, very, very old, and honestly very, very striking. Is that even its, like, sheer presence alone gives you this connection with the region’s long-lasting history.

Take a bit of time, would you, wandering the little, small, tiny alleyways that’s around there. In truth, you’re just bound to see cute little shops selling crafts and even local snacks, like, oh wow, some delightful pastries. And listen up, should you have any kind of appetite for ships or anything to do with boats, the Vila do Conde ship building museum might just strike you as pretty intriguing. Is it then just like that a reminder that, oh yes, Vila do Conde did play a really, really huge part in Portugal’s seafaring times, too it’s almost as amazing and historical as some of those old forgotten Greek harbor stories! Seriously.

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2. Guimarães: The Birthplace of Portugal

Guimarães, is that like, is usually nicknamed the “birthplace of Portugal,” so obviously history buffs will feel a deep attraction to it, that. This is where Afonso Henriques, that is, the first king of Portugal, had got to being born, and seriously that alone puts it into the ‘must-see’ category, I tell you. The Guimarães Castle is really magnificent, so climb up the strong walls for some, like, awesome views. You see, close nearby that’s the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, oh boy, and is that almost kind of like a glimpse into the lifestyles of the elite families from centuries and centuries ago.

That is not forgetting, like, that the old town there is on UNESCO’s very, very fancy World Heritage list, yet that is because it’s kept that old timey charm from ages ago. Walking near the square in the center, that’s, oh I don’t know, Largo da Oliveira, will kind of make you think that, hey, maybe you just moved yourself back in time or something. There, find that old monument which will then mark where the really historically famous fight, then is that, oh yeah, Battle of São Mamede really, really, seriously changed Portuguese history back then. The town there can have people over flowing with that genuine Portuguese spirit which will then make that visit oh so worthwhile. I’d make a beeline to Guimaraes if I were you.

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3. Braga: A City of Churches

Braga, really sometimes called “Portugal’s Rome,” happens to be where one might go to see a real, real heap of pretty old churches. If you have this big liking or fondness for checking out architectural delights or a love of historical bits and bobs or stuff, Braga may likely very, very get you under a bit of a magical, delightful little kind of spell. Bom Jesus do Monte, arguably one of the absolute greatest sights there, happens to be, like, a sanctuary with one of the craziest staircases ever seen. As a matter of fact it stretches all that way up the hillside; climbing the stairs isn’t that strenuous either; a person will, at the very same time, pass sculptures or things; or perhaps fountains that do give one this very unique and also spiritual little kind of twist.

In fact, the Braga Cathedral is then the absolute oldest cathedral in Portugal itself, by the way, and so has all sorts of varied architectural styles reflecting eras over the years. Next you can walk in the lovely Santa Bárbara Garden, is that, you know, a serene area near the Archbishop’s Palace, which offers kind of quiet places of just, that’s right, chilling and thinking things. It might also be worthwhile to try the local dish called “rojões” that’s basically just pig but I bet you would still love it! After you are through and the daylight gets lower there seems to be this pretty bubbly ambience and the people begin filling the city’s coffee shops alongside bars, giving a wonderful, happy, open sort of feeling. So, for sure that’s really wonderful.

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4. Espinho: Beach Fun and Casino Thrills

For one heck of a dash and quick change when doing the exploration that has something with a bit of coast, the city which should make that aim right at you very keenly tends to be Espinho. The place has got really cool, big and stretching beaches, in effect perfect and alright just and only for lazy day stuff such as sunbathing and also things involving taking a dive into water too it’s almost everything. Are you the absolute keen fisher type? Does you really appreciate some fishing, and even very likely is your luck with this kind of outdoor pleasure going so strong, and as I was saying the waterfront scene from that said location will do as absolutely ideal so you are able to showcase and further your ability that you think very highly over. Or probably would your intention so easily be some quiet walking over many waterfronts as it slowly gets a whole amount prettier through twilight, it has still really gotten some cool things available alright. Just do have that memory from this place OK!

Do you wanna feel yourself with some action and gambling when just around city parts? Espinho, that is, can boost you with Casino Espinho for your action so well liked you do, oh yeah, play that roulette with the real, very great and serious talent. Next there can be lots, even lots, of diners at where those kinds of seafood that are delicious get so rightly prepared for a bit with the traditional stuff. Try just try a “francesinha” to, oh, even enjoy a taste so really Espinho at all restaurants or places that give pleasure of just great eats. So there is anything for each member, is that right?!

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5. Porto: A Deep Dive into the City’s Core

Are you after the city escape or wanting the hustle while sightseeing goes, I really cannot do things otherwise but to give all support with a day to travel and learn all Porto provides or keeps for our travel eyes too it’s almost a shame if you just bypass so quickly. Stroll by parts of Ribeira in short, like, Porto in a location in which buildings of, like, ages ago do sit along with the Douro River when they produce some cool scenery or a bit for any Instagram shots very pleasing you know. Why you should want this; what kind for benefit of seeing with, what kinds or, and if it matters the price, will come very handily after it happens.

You would do, but I kinda think that the Livraria Lello over there is just that gorgeous little library for your travel photos but don’t ignore other sights which you very much should spend sometime with during this vacation there when in a bookstore and also on a very short little detour through so, so much awesome books for that bookshop is, by the way, considered to do just that but if things are for the tasting sort than don’t bypass taking those of you’re on any Porto or local cellars and so is tasting their most delightful Porto kind or flavors; it always offers or could yield knowledge for this city’s background so quite, nearly no other has. Is that so and would you feel those vibes after learning that thing?

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