Directions to São João da Madeira

From Porto Airport Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport):

  • Car Rental – Renting a car would be the most convenient option, as it allows you to explore Porto and nearby areas at your own pace. The drive to São João da Madeira takes approximately 40 minutes. Several car rental agencies operate directly from the airport, including:
  • Metro + Bus (Option 1): Take the metro or a taxi to Parque das Camélias bus terminal in Porto city center, then take Bus 2026 to São João da Madeira.
  • Metro + Bus (Option 2): Take the metro to Campanhã station, then take Bus 1410 to São João da Madeira.
  • Train: Upon leaving the airport, take the metro Line E (purple) and go to Campanhã station. At Campanhã station, board a regional train (Comboios Portugal) to Espinho. In Espinho, change trains to Oliveira de Azeméis and get off at São João da Madeira station.

 

From Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado International Airport):

  • Upon leaving the airport, take the red metro line to Oriente station.
  • At Campanhã station, board a regional train (Comboios Portugal) and get off at São João da Madeira station.
  • In Aveiro or Ovar, board a regional train (CP) and get off at São João da Madeira station.
  • The Lisbon–Aveiro route can also be made by bus. Depart from Sete Rios station (accessible via the red and blue metro lines) using Rede Expressos buses or from Oriente station (red metro line) using FlixBus.

More information about car travel is available on the São João da Madeira website: https://www.cm-sjm.pt/pt/visitante-chegar

Local Tourist Attractions

Porto Tourist Attractions

The Serralves Foundation is a leading cultural institution in Portugal, known for its contemporary approach to Art and Landscape. It stands as a key reference in the country’s cultural scene and the most significant in the north. Its architectural and landscape heritage includes the Museum of Contemporary Art, the iconic Art Deco-style Serralves Villa, the Casa do Cinema Manoel de Oliveira, and the expansive 18-hectare Serralves Park, which features the innovative Treetop Walk.

The Galeria Municipal do Porto is a contemporary art space in the Palácio de Cristal Gardens. Managed by the City Council of Porto, it hosts free exhibitions featuring national and international artists. Focused on contemporary art, architecture, and critical discourse, the gallery also offers talks and workshops. Its stunning location and thought-provoking exhibitions make it a key cultural destination in Porto.

The Palácio da Bolsa, located in Porto, Portugal, is a 19th-century neoclassical building that once served as the city’s stock exchange. Known for its grand architecture, it features the stunning Arab Room, inspired by Moorish designs, and an opulent glass-domed courtyard. A symbol of Porto’s commercial history, the palace is now a major cultural and tourist attraction, hosting events, guided tours, and official receptions.

Casa da Música is a top destination for music enthusiasts in Porto, offering a wide variety of concerts. The venue also provides guided tours where you can discover its cutting-edge design, built to ensure perfect acoustics.

On November 8th, Mozart’s final masterpiece, the Requiem, will be performed—left unfinished as the composer’s own life came to an end. The music is so brilliantly composed that any attempt to complete it falls short of the sublime perfection Mozart achieved. An esteemed international ensemble of soloists will join the Symphony Orchestra and the Casa da Música Choir for this unmissable concert. German conductor Andreas Spering, acclaimed for his Baroque and Classical repertoire recordings and recently appointed principal conductor of the Brandenburg Symphony Orchestra, will lead the performance.

  • Port Wine Cellars

Port wine cellars, located across Vila Nova de Gaia, are central to Porto’s wine culture. These historic cellars house the aging process of Port wine, offering tours where visitors can learn about its production and taste different varieties. The tours provide a unique glimpse into the centuries-old tradition of making this iconic Portuguese wine.

  • Port Wine Tasting Tours along Douro

Port wine tasting tours along the Douro River offer a journey through the region’s stunning vineyards and historic wine estates (“quintas”). Visitors sample different styles of Port, guided by experts who explain the winemaking process. Many tours include visits to traditional cellars in Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia, where the wines age in wooden casks. Along the way, guests enjoy breathtaking views, local gastronomy, and insights into the Douro Valley’s rich winemaking heritage.

An historic and lively market in Porto, known for its vibrant atmosphere and traditional Portuguese charm. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a wide variety of fresh produce, local meats, fish, cheeses, and baked goods. The market is a great place to experience the authentic flavors of Porto, and its classic architecture, with beautiful wrought-iron details, adds to the charm. It’s a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover regional specialties.

  • Igreja de São Ildefonso

Igreja de São Ildefonso is a must-see. This church is famous for its striking blue and white azulejos (traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles) that adorn its façade, depicting scenes from the life of Saint Ildefonso.

Points of interest in the area

  • Oliveira de Azeméis: Parque da La Salette, Museu Convento dos Lóios, Berço Vidreiro
  • Santa Maria da Feira: Castelo da Feira, Quinta do Castelo, Museu do Papel
  • Arouca: Passadiço do Paiva;  Ponte 516 (ponte suspensa), Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Arouca

Restaurants in São João da Madeira

Vegan Offer

Accommodation

Hotels in the area