porto bus journey planner

Travelling by bus in Porto

How to move around by bus in Porto

Travelling by bus in Porto is a budget option and a good choice if you are moving inside or around the city borders and want to see the entire journey from the window, noticing every detail on every street.

The Porto bus networ k (STCP) works generally well and reaches almost everywhere, more than the Metr o lines. The buses are modern and comfortable, with air-conditioned, digital information boards and many run on natural gas.

Andante Card

If you’re planning to move around by bus and metro, you should definitely buy a “Andante”. For one, two or infinite trips, this rechargeable paper card will be your best friend during your stay in Porto. You can charge it with single or multiple journeys, saving money instead of paying each journey inside the bus. You can buy and charge the Andante Car d almost everywhere in the city. At the airport, metro and train stations, some bus stops, kiosks, Pay Shop agents (look for the red flags on newspaper shops, buildings or coffees) and many other places.

How much it costs

One single journey will cost you 1,80€ if purchased inside the bus. The “Andante” card will cost you 0,50€ (you just need to buy one per person for your stay) plus 1,20€ for each added journey. If you buy 10 journeys you will get one for free. Outside of the city central limits the fare goes up a bit. Please check the Andante website for all fares.

For 24 or 72 nonstop hours you can buy “Andante Tour Ticket” – especially for tourists. The first option will cost you 7€ and the second one 15€. These cards allow you to take unlimited journeys for that time period and are not rechargeable.

Inside the bus you can only pay with cash but in stations and other places you can also use your visa card.

How to use Porto bus network

After buying the card and top it up it with journeys you’re ready to travel by bus. There are many stops all over the city and each one has a big board with the timetable and itinerary of the buses that stops there.

Each bus is “codified” by a 3-digit sign and the first number is related with the destination place: 2 is for West Porto, 3 for North, 4 for East, 5 for Matosinhos, 6 for Maia, 7 for Valongo, 8 for Gondomar and 9 for Vila Nova de Gaia. In case of doubts, consult the bus stop itinerary, which indicates all the stops during your route. During the night period (from around midnight to 6 am) buses are codified with the “M” letter and the network is less extended. Night or day, bicycles aren’t allowed.

Usually, central and high traffic stops have an electronic display indicating the estimated arrival time for your bus. You can also send a paid SMS to a number of the stop and seconds after you’ll receive that information by text.

Once you get inside the bus it’s time to validate your “Andante” by passing it in front of the machine, activating the magnetic system and charging you for the ride. During a period of one hour that journey is active and you can change to other bus, metro or train without being charged again, although you do have to pass the card through the machine when you change transport.

Other tips and recommendations

• Respect the waiting line at the stop
• If needed, raise your arm when the bus you want to catch is coming. This way, the driver will know that you want to get inside
• Inspectors do come inside the bus asking for your (validated ) ticket
• If you’re not so certain about the limits (Zones) you’re traveling, ask for a map in a tourism station or consult the itinerary map at the stop
• You won’t be lost on the route. Inside the bus there’s a display with the name of the next stop and, in doubt, ask the driver – if he doesn’t understand your language, maybe someone will help you (lucky to have such friendly people!)
• Journeys are free  for children under 4.

Porto bus route mapa

Tours and Experiences

28 thoughts on “travelling by bus in porto”.

Hello, what is the best way to plan trips, or to see estimated bus arrival times? Here in Finland, I use Google Maps’ bus option when moving around which is fairly accurate. Would this also work well in Porto?

Finding that the bus ticket cards are not working on the green validate system on the bus? The yellow validation on some buses and all metro work fine. Really difficult to talk about it with language barrier. The ticket has plenty of dates and times left too.

Hello I am planning to walk the camino from Porto later in the year. Can you tell me what bus to get from Porto to Rates? And where in Porto to find the estacion to get the bus? And the timetable for the bus? Also can I pay by cash on the bus or are there ticket machines? Thank you! Mary

Hi Mary! I believe you need to take the bus from Porto to Póvoa do Varzim and from there to Rates. Check these websites: https://rede-expressos.pt/en http://www.avminho.pt/horarios

Are transfers on the bus free or do I need to pay each time I get on a different bus?

Hi there! You dont have to pay each time you get in a different bus/metro. When you buy a journey, you have a time limit to travel no matte how many times you change cars. The time limit depends in the Zone (distance) you buy. Z2 = 1h Z3 = 1h Z4 = 1h15m Etc

Check this page https://www.stcp.pt/en/travel/tariffs/multimodal-andante-tickets/occasional-tickets/

Hello,can we buy ticket(the Adenate tour ticket and a 10 journy) in the porto airport?and where is it exactly in the airport?

Yes you can! In the Tourist Office. You should find it easily.

hello I will be visiting Porto next week. My hotel will be Gaia area. Which card will be the most suitable to visit the centre? regards robert

Hi Robert! It depends on the exact location of the bus/metro stops you will be using. You will be able to check the map on each stop and decide accordingly.

Very useful, thanks

Can I go into bus with a big suitcase? Becaue in Lisbon they didn’t let me in.

I believe it should be ok. Never had a problem with suitcases.

I see there are more operators than STCP in Porto region, like MARE on line 107 to Matosinhos. Is Andante Tour 3 valid in this bus?

Hi Marcin! I’m not 100% sure but from reading the Maré and Andante info about it, I would say it is valid.

I am coming to Porto the 27. of August this year, its a bit early to ask questions, however. I would like to go to The Sanctuary of Fatima in one day namely the 28. of August. Is that possible. And what chose do I have?

Hi Anni. It is possible yes. We don´t run any tours but I believe it would be very easy for you to find them online. Another great option would be to rent a car and go by your own. It’s about 200km and highway all the way.

Hello! I’m going to Porto for an event related to work which will be in the beach of Lavadores (Vila Nova de Gaia). I checked and the bus stop to my destination is bus 902 – Jorge Dias (Rua da Belgica). However, I would like to stay in Porto city (somewhere around Sao Bento, Aliados, Casa da Musica, etc) or in other side of the River (somewhere around Jardim de Morro or Camara Gaia). To go back and forth to Rua da Belgica everyday I will definitely get an Andante Tour Ticket. But how many zones shall I take? Thanks for your advise! Carolina

Traveling from Matosinhos into Porto city and returning ( 1 day ticket) – would this be within the same zone or cross over zones?? Thanks in advance

It will probably be more than one zone, yes. You can check your route online at http://www.stcp.pt/en/travel/

I have found the buses in Porto to be very unreliable. They often do not conform to the published schedule, and even though I use an App which is supposed to show accurate times, I often find myself waiting at bus stops for buses that simply do not show up.

Yep, i feel you. I guess that happens a bit “everywhere”, since buses are always subject to traffic delays, etc. Metro schedule is a lot more reliable. Thanks for your input!

“you do have to pass the card through the machine when you change transport” – are you sure I won’t lose another journey when I change buses within 1h allocated time?

Yep, pretty sure! Thats how they can control if you are within the 1 hour or not. Could you imagine if each person had to keep track of their time?

Thanks André :-) Seems a perfect solution then. Just one last question, what if I travell outside of the Zone I bought the pass for? Say, my Andante’s for Z1, but a final destination is Z2. My guess is I need to pay on the bus from the beginning of Z2 and hope it’s possible to do it without the need to get off in search for ticket machine.

Nope. You shouldnt do that. You should buy Z2 at the start od the trip.

How long does it take to travel by bus to Nazare from Porto

I would say you need around 5 hours. Probabbly the best bet is to take bus from Nazaré to Leiria and from Leira to Porto.

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Porto Metro: What You Need To Know

Wondering how the Porto Metro works? If it’s reliable? If it’s safe? What are the schedules?

We answer these and other questions here in this article.

All about Porto Metro

The best way to get around and visit the city of Porto surely is by metro. Porto metro has an extensive line that covers all the main points and must-see places in town.

It’s fast and operates every day (including nights and weekends).

Also, you should know it is the cheapest way to get from a point to another in the “ Grand Porto Area “.

Information about Porto Metro

Porto metro operates with 6 lines distributed across the city, making sure it covers its most important points (not only for tourists but also for the people who live in the city, who use the metro a lot to work and to get home – see this guide for tips about living in Porto ).

Did you also know that it can transport, on average, 9000 people per hour and per line?

Also, the total railroad extension is 67km long.

Impressive, don’t you think?

In the meanwhile, you can subscribe to our newsletter to get more tips about Porto other cities of your preference.

Is Porto Metro Safe?

As it happens in other cities, you need to be attentive to pickpockets, as they can appear in any circumstance.

However, we can say that this is one of the safest means of transportation in Europe. Porto is an extremely safe city and its metro is no exception.

I have never had any problems in Porto Metro.

Some lines can, however, be a bit less safe than others, since they operate between neighbourhoods that are not the safest around.

But in general, there are no incidents in Porto metro, so you can use it as you need.

Is Porto Metro fast?

It is, indeed. You can get from Gaia to Porto in less than 10 minutes (in case you don’t know, both cities are separated by river Douro and you need to cross a bridge to get from one side to the other).

The metro has 102 vehicles running all at the same time, so the speed is not a problem for Porto metro.

Is it a good alternative for tourists?

Not only to use it in the city centre but also to reach other points of interest spread around Porto.

For instance, if you want to surf in Portugal or you love the beach you can easily reach the “beach cities” of Vila do Conde or Matosinhos using the Metro, without spending too much time and money.

If you want to go shopping in Porto , you can use the metro to go to Vila do Conde the Styles Outlet or to El Corte Ingles in Vila Nova de Gaia, again, using the metro.

How the Porto Metro works

It’s time to tell you what you need to know when taking the Porto Metro.

1st Advice when taking Porto Metro: Avoid the rush hour

Or at least try to.

As we said, the metro of Porto is very much used by its citizens. It is very common to see people in a rush to get to work on time, so the most crowded hours can be between 7 am and 10 am .

The same applies in the afternoon when everyone wants to get home, so try to avoid the metro between 5 pm and 8 pm .

Of course, you can still use the metro if you really need it, but be prepared to wait a bit more than usual since carriages are more full and can take longer to arrive at their destination.

Understanding The map of Porto metro

As you can see, the Porto Metro Map extends all the way from Vila Nova de Gaia, to Gondomar, Porto, Matosinhos, Trofa, Vila do Conde e Póvoa de Varzim.

That means that the Porto metro map extends to 7 cities!

Amazing right?

This is even greater for tourist who prefers relying on public transport in Porto to using private transfers or renting a car in Portugal.

The Porto Metro lines

The metro of Porto has 6 lines, all of them identified with letters and also colours:

• Line A (blue);
• Line B (red);
• Line C (green);
• Line D (yellow);
• Line E (purple);
• Line F (orange).

These lines connect the city from the north to its south. From Póvoa de Varzim do Gaia, you can travel through a various number of regions in the city.

But, besides these lines, you should also get to know Porto metro’s zones, since the map is also divided by them.

See also 5 ideas for Day Trips from Porto that might interest you.

The Porto Metro zones

Porto metro has 12 zones. It is important that you know them since the price varies from zone to zone (some are more expensive than others). When you buy your ticket, you need to validate the zone in which you want to travel. Check them out:

If you’re still confused about all these zones and lines, you can plan your journey on the official. You can find the link a bit below in this article.

Trindade Metro Station is the most popular one

Trindade is one of the most important metro stations on the whole map , if not the most important in fact. It’s located in the centre of the city so, from that, you can understand why it is one of the most used and crowded stations.

Right in the back of Porto’s city hall, Trindade connects all the 6 lines that operate in Porto metro.

From there, you can change lines and pretty much get to any corner in the city. You can also catch the bus from there if you wish.

How to use Porto metro from the airport Francisco Sá Carneiro

Gladly, Porto’s main airport is a metro station itself. Once you reach the arrivals, pick up your bags and pass through customs’ check, you will easily find signs leading the way to the metro.

You normally have to exit the Porto airport , cross the street where you find taxis and transfers and then catch the metro on the other side.

You will hop on the purple line, also known as line E . From there, you can get to the city’s centre easily.

The journey can last half an hour on average.

You can also change lines before or after you reach Porto’s downtown.

Below you can check how to buy tickets and how much you can expect to pay (I think it’s cheap).

How to buy tickets

In every station, you can find a machine in which you can buy tickets.

Porto is one of the few cities I know (if not the only) in which there are no tourniquets, so all you need to do after buying tickets is to validate them in the yellow machines nearby and enter the metro.

In those machines, you can use cash or credit card. Either coins and notes are acceptable, but this can change from station to station.

But in general, all of them accept cards. As easy as this may seem, you do need to know the line you want to hop on and also the corresponding zone in order to buy the right ticket.

From sending money to opening bank accounts in Portugal. We also advise you to see what we’ve written about Portugal Money.

Price per tickets

Price per journey in Porto Metro depends on how many zones you’re going to travel through. That means that the shorter the journey, the cheaper it is.

Example of the price of Trindade to Casa da Música

For instance. If you need to go from Trindade to Casa da Música located in Boavista (a Monument – Opera House), you need to buy a Z2 (2 zones) ticket, which costs € 1,20.

You’ll also need a card (where you charge your journeys) which costs € 0,60.

Example of price coming or going to Porto Airport using Metro.

Example of the price of Trindade to Airport

In this case, you’ll need to get a card (andante – the blue paper one) as well, which costs € 0,60 and your journey will cost you €2.00.

How to validate the ticket

Once you bought it, you then need to validate the ticket before you enter the metro. This ticket is given to you in the form of a paper card that you must press against the yellow machines and wait for the green light and beep. You can easily find these, so don’t worry.

That’s easy, right?

How to get help

If you do need help through the process, you can ask the people who are in the main stations, such as Trindade, Bolhão, Campanhã, Estádio do Dragão or Aeroporto. Unfortunately, at smaller stations, you just find the machines and no help from the metro workers.

All of them are available in Portuguese and English, so you should be fine with no human help.

Do ask people around if needed. We’re very friendly here in Porto!

Porto metro operating hours

Porto metro operates for the whole day. Its schedule is very precise and defined for each line and station, so you can always check the nearest carriage around. There is no “high season” or “low season” since the schedules are updated based on the Winter and Summer season.

The first train normally departs before 6 am and the last one around 1 am on the following day. Between carriages, the average waiting time varies from 5 to 20 minutes (mainly on weekends).

Special dates

Some dates in the city can get very crowded. São João, for example, which is a city holiday, or Queima das Fitas (a student party that lasts for a week and one of the reasons why you should study in Porto ), get to have the metro running during the whole night (and not stopping at 1 am, but probably around 5 or 6 am).

Can I plan my trip online?

Yes, you can! Thank God for Internet, right? Porto metro has a very easy to use website with all the features you need, including a journey planner in which you can enter the station you depart from and the one you want to go to.

Then, you will find the quickest journey, the departing hours available and the estimated fare you will have to pay.

App Metro do Porto

Porto metro has a dedicated app that helps travellers get around the city. The app is free and available for Android and iOS and pretty much offers everything the site does but in a much friendly and ready to use platform.

Is it worth using?

It is, in fact. You can plan your journey in a quicker way and also know the price you’ll have to pay. You can look up the lines you’ll need to catch, the stations you have left before leaving the carriage and also set up notifications to advise you before your journey starts.

Connections between metro and train/bus

There are a lot of connections at Porto metro, so you can change trains and buses also. If you are enough attentive, you can hear the voice indications given inside the metro in the stations in which you find connections. The ones where you easily find these connections are:

• Campo 24 de Agosto;
• General Torres;
• D. João II;
• Santo Ovídio;
• Hospital São João;
• Estádio do Dragão.

It might be interesting to see the list of the most important monuments in Porto .

Tips to use the Porto metro

Since we have no tourniquets around, you may think you can travel without any ticket or payment. But do not think that, otherwise you can face the highest fine.

Keep your ticket

You should buy a ticket and keep it with you until the end of your journey since you can find security in the following stations (including the one you will leave).

As said, the ticket comes out of the machine in the form of a card, so it easy to keep it in a wallet or a pocket.

1 card per person

Each person travelling in Porto metro must have a card. You can’t have only a card for two or more people since everyone must have a ticket. There are no group tickets at the machines, so you should not have a problem with that.

Check also the top 10 tourist traps in Portugal .

1 charge per journey

One journey means one charge. Keep your card around because it is rechargeable and you do not need to pay extra for another card – you just need to pay for the journey.

Metro alternatives

Porto is well served in public transportation.

You can also use the bus, tram, scooters but I have to admit that using a bicycle can be hard, especially in the city centre.

For those who want to see most of the city, they opt to buy the Porto card or buy an hop-on hop-off red line experience . It depends on your preferences.

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Complete guide to use the bus in Porto

In general, the bus system in Porto works quite well. The schedules are usually met, the vehicles are safe and…

In general, the bus system in Porto works quite well. The schedules are usually met, the vehicles are safe and the best routes are in place to take you wherever you want to go. Moreover, there is free wifi in practically the entire bus fleet of STCP (and it works very well). Therefore, there is no reason to not take a bus in Porto!

At this point, probably you’ve already arranged a Porto airport transfer and you’re on your way to discover the city. So I wrote this guide to teach you how to use the bus in Porto. As it is a long article, use this Table of Content to jump to the sections that most interest you:

Main Tourist Routes

Port wine cellars route.

Lines 502, 500 and 901 – Lasting 60 minutes, this route is perfect to get to know important monuments of the city as well as the Port wine lodges . This route goes through sites such as Casa da Música, S erralves Contemporary Museum , the Sea Life Porto , among others.

Porto – Gaia Route

Douro and Culture Route

Museums route

University Route

Bus to / from the airport of Porto

There are several daily connections with destination / origin at Porto’s airport . There are 3 lines:

• Line 601 Cordoaria – Airport – It runs from 5h30 to 18h30, departing every 25 minutes. Main stops: Cordoaria; Galiza Square; Boavista – Bom Sucesso; Boavista – Casa da Música; Rotunda A.E.P.; Exponor; Pedras Rubras; Airport.
• Line 602 Cordoaria – Airport Via Padrão de Moreira – It also runs 5h30 to 18h30, departing every 25 minutes. Main stops: Cordoaria; Carolina Michaelis; Monte dos Burgos; Standard of the League; Ponte de Moreira; Pedras Rubras; Airport.
• Line 604 Hospital São João – Airport – It operates between 6h and 21h, with a frequency of 30 minutes. Main stops: Hospital S. João; Ponte da Pedra; Vasco da Gama; Maia (Zoo); Default Moreira; Crestins; Pedras Rubras; Airport.

Tourist Specific Bus

There are buses in Porto specifically designed for tourists, that allow you to visit the most important spots of the city in the cheapest way possible. The Hop On Hop Off bus is the most popular, taking you on a tour of the most important monuments of Porto. Moreover, it has an open deck on the top, for you to enjoy the cool breeze in warmer days.

You can buy your Hop On Hop Off bus tour ticket , but it is smarter to buy combo tickets that allow you to save some good money:

• You can get a combo ticket for the Hop On Hop Off Bus + River cruise + Port wine cellar for 25,20€. This is incredibly cheap because the river cruise costs 15€, a visit to a Port wine lodge around 15 / 18€ and the Hop on Hop off Bus around 18€/day. Save yourself some bucks by buying this online ticket.
• Another option is to get the combo ticket for the Hop On Hop Off bus + Tram + Guindais’ Elevator . This is the best option if you want to explore the city using traditional Portuguese transports – the tram is a cuttie, and I bet you won’t find such a peculiar elevator anywhere else in the world!

Where to buy tickets for the bus in Porto

– Andante Tour 1, valid for 24 consecutive hours after the first validation. The price of this card is 7€.

– Andante Tour 3, valid for 72 consecutive hours after the first validation. It costs 15€. The Andante Tour can be purchased at Andante Stores, CP Tickets with Andante sale and Tourism Offices at the Airport of Porto.

However, if you are visiting the city and want to explore the main monuments of Porto, I advise you to buy the Porto Card , the city’s official card. This card gives you free access to all buses, metro and urban trains, as well as free entry to six monuments and up to 50% discounts on the tickets of all the other monuments. It’s really worth it!

You can purchase your Porto Card for 1, 2, 3 or 4 days.

Lastly, there is Agente Único , a single use card purchased on the bus, that is valid only on that specific trip. I don’t recommend you to but this ticket as it is more expensive (2€) – it is as a last minute option of you’re in a hurry or simply forgot to buy your ticket in advance.

How to check the schedules of the bus in Porto

It is possible to check the schedule of any bus in Porto on the website www.stcp.pt , at all the bus stops or by using the SMS BUS service (I’ll explain this system down below). At some stops there is an electronic board that indicates the waiting time of all bus lines at that specific stop. Normally the waiting times are meet, unless there is a strike.

SMS BUS is a service that allows you to know in real time how long the bus will take to arrive. You send an SMS and in a couple of seconds you’ll receive another one telling you which buses will arrive at the bus stop or the schedule of the bus you want. There are 2 different ways of using the service SMS BUS:

• To know the next 4 buses to pass at that stop: send a SMS to the number 68998 with the stop code (the code is in the right upper corner of the stop).
• To find out the next 4 buses of a specific line at that stop: the process is very similar – send a SMS to the number 68998 with the stop code, and the number of the bus line that you want to know the schedule about.

Each SMS sent costs 0.25€.

Transport of strollers, wheelchairs, pets, bikes and surfboards on the bus in Porto

Basic rules to use the bus of Porto:

1- When waiting for the bus, you must wait for your turn on the queue. 2- Avoid delays by validating your ticket in advance. 3 – Whenever possible, sit as close to the rear so that more passengers can enter. 4 – When you are arriving at your exit stop, press the STOP button and get closer to the exit door, in order to avoid delays. 5- There are priority places for the elderly, disabled, pregnant women and for people accompanying children. Anyone can use these places but are obliged to stand up as soon as a passenger with any of these conditions enters the vehicle. 6- Eating, drinking and smoking inside the bus is strictly forbidden.

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Buses in Porto

• Local Porto Bus Routes

Espirito Santo Buses

Andante card.

The Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto ( STCP ) runs the efficient bus service in Porto which compliments Porto's metro and its few trams (also run by STCP) and the Guindais funicular (operated by Porto metro).

STCP's fleet of both single and double-decker buses as well as articulated buses are generally white with a blue roof and an orange stripe along the sides.

The buses are clean and comfortable, have air conditioning with many running on natural gas to reduce emissions.

Porto's buses radiate out from bus stations near major train and metro stations in Porto such as Sao Bento , Campanha , Bolhao and Casa da Musica to outlying areas of the city.

Buses in Porto usually run from around 5.30 am to 12.30 am. There are a number of M night buses in the city that run every hour. These include the 3M from Av. Aliados to Porto Airport.

The bus stops at Trindade, Carolina Michaelis, Recarei, Manso and Pedras Rubras along the way.

Note some services do not run on Sunday. Check with the excellent STCP website (in Portuguese and English) for timetables and routes.

Porto Bus Routes

Useful routes on local STCP Porto buses for tourists include:

#601 - runs from Cordoaria to Porto Airport

#602 - runs from Cordoaria to Porto Airport via Padrão de Moreira

#604 - runs from S. João Hospital to Porto Airport via Crestins

#200 - runs from Bolhao to Queijo Castle in Foz do Douro

#205 - runs from Campanha to Queijo Castle

# 206 - runs from Campanha to Br. Santo Eugénio

#207 - runs from Campanha to Mercado do Foz via the Fundação Serralves

#400 - travels from Av. Aliados to Parque Nascente via Batalha, Heroismo, Azevedo and Vila Cova

#401 - runs from Bolhão to S. Roque via the Dragão Stadium

#500 - runs from Praça Liberdade to Matosinhos via Foz do Douro

#502 - runs from Bolhão to Matosinhos via Casa da Musica and Foz do Douro

# 507 - runs between Cordoaria and Leça da Palmeira in Matoshinhos via Casa da Musica Station, Continente and MAR Shopping Center

#900 - runs from Trindade to Santo Ovidio via Vila Nova de Gaia

#901 - from Trindade via Vila Nova de Gaia to Valadares

#904 - operates from Trindade to Quinta Bela Vista

#906 - from Trindade and Aliados via Vila Nova de Gaia to the suburb of Madalena

The 3-digit bus numbers are coded by their first digit.

Thus 2 signifies west Porto, 3 is the north of the city, 4 east, 5 is Matosinhos, 6 is the Maia district, 7 Valongo, 8 for Gondomar and 9 for Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro.

Bus stops often have an electronic signboard which give arrival times of the next buses at the stop.

One of the best ways to discover Porto is to follow one of the STCP's suggested tours:

STCP offers pdf files with routes for a suggested Porto Tram Tour, Port Wine Cellars Tour, Porto-Gaia Tour, Douro and Culture Tour, Museums Tour, University Tour and Line 22 Tour following the works of architect Marques da Silva.

Espirito Santo operate the buses in Vila Nova de Gaia . Buses run from Parque das Camelias north of the Douro in Porto via Jardim do Morro and General Torres to Figueira do Mato (#30), Serzedo (#30S), Povoa do Grijo (#30P), Freixieiro (#39), Oliveira do Douro (#31) and Areinho (#31/#37).

Other buses run from Parque das Camelias to Afurada (#14), Praia do Lavadores (#12/#60), Praia do Chao Vermelho (#17), Praia do Salgueiros (#17), Miramar (#45), and Canelas (#50 from Batalha).

The #26 is a circular bus around the sights of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Tourists staying in Porto for a number of days would be advised to buy either an Andante Card or a Porto Card for easier travel on all of Porto's public transport network.

• Andante Tour 1 is valid for 24 consecutive hours after first validation and costs €7.
• Andante Tour 3 is valid for 72 consecutive hours after first validation and costs €15.

Both Andante cards allow unlimited travel on STCP buses, metro light rail and CP urban trains (between Espinho, Valongo and Travagem).

Validate your card on every journey. The Andante Tour cards can be bought at Tourist Information Offices , Sao Bento Station and Porto Airport.

Porto buses have a mainly white livery with a blue roof. Lisbon buses are predominately yellow in color.

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Porto Public Transport

Although Porto is relatively small and you can explore most of it on foot, it is always a good idea to read about its public transport.

Porto Metro

Funicular dos guindais, tourist transport, porto hop-on hop-off bus tours, rabelo boats in porto, prices and discounts.

If you're thinking of using the public transport in Porto, the cheapest way to get around the city is to get an Andante Card

Andante Card

You may also be interested in, porto airport.

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) is located 8 miles (13 km) to the north of Porto, in the Maia district. It's the second largest airport in Portugal by traffic.

Porto's Metro has 6 lines and 81 stations, but if you're planning to use it as a means of transport, take into account that it doesn't make it to most of the tourist attractions in the city.

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Transportation in Porto

How to move around the city and its surroundings

The best way to get around Porto is walking.

The center is small and during rush hour, traffic is heavy, so avoid vehicles.

If you arrive by plane, from the airport you can take the metro, a cab or rent a car .

If you arrive by train at Porto São Bento station you will be right in the city center .

If you arrive by car and you can walk without any difficulty, we recommend you to park the automobile and visit Porto by foot.

The whole center can be explored by foot. You can even cross the Dom Luis I bridge walking in order to discover the Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.

If you need to get around using public transportation, here are the options.

Porto Airport

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is small, comfortable and easy to get around. The most common way to get downtown is using the metro. However, we give you other options .

Much of the subway tracks are at ground level. Despite making it slow, you get to enjoy the views. Connects the airport to the city.

Andante Card

This is the card used for fare payment in Porto’s subway and buses. You save by charging money on it instead of buying a single ticket on board. You can buy it at the airport or at any subway station.

The Porto tourist card has a version with unlimited access to the city’s public transportation. It is cheap and a good option if you plan to use the subway or buses throughout your visit.

Porto Tramway

There are two small routes through the city center, and one that takes you along the river up to the sea, at Foz .

Porto Buses

A large network of coaches that could work better. Useful if you don’t have a subway station nearby.

Cabs in Porto

You will seldom find free cabs travelling on the street. But we leave you an app to order a cab (or ride) and a discount for your first trip.

Porto funicular

The Funicular Dos Guindais spares you the effort to climb to the Batalha area from the Ribeira . In addition, you get to enjoy the views of the river and the bridge while ascending.

Gaia cable car

A ride over the Port wine cellars , with one of the best views of the city. The ride takes only five minutes.

Porto São Bento station

The most beautiful railroad station in Portugal. From here you can take the train to other cities like Aveiro and Lisboa .

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• Porto, Braga and Vila Real

STCP - Sociedade Transportes Colectivos do Porto

Cordoaria - aeroporto (via marshopping), stcp - sociedade transportes colectivos do porto 601 bus route map - aeroporto‎→cordoaria.

STCP - Sociedade Transportes Colectivos do Porto 601 bus Route Schedule and Stops (Updated)

The 601 bus (Aeroporto‎→Cordoaria) has 39 stops departing from Aeroporto | Airport and ending at Cordoaria.

Choose any of the 601 bus stops below to find updated real-time schedules and to see their route map.

View on Map

Direction: Aeroporto‎→Cordoaria (39 stops)

Aeroporto | airport, pedras rubras | botica (metro), infanta d. mafalda, fernando távora, mar shopping - ikea, leça f. clube, francisco maia, rot. da exponor, assoc. emp. portugal, q.ta da conceicão, rot. a.e.p., man.p.azevedo 3, man.p.azevedo 2, man.p.azevedo 1, eng. ferreira dias, casa de ramalde, igreja de ramalde, são joão de brito, são joão bosco, avenida do bessa, rotunda do bessa, sidónio pais, boavista-casa da música, boavista (bom sucesso), pr. da galiza, hospital de santo antónio, what time does the 601 bus start operating.

Services on the 601 bus start at 00:20 on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

What time does the 601 bus stop working?

Services on the 601 bus stop at 23:30 on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

What time does the 601 bus arrive?

When does the Cordoaria - Aeroporto (via MARShopping) Bus line come? Check Live Arrival Times for live arrival times and to see the full schedule for the Cordoaria - Aeroporto (via MARShopping) Bus line that is closest to your location.

Does the STCP - Sociedade Transportes Colectivos do Porto 601 bus line run on Corpus Christi?

The 601 bus's operating hours on Corpus Christi may change. Check the Moovit app for latest changes and live updates.

Is there a 601 bus stop near me?

Click here to view the nearest 601 bus stop.

601 bus Schedule

601 bus route operates everyday. Regular schedule hours: 00:20 - 23:30

STCP - Sociedade Transportes Colectivos do Porto bus Service Alerts

See all updates on 601 (from Aeroporto | Airport), including real-time status info, bus delays, changes of routes, changes of stops locations, and any other service changes. Get a real-time map view of 601 (Aeroporto‎→Cordoaria) and track the bus as it moves on the map. Download the app for all STCP - Sociedade Transportes Colectivos do Porto info now.

601 line bus fare

STCP - Sociedade Transportes Colectivos do Porto 601 (Aeroporto‎→Cordoaria) prices may change based on several factors. For more information about STCP - Sociedade Transportes Colectivos do Porto tickets costs please check the Moovit app or STCP - Sociedade Transportes Colectivos do Porto’s official website.

601 (STCP - Sociedade Transportes Colectivos do Porto)

The first stop of the 601 bus route is Aeroporto | Airport and the last stop is Cordoaria. 601 (Aeroporto‎→Cordoaria) is operational during everyday. Additional information: 601 has 39 stops and the total trip duration for this route is approximately 39 minutes.

On the go? See why over 1.5 million users trust Moovit as the best public transit app. Moovit gives you STCP - Sociedade Transportes Colectivos do Porto suggested routes, real-time bus tracker, live directions, line route maps in Porto, Braga and Vila Real, and helps to find the closest 601 bus stops near you. No internet available? Download an offline PDF map and bus schedule for the 601 bus to take on your trip.

601 near me

Line 601 Real Time Bus Tracker

Track line 601 (Aeroporto‎→Cordoaria) on a live map in real time and follow its location as it moves between stations. Use Moovit as a line 601 bus tracker or a live STCP - Sociedade Transportes Colectivos do Porto bus tracker app and never miss your bus.

Use the app as a trip planner for STCP - Sociedade Transportes Colectivos do Porto or a trip planner for Metro, Bus, Train, Light Rail, Ferry, Funicular or Gondola to plan your route around Porto, Braga and Vila Real. The trip planner shows updated data for STCP - Sociedade Transportes Colectivos do Porto and any bus, including line 601, in Porto, Braga and Vila Real

601 - Alternative Directions

• 601 - Aeroporto‎→Rot. A.E.P. / Schedule
• 601 - Boavista (Casa da Música)‎→Aeroporto / Schedule
• 601 - Cordoaria‎→Aeroporto / Schedule

STCP - Sociedade Transportes Colectivos do Porto Lines in Porto, Braga and Vila Real

• 800 - Bolhão - Gondomar / Schedule
• 207 - Campanhã - Mercado Da Foz / Schedule
• 205 - Campanhã - Castelo Do Queijo / Schedule
• 209 - Pasteleira - Prelada / Schedule
• 11M - Hospital São João - Coimbrões / Schedule
• 900 - Cordoaria - Santo Ovídio / Schedule
• 403 - Boavista (Casa Música) - Campanhã / Schedule
• ZC - Estádio Do Dragão - Areias / Schedule
• 801 - Cordoaria - São Pedro Da Cova (Passal) / Schedule
• 700 - Bolhão - Campo (Rotunda) / Schedule
• 701 - Bolhão - Codiceira (Igreja) / Schedule
• 402 - Boavista (Bom Sucesso) - São Roque / Schedule
• 2M - Aliados - Hospital São João / Schedule
• 3M - Aliados - Aeroporto / Schedule
• 600 - Aliados - Maia (Barca) / Schedule
• 13M - Aliados - Matosinhos (Mercado) / Schedule
• 304 - Aliados - Sta. Luzia / Schedule
• 206 - Campanhã - Viso / Schedule
• 302 - Circular | Aliados ⟲ Damião De Gois / Schedule
• 704 - Boavista (Bom Sucesso) - Codiceira (Largo) / Schedule
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AAA Newsroom

Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

Nearly 44 Million Travelers Leaving Town for Unofficial Start of Summer

Second highest memorial day holiday travel forecast since aaa began tracking in 2000.

WASHINGTON, DC (May 13, 2024) – AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period*. This year’s total number of travelers is a 4% increase over last year and comes close to matching 2005’s record of 44 million Memorial Day travelers.  

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”   

Road trips are expected to set a record. AAA projects 38.4 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, the highest number for that holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000. The number of drivers this year is up 4% compared to last year and 1.9% higher than in 2019. Traveling by car is appealing for many people because of the convenience and flexibility it provides. AAA car rental partner Hertz says Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston and Las Vegas are the cities displaying the highest rental demand , with the busiest pick-up days projected to be Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24.  

This Memorial Day weekend drivers can expect similar gas prices as last year when the national average was roughly $3.57.  Pump prices rose this spring but have held somewhat steady in recent weeks. Prices may creep higher as the summer driving season gets underway. The wildcard remains the cost of oil, and unlike last year, there are now two wars – in the Middle East and Ukraine – that could roil the oil market.  

Airports are bracing for a spike in travelers. AAA expects 3.51 million air travelers this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year and 9% jump compared to 2019. This will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million flew for the holiday as the travel industry finally rebounded post 9/11. This Memorial Day weekend, air ticket prices are comparable to last year. AAA booking data shows a 1% to 2% increase in prices for domestic flights. Several factors play into how much travelers pay for airfare, including destination, number of stops, and fare class. For example, passengers who book nonstop flights with seat selection and carry-on bags included will likely pay more than those who select basic economy with a layover.  

  Nearly two million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. AAA projects 1.9 million people will take these other modes of transportation, an increase of 5.6% compared to last year. “This category took the biggest hit during the pandemic with fewer people taking public transportation or not cruising at all,” Twidale said. “Now – five years later – we’re back to 2019 numbers. Travel demand has been soaring, and long holiday weekends create the perfect windows for getaways.”  

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro 

INRIX , a provider of transportation data and insights, says drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters. Travelers going back home on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.   

“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal. Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX.  

Please note that the times listed below are for the time zone in which the metro is located.   

For example, Atlanta routes = ET and Los Angeles routes = PT

Source: INRIX   

Source: INRIX  

Top Destinations 

This Memorial Day weekend, travelers are seeking theme parks and entertainment venues in Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, and Southern California. Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver rank high because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Florida beaches and cruise ports will also be packed. European cities dominate the international list. The top 10 domestic and international destinations below are based on AAA booking data.  

Travel Trends   

As travelers make plans for summer and beyond, AAA Travel has identified the following trends:  

• Bucket Lists : Travelers taking once-in-a-lifetime trips  
• Milestones : Families booking anniversary, retirement, and family reunion trips  
• Asia : More travelers interested in visiting Asia, especially Japan   
• Solo Trips : More people, especially women, interested in traveling by themselves  
• Luxury Vacations : More travelers seeking high-end cruises and tours  
• Trains : Many travelers interested in rail vacations across New England, Canada, and Europe  
• Adventure in Nature : Travelers booking trips to Antarctica, Africa, and South Pacific  

  Travel Agent Survey  

A recent survey of AAA travel agents highlights topics travelers are frequently discussing when booking trips:  

• Travel Insurance : 51 % of agents say more travelers are interested in protecting their trips  
• 77% of agents say ocean cruises  
• 70% of agents say all-inclusive vacations  
• 67% of agents say river cruises  

Holiday Travel Forecast Methodology   

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices, including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.   

Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM . The PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.  

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of April 15, 2024.   

*Memorial Day Holiday Travel Period   

For this forecast, the Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as the five-day period from Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27, 2024.   

AAA Travel Agent Survey Methodology 

AAA clubs distributed surveys to a random sample of their travel agents between March 18 and March 29, 2024 to understand recent traveler trends over the past 60 days. 186 AAA agent responses were collected from 13 AAA clubs (representing 97% of AAA membership overall as of February 2024).  

About AAA    

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com.   

About S&P Global   S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses, and individuals with the right data, expertise, and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges, and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity, and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow today. For more information, visit  www.spglobal.com .   

About DKSA    

DK SHIFFLET boasts the industry’s most complete database on U.S. resident travel both in the U.S. and worldwide. Data is collected monthly from a U.S. representative sample, adding over 60,000 traveling households annually, and is used daily by leading travel organizations and their strategic planning groups. DK SHIFFLET is an MMGY Global company.   

About INRIX     

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.   

Discover The Lesser-Known Wine Region Sommeliers Recommend Visiting In 2024

S ummer is quickly approaching and the time to plan your next big getaway has officially arrived! This year, sommeliers and wine enthusiasts are turning their attention to one of Europe’s most beautiful hidden gems, the Douro Valley.

Located in northern Portugal, about 2 hours from Porto, this stunning region is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, but has only been on the wine tourism radar for the past two decades. Once overshadowed by more prominent European wine destinations like Bordeaux and Tuscany, the Douro Valley is currently gaining recognition for its unique varietals and expanding roster of options.

Chicago Sommelier Joseph Lapi believes this destination is going to be the hot ticket in 2024 thanks to its “unique terroir, quality wines, value, and growing recognition.”

“The region’s steep slopes and hot climate are ideal for growing a variety of indigenous grape varieties, which are used to produce rich, full-bodied wines with bold fruit flavors and a distinct minerality,” Lapi told Forbes. “In 2024, the regions exhibiting great value will shine.”

READ NEXT: The 12 Best Douro Valley Wineries To Visit In 2024

The Douro Valley’s claim to fame lies primarily in its production of Port wine, but this stunning wine country has so much more to offer. The region is home to an array of family-owned wineries that produce rich and diverse table wines, from robust reds to crisp whites.

Adam Diaz, wine director at The Press Room in Chicago recently commented on the region’s growing popularity. “The Douro Valley is known for more than just Port wines now — they’ve got some great reds and whites and you can enjoy vineyards with amazing views,” the sommelier said.

The terroir here is unique, featuring steeply terraced vineyards that cling to the slopes of the Douro River, creating a dramatic backdrop for wine tours and tastings. Sommeliers and wine critics alike have praised the valley’s innovative winemakers, who blend traditional practices with modern techniques to create wines that are both distinctive and exquisite.

Douro Valley wineries offer a range of experiences with family-owned operations like Quinta do Vallado that date as far back as 1716 to the more modern Quinta da Roêda, a quinta owned by Croft. Perhaps the most interesting of these is Quinta do Tedo, owned by a Frenchman from Burgundy’s renowned Bouchard family. Here, the winemakers adhere to time-honored winemaking practices, meticulously hand-harvesting grapes and some crushing still done by foot.

Is all their hard work paying off? Expert opinions on the region seem to indicate that it is.

In an interview with Vine Pair, Sommelier Luke Boland said that the Douro Valley produces some of the most underrated wines that can easily go head-to-head with those from more recognizable locales. He claims Portugal’s textural white wines with fresh acidity often “outperform the wines of other lauded regions while providing a similar drinking experience.”

READ NEXT: 16 Phenomenal Port Wineries in Porto, Portugal

In addition to its world-class wines, the Douro Valley offers plenty of cultural and gorgeous natural scenery. Picturesque villages, historic quintas, and river cruises are just a few of the things you can do when you visit. Whether you’re a Sommelier-in-training or a casual wine drinker, the Douro Valley promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of a wine region that’s quickly gaining steam.

The post Discover The Lesser-Known Wine Region Sommeliers Recommend Visiting In 2024 appeared first on Sydney to Anywhere | Travel Blog .

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1. Passenger Ticket

The usage of the Metro do Porto vehicles is reserved for passengers with valid transport tickets only.

Children under the age of 4 may travel for free when accompanied by a person holding a valid ticket.

2. Passenger Access

Passengers who wish to enter the vehicle must give priority to those exiting.

Entry into a vehicle that is clearly full is not permitted.

Passengers should not remain by the doors, preventing or hindering the entrance or exit of other passengers.

3. Priority Seats

On the Metro do Porto network some seats are preferentially reserved for disabled people, pregnant women, the elderly or children; these seats are duly identified.

4. Transport of Objects and Animals

The transport of objects and animals aboard the trains on the Metro do Porto system is only permitted in the following terms:

Bicycles may only access the train via the rear door. The owner of the bicycle is fully liable for any accident resulting from the transport of the same. Unless possessing special written authorisation, which is reserved for exceptional cases (i.e. guide dogs), only small household pets transported inside a basket are permitted to travel on the Metro do Porto network.

5. Lost and Found

All objects found on the Metro do Porto network must be handed over to staff and may be claimed by their rightful owners up to a week afterwards at the Lost and Found service of the operating company, which is located at its headquarters.

6. Conditions of Carriage

To read the conditions of carriage, click here.

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A first-timer's guide to Gran Canaria, Spain

May 13, 2024 • 9 min read

Get to know Gran Canaria, the third-largest Canary Island, with this first-timer's guide © Maremagnum / Getty Images

Ross Clarke has recently returned from Gran Canaria where he was researching for the upcoming Canary Islands guidebook (publishing November 2024). Here he creates the ultimate guide to help you start planning your vacation to the Canaries' third-largest island.

When you fly into Gran Canaria or traverse its coastline by boat to dock at one of its ports, you instantly understand why this island has captivated and intrigued people for centuries.

It’s been given the nickname of "the continent in miniature" due to its diverse terrain, and "the land of eternal spring" for its climate. The original inhabitants before the Spanish named it "Tamaran," and their legacy can be seen across the island in remains of their cave dwellings and artefacts.

Gran Canaria is the middle child of the archipelago, having sprung up from the ocean floor about 14 million years ago. It is often compared to its neighbor, Tenerife , but each of the islands has its own merits.

Most people will know Gran Canaria for its beaches and resorts, particularly Maspalomas in the south that encompasses the popular spot of Playa del Inglés . And while the beaches and sunny weather are spectacular, there’s much more to this beautiful island than sand, sun and sea, from incredible history and culture, magnificent sights and natural wonders, to outstanding food and wine.

When should I go to Gran Canaria?

For many years, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria held the title for the city with the best climate in the world. This is because the capital enjoys a temperate year-round climate with little rain and rarely scorching temperatures. Interestingly, Gran Canaria has its own microclimate, meaning that it can have hot, dry, sunny weather in the arid south, chilly, crisp and fresh temperatures in its mountainous center, and humid, hazy vibes in the north.

Gran Canaria is incredibly popular for winter sun, and beaches can be busy with tourists even in January – although you’re unlikely to spot a Canarian sunbathing until after April. Winter also plays host to several celebrations, including one of the world’s largest carnivals in February. These more-than-week-long celebrations take over the whole island and there are parties, parades and plenty of costumes and fun. 

Summer also gets busy when the mercury can hit 30°C (86°F), however, with more than 60km (37 miles) of beaches around the island’s coast, you can usually find a spot on the sand to soak up some rays. Autumn and spring can be good times to visit, and prices tend to be a little lower, places less busy and temperatures ideal for exploring and sightseeing.

How much time should I spend in Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria is both ideal for an exciting city break over a long weekend, a week-long beach holiday or an extended stay. In fact, it’s one of the most popular places for remote workers looking to balance work with the laid-back island lifestyle.

If you’re here for a week, you’re probably going to want to hit the beach (and I can’t blame you). While the dunes of Maspalomas are a sight to behold, try one of the quieter beaches such as Melenara near Telde or the remote Playa Güigüí – it’s a bit of a hike but well worth it for unspoilt sand and an all-over tan if that’s your thing! Once you’re suitably bronzed, consider hiring a car and visiting the center of the island. You’ll find fragrant and fire-resistant Canarian pine trees, family-run vineyards, and soaring volcanic monoliths such as Roque Bentayga , which were worshipped by the island’s original pre-Hispanic inhabitants.

If you’re hopping off a cruise ship or here for a city break, the capital city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – to give it its full name – is Spain’s eighth largest city and exudes a cool cosmopolitan vibe. It’s incredibly foodie and it’s worth indulging in the restaurant scene, from cool Canarian dishes by the beach in Mar Gastrotasca , to fine dining at Muxgo – the island’s first Green Michelin Star restaurant thanks to its 0km (0 mile) food philosophy. Don’t miss the beautiful Las Canteras beach with its natural barrier reef that protects the shore and makes the seawater almost swimming-pool like. The old town of Vegueta and Triana is also worth a visit to wander the historic streets and museums.

Is it easy to get in and around Gran Canaria?

The island has one major airport, Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), located about halfway down the east coast, which covers both international and domestic flights. It’s easy to get from the airport to all major resorts by bus, taxi or hire car. 

The bus network is extensive and reaches all parts of the island. Buses are inexpensive and reliable and run by Guaguas Global . In the capital, you’ll see yellow buses. These run the length and breadth of the city and are operated by Guaguas Municipales . Single journeys start at €1.40.

Car hire is a great way to explore the island. Prices are generally good value although can peak during busy periods so it’s advisable to book ahead. Try using a local company if you can such as Cicar or Tirma . You could easily drive the circumference of the island in a single day, it is so compact, but it’s worth taking your time and planning journeys in advance so you don’t miss anything. Make sure to fill up with fuel before heading inland, as the steep, winding mountain roads can deplete reserves quicker than you think.

From the ports in Las Palmas and Agaete, you can catch ferries and high-speed catamarans to neighboring islands including Tenerife.

3 of the best things to do in Gran Canaria

1. see the waves of sand.

The rolling, shapeshifting, undulating dunes of Maspalomas should be on anyone’s must-visit list. These mountains of golden sand were here long before any development started in the resorts that now surround the protected space. Over the last few years, the Canarian government has brought in strict regulations for the dunes in order to preserve and protect them. There are several dedicated routes that you can walk that’ll take you to various parts including oases and La Charca nature reserve, a home to migratory birds. For your own bird's-eye views, head to the panoramic Atelier Cocktail Bar on the top of the Bohemia Suites hotel.

2. Climb the the Roques

There are two very famous monoliths in the center of the island, both of which are worth a visit. The Roque Nublo is the more famous, standing at a height of 80m (262ft) and soaring nearly 2000m (6561ft) above sea level. The trek to the rock is relatively easy and takes about 30–40 minutes.

Alternatively, try climbing to the Roque Bentayga . This was the last point of defence for the island’s original inhabitants, and it’s easy to see why as it stands on a plinth with views of the surrounding sunken volcanic crater. Check out the ground at the top, there are carvings and holes in the stone that are still a mystery to historians.

3. Wander the old town of Las Palmas

No visit to the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is complete without a stroll around the beautiful historic streets of Vegueta. Take a trip up the bell towers of the imposing Catedral Metropolitana de Santa Ana de Canarias to get views over the city, sea and surrounding rooftops. Nearby, stop at the Museo Canario to learn all about the island’s original inhabitants and visit the rather creepy skeleton room containing many real examples of their mummified and skeletal remains. Finish with a visit to Terraza Belvédère to enjoy a local wine on the rooftop overlooking the Santa Ana Square.

My favourite thing to do in Gran Canaria

I’m a sucker for a good market, and in Gran Canaria you’re spoilt for choice, from craft and artisan pop-ups to food and agriculture. One of my favorites, that I used to go to regularly when I lived in Las Palmas, is the weekend market in Vega de San Mateo. There are two giant warehouses that are full to the brim with stall holders. One is for crafts and but the other (which is my favorite) is the agricultural one. I love nosing at the stalls and chatting to the stallholders who often give you little taster of their baked goods or let you sniff spices. There is usually a stall selling truchas de batata – sweet potato pasties – that I devour in an instant. It’s also a good place to pick up non-touristy souvenirs such as seeds, herbs and sauces.

My other favorite is the weekend market at Teror. This town is famous for two things: the church dedicated to the island’s patron saint, Virgen del Pino; and chorizo de Teror , a sort of spreadable chorizo paste. You’ll find countless stalls selling bocadillos (rolls as big as your head) slathered in chorizo de Teror and fresh cheese.

How much money do I need for Gran Canaria?

Gran Canaria can be relatively cheap if you avoid the obvious tourist traps. The currency is the Euro (€) and most places take credit and debit cards. Over recent years cash has been on a decline, but it’s worth carrying some Euros in case you need them, especially in less touristic and developed areas.

• Hotel room: €50–250 per night
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): €75–100 per night
• Bus ticket: €2.50
• Coffee: €1.50
• Tapas for two: €25–40
• Beer/glass of wine: €3
• Bottle of local wine: €15–30

Is this a family-friendly destination?

Canarian people adore children, and you’ll find families socialize together from grandparents to babies until all hours. And don’t be surprised if Canarios talk to your children before they speak to you – the island is extremely family friendly.

Is Gran Canaria good for gay travelers?

Gran Canaria is one of the most popular destinations for the LGBTIQ+ community. The island and islanders are incredibly open, and it is a safe environment to be yourself. Each year there is a famous Winter Pride in Playa del Inglés, centered around the Yumbo Centrum – the world’s only LGBTIQ+ shopping center – where you’ll find bars, shops, restaurants and clubs.

What is the calima ?

Some days in Gran Canaria, you might find that the air is very hot and yet it’s foggy or misty. This is known as the calima – the hot winds that blow over from the nearby Sahara Desert carrying sand dust in the air. While it won’t hurt you, it can make temperatures and being outside unpleasant.

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