12 Places You MUST Visit During Your Erasmus in Porto

Living your Erasmus in Porto? Then you’re about to spend a semester (or a whole year) in one of Europe’s most beautiful and exciting cities. Between the riverside views, student parties, and endless things to explore, Porto will easily feel like home.

To make sure you don’t miss a thing, here’s the ultimate bucket list of 12 places you absolutely must during your Erasmus in Porto. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, and even some incredible Erasmus trips, this guide has you covered.

1. Aveiro & Costa Nova – Boats and Striped Houses 🚤🏖️

Only about 50 minutes from Porto by train, Aveiro is known as the Portuguese Venice. Colorful boats (moliceiros) float along canals, while tiled Art Nouveau houses line the streets. It’s charming, walkable, and perfect for a one-day escape.

But don’t stop there: just outside the city lies Costa Nova, famous for its bright striped houses along the beach. Imagine a backdrop of rainbow beach huts, perfect for Instagram shots with your Erasmus crew. On a sunny day, this combo of culture and beach life is unbeatable.

💡 Tip: Rent a bike in Aveiro and ride along the canals before heading to Costa Nova for a sunset by the ocean.

2. Braga – Portugal’s Youngest City 🙌

Braga is one of Portugal’s liveliest cities thanks to its huge student population. Beyond the Erasmus-like vibe, it’s packed with history and stunning architecture.

The highlight is Bom Jesus do Monte, a sanctuary with a dramatic staircase leading to panoramic views over the city. Downtown, you’ll find buzzing cafés, affordable restaurants, and nightlife filled with students.

And it’s just a 45-minute train away from Porto by train!

💡 Why go as Erasmus? It feels like a city built for students—super welcoming, lively, and easy to explore in one day.

3. Guimarães – The Birthplace of Portugal 🏰

Known as the “cradle of Portugal,” Guimarães is where the country began. Its medieval streets are so well-preserved they feel like stepping back in time.

Visit the Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes, then wander into Largo da Oliveira, a square surrounded by cozy cafés where you can sit, grab a drink, and soak in the history. Only 45 minutes away from Porto by train.

💡 Why Erasmus students love it: It’s small, authentic, and packed with charm. A perfect cultural trip when you want a break from Porto’s party scene.

4. Erasmus Surf Camp 🏄‍♂️🔥

Portugal has some of the best waves in Europe, and surfing is a must-try during your Erasmus. The Erasmus Surf Camp is all about more than just surfing—it’s days of lessons by the ocean, beach vibes, and parties at night with internationals from all over the world.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never touched a surfboard in your life—the atmosphere is all about fun and bonding. By the end, you’ll leave with salty hair, new skills, and dozens of new Erasmus friends.

And obviously, it’s not just another Surf Camp. It’s an opportunity to get to know a whole different corner of Portugal: the Silver Coast.

💡 Tip: Even if you’re not into surfing, go for the vibe. The campfires and beach parties alone make it worth it.

Check here when the next Surf Camp will happen!

5. Douro Valley – Wine, Views & River Magic 🍷

The Douro Valley is one of the most stunning landscapes in Portugal. Endless vineyards roll down hillsides to meet the Douro River, and the views are straight out of a painting.

You can do a river cruise, visit wine estates, or just road trip along the valley with friends. And of course—Port wine tastings are non-negotiable.

💡 Why go: It’s the kind of trip that mixes chill vibes with cultural exploration. One moment you’re learning how wine is made, the next you’re sipping it overlooking sunset in the valley.

6. Gerês – Portugal’s Natural Wonderland 🌲💧

Peneda-Gerês National Park is the country’s only national park, and it’s a dream for nature lovers. Waterfalls, hiking trails, wild horses, and lagoons where you can swim in crystal-clear water—it feels like a hidden paradise.

Go with a group, bring snacks, and spend the day exploring. If you’re feeling adventurous, stay overnight and camp under the stars.

💡 Erasmus Tip: Bring proper shoes and don’t just stick to the touristy waterfalls—there are secret lagoons you’ll only discover by hiking further.

7. Lisbon – Portugal’s Capital Energy 🌆

A weekend in Lisbon is a must. From the historic tram 28 to the miradouros (viewpoints) with epic sunsets, Lisbon is a city of contrasts—modern yet traditional, chaotic yet charming.

Don’t miss the Belém Tower, the LX Factory for hipster vibes, and the nightlife in Bairro Alto where students party until sunrise.

💡 Erasmus Tip: Lisbon is more expensive than Porto, but if you split an Airbnb with friends, it becomes an unforgettable weekend trip.

8. Azores Islands 🌋🌿

Imagine volcanoes, hot springs, and landscapes so surreal they look like another planet. That’s the Azores.

The Azores Expedition by Erasmus Fun is one of the most unique trips you can do: whale watching, hiking around volcanic lakes, chilling in natural thermal pools, and exploring untouched nature.

💡 Why Erasmus students love it: It’s an adventure that feels once-in-a-lifetime, and you’ll experience it with people from all over the world.

9. Sintra – Palaces from a Fairytale 🏰🌈

Sintra, just outside Lisbon, is pure magic. The Pena Palace looks like a toy castle painted in bright yellow and red, while the Quinta da Regaleira hides mysterious gardens and an iconic inverted tower (the initiation well).

💡 Perfect Erasmus trip: Do Lisbon + Sintra in one weekend—you get city vibes one day and fantasy vibes the next.

10. Algarve – Beaches & Party Paradise ☀️🌊

Golden cliffs, hidden caves, and Erasmus-style beach parties—welcome to the Algarve. Lagos and Albufeira are the student favorites, with affordable hostels, epic nightlife, and beaches that rank among the best in Europe.

Spend the day exploring sea caves like Benagil, and by night, get ready for unforgettable parties by the ocean.

💡 Tip: Go with a group—the Algarve is all about sharing the experience. But be careful when booking big groups trips with so called “Erasmus Agencies”. Most of these programs absolutely suck and are way too expensive.

11. Morocco Expedition (by Erasmus Fun) 🐪✨

Why stop in Portugal when you can hop to another continent? The Morocco Expedition is one of the wildest trips you’ll do in Erasmus. And it’s an extremely affordable program with direct, cheap flights from Porto and Lisbon. We’ve been on the expedition before and we can tell you – it’s THE expedition for Morocco. It’s the cheapest, the most complete and the most fun.

From bargaining in Marrakesh souks to riding camels into the Sahara desert, it’s pure adventure. At night, sitting around a campfire under the desert stars with your Erasmus friends—it doesn’t get more magical.

💡 Why go: It’s not every day you get to say your Erasmus took you from Europe to Africa.

12. Coimbra – Portugal’s Student Capital 🎓🎶

Known as the “city of students,” Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. The vibe here is different—it’s tradition mixed with student culture.

Visit the Joanina Library (straight out of Harry Potter vibes), the Royal Palace of Coimbra, and if you’re here in May, don’t miss Queima das Fitas, Portugal’s biggest student festival.

💡 Why Erasmus students love it: It’s like stepping into the history of student life itself.

Your Erasmus in Porto is much bigger than just the city. From the medieval streets of Guimarães to the volcanic landscapes of the Azores, from partying in the Algarve to surfing with internationals, each trip adds a new story to your Erasmus adventure.

👉 Don’t just study in Porto—live Portugal (and beyond) to the fullest.