Alternatively, you could detour to Aveiro and experience the so-called “Venice of Portugal,” complete with its own fleet of colorful gondolas. The town carries on the ancient fishing tradition along with other sea-based industries, like salt and seaweed harvesting. The cottages surrounding the canals are colorful and boast more of the vibrantly painted tiles synonymous with Portugal.

If you prefer a direct trip, enjoy the unmatched comfort and efficiency of a Daytrip private transfer and be whisked to Salamanca without a worry.

The city offers visitors an interesting blend of bustling city life and historical and cultural experiences, such as explorations of the many monuments and cathedrals and visits to the iconic University of Salamanca.

There are many folklore stories associated with the biggest attractions, like the Salamanca Cave where it’s said that witchcraft used to be taught. The monuments themselves sometimes also hide icons, such as a tiny frog on the University’s facade, which is said to bring luck to the students.

The student atmosphere lends itself to busy nights out at a wide variety of restaurants and bars and means that the city offers a great live music scene. The intricate sandstone architecture gives visitors to the city a sense of perpetual golden hour and makes for an incredible backdrop to tapas tours and historical education in the heart of Spain.

Your journey with a friendly English-speaking driver gives you the chance to get some local insights en-route and ensure your trip stays on track without the variance that can sometimes affect public transport timetables.

Book ahead - especially in the summer

Both Salamanca and Porto are incredibly popular tourist destinations, doubly so in the summer months. It is important to book your accommodation, transport, and any guided tours or activities (such as tapas walking tours) well in advance during this time of year especially to avoid disappointment.

Train and bus from Porto to Salamanca

There are no direct trains from Porto to Salamanca, but it is possible to take a train as far as Aveiro before switching to a bus for the remaining 5-hour journey to Salamanca. This option takes just under 6 hours, and the tickets for the total journey tend to be around $40. There are more night bus options available on this route than on the direct from Porto route.

River cruise from Porto to Salamanca

There are a range of river cruises offered along this route, though importantly not all of them will operate as simple transfers and will instead be extended tours of this region over several days. Going by boat can take considerably longer and can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. These cruises also tend to be offered as a round-trip package, rather than as a direct boat trip to Salamanca.

Private car transfer from Porto to Salamanca

The best option for many travelers is to choose a private car transfer with Daytrip for this trip. It's the fastest option, with a total travel time of only about 3.5 hours, offering you stress-free service for $83 per person. This gets you door-to-door service with a friendly, professional driver, and offers you the chance to stop en route for sightseeing.

The new cathedral takes on Renaissance and Baroque influences and houses fascinating depictions of the Virgin of the Assumption as well as those of Saint John the Baptist and other significant catholic figures.

Visit the University

The University of Salamanca is famous for being Spain’s first-ever institution of higher learning, established in 1218 by King Alfonso IX. It was quickly recognized as one of the world’s greatest universities alongside those in Oxford, Paris, and Bologna in the 13th century. The campus itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site well worth exploring to appreciate its ancient beauty and witness the lively educational atmosphere it still provides today.

Stop by Plaza Mayor

This large Baroque square in the heart of Salamanca is popular for its wealth of cafes, restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities. It is a great place to take a coffee break while exploring to sit and enjoy the remarkable symmetry of the many repeating arches of the busy square. The Playa Mayor is one of the most impressive squares in Spain and is well worth a visit for any traveler.

Try a tapas tour

Synonymous with Spain, Tapas are a tasty point of interest in Salamanca. Many different tour companies offer walking tapas tours that allow you to eat and drink your way through all the best that the city has to offer, which is a great way to sample plenty of the local dishes all at once.