On the night of 23 June, Porto celebrates São João, its patron saint, with one of the most joyful street parties in Europe. In 2027 the big night falls on a Wednesday, with the 24th a public holiday in Porto.
What happens
The whole city takes to the streets. People tap each other on the head with plastic hammers, the smell of grilled sardines fills every corner, and paper balloons drift up into the sky. At midnight, fireworks light up the Douro between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Then the crowd walks down towards the sea at Foz, where the night traditionally ends at sunrise.
How to get there from Lisbon
Porto is about 315 km from Lisbon, around 3 hours by car. Trains and hotels fill up for São João, and most visitors combine the festival with a few days in the north. Our Lisbon to Porto private tour turns the journey into a day of its own: we collect you at your Lisbon hotel and you choose two stops on the way, arriving at your Porto hotel in time for the evening.
The price is per vehicle: 334€ for up to 3 guests in an estate car, 641€ for up to 7 in a van.
Suggested stops on the way
- Coimbra, the university city, with its historic library and old town above the river.
- Batalha, with its Gothic monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Aveiro, the city of canals and moliceiro boats, an hour from Porto.
- Nazaré for lunch by the sea and the clifftop view.
Good to know
- Book your Porto accommodation early; São João is one of the busiest nights of the year.
- Expect to walk a lot, and late. Comfortable shoes and a light jacket for the river breeze.
- The plastic hammers are part of the fun. Nobody takes offence.
Frequently asked questions
When is São João in Porto in 2027?
The festival night is Wednesday 23 June 2027, and the 24th is a public holiday in Porto.
How long does it take from Lisbon to Porto?
About 3 hours by car. With our one-way private tour you add two stops on the way, such as Coimbra or Aveiro.
What time are the fireworks?
Traditionally at midnight, over the Douro between Porto and Gaia.
Plan your trip to São João Festival, Porto
Tell us your date and group. We reply by email within 24 hours with a route and a confirmed price. No payment is needed to enquire.
Related
- One-way Private Tour · From 334€ per vehicleLisbon to Porto Private Tour with Stops
- Event · November – January 2027 · dates TBCÓbidos Vila Natal
- Event · Season December 2026 – January 2027Christmas and New Year in Lisbon
- CustomBuild your own day: choose the stops and get an estimate
- EventsSee all events in the calendar
Sources and official information: Visit Porto. Dates and programmes can change; always check the official sources before you travel.
