Summary
The Douro Valley, located in the northern region of Portugal, welcomes visitors to an enchanting world of terraced vineyards and dramatic landscapes. Considered to be the country’s premier wine region, it has gained in popularity in recent years as more and more travelers explore the region to get a taste of Portugal’s world-renowned wines!
It’s somewhat surprising that despite being Portugal’s most famous wine country, this alluring region has still managed to fly under the radar and is considered one of the off-the-beaten-track spots to visit in Portugal. While most tourists head to the larger cities of Lisbon, Porto, or even to the golden shores of the Algarve, those in the know instead head to the Douro Valley!
Douro Valley Guide
Exploring the Douro Valley will surely offer stunning vistas, delicious port and wine, and an endless swathe of vineyards cascading down the lush green hills. Moreover, you cannot ignore the delectable Portuguese gastronomy that should absolutely be on your list of experiences during your visit to Portugal.
Whether you want to plan a day trip from Porto or even a couple of days (which is highly recommended), you’ll have the opportunity to visit some of the famous wineries and port makers in Portugal and uncover the hidden delights of the Douro.
Best Towns and Villages to Visit in the Douro Valley
Regardless of whether you take a train, a cruise, or drive through this region, you can expect a delightful absence of crowded streets or traffic jams, allowing for a peaceful exploration. Discover some fascinating towns and villages in the Douro River Valley region, most of which remain relatively undiscovered.
Here are some of the popular towns and scenic places to visit in the Douro Valley.
Pinhão
Pinhão is probably the most famous village in the Douro Valley and one that most visitors flock to. Here, many river cruises commence. The village itself is charming and sleepy, coming alive during harvest season in September. This is also one of the most beautiful times of year to visit the Douro Valley when autumn hues of reds, oranges, and gold color the landscape.
In the town itself, the train station is worth a visit for its beautiful tiled works. Nearby, you’ll find another exciting viewpoint to take in the incredible landscape. Indeed, the Casal de Loivos Miradouro viewpoint was named by the BBC as among the most spectacular in the world.
Lamego
Beautiful Lamego and the nearby Peso da Régua serve as the gateways to the Douro Valley region with many visitors arriving here by train from Porto. Lamego itself is a fantastic base for exploring the area and boasts incredible architecture, including the Our Lady of Remedies Sanctuary and the historic center, which includes the Lamego Cathedral dating back to 1129 and the Lamego Castle. If charm and history are what you seek, Lamego is certainly worth a visit.
Trevões
The town of Trevões is located south of the river, away from the more popular northern villages. It’s a quaint town that offers stunning views thanks to its vantage point. Dating back to the Middle Ages, this small village of around 500 inhabitants is renowned for its architecture and national monuments.
The Igreja Matriz de Santa Marinha de Trevões church, with its intricate wooden ceilings and ornate golden statues dating back centuries, is a must-see. The Museu do Trevões also pays homage to local culture and history with captivating displays, making it a great avenue to learn about the town’s past.
Barcos
The medieval village of Barcos, located in the Tabuaço municipality, dates back hundreds of years, transporting you to a bygone era. Here, you can wander through the historic town and admire some of its most significant sights, such as the Nossa Senhora de Sabroso Chapel, the Roda dos Expostos, or the town hall.
Provesende
The charming village of Provesende is situated just 13 kilometers / 8 miles from Pinhão, and you can even hike between these two villages while passing São Cristovão do Douro. However, this incredibly steep hike is not for the unfit!
The town itself features an impressive array of noble manor homes alongside quaint cottages. With a rich and intriguing history that dates back to the Iron Age, this picturesque town is well worth a visit when traveling through the Douro.
Top Wineries to Visit in the Douro Valley
With a rich history spanning 2000 years of wine production, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions globally. It goes without saying that wine tourism is a prominent attraction in the Douro, and visiting a few traditional wineries and estates, known as ‘Quintas,’ is an absolute must. Here are some noteworthy wineries to visit in the Douro Valley.
Quinta de Ventozelo
The Quinta de Ventozelo estate offers breathtaking vistas over the valley, along with a fantastic wine experience. This land was once farmed by Cistercian monks and has a rich history dating back to 1288. Currently, it forms part of the Gran Cruz group, one of Portugal’s largest port wine exporters.
The estate produces a variety of wines, gins, and olive oil. You can experience an immersive guided tour through this picturesque Quinta, learning all about its history and current production practices.
Quinta da Pacheca
Another notable vineyard is Quinta da Pacheca, famous for its vast barrel rooms where visitors can spend the night amidst the vineyard. As you explore this estate, which also serves as a popular wedding venue, you can enjoy guided tours and taste some exceptional port and wines, some aged 30 to 40 years.
Consider indulging in a spot of relaxation at their onsite vineyard spa or participate in a range of experiences, including harvesting, culinary, and wine tasting events offered.
Cellars of Murganheira
In the heart of the Verosa Valley lies the Murganheira estate, recognized as one of Portugal’s premier sparkling wine producers (they also produce some still wines).
Murganheira offers 30-minute guided tours from Tuesday to Saturday, showcasing their unique “Dégorgement à la Volée” manual fermentation process and the interesting granite cellars where their sparkling wines age.
Quinta do Tedo
Quinta do Tedo is another fabulous wine estate to visit where you can tour the winery and learn about the production of Port and Wine, along with olive orchards. For those eager for hands-on experience, you might enjoy traditional grape trampling during the harvest season.
Complete your visit by booking an overnight stay in the Quinta do Tedo Bed & Breakfast, featuring a swimming pool and stunning views of the valley.
Other Attractions in Douro Valley
Your journey to the majestic Douro Valley from Porto takes approximately an hour and a half by car, and the experience here promises to be unforgettable. The landscapes are composed of rolling green hills, vineyards, wine estates, and the beautiful Douro River that winds through the region.
Beyond its picturesque villages and vineyards, the Douro Valley offers plenty of exploration opportunities. Here are some of its top attractions.
Parque Natural do Douro Internacional
Explore this stunning natural park located along the Douro River and extending across four municipalities. The International Natural Park of Douro, one of 13 natural parks in Portugal, serves as a border between Portugal and Spain. Drive through the park to experience its flora, fauna, and natural beauty across approximately 86,500 hectares.
Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
Visit the Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios church and sanctuary in Lamego. Climb the 686 steps to reach the shrine, situated at the hilltop, where grand views of the valley can be appreciated from the Pelican fountain.
São Salvador do Mundo Sanctuary
Head to the sanctuary of São Salvador do Mundo for more breathtaking views. This sanctuary comprises ten smaller chapels located along the hillside. The vistas of the Cachão da Valeira canyon and Douro River are simply exquisite from this point.
Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley
Immerse yourself in the region’s history by visiting the Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley. This fascinating site allows you to admire the rock art featured at the world’s largest open-air Palaeolithic museum, which encompasses over 2,000 years of history.
Drive along National Highway 222
Estrada Nacional 222 or Highway 222 may seem an unusual attraction, yet this scenic stretch of road that meanders 27 kilometers / 17 miles from Régua to Pinhão is a must! Known for its thrilling experience with 93 bends, it also provides some of the most spectacular views of the region and its lush green rolling hills.
Admire the Azulejos
While in Pinhão, make a special trip to the small train station, which is worth a stopover. The station building showcases beautiful azulejos, traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles often hand-painted. Neglecting to admire these blue and yellow pieces of art would be a mistake!
Where to Stay in Douro Valley
The stunning Douro Valley region extends beyond the Douro River and features charming towns throughout. Whether you visit for a day or decide to linger longer, the valley holds plenty of activities to engage you for several days. Explore local vineyards, shop for Portuguese souvenirs, and admire unique places of interest along the way.
For accommodation, there are numerous choices in the heart of the Douro wine region. Popular bases for tourists in the region include Peso da Régua, Lamego, and Pinhão.
The contemporary 4* Lamego Hotel & Life, set in its own orchard and vineyard just a short walk from the town center, along with the opulent 5* Six Senses Douro Valley Hotel, are exceptional accommodations to consider.
Seeking a truly unique experience? Consider staying at the beautiful Quinta da Pacheca (The Wine House Hotel) wine estate, where you can even spend a night in a large wine barrel room.
How to Get to the Douro Valley & Getting Around
Situated in northern Portugal alongside the Douro River, the Douro Valley region is approximately 120 kilometers / 75 miles from Porto when traveling by car from Porto to Peso da Régua.
Most travelers arrive in Porto and either plan a day trip to the Douro, being one of the top things to do while in Porto, or opt for several nights to explore the towns, cities, and ‘Quintas’ (wine estates) throughout the region offering a broader scope of discovery.
In terms of day trip options, consider taking this highly rated full-day Douro Valley tour, inclusive of wine tastings, lunch, and a scenic river cruise. Departing from your Porto hotel or apartment, this 9-hour small guided tour covers several top spots in the Douro, providing a quick overview of the region, perfect for those with limited time.
Alternatively, you can travel by train from Porto’s main São Bento train station, with a journey of roughly two hours to Régua in the Douro Valley.
Although train travel offers a scenic route, it may limit your ability to explore the region fully. Therefore, renting a car is highly recommended for those wanting to experience the Douro Valley at their own pace and leisure.
However, if scenic railways sound appealing, this wonderful Douro Valley Rail & Cruise combo day trip could be the perfect option for your needs. On this tour, you will travel to Régua by train, exploring one of the oldest wine regions in the world before embarking on a cruise down the Douro River back to Porto.
Whether you embark on a day trip from Porto to the Douro Valley or extend your stay to explore the region, you will undoubtedly leave mesmerized by your visit, likely falling in love with the area. Don’t forget your camera, as you will want to capture the unforgettable scenic views and remarkable images throughout your journey.
