Known for its amazing vineyards, the Douro region is the perfect place to spend time close to nature, whether in the middle of the vines or sailing a boat in the river. Visiting the stunning villages in the Douro region is also a way of finding peace and moments of relaxation in Northern Portugal.


The landscapes

The Douro Valley is known for the terraced slopes that create a frame along the Douro River. With natural terraces crafted in the hills over centuries, and filled with vines to produce the greatest Port wine, the Douro will be a place to visit, especially for those who love to take pictures of great landscapes.

During the summer and autumn, the landscape gains a different colour palette, with the vines turning from green, in summer, to the orange and brown colours of autumn. The landscapes may be seen from viewpoints such as the São Leonardo da Galafura, which offers a panoramic view over the Douro Valley.


Exploring Douro Wineries

Although being called Port Wine (Vinho do Porto), the wine is not produced in the second-biggest Portuguese city. Usually, the vineyards and their production are made away from Porto. There are many Quintas that may be visited so that visitors can understand all the processes of Port Wine production. Some popular places to visit are Peso da Régua and Pinhão, both located on Douro Valley.

In the wineries, it is possible to taste different types of wine, whether it is Port Wine or regular wine, produced in the Douro region. It is even possible to find Quintas that host workshops and other educational moments, that even allow visitors to create a wine blend to take home.


Boat or train?

It is possible to explore the Douro Valley on the water or on land, depending on the preference of the visitor. Bu the best option has to be exploring the region both ways.

The boat trips through Douro Valley are well-known and a must-do activity for visitors who want to explore the region. The trips are usually available from March until December, as during the rest of the months, the dams undergo maintenance work. Normally, the boats depart from Porto and end in Peso da Régua, then return to Porto.


For those who prefer travelling on the land, exploring the Linha do Douro is the perfect way of seeing the breathtaking landscapes of Douro Valley. From Porto to Pocinho, it is possible to enjoy amazing train travel, highlighting the path between Régua and Pinhão station. Sometimes, CP – Comboios de Portugal has available the service of the Douro Historical Train, where besides the train trip, it is possible to board with wine tastings and other activities.


Local food

The North of Portugal is known for its amazing gastronomy, made by the most heart-warming people in the country. In the various restaurants, or even Quintas, of the region, there are plenty of choices to find what is traditionally eaten in Douro Valley. And everyone will know the greatest wine choice for each dish. And there will be, obviously, Port Wine to accompany the dessert.

Author

Deeply in love with music and with a guilty pleasure in criminal cases, Bruno G. Santos decided to study Journalism and Communication, hoping to combine both passions into writing. The journalist is also a passionate traveller who likes to write about other cultures and discover the various hidden gems from Portugal and the world. Press card: 8463. 

Bruno G. Santos