Discover the Douro Valley: Portugal's Wine Wonderland

Most people think of the Douro Valley only as a day trip from Porto. But the Douro can easily be a destination in and of itself. The Douro River Valley is actually made up of three sub-regions - Baixa (Lower) Corgo, Cima (Upper) Corgo and Douro Superior and it extends all the way to Spain. Most tourists don’t make it past Cima Corgo, so if you’re looking for a quieter part of the Douro, you’ll find it in the Douro Superior. While port wine will typically be a big part of your trip to the Douro, it doesn’t have to be the only thing you do. There are plenty of other activities to keep you busy!

Take a River Cruise: Relax on a scenic boat trip down the Douro River, soaking in the breathtaking views of the terraced vineyards and charming riverside towns. This can take many forms—a couple of hours while in the Douro Valley, a day trip from Porto, or a weeklong cruise on the Douro River.

Explore by Train: Ride on the historic Douro Valley railway line for a unique perspective of the valley. This scenic train journey winds through the vineyards and offers stunning panoramas.

Tip: You have options for getting to the Douro Valley. In addition to the boat and train referenced above, you can rent a car or hire a driver as part of a tour or as standalone transportation. It just depends on how much you want to explore while you’re in the Douro—a variety of itineraries are available to meet your needs.

Visit Pinhão: This charming village is a must-stop for any Douro Valley visitor. Stroll along the riverfront, admire the traditional tiled facades, and enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant.

Wine Tasting Tour: Immerse yourself in the Douro Valley's wine culture. Visit a traditional Quinta (estate) to tour the vineyards, followed by a tasting of world-famous Port wines and other local varietals.

Tip: The summers in the Douro Valley are extremely hot. So, if you spend a lot of time outside walking or hiking, bring breathable clothing and sunscreen, and stay hydrated. If outdoor activities are the main driver for your visit, spring and fall offer more pleasant temperatures.

Hike Through Vineyards: Lace up your boots and explore the valley's network of trails. Hiking lets you get close to the vineyards, soak in the fresh air, and discover hidden waterfalls and viewpoints.

Climb to the São Leonardo de Galafura: Hike or take a boat to this viewpoint for breathtaking, panoramic vistas of the valley. The climb is a bit challenging, but the reward is definitely worth it!

Go Kayaking: Experience the Douro River from a different perspective with a kayaking adventure. Paddle through the scenic valley, stopping to swim or picnic along the riverside.

Tip: I highly recommend spending at least some of your time in the Douro Valley on the water. The landscape is amazing, with vineyards as far as the eye can see interwoven into the side of mountains that plunge down into the river. From the water, you really get to see how majestic that looks.

Discover Prehistoric Art: Visit the Côa Valley Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the ancient rock shelters adorned with prehistoric carvings dating back thousands of years.

Visit Historical Sites: Delve into the region's rich history. Some options include exploring the Roman ruins of Conímbriga, the medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo, or the Lamego Museum housed in an 18th-century palace.

Wine Harvest Experience (Vindima): If you visit during September or October, participate in the traditional grape harvest. Crush grapes with your feet in a lagar (stone treading vat)—a fun and unique experience.

When you’re in the Douro Valley, with all of the Quintas to visit, there is no shortage of places to drink. A number of those Quintas also have quality restaurants. Given how spread out the Douro Valley is, there are great restaurant options all along the way. Here are some thoughts, but as always, don’t forget to ask your hotel concierge or tour operators for recommendations.

Castas e Pratos: Located in Peso da Régua, it is situated in a former train station warehouse. The restaurant has a cool wine bar area and dining room with high ceilings. The menu features traditional Portuguese dishes with a modern twist, and the flavors of the Douro underscore everything. The wine list is extensive, with a focus on Portuguese wines. And the location provides a beautiful setting with views of the river and vineyards.

DOC—Chef Rui Paula: Experience innovative Portuguese cuisine with stunning Douro Valley views at DOC—Chef Rui Paula, located in Folgosa (Douro Valley). This restaurant is known for its modern interpretations of regional recipes and breathtaking riverside setting.

Veladouro: For delicious traditional Portuguese food, beautiful riverside views, and a cozy atmosphere, head to Veladouro restaurant in Pinhão. They are known for serving high-quality meat and seafood grilled to perfection. They also have generous portions and a homey atmosphere. If the weather permits, you should definitely try to get a table outside on the terrace overlooking the river for stunning views of the Douro Valley.

The River: Check out The River, located in the heart of Peso da Régua, where modern blends with rustic charm. A friendly staff and cozy atmosphere await you, perfect for savoring Portuguese cuisine with a creative twist and the perfect wines to match.

Tasca da Quinta: Don’t miss this traditional Portuguese restaurant in Peso da Régua. It's known for its intimate setting, regional cuisine, and wide selection of Douro wines, and it's especially suited for tapas lovers.

Vista do Douro: Restaurante Vista do Douro is located in Peso da Régua. It has a casual and friendly atmosphere and a menu that includes traditional Portuguese dishes like grilled fish and meat, pizzas, and pasta.

Aneto & Table: The restaurant is well-regarded and known for its focus on promoting local gastronomy made with high-quality products and an innovative twist. It also features wines from the Aneto brand, which are recommended as a pairing with each dish. It’s a great place for delicious small plates, local wines, and stunning river views.

São Leonardo: The acclaimed São Leonardo restaurant, located at the Miradouro de Sao Leonardo de Galafura viewpoint, offers rustic Portuguese cuisine and breathtaking Douro Valley views of the river and surrounding vineyards.