Visit the Douro Valley in Portugal
The Douro is a region in northern Portugal known for its vineyards and picturesque landscapes along the Douro River. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the region is famous for its Port wine, one of the most famous wines in the world. The Douro is also an ideal destination for nature lovers, with plenty of hiking and biking opportunities along the river. A visit to the Douro will allow you to learn about the history and culture of the region while enjoying its beautiful scenery.
Guided tour of the Douro in Portugal
The Douro tour will allow you to discover the spectacular vineyards and landscapes of this region in northern Portugal. You will have the opportunity to taste different Port wines and visit the region’s wine cellars, where you will learn more about the production of this famous wine. You can also enjoy a cruise along the Douro River to admire the picturesque landscapes of the region and visit the towns and villages along the river.
Your experienced guide will tell you about the history and culture of the region and will show you the best destinations and activities not to be missed. My selection of Douro tours are the ones that have been most loved by those who have gone before you, are all conducted by English-speaking guides to make the most of them and can be cancelled up to 24 hours beforehand if you wish to change your plans!
Getting to the Douro Valley
There are several ways to get to the Douro Valley in Portugal:
- By plane: the nearest airport to the Douro Valley is Porto Airport, which is about a 45-minute drive from the valley. You can take a taxi or hire a car from the airport to get to the valley.
- By train: There are trains that connect Porto to the Douro Valley. You can take the train from Porto Campanhã station and get off at one of the stations in the valley, such as Régua or Pinhão.
- By bus: There are also buses that connect Porto to the Douro Valley. You can take the bus from the bus station in Porto and get off at one of the towns in the valley.
- By car: If you have your own car, you can take the A4 motorway from Porto and follow the signs to the Douro Valley. You can also rent a car in Porto or at the airport and drive to the valley.
It is important to note that the Douro Valley is a mountainous area and the roads can be winding and steep. Be sure to drive carefully and respect the speed limits.
The best hotels in the Douro Valley in Portugal
Here are some of the upscale hotels located in the Douro Valley in Portugal that have good reviews from travellers:
- Hotel Quinta da Pacheca: located in the vineyards of the Douro Valley, this hotel offers luxurious rooms with vineyard views and a spa with indoor and outdoor pools. The hotel also has its own vineyard and winery where you can taste port wine.
- Hotel Solar de Mateus: This manor-style hotel is set in a lush garden and offers spacious rooms with elegant decor. The hotel also has a gourmet restaurant and a spa.
- Hotel Vintage House: Located in the picturesque village of Pinhão, this hotel is known for its rustic charm and vintage decoration. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the hotel has a wine bar, spa and outdoor pool.
- Six Senses Douro Valley: This luxury hotel offers panoramic views of the Douro Valley and comfortable rooms with balconies. The hotel also has a spa, an outdoor pool and a gourmet restaurant.
It is important to note that these hotels are upmarket and can be expensive. There are also many other hotels in all price categories in the Douro Valley. Use the button below to book the hotel you wish to reserve in the Portuguese valley.
The best restaurants in the Douro Valley
The Douro Valley in Portugal is a region renowned for its traditional cuisine and quality wines. If you are looking for good restaurants in this region, you will be spoilt for choice. Whether you are looking for fresh fish and seafood dishes or meat specialities accompanied by top quality Port wine, you will find what you need in the restaurants of the Douro Valley. You can also enjoy dishes made from local produce, such as vegetables and fresh goat’s cheese, as well as traditional desserts such as pastel de nata (egg tart) and arroz doce (rice pudding).
The Douro Valley is also a great place to discover the wines of Oporto and the region, which you can taste in one of the many wine bars in the area. Whether you are looking for a gourmet dinner or a simple, casual meal, you will find what you need in the Douro Valley’s restaurants.
Restaurante Casa de Chá da Boa Nova
Located in Leça da Palmeira, near Porto, this restaurant offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and seasonal cuisine inspired by local products. The restaurant is also known for its unique architectural design, with a glass veranda overlooking the ocean.
Restaurante Adega Ti Maria
Located in the village of Pinhão, this restaurant is renowned for its traditional Portuguese cuisine and high quality port wine. The restaurant also has a beautiful terrace overlooking the Douro Valley.
Restaurante Vale Abraão
Located in the village of Sabrosa, this restaurant is known for its modern and innovative cuisine, using local products from the region. The restaurant also has a beautiful terrace with views over the valley.
Restaurante DOC
Located in the village of Lamego, this restaurant specialises in fish and seafood dishes. The restaurant has a beautiful terrace with views of the Douro Valley and a well-stocked wine cellar.
Weather in the Douro Valley, Portugal
The Douro Valley is located in the north of Portugal and has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters. Here is some information about the weather in the Douro Valley according to the seasons:
- Summer (June to August): temperatures are generally warm, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. There is often sunshine and little rain during this period.
- Autumn (September to November): temperatures are still pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. There may be a few rainy days, but the weather is generally sunny.
- Winter (December to February): temperatures are cooler, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C. There may be a few days of rain and fog during this period.
- In spring (March to May): temperatures start to rise, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C. The weather is often sunny and there is little rain.
It is important to note that the Douro Valley is a mountainous region and temperatures can vary with altitude. It can be cooler in high altitude towns, such as Sabrosa or Régua, than in seaside towns, such as Leça da Palmeira. Make sure you dress accordingly and bring warm clothes if you visit the Douro Valley in winter.
Douro wines in Portugal
The Douro Valley is a region renowned for its Port wines, one of the most famous wines in the world. Port wine is produced from grapes grown in the vineyards of the Douro Valley and is aged in oak barrels before being bottled. There are several types of Port Wine, which differ in colour, flavour and ageing:
- Red Port Wine: This wine is produced from red grapes and is aged in oak barrels for at least two years. It has a dark red colour and a fruity, spicy and slightly sweet taste.
- White Port Wine: This wine is produced from white grapes and is aged in oak casks for at least one year. It has a pale yellow colour and a fruity, slightly acidic taste.
- Rosé Porto Wine: This wine is produced from red grapes and is aged in oak barrels for at least six months. It has a pale pink colour and a fruity, slightly acidic flavour.
- Tawny Porto: This wine is made from red grapes and is aged in oak barrels for several years. It has an amber colour and a fruity, spicy and slightly sweet taste.
There are also other wines produced in the Douro Valley, such as Douro White Wine and Douro Red Wine, which are produced from grapes grown in the region and have a fruity, slightly spicy flavour. If you are interested in the wines of the Douro Valley, do not hesitate to visit the vineyards of the region and taste the different types of wines offered.
What to do in the Douro Valley ? Activities
The Douro Valley in Portugal is an ideal region for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some popular activities to do in the Douro Valley:
- Visit the vineyards and taste Port wine: the Douro Valley is famous for its vineyards and high quality Port wines. You can visit the region’s vineyards and discover how Port wine is produced, as well as taste different types of wine in the region’s cellars.
- Hiking or cycling along the Douro River: The Douro River offers many opportunities for hiking and cycling, with beautiful landscapes to admire along the river. You can follow the hiking trails along the river or rent a bike and ride around the area at your leisure.
- Visit the towns and villages of the valley: the Douro Valley is rich in history and culture, and there are many towns and villages to discover in the area. Visit the towns of Régua and Lamego, which have many historical and cultural sites, or discover the picturesque villages of Pinhão and Sabrosa.
- Enjoy the beach: The Douro Valley is also close to the Atlantic coast, and you can enjoy the region’s fine sandy beaches. Visit Matosinhos beach, near Porto, or Ofir beach, near Esposende.
There are many other activities to do in the Douro Valley, such as fishing, golf and rafting.
