Douro Valley

What to do

  • Noteworthy
  • Worth the detour
  • Must see

Welcome to the Douro Valley, the prestigious wine region of northern Portugal. Famous for its high-quality Port wines, it is a true paradise for wine lovers. With its picturesque terraced vineyards, this valley offers an enchanting setting.

To the west, it is the BAIXO CORGO , with many vineyards. The area is cool and fertile, protected by the Serra do Marão.

  • Peso da Régua : At the boundary between Baixo Corgo and Alto Corgo, this town is often considered the heart of the Douro Valley. It has long been the hub for wine commerce, particularly due to its railway built in 1878 and the network of flat-bottomed boats navigating the river. In Peso da Régua, you can visit the Douro Museum, dedicated to viticulture, of course! You can also take a pleasant cruise on the Douro, offering a beautiful panorama of the surroundings.
  • Lamego : The town features charming architectural heritage with a cathedral, a castle, and even a superb sanctuary. A must-visit for its charm and history!
  • Vila Real : The Mateus Palace, the Gothic cathedral, and the countless wrought-iron balconies adorning this town will make it one of the most beautiful stops on your journey through the Douro Valley!


The ALTO CORGO is the central part of the valley, often considered the most interesting. The region, very hilly, is indeed covered with beautiful terraced vineyards and is home to several charming villages along the riverbanks.

  • Pinhao : This charming and welcoming village is one of the main stops in the Douro Valley. Its train station is decorated with azulejos, the traditional blue-patterned and mural ceramic tiles. A train offers a fascinating tour through the Upper Douro Valley.
  • Lake Tua : This reservoir and the town of the same name can be the focus of a beautiful hike.
  • Sabrosa : The village claims to be the birthplace of the explorer Magellan. We can't confirm that, but Sabrosa remains a charming little stop for your exploration of the region!
  • Quinta do Noval : Located in the northern part of the Douro Valley, Quinta do Noval is one of the most prestigious Port wine producers. The vineyard is known for producing high-quality Ports, with a focus on expressing the terroir. Their range includes exceptional vintage Ports as well as other styles of Port.
  • Quinta do Crasto : Nestled on the banks of the Douro, this vineyard is one of the most respected names in the production of red wines and Ports. Quinta do Crasto is known for successfully blending tradition and innovation, producing a diverse range of wines that reflect the unique character of the Douro Valley.


The DOURO SUPERIOR is close to the Spanish border. Its climate is more pronounced, with colder winters and particularly hot summers inland.

  • Vila Nova de Foz Coa : An unusual discovery awaits you here! An entire valley dotted with Upper Paleolithic rock paintings, which almost disappeared in favor of a dam. This treasure has been preserved and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Quinta do Vale Meão : This estate is renowned for the production of high-quality red wines in the Douro Valley. It is located near Vila Nova de Foz Côa. The wines of Quinta do Vale Meão are often considered as exceptional representatives of the region and the terroir.


These villages and vineyards represent just a glimpse of the many charming places and exceptional producers in the Douro Valley. Each contributes to the region's global reputation for high-quality wines and picturesque landscapes.
 

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Amarante
Between Porto and the Douro Valley, the picturesque town of Amarante offers a very pleasant stop. Don't miss discovering the Church of Sao Gonçalo as well as the riverbanks and the lovely stone bridge.

Guimaraes 
This former capital of Portugal played an important role in national history, which you can feel as you walk through its cobbled streets and small squares. The town is dominated by a beautiful Romanesque castle, and it is also possible to visit a sanctuary in its surroundings to admire a beautiful panorama of the region.

Where to eat

  • $ Inexpensive
  • $$ Moderate
  • $$$ Upscale
  • $$$$ Fine dining

Castas e Pratos ($$) Peso da Régua

Located in Peso da Régua, this restaurant is housed in a renovated old train station, with a modern and elegant atmosphere. It offers contemporary Portuguese cuisine with a focus on local products and Douro wines. The ambiance is warm and sophisticated, ideal for a refined meal with a view of the river.


Tasca da Quinta ($) Lamego

In Lamego, this small, friendly restaurant is located near the historic center. It serves typical regional dishes such as roasted kid and Porto-style tripe. The atmosphere is simple, relaxed, and authentic, perfect for an unpretentious local meal.


Terra de Montanha ($$) Vila Real

Located in Vila Real, this restaurant is in the heart of the town, near Casa de Mateus. It offers regional cuisine with mountain dishes such as roasted kid and traditional sausages. The ambiance is warm and rustic, reflecting the authenticity of the dishes served.


Restaurante Vintage House ($$$) Pinhão

Located in Pinhão, on the banks of the Douro, this restaurant is part of a luxury hotel offering stunning views of the vineyards and the river. The cuisine is gourmet, highlighting local products and prestigious wines from the region. The ambiance is chic and peaceful, ideal for a high-end culinary experience.

Location

When to visit

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