Planning a trip to Porto? Don't forget to visit the Douro Valley (Portugal's wine region).
Perhaps the most beautiful place we know: the Douro Valley. And yes, it is the wine region of all of Portugal. You come here to drink wine, and who doesn't love that? Plus, everywhere (yes, really everywhere) you have views of the vines (interspersed with olive, eucalyptus, fig, and fruit trees), the valley, and of course, the UNESCO-listed Douro landscape. These are the places in Portugal's wine region to visit during a trip to the Douro Valley and a bit of Porto.
One option for getting from Porto Airport to the Douro Valley is the Linha do Douro, the railway line that runs along the Douro Valley, offering stunning views of the vineyards and the river. And yes, it is truly beautiful. Perhaps one of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe.
The train departs from Porto São Bento station and terminates in Pocinho (be on time, as it's almost never late). You can get off wherever you like. Peso da Régua is the capital of the Douro Valley (self-proclaimed, but okay), or continue on to Pinhão, which is situated on the waterfront and offers boat trips on the Douro River. The train ride lasts about 3,5 hours, so make yourself comfortable, sit on the right side (for the best view), and enjoy the view.
Flip's tip: During the summer months (June-October), a historic steam train also runs between Régua and Tua, passing through the most beautiful parts of the Douro. Book your steam train here. here.
Planning on stopping regularly and visiting multiple vineyards? Rent a car – the best way to get around is through Sunnycars, hassle-free, and with all-inclusive insurance. It's the best way to get around (and very easy). From Porto, it's about an hour and a half's drive if you take the fastest route. But honestly: avoid the highways and just follow the Douro River. The most scenic route is the N222 between Peso da Régua and Pinhão. It's even considered the most beautiful road in the world, with breathtaking views of the vineyards and the river. The route is approximately 27 kilometers long and has over 90 bends, taking you past historic wineries and picturesque villages. The only downside is that this way, the driver doesn't get to sample the port and other wines (and it takes about three hours – but that's over before you know it).
Got plenty of time? Then you can also travel by boat. Yes, really. There are also boats from Porto to the Douro Valley. You start at the Ribeira de Porto and the boat takes you to the village of Pinhão, in the Douro Valley. Through GetYourGuide, you'll spend the entire day on the boat, have free time in Pinhão, and then return by bus or train—two birds with one stone. Return transport to Porto is included.
If you're driving from Porto, you can make a nice stop at Restaurant Doc on the waterfront. It's a lovely spot, and definitely a nice place to settle down and make yourself comfortable. The kitchen knows what they're doing, the service is a bit over the top (remember: a fresh napkin when you leave the table), and there's mouthwash in the restroom. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Also yes. Ask to sit on the terrace; it's the most comfortable.
Altano is a wine brand from Symington Family Estates, known for the port wines from the Douro Valley in Portugal. They make both red and white wines, with the red wines often being a blend of grapes also used for port, such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) and Touriga Franca. The name “Altano” refers to the warm summer wind that prevails in the Vale da Vilariça, a part of the Douro.
Photo Credits: Paqju
Quinta do Bomfim has been in the Symington family for five generations and features a winery, an old cellar, and vineyards. You can visit a museum, take a tour of the estate, and then sample the (port) wines on the terrace. Don't forget to take a vineyard walk, where you can walk among the vines and touch the grapes.
There are four different wine tastings: a premium tasting, classic tasting, Douro DOC tasting, Quinta Vintage Port tasting, Dow's tasting or the specialist tasting. All outThen you'll opt for a gastronomic experience where you'll also enjoy a meal at Bomfim 1896.
Okay, just outside the Douro Valley, but still worth a visit. Quinta da Fonte Souto in Alentejo is quite new and located in the Portalegre region of Alto Alentejo in southern Portugal. Here too, you can take guided walks around the estate, the vineyards, the winery, and the barrel cellar. A must-do is a picnic to do on site with all kinds of Portuguese snacks (and of course wine).
This quinta is quite different from the others, as it features a large chestnut grove, whose name derives from "soto," which refers to a wooded area of chestnut trees. There is also a third section of cork oaks, a characteristic of the Alentejo landscape.
Quinta do Vesúvi is located 120 km east of Porto and just 45 km from the Spanish border. It has been owned by the Symington family since 1989. You can book a private day tour or a private boat trip.
Private day tour with dedicated guideEnjoy a guided tasting of Vesúvio's finest Vintage Ports and Douro DOC wines, among the barrels in the old winery. Conclude with a traditional Douro lunch served on the balcony overlooking the river.
Private boat trip to Quinta do Vesúvio: Up to the Valeira Dam (by boat, of course). Here, you'll be served local aperitifs with wine. Explore the Vesúvio Gardens, followed by a traditional lunch on the terrace overlooking the river. In the afternoon, you'll visit the estate's winery and cellar, and explore the vineyards.
Last but not leastVisit Graham's Lodge and dine at Vinum. At Graham's Lodge, you'll tour the 1890 lodge and learn about its history and the port wine production process, including a wine tasting (and spectacular views of the port). It's still a working cellar, making this visit even more enjoyable. Round it all off with dinner at Vinum – what's truly amazing: wine expertise (duh), incredibly good food, and excellent service: it all comes together perfectly. This one is a big tip.
There are plenty of places to stay overnight in the Douro Valley, so you don't have to go back to Porto in the evening (saves about an hour and a half at least).
Looking for charming mini-houses in the Douro Valley? Check it out! A great option for booking with the whole family, a large group of friends, or even a wedding. Several houses are fully equipped with air conditioning, a balcony with a garden view, and a private bathroom. There's also an outdoor pool, free private parking, and a terrace. Enjoyed some delicious wine during the day? No problem – each house has its own refrigerator.
This is a true dream, albeit a bit pricey. But hey, you have to have something, and if you're willing to spend a little, you'll find a good deal here: luxury and a beautiful alternative. You not only have a view of the Douro, but you're also right on it. There are several rooms and suites – all equally beautiful and overlooking the water.
For those who prefer not to stay in the Douro Valley, but rather head to Porto, that's fine too. We have plenty of tips for that too, but a few not to be missed are listed below:
From breakfast, brunch to dinner: Negra Café Porto | Brunch & cocktails: Zenith
Dining: Café do Cais Porto | Dining: Imanol
Staying overnight: Torel1884 | Overnight stay: The Rebello
More tips
-
These are the top Lisbon tips from Chef (Daan) Van der Lecq
-
Taking it slow at Alàpega in Portugal
-
Cucumbi Hotel – fresh finca in Alentejo, Portugal
-
A long weekend away to Aljezur and Arrifana
-
Helder Farm Studios in Southern Portugal
-
The best of Ericeira, Portugal
-
Where do we work out in Lisbon? Our favorite gyms listed
-
Aethos Club in Lisbon is the co-working space where you need to be.
-
Bart's Best of Faro: according to Liz and Alex from Âmago Casa Lenta
-
Barts Best of: Comporta