Douro
Porto
Stretching from the city of Porto on Portugal’s Atlantic coast to the Spanish town of Duruelo de la Sierra, the Douro river is the third-longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, and flows through one of Europe’s most picturesque wine-growing regions. Visitors come to enjoy the scenery, and taste the local wine and port.
The Douro region is steeped in tradition, and the people living here honor their local customs. One such tradition is winemaking, which has been a way of life in the Douro Valley for almost 2,000 years. The region is known for its red wine, also called Douro, and of course, fortified port. Wine tasting tours from Porto are a popular way to explore, combining vineyards and villages in a day. There are also other delights to discover in the Douro. The scenery—with terraced vineyards stretching up from the wide river—is spectacular. River cruises packaged with a local lunch are available. Pottery and weaving are still important cottage industries, and local stores often sell these wares. There are also historic ruins to explore, such as the crumbling castle in Miranda do Douro. If you're in town overnight, book an evening tour that includes a fado (Portuguese folk music) performance.
- The Douro is a vast region covering around 400 miles (640 kilometers), so plan what you want to see before you travel.
- For wine tours and river cruises, it’s advisable to book in advance as they can be popular in high season.
- There are many special events held throughout the region, especially during the summer months and wine harvest season.
The Douro region extends from the city of Porto all the way to Portugal’s eastern border with Spain. Many people choose to visit the wine-growing region known as the Douro Valley as part of a sightseeing or wine tasting tour by train, boat, or private bus.
The most popular times of year to visit the Douro region are summer and fall. In summer, long days and sunny skies make a cruise along the river a pleasant way to spend time; in fall, the golden leaves and wine harvest show the spectacular scenery at its best.
If you enjoy exploring the landscape on your own two feet, then the Douro region is a great choice for a walking vacation. Numerous hiking trails wind through the hills and valleys offering unique viewpoints over the red-roofed villages, vineyards, and the river carving along the valley floor.
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