The Magnificent Douro Valley: Eight Reasons Why You Should Visit

Located a short distance from the historic coastal city of Porto, the Douro Valley is a must-visit wine region for wine enthusiasts! If you don’t drink or are on vacation with children, there are still plenty of sights and sounds to absorb in this sunny part of northern Portugal.

If you want to know exactly what the main highlights of this scenery are, here are eight fantastic reasons to consider a road trip through the Douro Valley:

• Fill your glass with world-famous wines

One of the main reasons to put this lush valley on your itinerary is, of course, its vineyards! The Douro Valley is famous for being the oldest demarcated wine region (meaning it has strict boundaries) on the planet, and much of it was even declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

Beautiful landscapes, lush grapes, and wonderful wines!

Dozens of wineries (locally known as quintas) dot the region, many of them producing the country’s most famous wine – rich and sweet Port wine. Why not book a tasting tour to try it right at the source?

• Be swept away by spectacular terraced vineyard landscapes

Whether you’re a wine lover or not, the patchwork of terraced vineyards in the Douro Valley is a true feast for the eyes. If you want to see everything the valley has to offer in terms of scenery, head to places like the Miradouro de São Leonardo da Galafura and fill your camera with Instagram-worthy photos. It’s the highest point in the valley, and on clear days, you can see for miles in every direction!

• Take a cruise along the Douro River

Love a good cruise? If you know that the only way to enjoy a vacation is to spend some time in the sun on the water, take a boat trip along the Douro River. By far, one of the most memorable ways to see the valley. You can expect sun loungers and a good trip on a sunny day.

You can choose from various options, from a day cruise departing from Porto, with stops in major historic wine towns and villages, to a romantic wine-tasting trip with your partner for just a few hours. This might not be the best option if you’re bringing children!

There are numerous tours departing from Pinhão, also in the heart of the valley, including quick one-hour cruises for those short on time. If you prefer to go down the Douro in a more unusual way, why not rent kayaks or canoes? Clearly, something the kids will love!

• Indulge in the delicious traditional cuisine of the region

Portugal’s coastal cities may be famous for their seafood, but inland regions like the Douro Valley also offer some mouth-watering dishes.

Many of the region’s wineries and taverns serve rural specialties such as feijoada – a comforting stew made with beans, meat, or mushrooms. But you’re on vacation, so it’s time to treat yourself. And the Douro Valley really gives you the opportunity to do so by booking a table at one of the Douro’s modern and stylish restaurants, such as DOC – Chef Rui Paula, with a Michelin star, by the river in Folgosa. Extremely refined!

If you’re the picnic type – and you might have to be after a few nights in Michelin-starred restaurants – the Quinta do Bomfim, a short drive from Pinhão, is known for preparing delicious travel baskets complete with their own bottles of wine.

• Travel back in time through the region’s medieval villages

The Douro Valley is home to many traditional villages that seem almost suspended in time. Besides towns like Régua, there are six major wine villages to explore, all with strong ties to the region’s wine heritage.

Visit the beautiful Provesende and admire the old houses, majestic mansions, and its cobblestone square, where you’ll find an 80-year-old bakery that creates some of the best bread outside of Lisbon. Trust me, you have to see it. Barcos has many historical points, as it was once the main city of the district, while Favaios houses a large cooperative winery where you can enjoy tours, tastings, and lavish wine and cheese dishes. Mmm, wine and cheese!

• Work off all the wine with a hike in the Douro International Natural Park

With so many stunning landscapes around, it would be a shame not to enjoy a peaceful walk during your visit to the Douro Valley. And you’ll probably need it after so many hours spent at the quintas!

There’s no better way to do this than by heading straight to the Douro International Natural Park. It’s one of Portugal’s thirteen National Parks and is located at the easternmost point of the valley, right on the border with Spain. It is home to over 100 endangered bird species, such as golden eagles and Egyptian vultures! Moreover, the dramatic scenery of the valley looks like something out of the Old West.