douro valley day trip porto

The Ultimate Day Trip to Douro Valley, Portugal (From Porto)

I bounced eagerly on the balls of my feet at the bottom of the stairs. It was 8:10am on a Saturday and the streets of Porto, Portugal were quiet. I, on the other hand, was buzzing with energy; eagerly looking to start my day trip to Douro Valley; Portugal’s famous port and wine region.

The Douro Valley has been high on my list of places to visit for ages. Stunning vistas, endless vineyards, delicious port and wine, and a blue river snaking its way through the valley. I knew that when I visited Porto, I had to do a day trip to Douro Valley. However, when I was planning my solo trip to Portugal I kept coming across the same thing; to really experience Douro Valley from Porto, you needed a car.

I had no intention of renting a car in Portugal, so when I read that my heart sunk. I did a bit more digging and found that I could take a boat, or a train up but it would be more of just a scenic ride rather than an opportunity to actually visit some of Portugal’s famous wineries and port makers. Perhaps an option, but as excited as I was to see the scenery, I also wanted to visit a port maker. I’d never been to one before and it was something I wanted to try. Thankfully my persistence paid off and I found the perfect day trip to Douro Valley option for a traveller without a car.  I booked the tour right away and a couple of easy clicks later I was set: I was going to Douro Valley.

The Douro Valley Tour is a full day trip leaving from Porto around 8:30am and arriving back around 6pm. It’s run by a local who knows the area, and has a good relationship with the local wine and port Quintas. This meant not only did we get to experience some quality port and wine makers, but we were also off the typical tourist track; visiting local businesses without a throng of other tourists in tow.

My pickup was listed for 8:15am and, sure enough, a mini bus pulled up to get me right on time. I was greeted by our smiling guide for the day, Guilherme and after picking up one last couple our group of eight headed away from Porto and towards the famous vineyards of Douro Valley. 

It took about two hours to get to our first stop in Douro Valley, though we did have a quick coffee/ toilet break along the highway. Guilherme filled us in with little facts as we drove along, answering any questions our group may have. A few people slept for the ride; clearly not morning people. But I was perfectly happy staring at the gorgeous scenery we drove by.

Our first stop was the quinta (which means farm) for Fonseca Port . The farm was perched on a hillside overlooking the valley and a small river below. The surrounding area covered in and endless forest of vines. We started out visit with a thirty-minute audio tour that took us on a leisurely walk through a bit of the vineyard. I learned about the quinta itself which was founded by the great-great-grandfather of the current winemaker, and also about the different grades of farms (A grade is the best while is F grade the lowest quality). Fonseca Port, I was pleased to learn, was A grade.

After our audio tour which concluded inside where we learned how the port and wine was actually made, we were invited to three tastings; a white, and two reds. I’m by no means a wine or port expert, but could definitely appreciate the quality of all three we sampled. Though, if I had to pick, the ruby was my favourite and I was a little bit jealous of those on my group who had travelled with checked baggage and were able to purchase a few bottles to take home.

After our port tastings, we headed to the small town of Pinhao which is located on the shores of the Douro river. Guilherme timed it perfectly so we got on the noon boat cruise down the river, where he provided us with a glass of wine and a little package of dried fruit and nuts to enjoy as we cruised down the river. While the scenery from above in the hills, was stunning, being on the water was equally spectacular. I love boats and could have easily all day spent cruising down the river on this one. For me, this was a definite highlight of our day trip to Douro Valley.

After our boat ride it was time for lunch. We visited a local restaurant who offered two dishes for lunch: pork belly or sea bass. Our whole group opted for the sea bass which was grilled and served with potatoes and broccoli along with fresh bread, cheese, and olives. For dessert, we were offered a pudding, a ‘drunken cake’ which is a port soak cake similar to rum cake, or an almond tart. I chose the almond tart which was divine, though I noticed everyone cleared their plates so the other options must have been equally delicious.

Bellies full we headed for our final stop of the day; Quinta do Jalloto . Whereas Fonesca specialized in port, Quinta do Jalloto’s speciality was their wine. But, as much as I was looking forward to the wine, I was more excited about the view. Guilherme drove up, up, up the mountain to the quinta perched right on the top; offering a stunning panoramic view of the valley, hills, and Douro River below.

Guilherme and our guide for this quinta waited patiently for us all to take numerous photos before leading us inside to the cool interior. We were given a quick run-down about how this quinta works and the process; being such an old and established vineyard, everything here is still done by hand. Which meant smaller batches of wine, but of a good quality. After seeing where and how the wine was stored we were treated to samples of white, rose, and red wine along with some bread with their homemade olive oil and honey. While I did prefer the morning’s port to the wine, it was all still delicious.

After relaxing on the deck of the quinta for about an hour it was time to say goodbye and head back to Porto. A quiet drive back (which many again chose to sleep though) we arrived back in town around 6pm where we were all dropped off at our accommodations.

Without a doubt, the Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, Lunch, and Boat Cruise was one of the highlights of my week in Portugal. Not only was it an easy and stress-free way to explore this beautiful part of the country, but it was the perfect option for solo travellers or groups who don’t plan on renting a vehicle but are still interested in exploring the area. If you are heading to Porto, Portugal and are interested in doing a day trip to Douro Valley, do yourself a favour and book this tour . I can tell you from experience that you won’t be disappointed.

Disclaimer: I was a guest of GetYourGuide.com for this experience. However, all opinions are, as always, my own. 

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12 Comments

I feel like this is the next place I have to visit in Europe. Last year, I checked out the Danube and this year the Rhine. So, it would be logical to see the Douro. Your photos are killing me! So much beauty! I get all the fuss about river related activities in Europe.

It was so beautiful! I’m doing a Danube cruise just before Christmas this year, looking forward to it!

Gah, now I wanna go to Portugal even more…the boat cruise sounds amazing!

It was pretty awesome! I loved it!

We were also around here earlier in the year- it’s really beautiful. Great photos.

I thought it was such a pretty fairytale place! And thank you!

[…] Some areas are hard, or even impossible, to explore by public transportation. If you don’t want to rent a car, consider doing day tours. I did this for Douro Valley and it was a fantastic day trip. Check out my experience here. […]

[…] the hills to visit the different quintas (port or wine makers). The third option is to do a guided day trip to Douro Valley. This is what I did and I loved it- it included roundtrip transportation, a visit to two different […]

[…] The Best Day Trip to the Douro Valley […]

[…] Douro Valley: My visit to the Douro Valley was probably my favourite day of my week in Portugal. The scenery is stunning, the port and wine was delicious, and the boat ride was relaxing. You can read more about my day trip to Douro Valley from Porto here. […]

this is random question- do you think somone who is prone to motion sickness would have difficulty on this ride? I would hate to be so forthright as to expect the front window on a group trip, but get so sick on busses/ vans when I sit in the back. But I do want to do this!! what do you think ?

Ooh honestly this is tricky. The roads can be quite twisty going up into the hills especially. I didn’t find the driving unsafe at all, but if you are prone to motion sickness then it may be an issue at some points. However, it was a small bus and you can contact the company if you book- they were super friendly-and just let it be known that you do get motion sick and request to sit at the front. I honestly don’t see anything wrong with that request.

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How to visit the douro valley from porto: best trips + tips.

Just a few hours away from Porto, there’s no question that if you’re in this city, even for just a couple of days, that a trip to the Douro Valley is well worth it.

The port capital of Portugal (and therefore the world!), this gorgeous valley is awash with small independent wineries, whose vined-laden fields slope down (like the red roofs of the houses) towards the beautiful Douro River.

Even if you’re not into port or wine tasting, then trust me, the Douro is worth visiting just to see the lovely landscape and a very different side of Portugal.

And if you have more time, spending a night or 2 in the Douro Valley is also a wonderful option – summertime camping will really allow you to explore the traditional villages of this area, while cosying up around an Airbnb fireplace in the winter provides the perfect retreat – it’s all up for grabs in this gorgeous port of Portugal.

So help you discover the best way to get there, here’s my ultimate guide on how to visit the Douro Valley from Porto, including transport routes, types of trips and the highlights of the region you can’t miss!

Related Posts

• Best 17 Things to Do in Porto
• Ultimate 2 Day Porto Itinerary
• Top 8 Porto Day Trips

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How to Travel from Porto to the Douro Valley

So the first thing to think about, is how you want to get from Porto to the Douro Valley, as the mode of transport you opt for will pretty much dictate all the other trip elements covered in this article – including your length of stay, what you do and how long you spend there.

That’s why I’m going to start by discussing how to travel from Porto to the Douro Valley – going through the options one by one and then summarising them, before following up with some of my top tips for visiting this beautiful Portuguese region.

So let’s get stuck in…

If you have your own vehicle in Portugal, or if you’ve rented one to road trip the country, then you’ll be pleased to know it’s both quick and easy to drive to the Douro Valley from Porto.

In fact, this journey only takes around 90 minutes and once you get out of the city and into the countryside, you’ll pass charming villages that really show an authentic slice of local life here.

You also don’t really need to worry about parking in the Douro – most vineyards have their own parking and in general, the towns are easy to find a spot in.

The main thing to consider if you want to drive from Porto to the Douro Valley therefore, is how much wine and port you want to taste. Drink driving is not cool folks.

It’s also dangerous and illegal.

This means if you want to hit up the vineyards hard, I don’t recommend driving as part of a day trip to the Douro Valley from Porto, but rather it would be better to drive as part of an overnight or 2 day trip, where you can have a drink, relax and not have to worry about getting behind the wheel until the next day.

Driving 3 hours to the Douro Valley and back is also a significant chunk of time out of your day trip, so if you have a car, I really do recommend spending at least one night out here.

This is what I opted for when I actually built a visit to the Douro Valley into my journey (by car) from Lisbon to Porto.

This was part of an ideal Portugal itinerary I got to experience, because visiting the Douro as a stop between Lisbon and Porto means you a) don’t have to double back on yourself, but also b) get a bit of break between city sightseeing, which makes for a more varied and leisurely trip in my opinion.

After all, who could resist road tripping the thin, winding and quaint roads of the Douro Valley with those expansive views of crisscrossed sloping vineyards and a blue river snaking its way through them.

Pair this with a cloudless sky and a dollop of sunshine and you’ve got Portuguese perfection in my book!

By Private Transfer

If you want to venture privately into the Douro Valley from Porto, but don’t want to hire a car, then there are private transfers available too.

These are probably best negotiated directly with your hotel in Porto.

Of course, this isn’t going to be the cheapest way of doing things, but it does provide you with flexibility and the ability to totally tailor your Douro Valley trip.

So the second option when it comes to travelling from Porto to the Douro Valley is by public transport – namely by train or bus. This is a good choice for those who don’t have access to a car or don’t want to drive.

Now if you’ve read my article about how to travel from Lisbon to Porto , you’ll know that the train station in the centre of historic Porto – São Bento – is a suburban station, with connections to the local region only.

And this means you’re in luck!

Yes, the Porto São Bento station is the one that has trains connecting you straight with the Douro Valley.

The last stop in the valley is the town of Pocinho, which is just over 170km away.

If you want a shorter journey, then the towns of Régua or Pinhão, still in the Douro Valley but closer to Porto, also make good hopping off points.

Personally however, I’d recommend travelling all the way to Pocinho on one of the 5 daily trains – these take about 3.5 hours, but are defo worth it in my opinion!

Because yes, if you’re thinking about visiting the Douro Valley from Porto, then it pays to know this is probably the most scenic train journey you can enjoy in the whole of Portugal.

Following the river basically the whole way, this inter-regional local train service is a delightful way to take in the lovely landscapes (the most picturesque section is between Tua & Pocinho in my opinion) and is ideal for those who are into holidays pitched at a more leisurely pace!

I really think, therefore, that it makes sense to stay overnight in the Douro Valley if you’re using public transport to get there.

You can then also enjoy a unique way to get back to Porto… but more on that in a bit!

It pays to know that as well as a train from Porto to the Douro Valley, there’s also a bus, which makes a good second public transport option if you’re looking to visit this vineyard area from the city.

Similarly priced as the train, most buses only go as far as Régua however, so if you’re looking to go beyond this – which you should IMO – the train is probably the better option.

The bus also takes the same amount of time as the train and certainly doesn’t promise as picturesque a ride – it’s not along the river – but if you still want to check out prices and times have a look here .

In general however, I’d go for the train unless there aren’t any train seats left (unlikely) or you’re choosing to opt for a tour to the Douro instead (more likely).

Opting for this latter choice, might mean a bus is mandatory, but don’t worry you will get a boat ride too! ….

Because yes, yet another way you can get from Porto to the Douro Valley is via a boat ride – how lovely!

If you book a boat ride independently, have a number of options…

#1 You can sail from Porto to Régua or Pinhão and then use public transport to get back to the city.

#2 Or you can do the reverse – you can book a train or bus to either Régua or Pinhão and then boat back to the city.

#3 You can also build customised options where you say bus to Régua, sail to Pinhão and then train back to Porto.

All 3 of these options can be undertaken in a day or can be built in an itinerary that includes an overnight stay in the Douro.

Book your independent boat rides, in person, down at the Vila Nova de Gaia’s Quay in Porto.

Otherwise, you can also take Douro Valley tour cruises, which are suited more towards those who want to enjoy the scenery of the Douro Valley, rather than the port tastings.

Usually lunch is served onboard and you definitely get to enjoy the views from the deck.

Here’s some top-rated choices…

• From Porto: Régua and Douro Valley Scenic Cruise
• From Porto: Pinhão and Douro Valley Scenic Boat Tour

By Group Tour

You can also visit the Douro Valley from Porto as part of a tour package.

These are generally day trips from Porto that include return transport to and from the city, plus a number of activities, such as a river cruise, vineyard visit and even, in some cases, lunch!

Check out these recommended options…

• Porto: 3 Douro Valley Vineyards Tour with Lunch
• From Porto: Douro Valley Full-Day Wine Trip with Lunch
• Full-Day Douro Wine Tour with Lunch and River Cruise
• Porto: Douro Valley Tour with Wine Tasting, Cruise and Lunch

By Private Tour

Alternatively, you can also take private tours to the Douro Valley from Porto.

Obviously these are more pricey, but do give you a greater degree of flexibility and a little splash of luxury if this is a special, romantic break!

Here’s my top picks…

• Douro Valley: Private Wine Tasting and River Cruise
• Douro Valley Private Full-Day Tour from Porto

How to Decide Which Type of Trip to Choose

If you have your vehicle, it probably makes sense to self-drive to the Douro Valley – this will give you the flexibility to visit and stay where you like. You’ll also be able to drive and visit the vineyards of your choice – just remember to choose a designated non-drinking driver.

If you really want to go to town on the tastings, or you don’t access to a vehicle, then you have 2 choices – either an independent trip or a guided tour.

When you organise an independent trip, you can choose how to get to the Douro Valley via train, bus, boat or a combination of these. You can then choose how long you stay (day trip or overnight), as well as visit the vineyard visits you wish. Remember you’ll need to organise and book these visits and as well as the transport to get there, which is likely to either involve a local taxi or a vineyard tour like this one .

If you opt for an organised tour from Porto to the Douro Valley, then you don’t have to organise any of this. This makes a guided day trip – such as those I recommend above – an easy and cost-effective option, especially if you’re a solo traveller on a small group trip. It will allow you to also meet fellow travellers and to enjoy the highlights of the Douro Valley in a day.

What to Do in Douro Valley?

The main things to enjoy in the Douro Valley are the beautiful scenery – a boat cruise is a key way to do this – and to sample the ports and wines of some of the vineyards here.

The impressive Régua Dam Lock is also a must-see for engineer buffs and the cute little villages of this area are a great spot for cultural travellers.

Check out this post I wrote about the best vineyards to visit in the Douro Valley, plus everything you need to know about experiencing a tour and tasting with them, including how to book and get there.

How Long to Spend in the Douro?

In an ideal world, I suggest 2-3 nights for your trip to Porto and 1-2 nights for your time in the Douro Valley.

However, I totally get that most people don’t have an infinite amount of time they can enjoy their holiday in and therefore, need to tailor their plans inline with that!

As such, I’d really recommend spending at least one night in the Douro Valley and at least 2 nights in Porto – this will allow you to take in all the main highlights and get a good feel for both places.

Where to Stay in the Douro Valley?

Here’s my top picks for places to stay in the Douro Valley, they might just convince you that at least 1 night here is a good idea!

• Hotel Rural Quinta Do Pego – Top-rated and with a great price, this gem of a hotel has a pool with amazing valley views!
• Encosta do Pinhao – A fab 3 bedroom rental home, sleeping up to 6 guests, very near to Pinhão train station.
• Casa do Rio Wine Hotel – A real splurge, but staying on this vineyard near Pocinho, in the heart of the Douro, would be a real treat!
• Lagares Douro Villas – If you want cute and remote, these stunning villas with amazing views could be just the answer!
• The Pine House – Offering just 2 cute rooms in this local home, people love the quality and comfort of this place which is very close to Regua Train Station.
• Casa de Sao Domingos – Also in Regua, choose from beautiful deluxe rooms and enjoy the pool!
• Quinta da Salada – A rural tourism gem, this boutique farm stay offers gardens, terrace and an outdoor pool all near the lovely town of Lamego.
• Camping Lamego – The best place to pull up for the night in the Douro if you have a motorhome or van. Great vibes, affordable and friendly.

When to Visit Porto and the Douro Valley?

It’s a good idea to think about when you might want to visit Porto and the Douro Valley and no question in my mind, that the best time to enjoy these 2 destinations is during the months of April through June, plus September and October.

This is when the warm weather will allow you to take full advantage of the region’s charm, but you won’t be wilting in the summer heat.

I visited the Douro Valley and Porto in September and found the climate ideal for sightseeing, wine tasting as well as cycling along the coast.

That being said, you will find Porto especially has something of a micro-climate, where sea fog can often roll in the morning! Don’t despair however, in the warmer months the sun usually burns it off by late morning.

Where to Travel after Porto and the Douro Valley?

If you still have time for more adventures after the Douro Valley then a) lucky you and b) check out these top articles for some inspiration…

• Top 21 Things to Do in Lisbon
• How to Travel from Lisbon to Sintra
• 10 Day Andalusia Road Trip Itinerary

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5 Packing Essentials for the Douro Valley

• UV sunglasses
• Good shoes for walking
• Natural 30 SPF sunscreen
• Decent insect repellent
• Sony A6000 camera

Travel Insurance for Portugal

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PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it, my ultimate guide on how to visit the Douro Valley from Porto.

Even if it’s just for a day, this great excursion should not be missed. However, I highly recommend staying overnight to really take in the beautiful landscapes and great port if you can!

Have you visited the Douro Valley from Porto?

How did you get there?

I would love to hear about your experiences via the comments below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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Porto To Douro Valley – Day Trip, Wineries, Viewpoints, Itineraries

Porto To Douro Valley Plan The Perfect Douro Valley Trip

Wondering how to plan the perfect Porto to Douro Valley trip? Our Douro Valley guide will help you plan the perfect Douro Valley day trip, including how to get to the Douro Valley from Porto, things to see and do, the best Douro Valley wineries, beautiful viewpoints, and more. We’ve also included recommended 2-day, 3-day, and 4-day itineraries to explore the Douro Valley if you have more time.

Planning The Perfect Douro Valley Day Trip From Porto

We’ve heard so much about Portugal’s Douro Valley over the years; we had to see it for ourselves. We visited Douro Valley during our last Portugal road trip. Even though we’ve seen so many pictures and videos of this place, nothing could have prepared us for the sheer beauty of this region in Northern Portugal.

Driving along the Douro River, we couldn’t stop gazing at the picturesque hillsides filled with sun-drenched vineyards dotted by the occasional olive groves and orange trees. The main road snakes along the Douro River, behind every turn, there’s another beautiful Quinta (wine estate), patches of agricultural land, charming villages, and breathtaking views.

We spent four days in Douro Valley, visiting more familiar and lesser-known places. Since many people don’t have the luxury of spending a few days in the Douro, we’ve decided to write the perfect Douro Valley guide for everyone who wants to plan a day trip from Porto to Douro Valley, and we’ve got many tips and insight to share with you. So, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let’s start planning your perfect Douro Valley day trip!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission if you purchase from them (no extra costs to you!). For details check our disclaimer .

Table of Contents

How far is douro valley from porto.

Douro Valley is relatively close to Porto. It is located less than 100 km. east of Porto. The fastest way to get from Porto to Douro Valley is with a car (just over an hour via A4), but you can also hop on a direct train from Porto (about 2 hours).

Is Douro Valley Worth Visiting

Some people may ask themselves if it is worth leaving Porto to travel to Douro Valley. The short answer is – hell yes! Touring the Douro Valley is a dream! No matter if you do it by train, by car or by boat, you have to visit the Duoro Valley during your Portugal trip.

What makes the Douro Valley so special? The history and local tradition, the unique terrain, the scenic views, and the wine, of course!

The first sight that will catch your eye is the seductive curves of the Douro River meandering through the curvy hills of the Douro Valley, which are dotted with beautiful wine estates and terraced fields. From a bird’s eye view, the whole area looks like a natural patchwork quilt with hues of earthy browns and greens.

When talking about the historical importance, wine has been grown in the Alto Douro region (“upper Douro”) for more than 2,000 years since the Romans occupied the Iberian Peninsula. It is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world since boundaries were set between the vineyards of the Douro Valley in the 18th century. In 2001 the Alto Douro wine region was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its long-time wine tradition and historical and cultural importance. Some of these winemaking traditions are kept to this day by the local wine producers.

Best Time To Visit Douro Valley

Generally speaking, the winters in the Douro are very cold, and the summer days can get very hot and dry. The further east you go, there are some climate differences.

The best time to visit the Douro Valley is during the Spring and Autumn months when the temperatures are pleasant, and you get to avoid the summer crowds. However, during local holidays the area can get busy at times, so if you plan to visit the Douro during a holiday, book well in advance.

If you plan to visit the Douro Valley in early spring (mid-February to March), you’ll get to see the almond trees in bloom . There’s even a special Almond Blossom Route you can follow. On the other hand, touring the Douro Valley in early Autumn means you’ll get to experience the harvest season. Other than the beautiful golden colors, many wine estates offer special harvest events during the month of September. You can participate in the harvest activities, visit the production facilities and enjoy a gastronomical feast with local seasonal flavors.

July and August might not be the ideal months to experience Douro, but we had a lovely time while visiting Douro Valley in early July. The weather was perfect, and the vineyards looked lovely. Touring the Douro Valley during the winter months means you’ll have to endure the cold and possibly rainy days, but you can always stay at a spa hotel and spend your days looking at the view with a glass of wine in your hand.

Learn more about the temperatures in Douro Valley .

How To Get To Douro Valley From Porto

Porto to douro valley – by train.

One of the best ways to get to Douro Valley from Porto is by train. It is budget-friendly and hassle-free, and the train route follows the Douro River, so you can expect some spectacular views!

Take the Linha do Douro or Douro Line train from Porto’s São Bento or Campanha stations and make sure you take the direct line , Inter-Regional train (IR), that goes all the way to Pocinho and also stops at Peso da Régua and Pinhão. If you only have one day in Douro Valley, you’d want to take the ride from Peso da Régua to Pinhão. This is the most scenic part of the train journey. We also recommend starting your day at Pinhão since there are several wineries in the area as well as other attractions that you can fit into your Douro day trip itinerary.

Check out the Porto to Douro Valley train timetable .

  Tips For Taking The Porto To Douro Valley Train Book your train ticket online on the Comboios de Portugal website or buy it at the counter at Sao Bento or Campanha train stations. Come as early as possible during the high season, or book your ticket 1-2 days in advance. We also suggest buying your return ticket to Porto at the same time. On the way to Douro Valley, sit on the right side to get the best views of Rio Douro. There is a historical train, a steam locomotive with five historical carriages that run the distance between Régua and Tua. This train operates between June and October on specific days. Learn more about Porto’s historical train . As mentioned before, during the almond bloom season in March, there’s a special train route from Oporto Campanhã to Pocinho and back. The train leaves at 7.00 am and returns at 11.30 pm. There are three road circuits to choose from. If you plan to visit Douro Valley during February or March, read more about these special trains, programs and prices

Porto To Douro Valley – By Car

Renting a car is our preferred way of exploring the Douro Valley. This gives you absolute freedom in organizing the trip, getting to beautiful viewpoints, and choosing your own Douro wineries to visit. However, there are some downsides to touring Douro Valley with a private car.

The roads are curvy and narrow, even National Road 222 that follows the course of the Douro River. Not to mention the side roads you’ll have to take to get to the higher viewpoints or some of the vineyards. The Portuguese drivers can be impatient at times, so we wouldn’t recommend renting a car from Porto to Douro Valley unless you are a confident driver.

In addition, the whole point of touring Douro Valley is to enjoy the scenery and go wine tasting. If you are planning on going wine tasting in more than 1-2 wineries in Douro, we’d recommend choosing a different main of transportation or staying in Douro Valley for at least 3 days so you can take your time and visit the Douro wineries in a leisurely pace.

  Tips For Renting A Car For Touring Douro Valley Compare prices online and also check for opening hours . We’d recommend leaving Porto early to make the most out of your Douro Valley day trip. Choose the right rental car – Choose a small car if you intend to visit the higher viewpoints along Douro River. The road in some of the villages can be very narrow. These roads can also get very steep, so rent a car with manual transmission only if you have a lot of experience driving manual gear. Driving instructions – The Porto to Douro Valley drive should take you about 80-90 minutes till you reach Peso da Régua via highway A4 (toll road). From there, take National Road 222 to Lamego. If you have enough time, you can stop on the way back in Amarante. You can check more tips for driving in Portugal in our Driving Section in our Lisbon to Porto Road Trip .

Douro Valley Wine Tours From Porto

Touring Douro Valley with an organized tour is an excellent option if you want a hassle-free day. You can tour the Douro by boat, by bus, or choose a private tour with a private driver from Porto to Douro Valley if you can afford it.

Douro Valley Tours – By Boat

If you want to explore the Douro Valley by boat, you can take one of the organized Douro Valley river cruises. You can either start your day with a cruise from Porto to Douro Valley and come back with the train/bus or start your day with private bus transportation to Peso da Régua and from there enjoy touring Douro River by boat, returning to Porto by boat as well. A Douro River day cruise is an excellent option if you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery and are not too interested in wine tasting (usually, these tours offer one visit to a winery or none at all). If you’re looking for a recommended boat tour,  this Douro Cruise has good reviews and it is one of the only cruises that also includes wine tasting at a local winery.

Touring Douro Valley With An Organized Tour

If you want to enjoy your Porto to Douro day trip hassle-free, taking an organized tour to Douro might be your best option. Unlike the cruise tours above, most of the organized Douro Valley tours include wine-tasting at 2-3 wineries, 1-2 scenic viewpoints, and some even offer a 1-hour boat ride on Rio Douro. If you want to visit three wineries during your Douro Valley day trip and take a river cruise,  make sure to book this Douro Valley tour . If you’re visiting Douro Valley just for the wine and views, you can book this highly-recommended Douro tour !

Recommended Porto To Douro Valley Day Tours

Douro valley tours with a private driver.

If budget is not an option and you’d rather not rent a car and drive along the Douro River yourself, there are some excellent private tours you can take. These are priced either per group or per person. They usually include a private driver from Porto to Douro Valley, wine tasting in 2 vineyards, stops at scenic viewpoints, a boat ride, and lunch.

Recommended Private Tours From Porto To Douro Valley

Best things to do in douro valley.

The Douro Valley extends over approximately 250,000 hectares, out of which about 40,000 hectares are used for growing wine grapes. Therefore, you’ll need more than a day to experience the best of Douro Valley, but even if you have just one day in Douro Valley, you can enjoy some stunning views and go wine tasting in one of the most famous wine regions in the world. Here are our recommendations for spending a perfect day in Douro Valley:

Enjoy A Scenic Drive Along The Douro River

Driving along the curvy Douro River, you’ll catch a glimpse of the glistening waters of the river with beautiful rolling hills on both sides. Every turn of the road will unfold another terraced vineyard, picturesque orchards, olive groves, and beautiful wine estates. For the most scenic views, we recommend following National Road 222, which cuts through the heart of the Douro Valley, especially the section from Peso da Régua till Pinhão.

Discover The Best Viewpoints Along The Douro River

To soak up the natural beauty of Alto Douro, you need to get to a high vantage point. There are many beautiful miradouros along the river. Note that the road can get extremely steep, curvy, and narrow, so drive carefully. There are so many viewpoints along the river it’s impossible to list all of them. Instead, we’ve listed some of the best Douro viewpoints along the road from Peso da Régua to Pinhão.

Double viewpoint De Loivos  

This viewpoint is probably the best lookout point along the Douro River. It is located just above Pinhão and overlooks one of the most beautiful parts of the Douro Valley. You can easily fit it in your Porto to Douro day trip, even if you plan on getting to Douro Valley by train.

Miradouro de São Salvador do Mundo

 This beautiful lookout is located near a small town, Sao Joao de Pesqueira. The views from above are  absolutely stunning.

St. Leonardo de Galafura

 A beautiful point of view just above the town Covelinhas.

Miradouro de Santo António  

This viewpoint is located above Peso da Régua, the largest city in the area.

If you have more than a day in Douro Valley, check out all of the top viewpoints along the Douro River.

Visit As Many Douro Valley Wineries As You Can

You can not plan a day trip to Douro Valley without including some wine tasting. The Douro is a wine lover’s dream. Douro Alto is classified as a DOC region, meaning the local wine is of very high quality and produced according to strict standards and guidelines. There are three sub-regions in the Douro Valley: Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo, and Douro Superior, each with its own wine expertise.

The local wine estates are called Quintas. Most of them have a long history and tradition of producing fortified wines (wine that some kind of liquor was added to it during the production process) and unfortified wines. Though the Douro region is known for producing the famous port wine, in recent years it has also become known for the quality of its unfortified wine.

During our visit to the Douro Valley, we’ve learned there are many types of Port wine such as White, Rosé, Tawney, Ruby, and more, each with its own nuances. Try and taste as many Ports as you can and try the local unfortified wine, which is gaining more recognition worldwide.

Recommended Douro Valley Wineries

There are so many wineries in Douro Valley you’ll have a hard time choosing just one or two (or three) to visit on your day trip from Porto. We’ve listed several  recommended wineries that are located close to Pinhão and on the way to Peso da Régua.

Pinhão Wineries - Perfect For A Douro Valley Day Trip

Quinta do bomfim.

Bomfim Winery is located on the banks of the Douro River, only a few minutes away from Pinhão’s train station. The original winery is from 1896. Nowadays, Bomfim Winery is part of the Symington Family Estates, which are known worldwide for their high-quality wines. You can order a wine-tasting tour and a cheese board for a very reasonable price and enjoy the beautiful views of the Douro from their terrace. If you want to book a wine tasting session, a picnic or a guided tour you can do it online on the winery’s booking page .

Quinta da Roeda – Croft Port

Quinta da Roeda is located near Quinta do Bomfim, about 1.5 km. east. They have a fascinating history (including some spy stories) and a long tradition of producing high-quality port wine. They are known for their vintage and tawny ports. They offer guided tours and wine tastings as well as picnic baskets that you can enjoy on their terrace with the beautiful views of the vineyards and olive groves. Learn more about the wine tasting options on the Quinta’s wine tourism page .

Quinta das Carvalhas

Just across the bridge, you’ll find Quinta das Carvalhas , a beautiful winery with magnificent, terraced vineyards. It is one of the oldest wine estates in the region, with 300 acres of vineyards and more than 1,000 acres of land. On their website, you can find many wine-tourism programs such as a bus tour across their property, a private guided tour, harvest events, and more. You can also go wine tasting in their shop at the winery. 

Pinhão to Peso da Régua – Recommended Wineries Along The South Bank

Quinta do seixo.

Located not too far from Pinhão, Quinta do Seixo has one of the best views in the Douro Valley thanks to its high vantage point. They offer a few tasting options as well as picnic baskets. Despite their long history, the tasting room has a more modern design than some other Douro wineries. Check out their wine tourism offers . 

Quinta do Pôpa

Quinta do Pôpa is situated on the south bank of Douro River, about 10 km from Pinhão. It is a small family-run winery that opened its doors to visitors in  2012. This wine estate is known for its breathtaking views and Douro wines. They also produce vintage port and olive oil. You can choose any of their wine-tasting experiences , including a picnic basket, lunch, and more. Take a virtual tour of the vineyard and winery before your visit.

Quinta do Tedo

Quinta do Tedo is located on the south bank of Douro River at the intersection with Tedo river. It is a relatively small winery that is known for its personalized visits. They use traditional viticultural methods while incorporating essential modern technology to create their Ports and Red Wines. They also produce olive oil. In 2011 they got their organic certification. Quinta do Tedo offers a variety of wine-tasting experiences , and you can even stay in one of their five bedrooms overnight. You can also enjoy lunch or dinner at their seasonal bistro , which has stunning views of Douro Valley. Book your  wine tasting  at the Quinta do Tedo. There are also special harvest events in September and cultural events during the summer.

Quinta de Santa Eufémia

Quinta de Santa Eufémia ​ is located very close to Peso da Régua  and Lamego. The winery’s history dates back to the 19th century, and it has been run by the same family since then. They produce a selection of Douro and Port wine while incorporating traditional winemaking techniques. You can stop here for a wine-tasting session with scenic views.

Quinta da Pacheca

Quinta da Pacheca is one of the oldest wine estates in Douro Valley. Grapes have been planted in its vineyards since the 16th century. The winery produces a variety of Douro wines, Port wines, Moscatel and olive oils. They offer a variety of wine tourism experiences including a harvest experience and vineyard spa treatments. You can also stay at their Wine House Hotel or at the unique wine barrels, book your stay here .

Pinhão To Peso da Régua – Recommended Wineries Along The North Bank

The road from Pinhão to Peso da Régua along the north bank doesn’t always follow the Douro River, and it takes longer to get from one place to the other. Therefore, plan ahead since driving along the north bank from Pinhão to Peso da Régua will take you much longer. 

Quinta de la Rosa

Quinta De La Rosa ’s history dates back to the 19th century. It remained under the same hands since 1906. They have been producing their Port wine for over a century, and they were one of the first wine estates to make table wine. Currently, they also produce olive oil and beers. You can come here for various wine tasting experiences or guided vineyard tours. You can also stay at one of the 23 rooms that are scattered all over the estate or eat at their restaurant , which has a fabulous view and great reviews.

Quinta do Crasto

Quinta do Crasto is considered one of the best wineries in Douro Valley. It has been included in the Top 20 of the World’s Best Vineyards for the third consecutive year. It has a long history (grapes were grown here since the beginning of the 17th century) and offers various products that include white and red Douro wines, Port wines, and Extra Virgin Olive oils. They have a variety of wine tourism programs that are tailor-made to your desires. Visits must be booked in advance.

Quinta dos Murças

Quinta dos Murças is a historic estate that is located on the north bank of the Duoro River. The beautiful estate has changed many hands over the years (its history dates back to the 18th century). Currently, it’s owned by Herdade de Esporão, a prestigious winery from the Alentejo region. The Quinta has a diversity of terroirs that cover approximately 155 hectares. When visiting Quinta dos Murças, you can enjoy any of its wide range of wine tasting programs, guided tours, and scenic hiking trails. You can also spend the night here if you wish.

Take A Boat Along Douro River

Taking a boat trip along the Douro was one of our highlights. Cruising along the river while watching the terraced vineyards rise to either side of the river’s banks is a sight worth seeing. Each curve of the Douro unfolds another breathtaking scenery, and you might even catch a glimpse of the famous Porto-to-Douro historic train that passes along the river. You can take one of the boat tours from Peso da Régua or Pinhão. We chose to take a 1.5-hour cruise from Pinhão on a traditional Rabelo boat. These boats used to carry the wine barrels from the Port houses to Porto many years ago. You can also hop on a boat trip from Régua, but these are larger modern boats. The boat tour usually lasts 1-2 hours which is perfect for a day trip from Porto since you still have time to go wine tasting and visit some of the Douro Valley towns.

Beautiful Douro Valley Towns

Douro Valley is full of charming villages and towns. Obviously, you can’t see everything during your day trip from Porto to Douro Valley, but try to visit at least two towns if you can. Here are some beautiful towns you can visit during your one-day Douro Valley trip.

Pinhão

Pinhão is a small town located approximately 120 kilometers from the city of Porto in Douro’s Cima Corgo region. Although it is not the most charming town we’ve visited, we still recommend visiting Pinhão during your day trip from Porto since you can enjoy several attractions in the area. Also, you can reach it directly by train from Porto. So, what can you do in Pinhão during your one-day Douro Valley trip?

Visit Pinhão Train Station

Even if you’re not getting to Douro by train, check out Pinhão’s train station since it is decorated with beautiful Azulejo tiles. The blue and white mosaics depict the Douro landscapes and the traditional activities, many of which are related to wine production in Douro Valley (if you love beautiful train stations, you must also visit Aveiro on a day trip from Porto).

Walk Along The Riverside

Pinhão has a lovely promenade with benches and small coffee shops. You can have a cup of coffee and a morning snack while enjoying the beautiful views of Douro Valley and watching the Rabelo boats that leave the quay.

Take A River Cruise On A Rabelo Boat

As mentioned before, we highly recommend taking a 1-2 hour cruise from Pinhão along the Douro River. You can book your tickets at one of the tickets boots on the promenade or book them in advance online .

Wine Tasting in Pinhão

There are a couple of wineries that are located within Pinhão such as Quinta do Bomfim, Quinta da Roeda – Croft Port and Quinta das Carvalhas (you can read more about them in our wineries section above).

Check Out The View From Double viewpoint De Loivos

One of our favorite viewpoints is located above Pinhão in Casal de Loivos . We got there with our car, but you can also take a taxi from Pinhão if you are getting to Douro from Porto  by train.

Kayaking in Douro River

If you have more time, you can also rent a kayak or join a kayaking tour in Douro River.

We haven’t been to Provesende ourselves, but we’ve heard it’s a charming village set amidst the Douro Valley with beautiful views of the area. It will take about 20 minutes to get there by car from Pinhão. It might be a perfect place if you’d like to explore Douro Valley off the beaten path. You can stroll along the alleys, find old manor houses, and visit a few historical sites in Provesende, such as the Baroque church or the 18th-century fountain. We’ve heard there is a charming old bakery near the fountain and a great restaurant in town, Casa Típica Papas Zaide, which serves traditional Portuguese food.

Peso da Régua

If you’re touring Douro Valley with a car, you will probably pass through Peso da Régua . It is the largest riverside town in Douro Valley, and although it lacks the quaint charm of the smaller Douro towns, it has a nice museum which highlights the history of the region and great restaurants and wine bars. Here are some of the best things to do in Peso da Régua:

Visit Museu do Douro

If you’d like to learn more about the history and culture of Douro Valley, you can visit the Douro Museum . The museum is located in Casa da Companhia Velha, a former wine warehouse on the riverfront. You can enjoy the audio-visual presentation and exhibits and have a drink at the bar while enjoying the beautiful Douro views from the terrace.

Recommended Restaurants in Régua

We stayed a couple of nights in Lamego but chose to eat our dinners here. There are a few good restaurants located close to each other: Aneto & Table , Castas e Pratos and Jerinha ĺTaberna & Companhia

Wineries Near Régua

There are a few wine shops in Régua, and you can also go wine tasting in Museu do Douro. However, we recommend visiting Quinta de Santa Eufémia and Quinta da Pacheca which are located not far from Régua (you can read more about these wineries in our wine-tasting section above).

Recommended Viewpoint Above Peso da Régua

Miradouro de Santo António and Miradouro St. Leonardo de Galafura

Photography tip: There are two bridges in Peso da Régua that are beautiful to photograph, especially with a long exposure shot: Ponte Rodoviaria da Regua and Régua Pedestrian Bridge . 

Lamego is another relatively large town in Douro Valley, but it is the perfect place to stay in the Douro for a night or two. Also, if you are touring Douro by car, you really must visit the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios during your day trip from Porto.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Remedy

The history of the beautiful Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios dates back to the 14th century. The original structure was destroyed in the 16th century. It was rebuilt with added decorations and flare during the 18th and 19th centuries. The whitewashed granite exterior facade with its decorations and two baroque towers are an impressive sight, so are the beautiful blue and white tiled mosaics inside. However, for the most remarkable point of view, you need to step outside. Rows and rows of stairs (almost 700 to be exact) lead you from the center of Lamego to the sanctuary. The stairs were built in a symmetrical zigzag with nine terraces, decorated with statues and beautiful azulejo mosaics.

Lamego festival tip: From the end of August to the middle of September, you’ll be able to experience the Festas da Cidade (City Festival) and the “Romaria de Portugal”, a religious pilgrimage dedicated to the city’s patron saint. There are concerts, parades, shows, exhibitions, and cultural events during these three weeks.

Castelo de Lamego

Another historical site you can visit during your visit to Lamego is the Medieval Castle of Lemago . Lamego Castle was built on a high hill, and though nowadays it is mostly in ruins, the views are beautiful. On your way to the castle, you’ll go through cobbled old streets with traditional shops and houses.

Sé Catedral de Lamego

If you have more time and love cathedrals, stop by Lamego Cathedral (also known as Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral). Its history dates back to the 12th century. Its architecture was influenced by various styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and  Manueline architecture.

Wine Tasting in Lamego

We recommend visiting Quinta de Santa Eufémia and Quinta da Pacheca which are located not far from Lamego (read more about these quintas in our Douro Wineries section above).

LAMEGO FREE TOUR: If you have more time, check out this FREE walking tour of Lamego .

If you are touring Douro Valley for more than a day, you can also add these towns to your Douro itinerary:

São João da Pesqueira

We planned on visiting this picturesque town but didn’t have enough time. São João da Pesqueira is known as the heart of the Douro wine region. It has a few historical landmarks, an interactive wine museum, a beautiful old town, and plenty of views and wineries in the area.

If you include São João da Pesqueira in your Douro Valley itinerary make sure to visit Praça da República which is located in the old town. Around this area, you’ll find the ancient clock tower, the Capela da Misericórdia, and Rua dos Gatos, one of the oldest streets in town that used to be part of the Jewish Quarter .

Also visit one of the best Douro viewpoints that is located near São João da Pesqueira, Miradouro de São Salvador do Mundo .

Foz Côa Valley

Côa Valley is located closer to the Spanish border in the Douro Superior sub-region. It is mainly known for its prehistoric rock art park, with more than 80 sites with rock art, including thousands of rock formations and engraving. In 1998 it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site .

Besides the Côa Valley Archaeological Park and the Côa Museum , the region is filled with vineyards, scenic views, and small authentic Portuguese villages. Nature lovers would enjoy the hiking trails and the growing population of wild animals .

Côa Valley Tip: there are bird watching tours and photography tours

If you are getting from Porto to Douro Valley by car, on the way to Douro from Porto, or on the way back to Porto, you can stop at Amarante . This beautiful historic town is located approximately halfway between Peso da Régua and Porto . Amarante has been included in the Sousa Valley Romanesque Route (Rota do Românico), a heritage route that includes historical monuments, monasteries, bridges, and castles in nine countries across Europe. Here are some recommended things to do in Amarante:

Photograph Ponte de São Gonçalo Bridge

Amarante is famous for this ancient monument, an old arched bridge situated on the Tâmega River. You can admire the bridge from the observation platforms or walk along the river to find a different point of view (there should be stairs leading down to the river banks at Av. Beira Rio ).

Try The Local Regional Sweets

Portugal has so many traditional sweets, and each region has its unique pastries. Along Rua 31 de Janeiro , you’ll find a few shops, restaurants, and traditional Confeitarias that sell delicious Portuguese sweet treats. We chose a beautiful shop with a lovely view over the river. Another thing that Amarante is famous for is its penis-shaped pastries, so don’t forget to order one of these “doces fálicos” (phallic sweets) or “Bolos de São Gonçalo” (Saint Gonçalo cakes).

Douro Festival Tip: In June, a festival is held in Amarante in honor of the local patron saint São Gonçalo. During this time, you can experience religious parades and street parties. The streets are decorated with phallic symbols, and street vendors sell the local penis-shaped cakes in various sizes.

Visit Amarante’s Churches

There are a few beautiful churches near the bridge: Igreja de São Gonçalo , Igreja de São Domingos and Igreja de São Pedro .

Amarante Tips: If you have more time and would like to learn more about Amarante’s historical monuments, check out this 2-hour guided tour of Amarante which includes tastings of typical sweets. You can also go wine tasting at the fabulous Hotel Monverde which is only 15 minutes away by car from Amarante. We stayed there for 2 nights and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. You can read more about it in our Douro Valley hotel section .

How Many Days In Douro Valley Do You Need

Honestly, the more time you can spend in the Douro Valley, the better. If you can only spend one day in Douro Valley, it’s better than nothing , so try to have a little taste of everything when planning a day trip to Douro Valley from Porto. We spent about four days in Douro valley (more like 3.5 days with all the driving) and felt we hadn’t seen enough. Here are some suggested itineraries for you based on the time you have to spend in Douro Valley.

Porto to Douro Day Trip – By Train – Suggested Itinerary

Porto – pinhão - peso da régua/lamego.

If you’re getting to Douro Valley from Porto by train, the most convenient option is to take an early train from Porto all the way to Pinhão. See the beautiful azulejo at the train station, take a taxi to Double viewpoint De Loivos, hop on one of the Rabelo boats for a 1-2 hours cruise or go kayaking.

According to the time you have left and your interests, you can visit the wineries that are located at Pinhão. If you are a wine enthusiast, you might want to visit all three of them.

 If you are fine with just one wine tasting, you can hop on the train back to Porto and stop at Peso da Régua . You can either visit the Museu do Douro and perhaps try one of the recommended restaurants or take a taxi (it’s a 20-minute ride) and go straight to Lamego to visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Remedy. This place is absolutely amazing. After your visit, get back to Peso da Régua and hop on the return train to Porto.

Check out our Beautiful Douro Valley Towns section for more suggestions 

Porto to Douro Day Trip – By Car - Suggested Itinerary

Porto – pinhão - peso da régua/lamego – amarante.

If you already have a car, great! You won’t need to waste time at the rental company in the morning of your day trip. However, if you don’t, take into account that most car rental shops open at 8.00 or 8.30 am.

We suggest driving straight to Peso da Régua via A4 and A24. It should take you about an hour and a half. From there, take the scenic road, National Road 222, that goes along the south bank of the Douro River to Pinhão . We suggest visiting one winery at Pinhão and another one on the way.

At Pinhão, drive to Double viewpoint De Loivos, visit the train station, hop on one of the Rabelo boats for a 1-2 hours cruise or combine a cruise on the Douro River with some kayaking. As mentioned before, we suggest visiting one of the wineries in Pinhão as well. If you haven’t stopped at one of the wineries on your way to Pinhão, do this on your way back to Regua.

On your way back to Porto, you can also visit the Museu do Douro at Peso da Régua and/or visit Lamego to see the stunning Sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Remedy.

If you have more time left, stop at Amarante on your way back to Porto. Visit the famous bridge and have a cup of coffee with their special pastry.

Itinerary Tip: National Road 222 goes along the south bank of the Douro River. N108 starts from Porto and follows the north bank of Douro River all the way to Peso da Régua. If you’re driving from Peso da Régua to Pinhão, and you’d like to visit the viewpoints and wineries on the north bank, you’ll need to take N313-1/N322-2 and the smaller roads that will take you up the hills. Therefore, plan ahead and consider which wineries you’d like to visit because there aren’t any places to cross the Douro River between Pinhão and Peso da Régua. Driving along the north bank will take you much more time to reach from Peso da Régua to Pinhão and vice versa.

How To Spend 2 Days In Douro Valley – Suggested Itinerary

If you have two days for touring the Douro Valley with a car, we suggest spending a night in Lamego or at a winery close to Lamego.

On your way from Porto to Douro Valley, you can stop at Amarante or visit it on your back from Douro Valley to Porto.

Start by exploring Lamego and the nearby wineries. You can also visit Museu do Douro at Peso da Régua . We suggest eating dinner at one of the restaurants we’ve recommended in Peso da Régua (our foodie experiences in Lamego were less than satisfying).

On your second day, drive to Pinhão and follow our recommendations for things to do in Pinhão. Visit one of the wineries on your way to Pinhão and at least another winery in Pinhão. On your way back to Porto you can stop at Amarante .

How To Spend 3 Days In Douro Valley – Suggested Itinerary

Porto – amarante - peso da régua - lamego - pinhão – provesende and são joão da pesqueira or côa valley.

If you have three days in Douro , you can take your time and relax. We suggest staying both nights at the same accommodation, preferably close to Lamego or Pinhão , depending on what you’d like to see.

On your first day, drive straight to Lamego and follow our suggestions around Lamego and Peso da Régua. On your way to Lamego, you can stop at Amarante . Visit at least one of the wineries around Lamego.

Depending on your interests and pace, it is up to you if you’d like to visit Pinhão and the towns in the area or take the 2-hour drive to Côa Valley on the second day.

If you’d like to take it easy, Spend the rest of your trip visiting Pinhão, Provesende, São João da Pesqueira and the museum in Peso da Régua . You can visit a few wineries every day and take the time to find scenic viewpoints.

If you’d really like to visit Côa Valley, do this on your second day. Drive to Côa Valley to explore the park , and on your way back, you can stop at scenic viewpoints, wineries, or interesting places, depending on the time. On the third day, visit Pinhão and the nearby wineries and viewpoints . You will have enough time to go back to Porto by the end of the third day.

4 – 6 Days In Douro Valley – Suggested Itinerary

Porto - peso da régua - lamego - pinhão – provesende - são joão da pesqueira - côa valley – amarante.

If you have 4-6 days to tour Douro Valley, you can explore the area at a leisurely pace. Follow our recommendations above and make an effort to visit Côa Valley in Douro Superior region.

You can also explore more of Amarante and the Minho region which is known for its Vino Verde . We suggest staying at Monverde – Wine Experience Hotel if you can afford it. This spa hotel is located in the middle of a vineyard. It has an amazing restaurant and a beautiful modern design. We spent a couple of nights there and loved it.

Where To Stay In Douro Valley

We recommend staying at least 2 days in each hotel you choose. For our suggested itineraries, it’s best to stay at hotels near Lamego, Peso da Régua and Pinaho. If you intend to explore Côa Valley region, you can also stay a night or two in the region. 

Hotels Near Lamego & Régua

Six Senses Douro Valley – We would have loved to stay here but it cost a fortunate. The rooms are modern and the scenery is absolutely gorgeous. There’s a variety of experiences you can choose from including spa treatments. You can explore the 8-hectare property on foot to discover its open-air relaxation spots, relax at the pools or visit the wine library.

Check prices at Six Senses Dour Valley

Quinta do Vallado Wine Hotel – One of the best hotels in Douro Valley, luxurious and cozy at the same time. Guests can enjoy a wine tasting tour for free. You can also enjoy the swimming pool, hiking trails, river fishing and the hotel’s free bicycles.

Check prices at Quinta do Vallado

Quinta da Pacheca – Another wine hotel with private vineyards. They offer guided tours, wine tastings, picnics and cooking classes for an extra fee. They also has a vineyard spa on the property.

Check prices at Quinta da Pacheca

MW Douro Wine & Spa by TRIUS Hotels – A beautiful hotel with modern design which is located in a small village above Régua. You can enjoy the outdoor and indoor pools,  the sun terrace and the fabulous view. The hotel is pretty isolated so take this into account.

Check out prices at MW Douro Wine & Spa

Lamego Hotel & Life – A lovely hotel with modern design which is located at a quiet spot in Lamego. However, it is not as secluded as it might seem from the pictures. We liked the public indoor and outdoor spaces and the friendly staff. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a central location, yet quiet and relaxing atmosphere at a reasonable price.

Check out prices at Lamego Hotel & Life

Hotels Near Pinhão

Quinta Nova Winery House – Relais & Châteaux – This beautiful wine hotel is surrounded by 120 hectares of vineyards. Guests can enjoy wine tasting sessions, relaxing strolls through the property and swimming at the outdoor pool. The hotel is famous for its wine tourism experiences and the outstanding scenery. Note that despite the short distance, it will take at least half an hour to get to Pinhão due to the curvy narrow road.

Check out prices at Quinta Nova Winery House – Relais & Châteaux 

The Vintage House – Douro – This beautiful hotel is conveniently located not far from Pinhão’s train station on the north bank of the Douro River. The outside pool has beautiful views of the river and nearby vineyards.

Check out prices at The Vintage House – Douro

Casa do Arco by Douro Exclusive – If you love unique modern architecture, stunning views, and a warm family-like atmosphere,  you’d love this place. Casa do Arco offers various unique experiences including wine tasting and gastronomic dinners.

Check prices at Casa do Arco 

Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta –  This charming quinta is situated on the hills opposite Pinhão, about 15 minutes by car. The rooms are beautifully designed with a mix of authenticity and modern pieces. The quinta has a restaurant, a bar and an outside pool and many activities you can enjoy including hiking along several routes to discover the beautiful landscape.

Check prices at Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta  

Quinta da Côrte –  Perched on the hills opposite Pinhão on the south bank of the Douro River, the charming Quinta da Côrte offers stunning views of terraced vineyards and a homey atmosphere. The rooms and communal spaces are beautifully design with a rural chic. Guests can enjoy the outside pool and a tour of the vineyard as well as other wine tourism offers. It is a great value for a farm stay in the middle of a vineyard.

Check out prices at Quinta da Côrte

Hotels in Côa Valley

Casa do Rio Wine Hotel – Vallado – If you decide to visit Côa Valley, this beautifully designed hotel is a great choice if you are looking for piece and quiet. It is located about 13 kilometers from Vila Nova de Foz Coa and has stunning views. Guests are welcomed to enjoy the infinity pool, the daily wine tasting, and the free bikes and kayaks.

Check out priced at Casa do Rio Wine Hotel 

Hotels Near Amarante

Monverde – Wine Experience Hotel  – We spent 2 nights here during our Douro Valley road trip. The hotel is not located close to Douro River (it’s close to Amarante) but it is absolutely amazing. It is surrounded by vineyards and has a fabulous restaurant and a spa. There’s a variety of rooms to choose from, all of them are beautifully designed to blend with the natural environment. You can choose from the various wine tourism experiences or just relax at the pool.

Check out priced at Monverde – Wine Experience Hotel  

General Tips For Touring Douro Valley

• We suggest spending at least 2 nights at the same location so you could enjoy the wine tasting experience and tour Douro Valley at a leisurely pace.
• The roads in Douro are not easy to drive , and they can get incredibly curvy, steep, and narrow on the way to some of the viewpoints, wineries, and hillside towns. Drive carefully or take an organized tour if you don’t feel confident driving.
• Book your accommodations in advance, especially if you’d like to stay at one of the wine estates that don’t have many rooms. We visited Douro Valley during the pandemic, and even then, some of our preferred accommodations were fully booked a couple of months in advance.
• It is always better to check in advance with the wineries if you can show up without a reservation or you need to book in advance.
• If you are a wine enthusiast and want to go wine tasting all day long, hire a driver or choose one of the suggested organized or private tours .
• Take your time and don’t plan too much. The Douro Valley is truly enchanting, and eventually, we decided to go with the flow instead of following our detailed plans. You might see less but enjoy your time so much more.

Where To Go After Your Douro Valley Tour

If you want to see more of Portugal instead of returning to Porto, we suggest checking the mountains of Serra da Estrela and the Dao wine region’s Santar village . We visited both areas during our road trip from Lisbon to Porto and fell in love with these hidden gems.

More Resources For Planning Your Portugal Trip

• Best of Lisbon In Three Days
• Plan The Perfect Sintra Day Trip
• A Weekend In Porto, Portugal
• Portugal Foodie Guide
• Plan The Perfect Lisbon To Porto Road Trip
• Monsaraz- Alentejo’s Hidden gem
• Things to Do in Aveiro
• Things to Do in Obidos – Why A Day Trip Is Not Enough

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2 thoughts on “Porto To Douro Valley – Day Trip, Wineries, Viewpoints, Itineraries”

We ever went there during harvest season. It was a great experience we had during our visit.

Yes, such a wonderful experience, and what an amazing place!

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Day Trip to Douro Valley From Porto – Everything You Need to Know!

Posted on Last updated: February 15, 2023

Need help planning your day trip to the Douro Valley from Porto? You’ve come to the right place!

With its lush green vegetation, countless vineyards and sweeping views, the Douro Valley is one of the most popular places to visit in Portugal. It’s famous for its vineyards, but it’s not only wine fans that will enjoy visiting it.

I did a day trip to the Douro Valley from Porto, and it was one of the highlights of my Portugal trip. We spent the day hiking, taking in the gorgeous views and exploring cute Portuguese towns.

Besides that, you can also taste delicious local wine, visit a vineyard, cruise the river and more! In this article I have listed everything you need to know to plan the perfect Porto to Douro Valley day trip.

I included essential information like how to get to the Douro Valley, listing all the different transport modes, what to do once there, what to pack, where to stay and more.

So without further ado, dive in and plan your perfect Douro Valley day trip!

• 1.1 By car to Douro Valley from Porto
• 1.2 By train to Douro Valley from Porto
• 1.3 By bus to Douro Valley from Porto
• 1.4 With a Porto to Douro Valley tour
• 2.1 Go hiking
• 2.2 Do a wine tasting & winery tour
• 2.3 Go for a Douro River cruise
• 2.4 Stop by the capital of the region
• 2.5 Visit the Archaeological Park of the Coa Valley
• 2.6 Check out the city of Lamego
• 2.7 Soak up the views
• 2.8 Chill out at Congida Beach
• 3 Best Douro Valley day tours
• 4 Is doing a Douro Valley day trip worth it?
• 5 Where to stay for your Douro Valley day trip

Exploring the vineyards of the Douro Valley

How to get to the Douro Valley from Porto  

Let’s start with the basics, how do you actually get to the Douro Valley from Porto ?

By car to Douro Valley from Porto

There’s nothing quite like exploring a region with the freedom of your own vehicle. And getting to the Douro Valley from Porto is a breeze. It takes around an hour to an hour and a half to drive to the Douro Valley from Porto.

The route itself takes you along the winding N222, which runs through the valley itself along the route of the Douro River.

The road isn’t a boring one: it twists and turns around many corners, and there are a ton of beautiful views to soak up along the way.

This is what we did, and we personally preferred it. It also gives you the most freedom the exact towns, vineyards and hikes you want.

The only thing to consider is that the Douro Valley is quite big, so although it takes 1.5 hours to reach it, depending on where you want to go it might be further.

Hiking through the vineyards of the Douro Valley, Portugal

By train to Douro Valley from Porto

Taking the train is super straightforward and a very scenic way to arrive at the Douro Valley from Porto. If you’re a fan of train journeys, then chances are this is the mode of transport you’ll be angling towards anyway.

But it’s not exactly the quickest way to get there. It takes around three hours, with trains leaving roughly once per hour.

However, even if it’s not the quickest way, it is one of the cheapest ways to get to the Douro Valley from Porto.

By bus to Douro Valley from Porto

Another option is taking the bus. There are a number of different bus companies in operation that connect up the two destinations.

These leave throughout the day and cost approximately 10 euros per person. It’s certainly up there on the affordability scale, but it’s not the most comfortable, fastest or efficient.

The beautiful green rolling hills of the Douro Valley in Portugal

With a Porto to Douro Valley tour

Definitely not the cheapest, but probably the most convenient way to get to the Douro Valley from Porto, is to simply take a tour. These often include added extras like wine tasting and river cruises.  

Plus you’ll have a guide and you’ll get to learn more about the history of the area, making this a full day trip that’s worth the money – especially if you’re short on time and don’t want the hassle of arranging transport from the train station to the various spots.

Douro Valley Small Group with Wine Tasting, Lunch & Optional Cruise – For example this small group tour will pick you up at your hotel in Porto and take you to the Douro Valley, where you can see the sights, taste local wine and even go for a river cruise.

Click here to book your Douro Valley from Porto with Viator!

From Porto: Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch – Similarly, this tour offers a complete day trip experience to the Douro Valley, including pick up and drop off in Porto so you don’t have to worry about anything!

Check out prices and availability for a Porto to Douro Valley with GetYourGuide!

Or check other popular Douro Valley day tours below!

Hiking in the Douro Valley, Portugal

Best things to see and do in the Douro Valley

The Douro Valley is a particularly picturesque region of Portugal and, naturally, this area lends itself to a bit of hiking. Therefore, exploring on foot is a great way to take it all in.

You’ll get to see some amazing views from some of the best viewpoints along the way.

One option is the Trilho do Vinho do Porto (aka the Porto Wine Trail). It’s a loop that’s just under four miles. Here you’ll walk through vineyards, along countryside trails and along cobbled pathways.  

It’s not too challenging at all, so if you’re up for a hike but you’re not exactly a veteran trekker, chances are you’ll be more than able to tackle this one.

The path is well marked and easy to follow, but you can also follow this wikiloc trail to be sure you’re in the right place.

Alternatively, if you don’t fancy getting lost amongst the vineyards, you can also join this guided hiking tour , which also includes a boat cruise and brunch (well deserved after the hike)!

Click here to book your Douro Valley hiking tour!

Do a wine tasting & winery tour

It would be impossible for wine lovers to visit the Douro Valley and not visit some of its wineries and sample delicious wines. Just impossible. There are a whole host of different vineyards to try.  

While some can be a little touristy, such as the famous Quinta da Roeda (known for its “craft port”), that’s obviously not the case everywhere you go.

Others are much more quaint and easygoing. Take Quinta do Popa, for example. Not only can you go to simply try a few different wines, but there’s also the option to enjoy a picnic with snacks to pair with your port.

View over the vineyards of the Douro Valley in Portugal

Go for a Douro River cruise

The river is definitely a striking feature of the Douro Valley, as the wineries are tucked along it in the countryside. What most people do when they visit this region is take a river cruise.

Because of the popularity, there’s a whole load of different companies that offer river cruises along the Douro River . Some are a few hours long, while others can actually take you along the river across several days.

Click here to book your Douro River cruise!

Stop by the capital of the region

If you’re traveling to the Douro Valley from Porto, chances are you’ll find your way to Peso da Regua at some point. If you don’t, it’s still worth a visit.

It may not be the most beautiful of cities, but this former 18th-century trading hub offers up river views, a charming old town and the Museo do Douro where you can learn more about the region.

And if you want to pick up some cheaper port wine to avoid the sometimes pricey vineyards, Regua is a good alternative for shopping and gift buying.

Enjoying the views in the Douro Valley, Portugal

Visit the Archaeological Park of the Coa Valley

As well as being one of the largest open-air museums dedicated to the Paleolithic (that is, the “old” stone age) era, this archaeological park also features some UNESCO-recognised rock art.

Drawings engraved in the rock here incredibly have been dated back to around 22,000 BC!

So if somehow you’ve had enough of port wine, swing by this landmark museum and understand more about the layers of history to be found in this region.

Check out the city of Lamego

The picturesque city of Lamego is definitely worth a visit. Situated around 12 km from the banks of the Douro River, this city grew from the 18th century when it became known for its port wine.

The history, however, stretches back much further.   The castle here, for example, has its roots back in the 4th century.

But far more attractive is the 12th century The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, which is perhaps only topped by the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remédios and its beautiful staircase, dating back to 1750.

While planning your Portugal itinerary , chances are you have already seen photos of these recognisable azulejos churches, it’s now time to see them in real life!

Soak up the views

There are a number of stunning viewpoints dotted around this region that make a trip to the Douro Valley from Porto worth it for the landscape alone.

One of these lookouts is the charming Sao Salvador do Mundo that features a handful of charming chapels, as well as some incredible vistas out across the valley.

Somewhere else to gawp at the view is Sao Domingos, which boasts a particularly dramatic part of the valley.

Chill out at Congida Beach

The Douro Valley may not be near the coast and the famous Algarve beaches , or to the surf towns of Nazare and Ericeira , but that doesn’t mean you can’t go to the beach!

The river beach of Congida is still a good place to cool off and take a break.

Located on a reservoir formed by a dam in Douro International Natural Park, the well kept river beach is the perfect place to take in all the nature on a sunny day.

There’s a floating swimming pool, a jetty and amenities making it ideal for a day out if you’re staying in the Douro Valley for multiple days.  

Best Douro Valley day tours

Short on time? Then a day tour is probably the best way to see this beautiful slice of Portugal, whether you’re arriving in the Douro Valley from Porto or if you’re staying in the area.  

The two most popular elements of pretty much any tour in the Douro Valley are river cruises and wine tasting.

From Porto: Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch – Some of these leave directly from Porto itself, such as this one which sees you slicing through the river on a traditional Portuguese rabelo boat.

Click here to book your Porto to Douro Valley tour, or check out the calendar below for prices & availability!

Enjoy a typical Rabelo boat cruise on the Douro River in Porto, Portugal

Douro Valley Full-Day Private Tour from Porto – For wine tasting, then you’ll want to opt for a wine tasting tour.

These allow you to see traditional wine-making processes, enjoy gourmet lunches and sample a few different wines – all without having to worry about drinking too much or arranging your own transport.

It’s a super convenient way to experience (arguably) one of the best parts of the Douro Valley.

Click here to book your private Douro Valley wine tasting tour!

Port Wine & Sparkling Wine Tour – Douro Valley – Other tours, such as this one, will allow you to learn more about some of the amazing cities of the Douro Valley, such as Lamego.

You’ll visit the top sights, like the Cathedral, while a knowledgeable guide tells you all there is to know about this gorgeous city. And of course, there will also be some wine tasting included!

Click here to book your wine tasting & history tour to the Douro Valley!

Or check out prices & availability below!

A traditional rabelo boat cruising along the Douro River with the recognisable Porto skyline behind it

Is doing a Douro Valley day trip worth it?

Personally, I would say: yes, of course. However, if you have more time to spare, then staying for at least one night in the Douro Valley makes it even more worth it.

The drive is fairly long (and the train is even longer), and staying an extra night means you’ll be able to properly get to know this beautiful region.

Staying longer means that you’ll get to relax, enjoy the countryside landscape, try as much port wine as you can manage, and learn about some interesting towns and cities while you’re there.

In short, it’s worth a day trip – and much more.

Enjoying the sunset over Porto and the Douro River from Kittie Rock

Where to stay for your Douro Valley day trip

There are lots of cool places to stay in Porto , but the ones listed below are especially convenient for getting out of the city for your day trips.

Budget  –  Hotel Do Norte : The rooms in this hotel are a bit tiny, but when you look outside the window and see the azulejos of the Chapel of Souls you’ll easily forget that! And for the price, it’s a great bargain.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Do Norte!

Mid-range –  Vera Cruz Porto Downtown Hotel  – This modern hotel is perfect for those who want something nice, without breaking the bank. Centrally located, it has an epic terrace with Porto views.

Book your stay at Vera Cruz Porto Downtown Hotel here!

Luxury –  Oporto Home – River Front :  If you want to treat yourself, this wonderful apartment is the place to do so. The huge windows provide plenty of light, as well as epic views over the river and Porto.

Check out prices and availability at Oporto Home – River Front here!

Admiring the famous azulejos facade of the Chapel of Souls in Porto

Final thoughts on doing a Porto to Douro Valley day trip

There you have it, the ultimate guide on how to plan the perfect Douro Valley day tour from Porto! Have you ever visited the Douro Valley? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

We did a day trip to the Douro Valley from Porto and primarily focused on hiking. It was a great hike with epic views, and one of the highlights of my Portugal itinerary .

I really believe everyone should add Douro on their bucket list of Porto day trips . Together with Sintra , Obidos and Evora , it was definitely amongst my favourite day trips.

Whether you choose to drive yourself or join a guided Douro Valley day tour, you’re sure to have an amazing time. I hope this guide answers all your questions about visiting the Douro Valley from Porto.

If you have any questions, just ask them in the comments! I’ll be happy to answer and help you plan the perfect Douro day trip!

Enjoyed reading about how to visit the Douro Valley from Porto? Pin it!

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How to plan your trip in Douro Valley

Visiting the famous Douro Valley is definitely a must do for someone visiting Portugal. Whether you stay there for a…

Visiting the famous Douro Valley is definitely a must do for someone visiting Portugal. Whether you stay there for a couple of days or just visit it on a day trip from Porto, I am sure you will have a fantastic time in this amazing wine region. To help you plan your trip I wrote this Ultimate guide to Douro Valley. Here you’ll read about:

How to plan your trip to Douro Valley

If you don’t feel like taking care of anything (transportation / restaurants / activities etc) then I strongly suggest you to join a tour to Douro Valley. You have two options:

• You can visit the region on a  Group  Tour that includes a Wine Tasting, a boat Cruise and Lunch  for just 90€ / person. This is one of the most affordable ways (for the budget traveller) to get a glimpse of the region, and it will also be a good opportunity to meet like minded travellers.
• If you prefer to have a more exclusive experience, with premium boutique wineries and the best restaurants in the region, you should consider our  Private Wine Tour in Douro Valley . This is more suitable for those of you who prefer to have a premium, private experience with a professional guide specialised in wines.

For those of you that prefer to explore the region  on your own , read this article on how to plan your trip in Douro Valley, and make sure to book your rental car on AutoEurope – or you will have to rely on taxis ( there are no Ubers in Douro Valley ) to move around.

But keep in mind that the roads in Douro Valley are very windy and narrow, and that you shouldn’t drink and drive!

Why visit the Douro Valley?

In short, these are the reasons why you should visit the Douro Valley:

• It is considered one of the best wine regions in the world.
• It is home to the most famous Portuguese wines of all time, Port wine . But not only that; the region is also famous for its still wines, including late harvests and sparkling wines – but its stronghold is indeed Port wine and still red wines.
• With its terraces dotted with vineyards, the Douro is one of the most beautiful regions in Portugal.
• It is a short distance from Porto (1h30), so you can perfectly organise a day trip to Douro Valley.
• If wines are not your thing, worry not: with its stunning viewpoints and amazing restaurants , fantastic Douro river cruises and physical activities, Douro Valley has a thing or two for everybody.

When to visit the Douro Valley

The usual answer to the question When is the best time to visit Douro Valley? is during the harvest season , but I am not quite sure that I agree with that proposition. In fact, I think we need to consider several factors when deciding the best time to visit Douro, such as:

Harvest season

Most people prefer to visit the Douro Valley during the Harvest season, but it is not easy to predict when it is going to take place due, precisely, to the huge influence of the climate on the growth of the vines. For instance, in 2016 I still witnessed the Harvest season in mid October (true story!); 2017 was the hottest year in the last 50 years and hence the harvest season took place at the beginning of August and in 2018 it started after September 20 th . Therefore if your goal is to participate in the harvest season in Douro Valley then your safest bet is somewhere between mid August and late September – but please be aware that this highly varies according to each year’s climate!  

Tourist peak

For me this is one of the most important criteria when travelling: when is the best time to escape the crowds? Crowds imply traffic jams in Douro Valley’s narrow roads, higher prices in hotels, required bookings at hotels, vineyards and boat rides… uf, I get tired just by thinking of it! If you face the same struggles in the high season, then I recommend you to visit Douro during Winter time (between December and March). Yes, it is going to be very cold and there are not as many outdoor activities to be done. Yet I find it truly special to watch the growing vines from the rainy window whilst enjoying a fireplace inside a lovely hotel.

Douro Valley: day trip or stay overnight?

I receive this questions sooooooo many times that I decided to write an article named Douro Valley: day trip or overnight? , that you should read right now 🙂 If you are a city person and not that much into wines, maybe it is better to organize a day trip to Douro Valley. If so, make sure to check my article about the best neighborhoods to stay in Porto , where I teach you how to discover the best place in the city for you .

If, on the other hand, you love wines, the countryside and really want to dive deep into the Portuguese wines, then you might want to spend a night or two in this wine region. I have written three very detailed articles about where to stay there:

• Where to Stay in Douro Valley . This is actually an interesting article to read, since it divides the accommodation options in Douro Valley according to their type: hotels, wineries with accommodations and apartments.
• Best SPA hotels in Douro Valley , for those of you looking for a luxurious spa experience and for some Me-time 🙂
• Best Bungalows in Douro Valley , ideal for families traveling with kids or groups of friends 🙂

How many days should I stay in Douro?

That is a tricky question as the answer depends on how many days you are spending in Portugal, your interests as a traveler and who you’re traveling with. If you are a wine buff like myself, then I recommend you save three days to the Douro Valley because this wine region is divided in three subregions: Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo and Douro Superior, and I find it interesting to visit two or three properties in each one of them.

If you want to simply relax after some busy days in cities like Porto and Lisbon, just choose a hotel with a swimming pool and preferably a restaurant as well, like Quinta Nova , Quinta do Portal and Quinta do Vallado and stay for a couple of days. If you don’t have so much time, if you are traveling with kids or with friends that do not share your wine passion (why would you want friends like that?! :P) do not worry – you can perfectly organize a day trip from Porto to Douro. If you don’t want to have any trouble in organising your trip in Douro you can simply get in contact with me on [email protected]. Make sure you check our private tours in Douro Valley to know what you can expect from our services 🙂

How to get to the Douro Valley

There are several options to get from Porto to Douro Valley , depending on convenience, your budget and most of all, your driving skills 😛 Therefore, I am going to write all the options according to my own personal preference, but providing you with enough criteria to make your own decision.

Driving is by very far my favourite option to get to Douro, but I reckon that it is not for the faint-hearted. The roads are narrow and curvy, and most of them don’t have lateral protections, so you get the impression that the slightest mistake will throw you off the cliff in the direction of the Douro river. However, the views are stunning and having a car gives you plenty of flexibility to explore the less touristy vineyards, the unknown viewpoints over the Douro river and other hidden treasures of the region. Also, there are some roads there are less critical than others. EN 222, the national road that connects Régua to Pinhão and that has been elected the world’s best road , is fairly easy to ride. If you want to rent a car to drive to Douro Valley, read our comprehensive guide on How to rent a car in Porto . You should also use a price aggregator like AutoEurope , where you can not only get an overview of the cars & prices but also handle the booking.

This is the most popular option among backpackers, students and other budget like travelers. In fact, getting from Porto to Douro by train is by far the cheapest option.

There are train connecting Porto to Peso da Régua ranging from 7,55€/ ticket (you need to take two trains and the trip takes approximately 2h15) to 9.85€ / ticket (one single train, 1h45).

From Porto to Pinhão you have less connections, all for 11,10€ / ticket, and the trip takes around 2h25.

Travelling by train to Douro Valley has two major disadvantages though: – You are highly dependable on the train schedules, and you have to plan your trip around it. You can check the schedules of the trains . – You won’t be able to get away from all the touristy vineyards and visit the hidden gems in the region, because they are not close to neither Peso da Régua nor Pinhão (the major cities in Douro Valley). Don’t get me wrong, there are fine vineyards close to those cities and hence to the train stations, but they are always flooded with tourists .

This is my least favourite mean of transportation to Douro Valley as I have already explained on my article about the Douro river cruises . To sum it up, it is a very slow transport and hence it takes away the flexibility to do whatever you want in the region. However, this is still a popular choice among those who are planning a laid back day trip from Porto. They are good panoramic rides that are great for relaxing and taking photographs. If you would like to try one of these, you can buy your ticket for a 1h Douro river cruise in Douro for only 12.50€ (which is an absolute bargain!). You can also try out a longer ride and enjoy a complimentary glass of Port wine on your journey for 25€ –  buy your ticket for the 2h Douro river cruise .

What to do in Douro Valley

Do a guided tour & wine tasting at some lovely winery.

I have already wrote a list of the best vineyards to visit in the Douro Valley , and hence I recommend you read that article to get a few ideas. I always use a few criteria to choose the vineyards to visit:

• Port wine: If your main interest it to learn about Port wines, then you should definitely book a guided visit + wine tasting at Quinta do Bomfim . Yes, they are touristy but oh boy is that winery pretty, and don’t they know about their Ports! 🙂
• The scenery: there are some vineyards that have particularly beautiful views, such as Quinta do Tedo (AMAZING view towards the Tedo river!), Quinta do Pôpa or Quinta do Crasto.
• The location: if you don’t have a car or if you are not so much into driving the curvy roads, then stick to the vineyards close to Pinhão, such as Quinta do Bomfim , Quinta da Roêda or Quinta das Carvalhas.

Besides some these famous properties, in our tours in Douro Valley we always include family owned small scale producers as we find them much more interesting – the wine tours are conducted by a family member (not by a guide) and the wine tastings usually involve much more wine – and better wines, indeed. Therefore, feel free to explore our private tours in Douro Valley .

Join a Douro river cruise

One of the best things to do in Douro Valley is to join a leisurely 1h river cruise in a traditional rabelo boat . For those of you who don’t know: the rabelo boat was used for centuries to carry Port wine, down the Douro river, all the way from Douro Valley (where it was produced) to Porto (where it was aged, bottled and then shipped all over the world).

It is an activity that everybody likes, from young kids to older visitors, people who love wines and people who don’t give a fig about them. It is also a great way to relax for an hour in between wine tastings. It is such a popular activity that we always include it on our river cruise and private wine tour in Douro Valley .

If you prefer to have a private river cruise, I suggest you to book this private yacht river cruise , as it departures every hour of the day and you can book it for groups up to 14 people, which is great 🙂

Discover some stunning viewpoints

If you are on a romantic getaway in Douro I highly recommend you to visit one of the stunning viewpoints in the region . The most famous ones are São Leonardo da Galafura (28 minutes driving distance from Peso da Régua), Casal de Loivos (10 minutes driving distance from Pinhão) and São Salvador do Mundo (10 minutes driving distance from São João da Pesqueira). They are all stunning and all provide for great photos opportunities 🙂

Do a picnic in Douro Valley

My third recommendation is to do a picnic at a lovely vineyard!

There are several properties that organise picnics in Douro Valley, but my favourite one (and most affordable as well!) is the picnic at Quinta do Tedo. The picnic basket includes local cheeses and charcuterie, homemade jam, marinated olives, fresh salad with organic veggies, traditional codfish cakes, bread, fruit (or a proper dessert, if you have a sweet tooth), orange juice and a bottle of wine.

Quinta do Pôpa (25 minutes driving distance from both Peso da Régua and from Pinhão) as well as Quinta da Roêda (6 minutes driving distance from Pinhão) provide picnics in beautiful settings.

Visit some wine villages

Do some physical activit y

Before I dive into this section of the article, let me make a disclaimer: I don’t enjoy doing physical activities in the Douro Valley due to the high temperatures. Nonetheless I reckon that this is becoming increasingly popular in the region and so I made an honest effort to make a compilation of (the few) physical activities to do in Douro Valley.

Cycling is a popular option in Douro Valley due to the scenery. I do have a trustworthy friend that owns a company called GoOnBike that organizes cycling tours in Douro, that range from a 4h pleasant ride in the vineyards to a 6 day extreme cycling tour in the region. You can read more about GoOnBike programs .

Canoeing & Paddling

Unfortunately it is not easy to go canoeing or paddling in Douro river or its affluents. There are a few tour operators but they do not seem very reliable, based on the reviews available on TripAdvisor. There are some estates, like Quinta do Tedo, that allow the guests that stay for the night at its property to go for kayaking, but this is something private and not available to the public.

Traveling to Douro Valley with kids? Worry not.

Organizing a trip to the Douro Valley with kids is always challenging because they are (obviously) not interested in wines. However, you don’t need to skip visiting the region: you simply need to include activities that they might like more than watching lengthy wine tours.

This is why we organise custom tours to families with children, that usually include a picnic at a scenic winery followed by a relaxing river cruise. If that sounds good to you, just fill in this form and I’ll reach out to you as soon as possible 🙂 Me and my guides LOVE having children on our tours, and it will be a pleasure to guide you and your family in the region 🙂

Where to Stay in Douro Valley

I have made a very complete guide to all the accommodation options in Douro Valley , so I recommend you to read it carefully and make the best decision for you and your fellow travelers. Enjoy it! 🙂

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The BEST Douro Valley Tour from Porto (An Authentic Small Group Wine Tour!)

On my recent trip to Porto, Portugal I spent so much time researching, comparing and reading reviews to find the best Douro Valley tour from Porto. One of the main reasons I came to Portugal was to visit this beautiful wine region, and while I definitely wanted to try the local wines, I was equally interested in seeing the beautiful natural landscapes and charming rural farms. 

It was super-important to me to find a Douro Valley tour from Porto that made meaningful connections with the local communities, supported independent wineries, avoided tourist traps and operated with groups that were small enough to ensure everyone’s needs were met.

After carefully considering all of the possible tours to the Douro Valley, talking to locals and checking with travelers who had done similar day trips, I narrowed down my search to one specific tour called “Douro Valley Cruise with Winery Visit and Lunch” .  This tour ticked all the boxes I was looking for:

• A family-run business with roots in the Douro Valley 👪
• Transportation in small luxury vans instead of big tour buses 🚐
• Visits to independent local wineries 🍷
• Private Douro River cruise (no big party boats) ⛵
• Lunch options that accommodated vegetarians (like me) and other dietary restrictions 🍅
• Oh yeah, and 11 wine tastings! 🥂

Check Availability Now!

Fortunately, the Douro Valley tour that I chose ended up being just as good as advertised. Keep reading to find out what you can expect during the day, and why I recommend this specific tour above any others.  

Disclosure: I paid full price for my Duoro Valley tour from Porto and didn’t disclose that I was a travel blogger, so this is a completely unbiased review.

Starting Our Duoro Valley Tour from Porto

I booked my Douro Valley tour from Porto several days in advance, which was smart because this tour often sells out (as I write this I can see they’re already sold out for tomorrow).  The day before they contacted me to confirm our departure time and location, and to remind me to have breakfast before the tour.  This is really important (!) as you’ll be lunching on Portuguese time, which could be as late as 2:30 or 3:00 pm (yes, you’ll have snacks throughout the morning but I still recommend eating a hearty breakfast).

The meeting point for my group was just an eight-minute walk from my hotel in Porto, so I set out ten minutes early. When I arrived, I found that we were a group of about fifteen people, so we would be divided across three air-conditioned vans for the day. Our guides were intentional in grouping solo travelers together, and couples of about the same age together, so that you were likely to meet someone you’d enjoy spending the day with.

Once we were all in the vans (with me in the front passenger seat!) we set out for the drive to the Douro Valley, which takes about an hour and is absolutely beautiful!  Along the way we learned more about the family that runs these days trips, including the guide for my group (João), his brothers, cousins and father, and the community members who feel like family.

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Visiting a Local Winery in the Douro Valley

Our Douro Valley tour from Porto started at Quinta do Beijo winery, near the village of Celeirós.  We were first greeted by the owner himself before being whisked off into the vineyard to learn how they produce table wines and ports.  Our host had a great sense of humor and made sure that everyone enjoyed learning about local varietals, the harvesting process, and how the grapes eventually become the wine that we drink.  

I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll just say that there are some surprises that will make your visit to this particular vineyard really stand out! 

Wine Tasting on a Douro Valley Tour from Porto

Of course, it wouldn’t be a wine tour without wine tastings!  The tastings began here at Quinta do Beija with three of their wines: one rosé and two reds.  Then, we moved on to sampling two of their ports, and we learned the #1 secret for enjoying Portuguese port wine properly: always serve port slightly chilled, never serve it at room temperature!

As you can see from the photo, there was also bread (with homemade olive oil), cheese and charcuterie to accompany our first wine tasting. 

Private Boat Cruise on the Douro River

Our next stop was the town of Pinhão, which is a popular home base for wine tourists spending a week or weekend in the Douro Valley.  Located at the confluence of two rivers, it offers some of the most beautiful views of the Douro vineyards and natural landscapes.

Here, our group was divided across two small boats, each with a captain and a tour guide (our guide also considered himself to be a “River Pirate”).  We sailed down the river for about thirty minutes as we learned more about the history of wine-making in the Douro Valley. We also learned about how the climate and geology of the Douro Valley work together in harmony to produce some of Portugal’s best growing conditions.  

About thirty minutes into the boat trip our guide paused his presentations to whip up a signature local cocktail: port and tonic.  Made from white port, tonic water, a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint, this cocktail was perfect for a hot summer day (and I say that as someone who doesn’t like G&Ts!).  Our drinks were served with light snacks including bread, olive tapenade, cheese from the Azores and homemade pumpkin jam.  

Photo Stop in the Douro Valley

After our Douro River cruise we got back in our vans and headed up to the hills to one of the panoramic viewing points overlooking the Douro River.  We had ample time to take photos (and to pose for photos taken by our guides, who could moonlight as paparazzi based on how many photos they took of us throughout the day!). 

I should mention that after our Douro Valley tour, when we were back in Porto we all received a link via email to download the photos that our guides had taken on their own phones throughout the day.  It was nice to have a few candid shots from the day that I didn’t even realize I’d been in! 📸 

As we were driving up the hills to the lookout point, we passed buses from several other tour companies that I’d considered booking with. I can’t tell you how glad I was to be in a small van on those twisty, turn roads!  I was also glad that our tastings and cruises had been done in much smaller groups than the big crowds I could see through the bus windows.

Have you already decided this tour is right for you?  Book online as soon as you know your travel dates – it sells out quickly!

A Late Lunch… and Many More Wine Tastings on Our Douro Valley Tour from Porto

I have to confess that at our second wine tasting stop of the day (which was also where we ate lunch) I didn’t take as many photos as I should have!  The good news is that means you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise when you take in your surroundings (and take in all that wine!) at the lunch stop. 

As I mentioned earlier, lunch likely won’t be served until 2:30 or 3:00 pm, so it’s good to have a big breakfast on the morning of the tour.

On our tour, lunch wasn’t served at a second winery, but rather at the family home of a local wine-making family.  Located in a village of only 125 residents, their family home is hundreds of years old and they still cook food over actual fire in their rustic kitchen. Despite the old-fashioned cooking equipment they easily accommodated my vegetarian diet, and I saw that they also had gluten-free options for one of the girls on the tour.  Just make sure to let them know your dietary restrictions after you book.    

As soon as we sat down we were poured big glasses of the family’s red and white table wine.  The white wine was definitely a big hit, with many people from the tour buying a bottle (or two, or three…) to take home afterwards. 

This was served with an appetizer spread including bread, olive oil, local olives, tomato salad and black-eyed peas (with or without tuna).  The wine flowed like the Douro River as we moved into our main courses (for me, it was a mushroom risotto, while the carnivores appeared to have steak and potatoes).

Finally, we had dessert, which was “drunken cake”, a regional specialty.  This sponge cake is made with port wine in the batter, then served with a warm port wine sauce (and a glass of port wine on the side too!).

As we settled into the late afternoon and everyone was in very good spirits, we continued with several more port tastings. Since it’s listed right in the tour description I don’t think I’m spoiling anything to say that one highlight is when a certified sommelier opens a bottle of vintage port using a very unusual technique!       

Douro Valley Tour from Porto Review

Overall, this day was exactly what I’d wanted from my Douro Valley tour from Porto. We had a full day in which we made the most of our time, but it always felt and relaxed and fun. I got to sample more wine than I could every possibly remember, but along the way I also saw some landscapes, vineyards and winemakers that I’ll never be able to forget.

I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Porto, and even if you only have two or three days in the city I think you’d be crazy not to add this to your itinerary.  I’m confident that the family that runs these tours will always adapt them to be the best match for the group they’re hosting and the current conditions in the Douro Valley, so even if your tour is slightly different than mine I’m positive it will be absolutely amazing. 

Book This Douro Valley Tour

Other Douro Valley Tours from Porto

Obviously I can’t personally recommend any other tours of the Douro Valley from Porto, but these are a few of the options that I considered when I was shopping around for tours:

• Wine Tour with Lunch, Tastings and River Cruise – This is one of the cheapest Douro Valley tours from Porto. You’ll save some money, but you’ll be on a big tour bus.
• Small Group Wine Tasting Tour, Lunch & Boat – This is an alternative Douro Valley tour from Porto that goes by van. It lacks the family touch of the tour that I recommend, but could be a good alternative if my recommendation is sold out.
• Douro Valley at Sunset (+ Comedy Show?) – This one sounds kind of out there, but it’s a new tour organized by the same family who ran the tour that I took so I trust them. It also starts at 3:00 pm, so it’s ideal for anyone who isn’t an early riser. If you go, let me know how it was!  

Check out all of my Portugal travel guides for detailed information and advice about traveling in this beautiful country! 

For the curious, I also have a new guide to port wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia (just five minutes from central Porto). If you don’t have a full day to spend in the Douro Valley, you can still learn the basics of wine-making (and wine-tasting!) at the wine cellars along the riverfront.

As well, you’ll want to read about Guimaraes , another spectacular (and easy!) day trip from Porto.

Planning a trip to Porto?  Pin this post for later!

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Guide to the Douro Valley from Porto – Portugal’s Most Famous Wine Region

Written By: Marco Santos

Updated On: February 14, 2024

The Douro Valley, located in the northern region of Portugal , welcomes visitors to an enchanting world of terraced vineyards and dramatic landscapes. Considered to be the country’s premier wine region, it has gained in popularity in recent years as more and more travellers explore the region to get a taste of Portugal’s world-renowned wines!

It’s somewhat surprising that despite being Portugal’s most famous wine country, this alluring region has still managed to fly under the radar and is still considered one of the off-the-beaten-track spots to visit in Portugal . Whilst most tourists head to the larger cities of Lisbon , Porto, or even to the golden shores of the Algarve , those in the know instead head to the Douro Valley!

Table of Contents

Douro Valley Guide

Exploring the Douro Valley will no doubt offer up stunning vistas, delicious port and wine, an endless swathe of vineyards cascading down the lush green hills. Let’s not forget the delectable Portuguese gastronomy that should absolutely be on your list of things to do when you travel to Portugal next . 

Whether you want to plan a day trip from Porto or even a couple of days (which is highly recommended), you’ll get a chance to visit some of the famous wineries and port makers in Portugal and uncover the hidden delights of the Douro. 

How to get to the Douro Valley & Getting Around

Set in northern Portugal alongside the Douro river, the Douro Valley region is roughly 120 kilometres / 75 miles from the largest city in the north, Porto . That is when travelling by car from Porto to Peso da Regua.

Most travellers will arrive in Porto and either plan a day trip to the Douro, as this is undoubtedly one of the top things you can do whilst in Porto , or opt to spend a few nights exploring the various towns, cities, and ‘Quintas’ (wine estates) scattered throughout the region. 

As far as day trip options go, you can take this highly rated full-day Douro Valley day trip that includes wine tastings, a lunch, and a scenic river cruise, an absolute must when visiting the area. Departing from your hotel or apartment in Porto, this 9-hour small guided tour will take to you to several top spots in the Douro, allowing you to get a quick overview of the region, great for those who have limited time to explore.

Alternatively, you could also travel by train from Porto’s main Sao Bento train station, travelling roughly 2 hours to Regua in the Douro Valley. 

Travelling by train will no doubt inhibit your ability to truly explore the region to its full potential. Instead, I recommended renting a car and explore the very best of the Douro Valley at your own pace and leisure.

If you absolutely have no other choice, and the scenic rail journey sounds appealing, then this wonderful Douro Valley Rail & Cruise combo day trip may be just what you need. On this tour you explore the Douro Valley where you travel to Regua by train where you will explore one of the oldest wine regions in the world before hopping on a cruise down the Douro River to Porto.

Where to stay in Douro Valley

The stunning Douro Valley region extends beyond the Douro River and is dotted with charming towns throughout. Whether you are here for a day trip or change your mind to stay for a couple of days, the valley has plenty to keep you occupied for several days. Explore the local vineyards, shop for Portugal souvenirs, and see charming and unique places of interest along the way.

As for specific accommodation suggestions, there are plenty of choices in the heart of the Douro wine region. The most popular bases for tourists to stay in the Douro Valley region include names like Peso da Régua, Lamego, and Pinhão to name a few.

The gorgeous, contemporary 4* Lamego Hotel & Life , set in its own orchard and vineyard and only a short walk to the town centre, as well as the opulent 5* Six Senses Douro Valley Hotel are both exceptional choices to consider booking for your stay.

In search of a truly unique accommodation experience? Why not book into the beautiful Quinta da Pacheca (The Wine House Hotel) wine estate where you can even spend a night in a large wine barrel room!

Best towns and villages to visit in the Douro Valley

Whether you take a train, a cruise, or drive through this region, there is a complete lack of crowded streets or traffic jams that will put your mind at ease. Discover some fascinating towns and villages in the Douro River Valley region, most of which still remain under the radar.

Here are some of the popular towns and scenic places to visit in the Douro Valley.

Pinhão

Pinhão is probably the most famous village in the Douro Valley and one that most visitors flock to. It’s also here that many river cruises depart from. The village itself is a charming and sleepy gem that’s worth exploring and truly comes alive when harvest season kicks into full gear in September. This also happens to be one of the most beautiful times of year to visit the Douro Valley when autumn hues of reds, oranges, and golds colour the landscape. 

In the town itself, the train station is worth a visit for its beautiful tiled works. Nearby you’ll find yet another exciting viewpoint from which to take in the incredible landscape. So impressive are the views that the Casal de Loivos Miradouro viewpoint was named by the BBC as amongst the most spectacular in the world. 

Beautiful Lamego and the nearby Pesa da Regua are regarded as the gateways to the Douro Valley region with many visitors arriving here by train from Porto. Lamego itself is a great base from which to explore the region and boasts incredible architecture, such as the Our Lady of Remedies Sanctuary as well the historic centre that includes the Lamego Cathedral that dates back to 1129 and the Lamego Castle. If it’s charm and history you’re after, then Lamego is most certainly worth paying a visit.  

Trevões

The town of Trevões is located south of the river, away from the more popular northern villages. It’s a charming town that offers stunning views thanks to its vantage point. Dating back to the middle ages, this small village of around 500 inhabitants, is renowned for its architecture and national monuments. 

The Igreja Matriz de Santa Marinha de Trevões church with its intricate wooden ceilings and the ornate golden statues dating back centuries is worth paying a visit. The Museu do Trevões also pays homage to the local culture & history with their displays and is a great way to learn about the town’s past. 

The medieval village of Barcos, set in the Tabuaço municipality dates back hundreds of years and will no doubt transport you to a bygone era. Today you can wander through the historic town and admire some of its most important sights such as the Nossa Senhora de Sabroso Chapel, the Roda dos Expostos, or the town hall. 

The charming village of Provesende is located only a short 13 kilometres / 8 miles from Pinhao, in fact, you can actually hike between these two villages passing along São Cristovão do Douro. This incredibly steep hike is not for the unfit though! 

The town itself is beautiful with an impressive array of noble manor homes set aside quaint cottages. With a rich and interesting history dating back to the Iron Age, (remnants you can still observe today if you head up to the Picoto de São Domingo chapel) this picturesque town is well worth a visit when travelling through The Douro. 

Top Wineries to visit in the Douro Valley

With a rich history of 2000 years of wine production, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is indeed one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world. It’s no surprise then that wine tourism is a big deal in the Douro and a visit to a handful of the traditional wineries and estates, known as ‘Quintas’, is an absolute must. Here are a few of the most popular wineries to visit in the Douro Valley.

Quinta de Ventozelo

The Quinta de Ventozelo estate not only offers some of the most beautiful vistas out over the valley but also a great wine experience. The land where the estate is based was believed to have once been farmed by Cistercian monks. With a rich history that dates back as far as 1288, it today forms part of the Gran Cruz group, one of Portugal’s largest port wine exporters. 

Today the estate produces a range of wines, gins, and even olive oil. You can enjoy an immersive guided tour through this gorgeous Quinta learning all about its history and present-day production. 

Quinta da Pacheca

Another popular vineyard is Quinta da Pacheca, made famous for its large barrel rooms where you can overnight in the heart of the vineyard. As you explore this estate, which is also a popular wedding venue, you can enjoy a guided tour and taste some of the port and wines produced here, some of which range in the 30- or 40-years old.

Booking into the Quinta da Pacheca hotel and indulge in a spot of relaxation at their onsite vineyard spa, or enjoy a range of their experiences that include harvesting, culinary, and wine tasting experiences on offer. 

Cellars of Murganheira

In the heart of the Verosa Valley, you’ll find the Murganheira estate, known to be one of Portugal’s best sparkling wine producers (although they do also produce some still wines too). 

Murganheira offers 30-min guided tours from Tuesdays through to Saturdays where you can learn about their unique “Dégorgement à la Volée” manual fermentation process as well as visit the interesting granite cellars where their sparkling wines are stored to age. 

Quinta do Tedo

Quinta do Tedo is another fabulous wine estate to visit where you can tour the winery, learning about the Port and Wine production, olive orchards, and for those who want to get really hands-on, or should we say, feet-on, can enjoy a spot of traditional grape trampling during the harvest season. 

Complete your visit by booking an overnight stay in the Quinta do Tedo Bed & Breakfast that boasts a swimming pool and yet more breathtaking views of the valley.

Other attractions in Douro Valley

It will take you about an hour and a half by car to reach the majestic Douro Valley from Porto, and it goes without saying you are in for an unforgettable experience once you are here. The landscapes of the Douro Valley are made up of rolling green hills, vineyards, wine estates, and the beautiful Douro River that snakes through the region.

Apart from its picturesque villages and vineyards, there is a lot more to explore and uncover in the Douro Valley region. Here are some top attractions of the valley.

Parque Natural do Douro Internacional

Explore this stunning natural park located along the Douro River and stretching out across 4 municipalities. The International Natural Park of Douro is one of 13 natural parks located in Portugal and also serves as a border between Portugal and Spain. Drive through the park to experience the flora and fauna and natural beauty of the region, spanning around 86,500 hectares.

Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

Visit the Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios church and sanctuary that is located in the town of Lamego and climb up its 686 steps to reach the shrine. The church is located at the top of the hill and offers some grand views of the valley from the Pelican fountain.

São Salvador do Mundo Sanctuary

Head for the sanctuary at São Salvador do Mundo for yet more beautiful views. The sanctuary itself is made up of 10 smaller chappels that are dotted along the hillside. The views out over the Cachão da Valeira canyon and Douro River is simply exquisite from up top of the sanctuary.

Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley

It is time to soak up some history and makeup of the region by visiting the Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley. A fascinating visit awaits you as you admire the rock art on-site at the largest open-air Palaeolithic museum, which carries more than 2,000 years worth of history.

Drive along National Highway 222

Estrada Nacional 222 or Highway 222 may seem an odd choice to add as an attraction, but this stretch of road that meanders along the 27 kilometres / 17 miles from Regua to Pinhao is a must! Not only is it known for being a hair-raising experience as you motor along the 93 bends, but it also offers some of the most spectacular views of the region and its lush green rolling hills. 

Admire the Azulejos

If you are in Pinhão, make a special trip to the small train station as it is worth a stopover. The building of the station is inlaid with beautiful azulejos, traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles that are usually painted by hand. It would be a mistake to ignore the blue and yellow pieces of art that are real masterpieces.

Whether you embark on a day trip from Porto to the Douro Valley or you spend a few days exploring the region, you will no doubt leave feeling mesmerized by your visit and sure to fall in love with the region. A piece of advice, make sure to pack your camera, as you will be pulling it out every few seconds to capture the unforgettable scenic views and incredible images through your lens.

If you enjoyed this guide to the Douro Valley, save it to Pinterest for future travel planning.

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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Marco Santos

Born and raised in South Africa, Marco Santos from Travel-Boo and The Avid Campers , moved to sunny Lisbon over 4 years ago. With an absolute love for Europe, he is on a mission to rediscover his own Portuguese heritage along the way. Marco has set out to blog and share his passion for travelling through and exploring both Portugal, Spain and throughout Europe, through his blog Travel-Boo as well as indulge in his love for camping and nature through his blog he Avid Campers.  Follow Marco on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter / Instagram Follow Marco on Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter / Instagram

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10 Unique Douro Valley Tours + A Guide To This Scenic Region

LOOKING TO VISIT PORTUGAL’S MOST FAMOUS WINE REGION?

You’re in luck, as we are covering everything you need to know about the Douro Valley, plus the best 10 Douro Valley tours that can take you there. The Douro Valley is a breathtakingly beautiful region of Portugal known for its rolling hills , vineyards, and historic villages.

Don’t have time to read the whole article?

One of the best Douro Valley tours is this Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting Douro Valley & Lunch , with over 2,000 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ratings .

With its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural scenery, the Douro Valley is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, wine , and adventure.

3 Best Douro Valley Tours

Wine tasting douro valley & lunch.

→ small-group tour (max 8 people) → visit two traditional wine estates

Expert wine guide Douro Valley Tours

→ wine tastings at two vineyards → lunch + river cruise

Douro Valley Private Day Trip

→ wine and snacks at a family-run vineyard →  private + fully customizable

Where is Douro Valley?

The Douro Valley region is located in the northern part of Portugal and is situated in the Douro River valley . It spans approximately 600 km (373 miles along the Douro River and covers an area of approximately 34,000 hectares. The valley is known for its terraced vineyards, historic villages, and stunning natural beauty, making it a popular tourist destination.

map of douro valley portugal

Below is a Portugal Douro valley map. Fun fact, the Douro river flows from Duruelo de la Sierra in northern Spain all the way to Porto in Portugal. This Douro Valley map also highlights some of the best Douro Valley wineries you can visit on your trip to the region.

The Portugal Douro Valley is approximately a two-hour drive from Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal. Its unique combination of cultural heritage, wine production, and breathtaking scenery make it a truly special place to visit.

Now are you ready to get to the best Douro Valley tours? Let’s get to it.

10 Best Douro Valley Tours

Thinking about taking a tour of Douro Valley from Porto? Touring the Douro Valley on a small-group tour is one of the best ways to see the region, especially if you don’t have a car. Ready to explore the region and sample some Douro Valley Portugal wine? Let’s go.

1. Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting Douro Valley & Lunch

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 10 hours |  🍷 Check rates and availability

Embark on a small-group wine-filled journey through the vineyard-clad hills of the Douro Valley , a UNESCO World Heritage-listed region known for its port wine production .

With an expert tour guide by your side, savor the flavors of the region with a traditional lunch in the scenic village of Pinhão, and visit two esteemed wine estates for a taste of award-winning local wine varieties.

We loved that the tour took us to smaller, family-owned wineries instead of the larger, more crowded spots. Would recommend this trip, — KATHLEEN (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

For an added touch of luxury, upgrade your full-day tour from Porto with a sightseeing boat cruise on the Douro River, taking in breathtaking views of the valley.

One of the best Douro Valley tours, this small-group tour , limited to just eight people, offers a personalized and intimate experience, perfect for wine enthusiasts and those seeking an experience in the best vineyards Douro Valley has to offer.

Douro Valley Tours

2. expert wine guide: all day, boat, lunch, and tastings in the douro valley.

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 8 hours |  ⛵️ Check rates and availability

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Portugal’s picturesque Douro Valley on this Douro Valley – Expert Wine Guide All Day, Boat, Lunch and Tastings tour. A local wine expert will lead the way, so you can skip the maps and guidebooks.

Had a fantastic tour . Pedro and Joao went out of their way to make us feel Comfortable. Excellent experience. Highly recommended. — Maria (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

You’ll sail past lush vineyards on a tranquil river cruise, soak up the charm of Peso da Regua and Pinhão , and indulge in a mouthwatering local lunch .

Wine tastings at two renowned vineyards and an off-the-beaten-path olive oil tasting in a charming village add an extra touch of authenticity. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and let the Douro Valley charm you.

3. City Escape: Douro Valley Private Day Trip

Escape the city and immerse yourself in the rolling hills and vineyards of the Douro Valley on a private day trip from Porto . Admire the breathtaking scenery from two different perspectives, traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle and taking a relaxing boat ride on the Douro River.

With the undivided attention of your guide and the freedom to tailor your itinerary , you’ll have the perfect day to explore the valley at your own pace.

Views are spectacular, we learned about wine in the region, and had an excellent day. It is light walking and the boat tour was magnificent. — HOWARD (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

Pass by the Miradouro de Sao Leonardo de Galafura on your way to the valley. Sit back and relax during a one-hour boat ride on the Douro River and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant . The last stop of the tour is to visit the Quinta do Infantado , a family-run winery founded in 1816 in the Cima Corgo sub-region of the Douro .

With a private day trip , you’ll have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Douro Valley in a personalized and intimate way.

4. Douro Valley Private Tour with Sommelier

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 9-10 hours |  🍷 Check rates and availability

Get ready for a wine-tasting adventure like no other with your own private sommelier in the Douro Valley. On this exclusive private tour , you’ll visit premium wineries , savor delicious wines , and learn the secrets behind the making of world-class ports .

 This was, without question, and absolute FIRST CLASS experience . I am so happy to have chosen this route to see the Douro. — ADAM (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

Do you have a favorite farm or Quinta? Great. This tour can be tailored to your choices. The sommelier will provide maps and information to make the day even more interesting.

From the stunning landscape at Miradouro de Sao Leonardo de Galafura to the modern winemaking techniques at Quinta do Bomfim, this Porto Douro valley tour is the ultimate way to experience the best of the Douro.

5. Wine Tour in Douro Valley: Visit Three Vineyards + Lunch

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 9 hours |  🍷 Check rates and availability

Indulge in the finest that Portugal has to offer on this full-day tour of the Douro Valley . Visit local vineyards and taste world-class wines while taking in the stunning views of the Douro’s terraced vineyards. You’ll also learn about the wine production proces s from the winemakers and deepen your understanding of the region’s rich heritage.

A highlight of the tour is a traditional lunch in the charming village of Pinhão , where you can savor regional specialties and get a taste of the local culture. Of course, no tour of the Douro Valley would be complete without tasting the region’s famous port wines.

This experience was AMAZING! This was definitely an experience to remember, the tours, wine and boozy lunch was superb. — PHOEBE (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

This is one of the best winery tours in Douro Valley. It offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to indulge in the beauty of the Douro Valley and sample some of Portugal’s finest wines .

The best wine tour Douro Valley offers to discover the rich history and cultural heritage of one of Portugal’s most famous wine regions.

6. Douro Valley Tour with Visit to two Vineyards And River Cruise

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 9 hours | 🍷 Check rates and availability

Experience the best of Portugal’s Douro Valley with this Douro Valley Tour. This journey, starting with a handy hotel pickup, includes cruising the Douro River and wine tasting at a family-owned winery.

The wine tasting and lunch were both very enjoyable and the boat trip finished off the tour perfectly. Worth every penny. — ANGELA (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

You won’t just ride in any vehicle but travel comfortably in a minivan, allowing you to take in the breathtaking views. The tour also includes a four-course meal paired perfectly with local wines.

Sample a range of delicious wines, meet master winemakers, and truly get a feel for the heart of the Douro Valley. The convenient hotel drop-off wraps up a day filled with amazing memories. One of the best wine tours in Douro Valley, it is a wine lover’s dream come true.

7. Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, Lunch & River Cruise

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 9 hours |  ⛵️ Check rates and availability

Discover the charm of Portugal’s countryside on this Full-Day Douro Valley Porto Tour . Say goodbye to planning stress, as transport, sightseeing, and tastings are all neatly arranged.

Guests can take in the Douro Valley’s scenic landscapes, stopping for a delicious local lunch in the picturesque village of Pinhão.

Fabulous day trip to the Douro Valley. Gorgeous scenery, informative and a whole lot of fun.  — CLAUDIA (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

The tour isn’t complete without a captivating river cruise, providing an unforgettable panoramic view of the valley. The included tastings of locally-produced wine and olive oil not only delight the senses but also offer a deeper understanding of Douro’s rich cultural heritage.

This Douro Valley tours is more than just a day’s getaway; it’s an immersive plunge into the heart of the Douro Valley, leaving guests with lasting impressions and memories of Portugal’s amazing wine country.

8 . Douro Valley 4WD Tour with Wine Tasting and Picnic

⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 4 hours |  🍷 Check rates and availability

Embark on an off-the-beaten-path adventure through the famed Douro Valley wine region with a full-day 4WD tour from Porto .

With pick-up at your hotel, you’ll travel to the town of Régua and explore the beautiful wine region by rugged 4WD vehicle , venturing off-road to escape the usual tourist crowds.

Wind your way through the steep mountains that rise from the banks of the River Douro , and see the breathtaking vineyards that produce some of Portugal’s finest DOC-classified wines. Stop for a picnic lunch and take in the stunning views, then continue to a local Quinta to sample the famous fortified port wines of the region.

My friends and I had an incredible time off-roading with these two , learning about the area, and sampling port wine. — ADAM (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

You’ll then make your way back to Porto, accompanied by more breathtaking views of the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards , and leave with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the Douro Valley .

Get off the beaten path and taste the finest wines on this unforgettable Douro Valley wine tour from Porto.

9 . From Porto: Régua and Douro Valley Scenic Cruise

⭐️ Rating: 4.2 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 10 hours |  🚃 Check rates and availability

Embark on a unique and scenic journey through the Douro Valley, combining a train ride and a river cruise for the ultimate Douro Valley wineries Portugal experience.

Depart from Porto and travel to Régua , the wine capital of the Northern Region, by train. Marvel at the stunning vineyards that produce wines from one of Europe’s first demarcated wine lands. Then, enjoy a peaceful cruise down the Douro River, taking in the scenic landscapes and terraced vineyards along the way.

Lunch was delicious and plentiful. The wine was plentiful. It was a good value.  — MARCUS (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

Savor a delicious lunch onboard and admire the beauty of the valley as you glide gently past it. Continue to experience the serenity of the Douro River as you make your way back to Porto, crossing the Carrapatelo Dam and the Crestuma-Lever.

With a combination of train and boat , this full-day tour offers the best of both worlds and is the perfect way to discover the Douro Valley

10 . Pinhão: 4 Hour Douro Valley Kayak Rental

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 4 hours |  🛶 Check rates and availability

Unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a self-guided kayaking adventure in the Douro Valley.

Paddle onto the sparkling waters of Pinhão and the Douro Valley, surrounded by historic vineyards and rolling hillsides. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere as you paddle , and enjoy the freedom to stop and take in the sights at your leisure. Listen to the sounds of birds tweeting and water flowing, and feel the stresses of everyday life melt away.

Very nice experience: from Pinhão you can either kayak on the Douro or on a narrower tributary. We (family with teenagers) combined both. — DIRK (READ MORE  REVIEWS )

This is the perfect tour for anyone looking to leisurely explore the Douro Valley in a uniquely adventurous way.

⚠️ Note that you will pick up your kayak and equipment from Magnifico Douro Pier in Pinhão, where you’ll receive recommendations and directions from local staff.

What is the Douro Valley Know For?

The Douro Valley is one of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions , with more than 2,000 years of winemaking history dating back to the 18th century . It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

The Douro Valley is best known for its production of port wine , which is made from grapes grown in the region’s vineyards. In fact, it is the only place in the world that can legally produce port wine, thanks to the Marquês de Pombal , who demarcated the region in 1756.

What is Port Wine?

Port wine is a fortified wine produced using a specific winemaking technique, which involves adding brandy to the wine before it has finished fermenting. This gives port wine its distinctive rich, sweet flavor and high alcohol content (around 20% ABV). The popularity of port wine can be attributed to its unique taste and versatility, as it can be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to dessert.

In addition to port wine, the region is also known for producing other Douro Valley Portugal wine , including white, red, and sparkling wine. Visitors to th e Douro Valley can explore the local vineyards , sample the wines , and learn about the region’s unique winemaking heritage.

⭐️ 🍷Want to learn more about port wine or just Portuguese wine in general ? Read about it: The Wines Of Portugal: An Introduction To Portuguese Wine .

But, the Douro Valley is not just famous for its wine . It is also known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique history, making it a great destination for anyone (wine-lover or not) interested in exploring the best of northern Portugal.

How To Get To The Douro Valley & Getting Around

The Douro Valley is located in northern Portugal and is easily accessible from Porto, which is the nearest city. The best way to get there is by car as it offers the most flexibility for exploring the region. Renting a car is a good option if you want to have the freedom to visit different villages and vineyards at your own pace.

 🚗 If you’d like to  explore the Douro Valley, why not rent a car? It is the  easiest way to get around  and explore the region. We recommend using a comparison website like  Rentalcars  or  Discovercars  to see what’s available and compare prices between rental companies.

However, if you don’t have a car, you can take a train from Porto to the town of Régua , which is the main hub of the valley. From there, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach your final destination.

Alternatively, you can take one of the many Douro valley tours from Porto or take a boat trip along the Douro River , which offers a unique perspective of the valley. There is even a Douro valley tour from Porto that is a joint train and Douro Valley boat tour where you’ll take a scenic train ride before hopping on a cruise down the Douro River to Porto.

There is also a historic Douro Valley train that runs between June and October. This steam locomotive and the 5 historical carriages run between Régua and Tua and allow visitors to take a unique journey into the past.

What is the Best Time To Visit?

The best time to visit the Douro Valley depends on your personal preferences and the activities you plan to do during your visit.

If you are interested in outdoor activities and nature exploration, the best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn, when the Douro Valley weather is warm and sunny, and the vineyards are in full bloom. During this time, visitors can enjoy scenic hikes, river cruises, and a Douro Valley wine tasting in the valley’s beautiful surroundings.

For those interested in wine production and harvest season, the best time to visit is from late August to early October, when the grapes are harvested , and the wineries are busy with production. During this time, visitors can witness the winemaking process, learn about wine-making in general, and sample some of the local wines.

If you are looking for a more peaceful and quiet experience, the best time to visit is from late autumn to early spring, when the crowds are smaller and the pace of life is slower. But the weather Douro valley has can be cold in the wintertime.

Average temperatures are around 10°C (50°F) during the day and can drop below freezing at night. However, in the winter season, visitors can enjoy everything that the region offers at a more relaxed pace. Be forewarned that this is low season, so many wineries, hotels, and tourism businesses may be closed for the season.

Best Towns And Villages To Visit In The Douro Valley

The Douro Valley stretches over 600 km (373 miles) and is home to many small, charming, quaint towns. However, many of the main towns are quite close to one another. Pinhão , for example, is just 30 minutes from Peso de Régua. The two most popular towns to visit include:

📍 Where to stay : The Homeboat Company Pinhão-Douro 👉 a Houseboat on the River .

This charming village is famous for its picturesque settin g along the banks of the Douro River and its traditional wine lodges. Pinhão is also home to the iconic Pinhão Train Station, famous for its blue-and-white ceramic tiles depicting scenes from the Douro Valley wine region.

If you have the time, take a moment to bask in the breathtaking vista from the nearby Casal de Loivos Miradouro viewpoint. Its stunning views have earned it recognition as one of the world’s most spectacular by the BBC.

Peso de Régua

📍 Where to stay : Quinta do Vallado Wine Hotel 👉 A design hotel surrounded by a vineyard.

Also known as Régua, this bustling town is a hub for the Douro Valley’s wine production . It was from here that the barrels were transported in the special boats known as barcos rabelos to Vila Nova de Gaia, where the port wine was left to age in the local wine lodges.

The town is a great starting point for exploring the region. Régua is also home to a number of restaurants, bars, and cafes, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal after a day of exploring.

🍷 ⭐️ For a more comprehensive list of Douro Valley hotels, read our article: Where to Stay in the Douro Valley.

Other towns we recommend visiting include

• Provensende: 13km from Pinhão, a picturesque town with a history dating back to the Iron Age.
• Barcos: A medieval village, home to a historic town and sites like Nossa Senhora de Sabroso Chapel, the Roda dos Expostos, and the gorgeous town hall. 
• Trevões : Dating back to the middle ages , this town offers stunning views. Some sites include the Igreja Matriz de Santa Marinha de Trevõe s and the Museu do Trevões.
• Lamengo: a historic town famous for its stunning baroque-style cathedral and the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Sanctuary . It is also known for its 600-step staircase.
• Favaois : A charming village on a plateau in the Douro Valley, known for its delicious homemade bread and sweet Moscatel wine.
• Sabrosa : the birthplace of  Ferdinand Magellan, the first man to circumnavigate the world.
• Vila Real: home of the famous  Mateus Rosé wine.

Have we convinced you to embark on one of the many Douro Valley river cruises ? Ready to learn about the best Douro Valley tours that you can take while visiting the region? Let’s get started.

Douro Valley: Frequently Asked Questions

Is douro valley worth visiting.

Yes — The Douro Valley is definitely worth visiting. With its rolling hills, vineyards, and stunning scenery, it’s one of the most picturesque regions in Portugal.

Yes, The Douro River winds through the valley, surrounded by c harming villages and historic wine estates . The region is famous for its port wine production and offers a unique cultural experience with its rich history and heritage.

What Are Some Of The Best Wineries In Douro Valley?

There are so many different wineries in the region that it is almost impossible to list them all. Many of the vineyards and wineries also host guests on their property.

Some of the more popular vineyards and wineries in Douro Valley, Portugal, include:

• Quinta da Gricha – Vineyard Residence.
• Quinta de la Rosa –  Family-owned, working winery.
• Quinta do Crasto.
• Quinta do Tedo – Organic wine tasting.
• Quinta da Pacheca – The Wine House Hotel da Quinta da Pacheca.
• Quinta Nova Nossa Senhora do Carmo .
• Quinta do Vallado .
• Douro Valley Six Senses .
• Quinta do Crasto – Gorgeous views of the valley.

What Is The Prettiest Town In Douro Valley?

The prettiest town in Douro Valley is subjective. However, many consider the town of Pinhão to be the most picturesque.

It is situated along the Douro River and is surrounded by vineyards , making it a popular spot for wine tasting and scenic views. The town also boasts a historic train station with iconic blue and white tile work, adding to its charm .

What Is The Douro Valley Famous For?

The Douro Valley is famous for its production of port wine , which is made from grapes grown along the terraced hillsides of the valley.

It is also known for its beautiful scenery and historic vineyards, which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Is It Better To Stay In Porto Or Douro Valley?

Why not visit both? Porto offers a vibrant city atmosphere with a rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and bustling nightlife.

On the other hand, the Douro Valley offers a peaceful escape , surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, where you can fully immerse yourself in the region’s wine culture. Visiting both Porto and Douro Valley is 100% possible and recommended.

How Many Days Should I Spend In Douro Valley?

Spending 3-4 days in the Douro Valley is ideal to experience everything that the region has to offer, including its wine, food, and scenic beauty.

This allows time to explore multiple villages , go on wine tour s, and take a scenic boat ride along the Douro River . However, you can adjust your stay based on your interests and pace of travel.

How To Get To Douro Valley From Porto?

The quickest and most convenient way to get from Porto to Douro Valley is by car , which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

However, you can also take a bus from Porto’s Campo 24 de Agosto station , which takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Alternatively, you go from Porto to Douro valley by train from Porto’s São Bento station to Régua, which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. There are also several tour operators offering day trips or private tours from Porto to Douro Valley.

Do You Need A Car In Douro Valley Portugal?

If you want to explore the region freely and at your own pace, renting a car is recommended. However, if you plan on staying in one town and only visiting nearby vineyards , a car may not be necessary. There are also organized tours and public transportation options available.

Final Thoughts: Douro Valley Tours

The Douro Valley in Portugal is a beautiful and unique destination perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Still, Don’t Know Which Tour To Book?

I recommend this Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting Douro Valley & Lunch , with over 2,000 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ratings .

Whether you prefer to explore the valley on a scenic river cruise, a train journey through the historic wine regions, a Porto to Douro valley train, or a guided tour through the vineyards , there is something for everyone. With so many amazing experiences to be had, the Douro Valley is the perfect place to create lasting memories and immerse yourself in the rich culture and natural beauty of Northern Portugal.

So why wait? Book your Douro Valley tour today and start exploring this breathtaking region for yourself!

Yvonne Ivanescu is the founder of Now in Portugal and Now in Rio Swim, an ethical and sustainable swimwear company. She is a writer, editor and marketer with over 10 years of experience.

Storytelling is her second nature and she wants to share the magic of Portugal with the rest of the world.

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Dear Yvonne, My wife and I plan to be in Porto (off of a cruise ship on Sunday, September 17). This was a very helpful article as I have identified a tour to the Douro Valley as my #1 choice of things to do there. My problem is that most of your recommendations are 9 or 10 hour trips. Unfortunately, our ship arrives at 9:00 am and departs at 7:00 pm, so even if I could find a tour that would pick us up at our ship, at 9:30 am, I would have to be back by (?) 6:00 pm. Any thoughts?

Have you thought of a private tour? Although it might be a little more expensive, you’ll be able to customize it to match your needs.

Hi, reading your article now. We are actually staying in the Douro Valley for 3 days so would like to book a small group tour one of those days, looks like most of the 9 hour tours leave from Porto though, would you recommend we even book a tour or just go on our own to wineries – we will have a rental car, and will be going to Porto for a day during one of those 3 days we are staying in the area.

If you already have a rental car, then I wouldn’t recommend a tour. Instead drive around to the main villages, and go to the wineries yourself.

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Day Trip to Douro from Porto

Go on a Day Trip to Douro from Porto

Just an hour and a half away from Porto awaits the Douro Valley. This is one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world. Picture this:

• Stunning landscapes of green and golden slopes covered with vineyards;
• Wine estates gracefully stretching along the riverbanks;
• The birthplace of the well-known Port wine.

As highlighted in our Day Trips from Porto, a Day Trip to Douro is a must-do for anyone exploring the region. We’ve put together our top travel and food tips to make your one-day trip to Douro from Porto perfect. Keep reading to find out more.

If you’ve got more than a day in the Douro Valley, take advantage of it. If not, one day will give you a glimpse of its culture, delicious food, tasty wines, and stunning landscapes. It’ll also make you want to come back for more.

Douro’s Wine Tradition

Douro’s viticulture and wine exports owe their growth mainly to the Port wine brand, which appeared only during the second half of the seventeenth century. However, remains of ancient stone tanks and casks have been found, possibly tracing wine production in the region back to the third or fourth century.

Port Wine’s success is the major contributor to the Douro’s landscape modification that we know today, characterized by terraced vineyards cascading down steep hillsides. It all started when the British sought an alternative to French wines due to a time of rivalry between the two nations. They started to look at Iberian wines and that is when merchants headed inland along the Douro river searching for high-quality wines. They soon found the robust and full-bodied wines of the upper Douro river and immediately started planning their transportation back to England. The solution was obvious, they took advantage of the river to ship the wine down to Porto. Once there, the wines were transferred onto bigger ships and were finally sent to England. And this is how the wine became known as Port wine, the wine from Porto.

Pssst, before your day trip to Douro, explore more Portuguese wines with our Food & Drink Tours. Local experts, including chefs and sommeliers, have chosen top-quality wines and cuisine for a unique experience in town »

Day trip to douro: how to get there.

Porto is considered the main gateway to the Douro region. It provides several options to get there, each one providing a different travel experience. The most popular one is probably by taking a cruise. They depart from Vila Nova de Gaia’s pier located just across from Porto’s Ribeira/riverside. You can easily access it by crossing the Dom Luis bridge. These cruise ships take you on a six-hour journey up the Douro river. It’s quite a time-consuming trip, mostly due to the river locks crossing, which was built to tame the river. That in and of itself is worth witnessing. It might take a big chunk of your time, but it is also the mode of transport that unveils the Douro Valley’s stunning landscapes most spectacularly.

Another popular travel option is the train from Porto’s railway station , São Bento. The journey is faster, taking about two hours and a half to get there. It also provides an amazing travel experience as the track follows a path through the Douro River bank.  The Linha do Douro/Douro Line route is one of the most picturesque railways in Europe.

You can also take a bus to get there but, honestly, it is probably the least recommended way to get there. You see, the road through the Douro Valley was considered the  world’s best road  due to the spectacular scenic show it offers. So if you want to hit the road, it’s recommended to rent a car and explore the amazing views it offers at your own pace.

Day trip to Douro: What to See & What to Do

Look out points.

Douro is a natural wonder in and of itself, so most of the time you will probably be contemplating the views as they reveal themselves along the way. One of the most spectacular lookout points is Galafura. Sunset views from this spot are particularly unforgettable.

PINHÃO RAILWAY STATION

On June 1st, 1880, they welcomed the first train. This beautiful train station is part of the Douro Line. Despite being a small train station, it is still worth a visit. It played an important role for many years considering there weren’t many ways to get to the region. It was the main transportation to carry people and goods to and from the Douro region, and it was also very important to the Port wine industry. You can see parts of its history on the twenty-five tile panels that depict scenes, landscapes, and customs of the Douro Region. They offer beautiful and detailed representations of Douro culture, traditions, and history.

RIVER CRUISE

If you go by car or by train, you will possibly have time to enjoy a cruise on the upper Douro River. These are shorter cruises, but allow you to travel even deeper through the valley to discover the Douro in its truly natural and wild beauty. We recommend  Magnífico Douro, a company that provides river cruises on the traditional and scenic  rabelos  boats, a unique experience.

QUINTAS – WINERIES

They are part of Douro’s history, tradition, and culture as well. As you dive into the valley, you’ll soon enough start seeing white-painted buildings spread along the slopes of the valley. Most of them offer wine tours with visits to the vineyards and production facilities, and, most importantly, wine tastings. A one-day trip to Douro can be short to visit as many as one would like, but we suggest you try at least one of the following Douro wineries .

Day trip to Douro: Where to eat

There are plenty of restaurants spread out through the valley. There are even some wineries that provide meals, such as Quinta do Pôpa, as mentioned before. But to truly taste the Douro flavors, there are a few local restaurants that offer true and unique traditional meals and are a must-try . As you can see, there is a lot to do, to visit, to eat, to experience and to see. Our one-day trip to Douro guide promises a full and unforgettable day, likely leaving you eager to return or extend your visit.

Craving for more?

Here are some ideas for other amazing one-day trips from Porto that will allow you to know a bit more about Portugal and our traditions.

• Visit one of the oldest and most religious cities in Portugal on a  Day Trip to Braga Day
• Trip to Guimarães : Discover the birthplace of Portugal, one of the most beautiful fascinating cities in the country.
• Day Trip to Aveiro : Everything you need to know for a wonderful day trip from Porto to Aveiro, the Portuguese Venice.

Enjoy! Taste Porto Foodie Team

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Related foodie articles.

Porto to Douro valley: the most complete guide!

Last Updated on 02/07/2023 by Clotilde Passalacqua

A trip from Porto to Douro Valley will immerse you in a different world. This part of Portugal, although famous and a UNESCO World Heritage site , still does not attract masses of tourists to make it overcrowded. It is a quiet and enchanting area, where terraced hills flow through one another to create a bucolic but perfectly ordered scene giving a little insight into the ingenious human work that has been behind it for centuries.

It is not recent history that has made the Douro Valley wine region famous. The cultivation of grapes designated for the production of Porto, a mild fortified wine, has been around since the 12 th Century, when the Kingdom of Portugal began to export it.

This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through the links on this page, at no cost to you .

Who is it a trip from Porto to Douro Valley for?

Many might think this is a destination exclusively for wine lovers, but whilst the wine aficionados will be well catered for, there is so much more to this region. Visiting Douro valley is perfect for anyone . Backpackers will have no problem finding cheap accommodation, but in recent years there has been a boom in the opening of luxury hotels for those who do not want to give up their comforts. Couples will find romantic getaways and personalised tours, while families will also be warmly welcomed. Visiting the Douro valley with kids is extremely easy and, unless for you the family vacation is an all inclusive resort, you will find many things to do that will interest children which we will see later. It is also a perfect trip to complement a short trip to Porto .

What is a trip from Porto to Douro Valley best for?

Nature lovers are those who will surely return home with the greatest satisfaction from a visit to this area . There are countless paths for long walks in the countryside to be combined with fascinating bird watching and wildlife spotting . Since the territory is used in a very balanced way, many animals have returned to populate these areas and also attracted birds of prey which are not so difficult to see even with little effort (despite our non-twitcher status, even we seen a beautiful Peregrine falcon several times). Anyone who appreciates good food and good wine will also not be disappointed , from the restaurant in the small village to the most prestigious starred restaurant all offer excellent dishes that will make you forget you were on a diet.

Our experience: As soon as the UK put Portugal on the green list we decided to book a short trip to Porto and the Douro Valley. Travelling in this period of restrictions proved to be more complicated and stressful than expected, but that did not spoil the joy of discovering a truly welcoming place and people.

Things to do in the Douro Valley

Let’s start to see everything you can do and the places that are worth visiting while you are in the Douro valley, then you will have detailed options on how to get there and how to structure the best itinerary based on the time you have available and your means of transport.

HOT TIP: Among the various places to see in the Douro Valley, there are also several villages. Although the scenery in this area is terrific, this captivating beauty is often not reflected in the surrounding villages. The historical and most interesting part is often very small and leads to a short visit. The spirit of these visits is more to savour the flow of daily life sitting at a cafe, while trying to appreciate the local history and culture.

1. Experience a Vineyard

There is an incredible number of Vineyards scattered throughout the three regions into which the Douro Valley is divided. Not all are open to the public, but the largest and most famous are now well organized to make you part of the process of producing table or port wines. The choice is yours if you want to venture on a complete tour with a visit to the vineyards to learn some interesting insights into the production, dedicate yourself to a wine / port tasting session, or you want to taste the wines during a lunch / dinner / picnic. These are some of the best options.

Tour and wine tasting in a vineyard

• Quinta do Castro: the history of Quinta do Castro begins 4 centuries ago at the beginning of the 17 th Century, and although having changed hands over time, its fame has grown so much that it is now one of the most famous wineries in the world . The last daughter who took possession of it at the beginning of the 1900s still holds the reins tightly. Every day they organize visits to the vineyards and cellars that end with a wine tasting, about 90 minutes for € 29
• Quinta do Vallado : another of the oldest vineyards to visit. Founded in the early 18 th Century by the pioneer Dona Antonia Ferreira, it has become one of the most important names in Porto producers under the Ferreira family. In 1987 the winery was sold, and although the family still remains part of the management, the production, now also extended to table wines, now takes place under the name Quinta do Vallado. Quinta do Vallado organises daily tours in English at 11am and 2:30pm or in Portuguese at 12pm or 3:30pm. Private tours or lunches with tastings can also be organized, but you will need to contact them directly ( check here their website ). The cost is 25 € / person, and takes about 1h15. During the tour there is a brief historical introduction, going through the winery and following all different wine-making processes, such as the maturation / ageing cellars. Tasting includes 1 white wine, 3 red wines, and 1 Port wine. You can also organise lunch or dinner at the Quinta by contacting them direct. (check here)

Douro Boys The two previous, famous and if you want a little more touristic wineries I’ve mentioned have a particular importance in the Douro Valley because they are part of a group of 5, called the douro boys, which at the end of the 21 st century (a little more than 20 years ago) revolutionised the cultivation of the area, introducing vineyards for the production of table wines. Previously the production was exclusively dedicated to Port.

Quinta do Carvalhas: Perfectly located near Pinhão station, Quinta do Carvalhas is also convenient for those arriving by train. They organise a tour with a minibus to the top of the hill where you can enjoy unparalleled views and finish by tasting 2 glasses of port.

Tour and lunch in a vineyard

• Quinta de la Rosa : the Quinta de la Rosa restaurant enchants with beautiful views and delights the palate with the exquisite flavor of its traditional dishes, but with interesting modern twists. You can book for lunch / dinner, an afternoon tapas snack, or take a guided tour of the vineyards and cellars, ending with a lunch accompanied by a selection of wines. Also great for those visiting without a car as it is only a 20 minute walk from Pinhão.
• Quinta do Pego : For a quick lunch or snack The Foz do Távora Wine, Food, and Beer Bar offers a perfect stop. The outdoor tables are right on the bank of the Douro River. After a late lunch you can also stop at Quinta do Pego for a decidedly cheap wine / port tasting at 4pm in the wine shop.

Tour and Picnic in a vineyard

• Quinta do Popa : / and Quinta do Pacheca both offer an interesting guided tour of the property which ends with an outdoor picnic to appreciate the beauty of the setting. Check here for Quinta do Popa and here for Quinta do Pacheca

2. Jump on a Douro Valley boat tour

It should be impossible to visit this area without taking at least the shortest boat ride. Once in the area you will find several options in terms of time and offer. These first examples are short tours, further down the article you will find info about cruising to the Douro valley from Porto by boat.

• Magnificent Douro offers various boat tours departing from Pinhão. There are frequent tours throughout the day of one or two hours, but there are also options to combine a Douro river cruise and wine tasting in a vineyard. You can also download their app and follow the audio guide as the typical Rabelo boat cruises along the calm waters of the Douro River. Probably the best option if you are with small children. Although the view is enchanting, it could be a bit tedious for them to spend more than an hour on the boat. In summer the 1h boat tour starts every hour from 10am to 6pm and costs €11 (€5.50 for kids 6-11, free under 6), while the 2h boat tour is only available at 10:45am and 3pm, and costs €20 (€10 for kids 6-11, free under 6)
• Pipadouro, on the other hand, is your option if you want something special. Pipadouro offers different types of tours on two vintage boats (one previously used by the most senior officers in the British Navy!). The smallest boat accommodates up to 6 people. In summer the shortest of the tours they offer lasts 2 hours and there are 3 departures a day at 10:30am, 2:30pm, and 5pm, and cost €45 per person (€ 20 for children) and includes a glass of port or wine.

3. Experience an original steam train trip

Even if you have arrived in the Douro Valley by car, and especially if you are travelling with children it can be great fun to take a train. This will allow you to appreciate the landscape without the stress of driving on the winding roads.

• Douro historical train : If you want an experience and not just a ride on the train, then a trip on the Douro historical train is what you need. Certainly not cheap, but definitely intriguing and entertaining. The steam train built in 1925 connects Regua to Tua in xxxxh. During the journey, musicians and singers will help you relive the atmosphere of the past century as you admire the terraced hills while sampling a glass of Porto or the typical sweets of Regua. The train leaves Regua at 3:28 pm and reaches Tua in about an hour, after a short stop in Pinhão. Return at 6:26 pm. Costs € 45 (€ 20 children 4-12 years) . For updated details you must contact check the website

Obviously for a fraction of the price of the Douro historical train (€ 4.25) you can take a scheduled train, and take the same route in 40mins while admiring the same landscapes. Of course you will not have the experience of the steam train!

From Pinhão you can also take the train in the opposite direction to Pochinho. This stretch along the river is, if possible, even more beautiful than the previous one! It takes about 1h for this journey and after a stop of about 45 minutes (unless you want to stay longer, but 30 minutes is enough to see the village) you can go back..

4. Visit the little village of Tua and the Tua valley interpretation centre

• Foz do Tua is a small village nestled on the banks of the Douro River close to the dam that regulates its tributary Tua. One of the main reasons to stop is the beautiful walkway along the Douro river and the Tua valley interpretative centre. The walkway is nothing more than a path that starts practically under the bridge over the river where the train passes, and continues for just over 1km until after the train station, ending with a small green area with some games for children and tables for a picnic (tbh while we were there the picnic area was cordoned off).
• Tua valley interpretative centre : during a road trip from Porto to Douro valley, a visit to this small but well-structured centre should not be missed. The interpretative centre opened in two former railway warehouses, creatively renovated to maintain the essence of the structures. It is divided into two areas and offers the opportunity to appreciate the great change undergone by the Tua valley after the construction of the dam on the Tua river. One of the two buildings focuses on the valley before and after the dam, on how the landscape has changed with the rising water level and on the part of the railway that was submerged as a result. The other building offers a detailed overview of the flora and fauna of the area. Both are very interactive with sensory and video displays which makes it a perfect stop even with children. Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm to 6pm, tickets €2

5. Visit Peso da Regua and Museum do Douro

Peso da Regua is a small town, pleasant for a short walk on the riverfront, a stop in one of the restaurants in the lovely refurbished old railway warehouse near the train station and a visit to the Museum do Douro.

The Museum do Douro is a small but informative one where you can learn the traditions and history of the Douro region and then rest in the large raised garden in front of the museum. This visit is also perfect with children who will have space to run after a tour of the museum.

Open everyday from 10am to 6pm (5:30pm in Winter). The ticket costs €6 and includes a glass of Porto at the end of the route.

6. Visit Pinhão village

Pinhão is a small village nestled on the banks of the Douro River. It is a pretty village where it is pleasant to spend a couple of hours, or perfect if you visit the area without a car given the presence of the train station and that many tours depart from here. There are various accommodation options and you can visit three different quinta with a short walk (Quinta do Bomfim, Quinta do Charvalls, and Quinta de la Rosa). From here you also have easy access to river cruises. Even if you are just passing through, don’t miss a quick stop to see the beautiful majolica tiles of Pinhão station.

7. Visit Lamego

Lamego is a sleepy and delightful village located about 20 minutes by car from Peso de Regua. The historic part located at the top is kept in a pristine way, it is small, but perfect for getting lost in the narrow streets.

• You can visit the Castle , which has never been inhabited by Royalty and has never been attacked and so it is in excellent condition.
• A few steps from the Castle you will find the Núcleo Arqueológico Porta dos Figos, a very small free museum where archaeological finds from the area are very well displayed (including a perfectly preserved skeleton that will intrigue children for a long time).
• From here, another 5 minutes stroll for a quick visit to the 13 th Century cistern building , which was renovated and opened to the public in 2013.
• Moving to the lower part of Lamego you will find the Cathedral, one of the oldest in Portugal. Reworked several times it shows various styles in different areas to represent different eras.
• The last, and perhaps the best known of Lamego’s attractions is the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios sanctuary . Clearly visible from the main promenade (the gardens near the Cathedral, Jardim da Avenida Visconde Guedes Teixeira) with the long and decidedly steep Baroque staircase of 686 steps. If you do not feel like taking the hike, you can also reach it by car.

8. Viewpoints

There are several viewpoints in the Douro valley, two that are easy to reach (which you will find included in the itineraries below) are San Leonardo de Galafura, and Casal De Loivos . The views are amazing although to be honest on a Porto to Douro Valley road trip, there doesn’t seem to be a corner that doesn’t offer stunning views.

9. Wine villages

Six of the many villages scattered throughout the upper Douro have been recognised as the most representative wine-producing villages in the area. These are small peaceful villages where the main attractions are the history and culture of the place appreciable by restored buildings and sometimes small museums on local traditions.

Provesende is the closest village to Pinhão with pleasant renovated houses and a beautiful view (after a tiring uphill walk). It is connected to Pinhão by a hiking path, but be ready for it, it’s all uphill!

Favaios : a stop in this village will give you the chance to visit the lovely Bread and Wine Museum. Favaios is also representative for the production of Moscatel and a particular bread, both explored at the museum.

From Trevões you will have another beautiful view of the surrounding countryside and you can visit the small museum of traditions.

If you are passing through Barcos you can make a quick stop to see the small town. In Salzedas you can visit the Monastery and in Ucanha you can appreciate the Roman bridge and tower at the entrance to the town.

10. Côa Valley museum and archaeological park

Not many tourists go as far as Vila Novs de Foz Coa at the eastern end of the Douro Valley. Those who do, however, will have the opportunity, in addition to visiting less touristic vineyards, to visit the Côa Valley museum and archaeological park.

The Coa Valley park was relatively recently created in 1996, 5 years after the importance of a number of sites in the area of incredible archaeological significance were recognised. In 1998 the Coa Valley was registered in record time as one of world heritage sites on the UNESCO lists. The sites show engraved rock from the Paleolithic era. The rocks were not hidden, but even if known by the locals they did not know their importance. During the surveys for the construction of a dam on the Duoro river, however, expert archaeologists immediately recognised the importance of the sites and made the world aware of them.

Nowadays you can experience a visit to 3 of the sites (even on board a kayak if you like), but you need to book a guided tour. Alternatively you can check out the muesum that offers replicas of the engraved rocks

Museum open s daily 9 – 17:30/19 (depending on the season), adult tickets €7, kids tickets €3 (4-12y) €4 (12-17y) Visits to the archaeological park need to be pre-booked via telephone +351 279 768 260 / +351 965 778 799 or email [email protected], adult tickets €16, kids tickets €7,5 The kayak tour lasts roughly 6h and gives you the possibility to see more sites from the water, it also includes lunch. Adult tickets €40, kids tickets €20

RELATED: WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET BETTER PLANNING YOUR FAMILY TRIP? READ HERE TO LEARN ALL THE TRICKS

How to get to Douro Valley from Porto

There are various ways to travel from Porto to Douro Valley, below we will see all the alternatives which include car, train, and boats. Many people will find Porto to Douro Valley day trips very practical, but if you have more time, my recommendation is to indulge in a little slow travel. On a busy day you will be able to visit the major highlands in the area, but you will not be able to capture the essence of the place, the pleasure of simply spending time sitting at the only cafe in the village you met by mistake or admiring the sunset in the middle of the vineyards.

If you can allocate 3 or even 4 days to your Porto to Douro Valley road trip, you will have enough time to visit the area, explore some vineyards and even include a stop in Guimares and Braga that are on the way.

RELATED: 3 DAYS ITINERARY IN PORTO

Porto to Douro Valley by car

Driving the Douro Valley is an experience in itself, the scenery is breathtaking, as are a few of the roads (the N222 has even been nominated the best driving road in the world), but if you have a minimum of driving experience you shouldn’t have any big problems. Visiting the Douro Valley with your own car will give you a lot of flexibility and allow to reach off the beaten path villages.

Even when travelling with kids this is an optimal solution, as you never need to drive more than 45/60 minutes between two attractions.

If you are flying into Porto the most practical thing is to take a car as soon as you arrive, starting your Porto to Douro Valley adventure that can be concluded with a couple of days in Porto City. For car rental, always check different portals, most of the time we end up using Holiday Autos or Car Rental Net. Car Rental Net is our option every time we have to take the car out of hours or return it to a different place because they include all fees meaning no nasty surprises!

• Do you like road trips? Don’t miss these articles about Montenegro road trip , driving in Jordan and driving in the Sacred Valley in Peru

Douro Valley driving route

The best Douro Valley driving route will depend on how many days you have available. The following 4 itineraries cover from 1 to 4 days. We spent 3 days in this part of Portugal and we could have spent another 3 very happily. The Douro Valley is perfect for slow tourism, to appreciate the little things, to have time to sit at the village cafe and watch the daily routine flow by … but I recognize that this is not always possible, so here are various options.

HOW MANY DAYS IN THE DOURO VALLEY? This is a question difficult to answer. If you want, in one day you can see the highlights of the area, but it is only when you decide to spend 3 or 4 days around the Douro Valley that you will really start to appreciate it. Spend here 4 days and you will never regret it!

Porto to Douro Valley by car: 1 day itinerary

If you only have one day available you will obviously have to make choices. Starting early from Porto, this is the best option:

Porto to Douro Valley by car: 2 day itinerary

Porto to douro valley by car: 3 day itinerary, porto to douro valley by car: 4 day itinerary.

Porto to Douro Valley by train

Including the Douro Valley in the list of day trips from Porto by train is easy although a little less convenient. Not having a car it is more complicated to visit many of the more remote villages, but if you stay more days it is not difficult to organise taxis.

The train from Porto to Douro Valley can be taken from Sao Bento, in the center of Porto and probably the most convenient station when visiting as a tourist, or Porto Campanha.

The most important thing is to decide where to stop.

If you go and come back during the same day, it is better to exclude Pocinho, which takes more than three and a half to four hours one way. Although it is the closest station, Regua should also be excluded, as the most beautiful part of the train journey in terms of views and scenery begins right after Regua.

The ideal is to focus on Pinhão and Tua. The train on the way from Regua to Tua runs alongside the river almost at the water level. Sitting to the right you will have extraordinary views of the valley.

Pinhão is 2h 20min-2h 50min from Porto depending on the train you take and the one-way ticket costs €9.70 or €11.15. Tua is an extra 15 minutes from Pinhão and costs €1.85 Check the train operator website for the most update timing.

1 day itinerary for a Douro Valley wine tour by train

River cruise from Porto to Douro Valley

Another means of transport to consider is a boat trip from Porto to Douro Valley. This is perhaps the most authentic option if you consider that Rabelo boats have been the only means of transport in this area for centuries.

There are documents dated around 1200 to mark the first voyages to transport the port crates from the Douro Valley to Porto to then be exhibited. The railway, which began to replace boats as access to the area, only opened in 1887, while the road connections came shortly after the mid 19 th Century. Since that time the Rabelo boats have remained in use within tourism.

History lesson finished, the one thing to remember is that from Porto to Douro Valley by boat is a slow journey that can only be done by joining a tour (private or group). There are regular connections offering this service. That said, if what you need is some time for reflection, it could be very relaxing.

If you decide for the day tour, note that the outward journey will be by boat, with breakfast and lunch on board. You will arrive in Pinhão around 5pm (after a few short stops) and then you will return back by train or bus. These are the two best options.

Day Cruise from Porto to Pinhão with Breakfast and Lunch 12h approx

OUR POINT OF VIEW : despite already being tested on short cruises, such as the unforgettable Nile cruise , I do not see this option valid for families with children. I have looked for a lot of information because I like these types of slow movements, but in my opinion this becomes too boring for children (and adults). The landscape is beautiful, but the Rabelo boats are not very spacious and even on multi day trips you don’t sleep on the boat which for me loses much of the charm.

Douro Valley tours from Porto

If you don’t feel like driving or if you have little time, then a Douro Valley tour can be the solution. Most of the Douro valley wine tours from Porto can be booked daily.

You will get picked up with a minivan and travel to Peso da Regua, where there is the first stop. You will then stop for wine/Porto tasting in two different vineyards. After lunch (usually at one vineyard) you will reach Pinhão where you will be able to join an hour tour on a Rabelo boat. Before travelling back you will stop for photos at one or two viewpoints.

The two options below have excellent reviews that will guarantee you a great experience, or if you prefer to organise a private tour then check here for the cost of a private tour.

Day trip Porto to Douro valley

Douro Valley Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting, and Optional Lunch and Cruise

Where to stay in Douro Valley

In the last twenty years, food and wine tourism has undergone considerable growth, which has led to a significant increase in accommodation. Many wineries have renovated their properties to offer an immersive experience to people who decide to stop for a stay that goes beyond the daily touch and go.

The Quinta (that’s the local name for the wine estate old property) are located in the hills of the Douro Valley, many have magnificent views of the river and are immersed in a rural peace. These are perfect places to unplug and relax. (For this reason, there is always time, in the proposed itineraries to simply relax while you are at your Quinta)

There are many options, although it is fair to say that a stay in a Quinta is not one of the cheapest options.

Below are the 7 best hotels in Douro Valley divided into 3 levels of budget:

Low budget accomodation

HI ALIJO – POUSADA DE JUVENTUDE (in Alijo)

Located in the hills between Pinhão and Tua, this is one of the best really low-cost solutions in the Douro Valley. Furnishing is basic but new, most of the rooms have a private bathroom and there is a common area available. – Amazing value for money! – River view – NO – Swimming Pool – NO

DOIS LAGARES HOUSE (in Pinhão)

Dois Lagares house (also known as Quinta San Antonio), is a little property with a lovely terrace that embraces most of the rooms and where you can relax with a view over the Douro river. Rooms are basic, but new and nicely furnished. – River view – YES – Swimming Pool – NO

HOTEL CASA DO TUA (in Foz-Tua)

This is a nice old-fashioned hotel just beside Tua station. The rooms are basic, and the furniture is old-style, but everything is clean. The best part is the position directly on the Douro river! – Really convenient if using the train – River view – YES – Swimming Pool – YES

Medium budget accomodation

QUINTA DE SANTA MARINHA (in Castedo)

We personally stayed in this Quinta even if it is smaller and less well known, but if you stay there you will never want to leave. A Douro valley winery hotel quite new and perfectly integrated into the surroundings on the side of the vineyard with a completely open and unobstructed view of the river and the countryside. The rooms are stylish and most with direct access to the patio that also hosts a small swimming pool. Breakfast is included and delicious. – River view – YES – Swimming Pool – YES – Superb breakfast – YES

QUINTA DA PACHECA (in Lamego)

High-end accomodation

QUINTA DO VALLADO (near Peso da Regua)

Quinta do Vallado is one of the best quintas in Douro, They have renovated the complex in a modern way, but kept it perfectly integrated into the context. Once there you can visit the vineyard, take part in wine tasting, or be entertained with courses and tours. You will have it all. – River view – YES – Swimming Pool – YES – Superb breakfast – YES

THE VINTAGE HOUSE – Boutique hotel Douro Valley (in Pinhao

This wine estate is a bit different than the others as it is set in the centre of Pinhão, just in front of the Douro river where you can board Rabelo boats for a short cruise. The 18th century house is incredibly beautiful with lots of grounds and space to relax. – Really convenient if using the train – River view – YES – Swimming Pool – YES – Superb breakfast – YES

I hope this guide will help you to organise your Porto to Douro Valley trip! Ask in the comments any questions you may have!

PIN IT FOR LATER!!!!

Clotilde Passalacqua

Clotilde is a resilient, resourceful and adventurous person that navigate the world of travelling with kids. She is a mum of 7 years old twins and she share practical tips, profound insights and genuine personal experience to empowers family to embrace travel with children as an enriching experience rather than a daunting challenge.

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16 comments.

Kathrin aron

Hi. Do you have a map showing all the quintas and where they are in relation to each other please. Many thanks

Hi Kathrin, I don’t have it yet, but I’m planning to put together a guide to the best 10-15 Quintas soon. come back in May and you should find it. Enjoy the Douro Valley is enchanting!

Thanks for a great article. We are planning on touring the Douro for several days in September. We are looking forward to hiking the hills, meeting more Portuguese, and drinking nothing but Barros port!

Hi! I’m glad you found it useful! I’m sure you will enjoy it!!! Have a great time and if you need any more info just ask! I’ll be there again this week, so I maybe add a few new discoveries!

scott johnson

This is a great website!…I am planning on visiting the Douro Valley October 2023 for 4 nites. I will be arriving by Boat or train from Porto. I am not going to rent a car is there a Central Village/Town you would recommend? I am interested in visiting the winery’s and villages that I can visit by train or boat….thanks

Hi! Your best option is Pinhão. You have two of the biggest vineyard just there (Quinta do Bomfin and Quinta das Carvalhas) and some smaller ones close by. From there you can use the train and buses/taxi to move to other villages. For example from Peso da Regua (on the train line) there are buses to Lamego, but you will need to check the timetable to organise well your days. I hope you will enjoy the Douro valley as much as we did!

Hi…I am now booking things to do in Douro using Viator and Get Your Guide looking at cruises, train etc to visit winery’s and sites using your guide…..I am looking at doing that boat trip that leaves Porto and will get off at Pinhao I will be staying 6 nights starting Oct 7 . Have not made a decision yet but staying at either the Quinta De La Rosa (about 1.5 km from train station) or the LBV house (which is 1 km from train station)…Which do you like better?

I am looking on Oct 13 to go to Lisbon….are there easy connections (do I need to book in advance?) from Pinhao to Lisbon. I assume I have to go through Porto.

Thank you for any heads up you can give…..Thanks Scott

Hi Scott, happy to help if I can. Regarding the accommodation: I personally visited and had dinner a Quinta de la Rosa. It is a really charming place with lots of character. The location just a little out of Pinhão make it a relaxing place where to slow down and enjoy the beautiful country and river views. I haven’t visited LBV house, but form the pictures seems also a great option, even if I prefer Quinta de la rosa for its charm. Unfortunately there aren’t direct connection from Pinhão to Lisbon, you will need to go to Porto. The two trains in the morning from Pinhão have a good time connection in Porto. If you buy the train tickets in advance you could get some discounted fare, but I think you can only buy a couple of months in advance. I’m guessing you discarded the idea of renting a car and driving? The Douro Valley is an enchanting place, I’m sure you will love it! Please let me know if you have more question. Enjoy

Thank you so much for the information/thoughts….Think you sold me on the Quinta De La Rosa!…booking some wine tours today still have a couple days to fill….again thank for for the help.

Great! Let me know what you liked the most!

Patricia Rucker

Hi Clo… this was so informative. We are planning a trip to Maderia in October and decided to add a few days to visit the Douro area. I am just starting my research and so you have been immensely helpful. We do not plan to drive and just rely on boats, trains and taxis. Can you offer some guidance on must sees in 4 – 5 days and any other guidance to help me flesh out this adventure?

I was thinking take the boat trip to Pinhao, spend a day or two there, then take the train back. But where to stop along the way back? I enjoy wine but my husband doesn’t particularly, so multiple vineyard trips will not appeal to him. Thank you!

Hi Patricia, I’m glad you found it informative. If you don’t want to drive I would recommend you take the train from Porto to Pocinho to stay for the first day (the station in Vila Nova de Foz Coa). There you have the archaeological park to explore, then you can move to Pinhão. Pinhão is a good base, even if you don’t want to indulge much in visiting vineyards. You can do a boat tour, but also spend time relaxing or organise a taxi to visit the beautiful Lamego. From Pinhao you can then return to Peso da Regua, explore the museum and relax. If you pick a nice Quinta and enjoy relaxing, 4 or 5 days will fly. If you like more active holidays then you can probably look to stay in the area for 3 days, as without a car you will be a little limited in the exploring you can do. I hope this help.

Hey. Great info here. Thanks! My husband and I have 5-6 days to explore the Valley. Do you think we are better off staying in one hotel and doing day trips? Or would it be more efficient to pick 2 or 3 hotels along the way?

Hi Sarah, I really recommend you stay in one of the Douro Valley’s villages and explore the valley from there. Day trips from Porto will involve lots of transfer time every day with less opportunities to really savour the pace of the valley. I hope you will enjoy your trip!

Hello my husband and I are planning a trip to Puerto for three nights in September. We want to visit the Duro Valley and taste wine and go on a boat. Do you think it’s necessary we spend the night?

Hi Carrie, no with only three nights available I would consider following the advise for the day trip from Porto to the Douro Valley. You can take the train to Pinhao where you will be able to easily reach at least 2 vineyards and you can board a short Rabelo boat trip. I hope this help you! Enjoy

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Douro Valley Day Trip From Porto – Tours & Tips

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There are many worthwhile day trips from Porto but my favourite was easily the Douro Valley known for its sweeping scenery and delicious Portuguese wine. During a Douro Valley day trip from Porto, there’s plenty to do, see and drink. I went twice while living in Porto , once by car with my housemates, and once as part of an organised day tour with friends visiting from the UK. Both trips were great in their different ways and I’ll sum up the pros and cons as we go.

PORTO ESSENTIALS Accommodation: Booking.com / Hostelworld Getting there: flight ( Skyscanner ), train ( Omio ), bus ( Flixbus ) Porto activities: GetYourGuide / Viator Car hire: Rentalcars.com Guidebook: Lonely Planet Porto

Related reading: all my Porto blog posts

Is doing a Douro Valley day trip worth it?

Yes, it’s totally worth it! Even if you just have 3 days in Porto , I would recommend spending one day in the Douro Valley. It’s truly the most beautiful place I’ve visited in Portugal apart from the wonderful Madeira Island . With its natural beauty, it provides a contrast to built-up Porto with all its city charms. For all the wonderful things to see and do in Porto , few can compete with Douro!

Although Portugal’s second city has so much charm in its own right, I honestly think it’s worth visiting Porto just for the Douro Valley alone!

A bit about the Douro Valley

Centred around the Douro River that flows all the way from central Spain to the Portuguese coast, the region spans around 110,000 acres. That’s a lot of room for wine! The hilly landscape is peppered with small villages, vineyards, family-run wineries and scenic miradouros (viewpoints). Particularly in off-season, it has the feel of stepping back in time: instead of fast food and recognisable logos, you’ll see elderly locals visiting charming churches and roadside Catholic shrines. Wineries in Douro are called ‘quintas’ and often offer lodging as well as wine tours and activities. The area is a microclimate associated with the growing of olives and almonds. Make sure to try locally-produced cheeses, smoked meats and olive oils. It’s a foodie’s dream!

A bit about Douro wine

This UNESCO-protected wine region has been producing table wine and sweet port wine for over 2,000 years. Whether it’s tawny, ruby, rosé or white, port earns its unique flavour from strong grape spirit, historically added to preserve it for long journeys. Whilst living in Porto, I came to love port wine, as well as regular Douro wine. People don’t always think of Portugal in relation to wine production but they really should. It’s phenomenal! Taylors and Sandemans are some of the big names in the wine region, but I encourage you to also visit small, family-run wineries for an authentic experience.

For more about Porto drinks and food, check out my big Porto culinary guide .

For more about wine, read my guides to wine in Moravia (Czech Republic) and Ljubljana (Slovenia)

How to get from Porto to the Douro Valley

If you’re looking for a quick answer to how to take a Douro Valley day trip? , I’ll break it down:

• Organised day trips – my sister and I took a GetYourGuide tour which I’d recommend. Between being picked up and dropped off in Porto, we visited an authentic Douro winery, cruised down the Douro upon a riverboat and stopped at several scenic viewpoints. It was super convenient and our guide was very knowledgeable. These are the easiest option for those travelling alone in Portugal .
• By car – on a different occasion, my housemates and I hired a car and visited the Douro Valley from Porto. It worked out cheaper than a day tour but required us doing some research and organisation.
• By bus – public transport is limited in the valley so your best bet is catching a bus to Lamego or Vila Real (towns in the valley) and organising a taxi ride to a winery from there.
• By train – from Porto Campanhã station or the famous São Bento, you can catch a train to Peso de Régua, the ‘capital’ of the valley, or travel further to the last stop of Pocinho near the Spanish border.
• By boat – Douro river day trips operate from April to November, taking a boat ride in one direction and a car back.

The best Douro Valley day tours from Porto

The are several tours on offer. So you don’t have to scrutinise the different Douro Valley itineraries and compare prices yourself, I have done the work: The everything tour – boat ride, lunch, winery (€85) – you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the valley by car, soaking up views as you go. After a stop in Peso de Régua, you’ll arrive at a winery for a tour and wine tasting. Next, you’ll have a tasty local lunch and hop on a boat in Pinhão to soak up more heavenly views from the river. Following a photo stop at a beautiful viewpoint, you’ll be transferred back to Porto. The tour takes 6.5 hours enabling you to see a lot in a short space of time – 4.7 stars based on 4,000+ reviews . See more details and book here . Longer tour inc 2 wineries (€95) – this tour is similar to the one above but visits two wineries rather than one, ideal for real wine lovers. It’s 10 hours meaning a longer day but a smaller percentage spent on the bus… and more time drinking wine in the valley! 4.6 stars based on 2,000+ reviews . See more details and book here . Shorter tour inc 2 wineries (€90) – this tour takes just 6.5 hours but manages to include all the above and 2 winery visits. Pick this if you’re into wine and don’t mind a fast-paced itinerary in order to see a lot in a short time. 4.7 stars based on 1200+ reviews.  See more details and book here . Three winery tour (€95) – for those who are visiting for wine rather than exploring the region, this is your tour. 4.9 stars based on 300+ reviews . See more details and book here .

Rather take a private tour? Book a private tour inc. lunch & 2 wineries (€390 per group) or a private tour inc. a river cruise (€200 per person)

Pros of taking a tour to the Douro Valley:

• Ease & convenience – you don’t need to lift a finger!
• Learn from a local guide – you’ll pick up facts about the valley and Douro wine, plus you’re supporting local guides.

Cons of taking tours to the Douro Valley from Porto:

• Sticking to someone else’s schedule – tours can sometimes feel rushed; you can’t stay longer in a place you like or choose to skip somewhere you don’t
• Price – tours are often more expensive than doing things independently.

Day trip to Douro Valley by car

If you’re wondering ‘can you do Douro Valley on your own?’, the answer is a resounding yes! During my first weeks living in Portugal, my friends and I hired a car in Porto and spent a weekend in the Douro Valley. I’d highly recommend staying overnight but you can do it as a day trip if short on time. Towns to add to our Douro Valley itinerary are Peso de Régua, Vila Real and Lamego. We also visited many viewpoints (more on these to come), wineries and local restaurants where we enjoyed all our favourite Porto foods and lots of local wine and cheese! Pros:

• Cheap! Car hire for a day costs as little as €15!
• Total control to you – choose when you set off and return, which wineries you visit, what time you eat etc.
• Designated driver – at least one person has to drive and therefore can’t drink
• It’s not an especially easy region to drive around – there are so many hills. I watched my housemate struggle with many hill starts!
• Airport pick up – most car rentals require you to pick up & drop off at the airport which means paying for taxis to get there (or catching the Metro) and adds extra time to your day trip.

Use Rentalcars.com to book

The highway will bring you to the valley within an hour but it’s worth taking the longer, more scenic N222 along the south of the river in at least one direction. We took the quicker A4 Expressway to the Douro Valley then, on the way home, took our time along the N222 stopping to snap sunset photos at scenic viewpoints. It’s worth thinking about the time of year you visit and when the sunset will be. In the winter months, the scenic drive needs to be taken earlier in order to see anything!

Douro Valley day trip by bus

Rede Expresso buses and a few other companies connect Porto with two Douro Valley towns. These are:

• Lamego – this gorgeous town would be my preferred destination if visiting by bus. However, journeys take from 1 hour 55 minutes and depart from 10am, meaning you can’t get there before midday. The last service home is 5.15pm so it may be best to stay overnight if you have time. They cost €12 each way on Busbud .
• Vila Real – this is also a pleasant town and easier to reach by bus, taking as little as 1 hour 5 minutes (departing from 7am and returning ’til 9pm). They cost €10 each way on Busbud .

Keep reading as I’ll summarise what to do in Lamego and Vila Real later…

Pros of visiting by bus:

• Cheap! Journies cost €10 each way (but factor in a taxi to a winery when you arrive).
• Sustainable – I try to take public transport wherever I can for environmental reasons.

Cons of visiting by bus:

• It’s hard to get around the valley once you’re there – it’s best to stick to the town you arrive into and organise a taxi ride to a nearby winery. If you want to see various places in the valley, bus isn’t the best option.
• Some research & organisation needed – since you won’t have a guide, I’d recommend researching what to do in advance and which wineries you can get to without a car.

Douro Valley by train

You can also take a Douro Valley day trip from Porto by train. In Portugal, trains are clean, efficient and affordable. Linho do Douro trains depart Porto Campanhã station (on the outskirts of the city near my favourite neighbourhood, Bonfim ) or the central São Bento station , eternally busy and clad in blue azulejos artwork. Most passengers taking a day trip to Douro Valley by train arrive in Peso da Régua , the informal capital of the region. It’s a well-known destination in the history of port production because it’s where barrels began their journey to Gaia, Porto’s wine hub. It’s not the most charming town but it’s a good launching point to the wineries. The Douro Museum is also worth a visit. However, there are 5 daily departures with a final stop further than Régua: the town of Pocinho near the Spanish border. This scenic journey takes 3.5 hours from Porto so it’s best for travellers staying overnight. You can also disembark before at Pinhão , a cute town where boat trips depart. Get back on after because the Pinhão to Pocinho leg is the most beautiful!

The pros and cons of taking the train are largely the same as the bus with the added advantage that the train is super scenic!

Tips for train travel:

• Buy your tickets at the counter; they rarely sell out. The exception would be summer weekends when you may wish to reserve tickets online.
• Tickets should cost around €20, the same as the bus.
• Sit on the right side of the train for scenic river views!

Douro by public transport – is the train or the bus better? Given the scenic journey the train takes, I would recommend this over the bus. However, buses travel direct to Lamego which in my opinion is a more scenic arrival point. But the times are awkward so it’s best to stay overnight.

Boat trip from Porto to Douro valley

Ready for one final idyllic option? From April to November, you can take a Porto to Douro Valley day trip by river boat. Since it’s a long ride, most tours will include a bus ride in one direction and a river cruise with port wine and a meal in the other direction. There’s no option more scenic than this! You’ll board from Ribeira waterfront in Porto and spend the day on the boat soaking up amazing scenery and enjoying a local lunch. You’ll arrive on land for wine tasting at 5pm before travelling back to Porto by bus. Book a tour for €106 .

Things to do & places to visit in the Douro Valley

Unless you’re taking an organised tour with pre-decided stops, you’ll probably be wondering how to fill a day trip from Porto to the Douro Valley. Add the following places to your itinerary for the Douro Valley…

Wine tasting at vineyards

Let’s just start with the obvious, shall we? Wine tasting is what puts the region on the map. But knowing which are the best Douro Valley wineries requires some research as there are SO many from huge businesses to modest local homes making their own wine. A few wineries I can vouch for include: Quinta Seara d’Ordens – dating back to the 18th century and still run by a local family, this is a fantastic place to visit with beautiful scenery. We managed to book a wine tasting and tour for a group of eight people (€15pp) by phoning two hours before but I imagine you’d want to book in advance on their website during peak season.

Quinta do Vallado – this 18th century manor house converted into a contemporary winery is conveniently located near Peso de Régua. It was voted amongst the world’s top 100 wineries by Wine and Spirit World which has to count for something! English tours take place at 11am and 2.30pm. Quinta do Tedo – known for its wines and olive oils, this winery is located on the banks of the river down from Peso de Régua. Book a tour or tasting .

Quinta do Pôpa – the stunning river alone make this quinta worth a visit! It’s not just the wines that are sublime but the cheeses and cured meats. Book wine tasting or a picnic in the grounds . Quinta do Bomfim – from Pinhão station, this lovely winery is easily reached on foot. With friendly guides and gorgeous views, it’s a great one to visit if you’re taking a Porto to the Douro Valley day trip by train.

São Leonardo de Galafura Viewpoint

There are countless impressive miradouros but São Leonardo de Galafura has to be the best! We arrived by car, parked for free and wandered to the viewing area. We sat for ages and almost missed our winery tour because the views were hard to drag ourselves away from.

Pinhão boat cruises

This is one of the furthest points you’ll likely visit from Porto, so it’s advisable to visit in the middle of the day to break up the long drive back. Alternatively, catch the train to Pinhão and start your day here. Pinhão is the best place to board short boat trips in the valley. It’s on the itinerary of many organised Douro Valley day tours (including the one we took which was fab) so expect to see lots of other tourists around unless you visit early or late. One or two-hour boat cruises start from €10. Wine sold on the boats is more expensive than other places FYI. Yes, we bought it anyway 😉

Book your boat trip

There are some wonderful natural trails of varying difficulty offering mesmerising views of the vine-speckled hillsides. Providing you have comfortable footwear, enough water and sun protection, some of the best hikes in the Douro Valley are:

• Ervedosa do Douro Walk – traverse through this vineyard amphitheatre departing Ervedosa do Douro village. The circular 18km walk takes just under 6 hours.
• Trilho do Vinho do Porto – this 8km route is rewarding with spectacular views. It should take 3 hours and you’ll see lots of other hikers so there’s no chance of getting lost.

Towns to visit…

Visit Lamego

Lamego is easily the prettiest place in the Douro region. It’s quaint and traditional with little evidence of the modern day. The highlight is Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios , a popular pilgrimage point in September (but open to visitors year-round) with 686 steps decorated with typical blue and white tiles. The art exhibition at Museu de Lamego is also worth a visit. Nearby, take walks in Serra das Meadas park . Lamego is known for the production of local cheeses, meats and other delicacies; stock up before you go home. We parked for free in the backstreets. There are also direct buses connecting Lamego with Porto.

This is another popular town in the region that makes a good pitstop for food, coffee or staying overnight. For those taking a Douro Valley day trip by bus, it’s the easiest place to arrive and depart. The most famous attraction is Palacio do Mateus , a Baroque royal holiday home in the 16th and 17th centuries that appears on famous Mateus rosé wine bottles. If you visit on the 28th-29th of June, you’ll catch the annual Festa e Sao Pedro when a huge market takes over the town.

Peso da Régua

As the gateway to the region, it’s likely you’ll pass through Peso de Régua at some stage. Set alongside the river, the town is relatively scenic if not as nice as Lamego (in my opinion). At Museu do Douro , you can learn about the area’s history of wine production and shipping. On arrival, swing by the Tourist Office for advice about which wineries to visit and to grab a map. English is widely spoken.

For viewpoints near the town, San António do Loureiro is just a 15-minute drive or an hour’s walk from Peso da Régua.

Best season to visit Douro Valley

If you noticed my outfit changes in this post, you can guess I’ve visited in different seasons. I would describe shoulder season as the best time to visit: March-May (Spring) and late September-November (autumn). You can even visit in winter (December and January) providing you dress warmly, although fewer tours will be available and many of the vineyards will be shut for visitors. The benefit of taking a guided tour in this season is that they’ll take you to places that ARE open so you won’t have to worry. Summer (June-mid September) is course the most popular time to visit, however expect it to be hot and very crowded.

How long to spend in the Douro Valley?

Having visited once as a day trip and another time as a weekend trip, I have to be honest and say 2 to 3 days in the Douro Valley is the best amount of time to spend because we weren’t rushed and we got to see and do more. However, it simply depends how much time you have. We also had a wonderful day trip to the Douro Valley with GetYourGuide so, if you just have one day, I’d advise taking a tour so you can relax and enjoy it! There’s no bad amount of time to spend because any trip to Douro is better than not visiting at all!

Where to stay overnight

If you do decide to stay overnight, I would recommend staying at one of the following hotels in the Douro Valley : The Vintage House Douro (€180pn) – near Pinhão station, this is a luxurious property with a pool overlooking the river and many rooms with river views. The Houseboat Pinhao – stay on a fully-equipped houseboat with kitchen for just €70! Casa Seixas Batista – stay in a cute 2 bedroom house in Pinhão from just €70. Quinta Da Estrada Winery   – stay inside a fantastic family-run winery with a pool from €100 a night! Quinta de CasalMato – this local farm and vineyard has a pool and tennis court from just €70!

What else to do in Porto?

I can’t tell you how much I love Porto! After living there from 2021 into 2022, I created this giant 80 things to do in Porto guide so go check that out! To continue drinking Douro wines, head to Nova de Gaia by crossing the lower level of Luís I Bridge bridge. You can even take a port and Douro wine walking tour with a local guide if you’re missing the Douro Valley! Here are ALL my Porto guides:

• The ultimate 3 day Porto itinerary
• What to eat in Porto
• Is Porto worth visiting? My honest thoughts
• The best cocktail bars in Porto
• Where to find street art in Porto
• The best places for sunset in Porto
• Finding the best pastel de nata in Porto
• The best cafes & coffee shops in Porto
• Where to eat vegan in Porto
• Area guide to Bonfim, Porto
• ‘Taste Porto’ food tour review

Thanks for reading!

More Portugal posts you might like

• 50 best things to do in Madeira, Portugal
• Madeira, Portugal food guide
• The ultimate 3 day Lisbon itinerary
• Solo female travel to Lisbon
• Solo travel in Portugal
• Hidden gems in Lisbon
• Lisbon food tour review
• 20 things to do in Aveiro, a canal city in Northern Portugal

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

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TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING PORTUGAL Getting there by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Driving in Europe – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in European countries (and all around the world). For trains , I use Omio . The search feature allows you to compare prices, and they show live departure times on the website. This is also a handy tool to compare trains and buses in one search. For buses, I use FlixBus . Find journeys between European countries from €1!  For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . Browse tours and activities on GetYourGuide and Viator . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s some of the most affordable insurance out there but still covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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11 Best Douro Valley Tours – From Porto!

Epic wine tours in douro valley – a must for all visitors.

In the vast realm of travel and wine enthusiasts, the allure of Douro Valley is undeniable. The mere thought of sprawling vineyards, terraced hillsides, and the rich tapestry of Portuguese culture beckons many to embark on a journey through this picturesque region.

If you find yourself here, eagerly typing “Douro Valley wine tours” into your search bar, you’re not alone. The excitement of planning a trip to this wine lover’s paradise is palpable, but the abundance of tour options can quickly turn anticipation into overwhelm.

Choosing the right Douro Valley wine tour is a quest in itself, one that I, having explored this idyllic landscape five times, understand all too well. Each visit, I opted for the curated experience of a guided tour, unraveling the layers of this enchanting destination in the most authentic way.

In the midst of my Douro Valley expeditions, I discovered the intrinsic value of a well-crafted wine tour, transcending the status quo of a mere holiday outing.

Let me be your guide in navigating the complexities of Douro Valley tours, drawing from my personal trove of experiences. As someone who has not only traversed the region repeatedly but also made it a mission to share this delight with others, I’ve come to recognize the unique beauty and intricacies that make Douro Valley a must-visit for any wine aficionado.

Embark on this blog post adventure with me, and let’s decode the secrets of Douro Valley wine tours together. Your glass awaits, and so does the essence of Portugal’s wine country. Cheers to the voyage ahead!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links so if you make a purchase through one of the links we might earn a small commission ( it’s at no extra cost to you)

Want to know the Best Wine Tour of the Douro Valley? Douro Valley: Wine Tour and River Cruise

This is the tour I take all of my guests on. Its a great day tour and the guides are always friendly and knowledgable. The Portuguese take their wine seriously and are very passionate about it.

11 Best Douro Valley Tours from Porto

Douro valley wine expedition: a culinary and cultural odyssey through portugal’s premier wine region.

• Overall Rating: 4.9/5 (based on 465 reviews)
• Duration: 9 – 9.5 hours

Tour Highlights:

Embark on this tour to the renowned Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first designated wine region globally. Immerse yourself in the rich flavors of port and regular wines at two charming, family-owned wineries.

The tasting experience extends to olive oil, paired with local delights like bread, jelly, cheeses, and hams. Explore the fairytale village of Pinhão, where a typical Portuguese lunch awaits at a local tavern, offering options for meat, fish, and thoughtful selections for vegans and vegetarians. Traverse the scenic N222 road, celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful, providing breathtaking views of the Douro Valley.

Relax on a typical boat cruise along the Douro River, enjoying the picturesque backdrop of Porto Wine vineyards, terraces, and wineries. Gain insights into vineyard practices during a short walk and stop at a second winery to delve into the region’s renowned Port wine, concluding the day’s adventure with a return to Porto in the late afternoon.

Douro Valley: Wine Tour with Lunch, Tastings & River Cruise

• Overall Rating: 4.6/5 based on 3875 reviews
• Duration: 10 hours

I took this tour in September and found it a captivating journey through the Douro Valley. We explored a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and  two distinct wine estates. 

They picked us up in Porto, and we talked about the region’s history and enological traditions during the scenic drive to Douro Valley. 

Delve into the wine culture at Sabrosa’s wine estate, guided by a knowledgeable host through a family-owned vineyard. Relish a tasting experience, savoring three distinct wines complemented by a delightful lunch overlooking the sprawling vineyards. Capture panoramic views of the Douro Valley at São Cristovão viewpoint before embarking on a leisurely river cruise in Pinhão.

In the afternoon, we visited a renowned wine estate for an informative tour, unveiling the vineyard’s history and winemaking secrets. 

On the way back we stopped in Amarante for a coffee break, indulging in the town’s historic charm and iconic pastries.  I really loved this cute town and it is very picturesque.

Wine Venture and Boat Trip in Douro Valley

• Overall Rating: 5.0 based on 349 reviews
• Duration: Full-day tour

Tour Summary:

Embark on a top-rated, full-day small-group tour to the picturesque Douro Valley from Porto. This tour provides a hassle-free experience for those seeking to explore the region’s renowned wine estates and breathtaking landscapes.

• Wine Tasting: Visit two distinguished Douro Valley wineries, indulging in expertly guided wine tastings that showcase the rich flavors of the region.
• Boat Cruise: Revel in a scenic boat cruise offering unparalleled views of the Douro Valley, providing a unique perspective on the stunning landscapes.
• Portuguese Culinary Experience: Delight in a traditional Portuguese lunch, thoughtfully prepared by the winery owner. The meal includes a diverse menu with options such as a cheese board, traditional sausages, a local soup, a main course (with a vegetarian option upon request), and a delectable Portuguese dessert—all carefully paired with wines.

This full-day tour promises an immersive exploration of the Douro Valley, combining wine appreciation, culinary delights, and scenic beauty with great guides.

Douro Valley Private Tour with Sommelier

• Overall Rating: 5.0 based on 13 reviews

Embark on an enriching day tour through the Douro Valley with a professional guide and certified sommelier, offering a perfect opportunity to delve into the world of wine and its secrets.

• Vasques de Carvalho: Indulge in a 45-minute premium wine and Port tasting experience at Vasques de Carvalho, gaining insights into the art of winemaking with an included admission ticket.
• Miradouro de Sao Leonardo de Galafura: Spend 15 minutes at this scenic viewpoint, absorbing the breathtaking landscape of the Douro Valley. Admission ticket included.
• Quinta do Portal / Casa das Pipas: Enjoy a 3-hour visit to this fantastic winery, including lunch, a guided tour, and tastings. Uncover the secrets of winemaking with an admission ticket.
• Railway Station Pinhão: Explore the historic train station, marveling at its intricate tiles, and learn more about the region in a 20-minute stop. Admission ticket included.
• Quinta do Bomfim: Delve into a one-hour tour of this super modern winery, equipped with automatic robots for grape crushing. Admission ticket included.

This full-day tour promises a comprehensive exploration of the Douro Valley, combining premium wine tastings, stunning landscapes, and insights into cutting-edge winemaking technologies.

From Porto: Douro Valley with Boat Tour

• Overall Rating: 4.7/5 based on 7494 reviews
• Duration: Full-day trip

Immerse yourself in the best of Douro, exploring its wines, landscapes, and delightful cuisine on this all-inclusive full-day trip . Visit two unique locations, indulge in Port wine tastings, cruise along the tranquil Douro River, and savor a traditional Portuguese lunch featuring regional products.

Trip Highlights:

• Wine Tastings: Experience the essence of Douro through visits to two distinct locations, sampling various types of wines produced in the region.
• Cruise Along Douro River: Relax during a 1-hour boat trip, allowing you to appreciate the scenic beauty of the Douro River.
• Portuguese Cuisine: Delight in a traditional Portuguese meal, showcasing the flavors of the Douro region and offering a delicious culinary experience.
• Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views from a viewpoint, with the added bonus of being taken to what the BBC hailed as one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the world by your driver.

This full-day adventure promises an immersive journey into the heart of Douro’s culture and natural beauty.

From Porto: Douro Valley Cruise with Winery Visit and Lunch

• Overall Rating: Not provided

This tour includes a tranquil cruise in the Douro Valley, accompanied by insightful commentary on the region’s history. Enjoy a delightful array of 12 wine tastings and exclusive visits to small family winemakers. 

The journey continues with a private boat cruise along the Douro River, followed by a traditional lunch at a family wine estate, prepared by the guide’s wife. Experience the opening of a Vintage port wine by fire, a captivating tradition, and conclude the tour by returning to the starting point.

• Private Boat Cruise: Drift along the Douro River in a private boat, enjoying a 1-hour scenic cruise through the valley.
• Wine Tastings: Immerse yourself in the flavors of the region with 12 different wine tastings, experiencing the diversity of locally produced wines.
• Small Family-Run Wineries: Visit two intimate wineries, gaining insight into the winemaking process and enjoying exclusive visits with the winemakers.
• Luxury Van Ride: Travel in comfort throughout the day in a luxury van, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.
• Traditional Lunch: Relish a farm-to-table lunch, personally cooked by the guide’s wife at their family wine estate. Indulge in unique regional food paired with a selection of dry and port wines.
• Vintage Port Wine Opening: Witness the ceremonial opening of a Vintage port wine by fire, a remarkable and ancient practice.
• Overall Rating: 4.8/5 based on 1455 reviews
• Duration: Full-day tour (9 hours)

Experience the splendor of the Douro Valley on a full-day tour from Porto, combining wine tastings at two wineries, a typical Portuguese lunch with DOC Douro wine, and a scenic river cruise in the heart of the Douro.

Full-Day Douro Wine Tour with Lunch and River Cruise

This full-day adventure , boasting a remarkable 4.8 rating from 1455 reviews, promises a perfect blend of cultural exploration, wine appreciation, and scenic beauty in the heart of the Douro Valley.

• Wine Tastings: Visit two charming Douro Valley wineries, indulging in a total of six different wine tastings. Learn about the production of port wine, stroll through the vineyards, and savor the flavors of local wines.
• Portuguese Lunch: Delight in a traditional Portuguese lunch at a local restaurant in Pinhão, featuring authentic Portuguese cuisine paired with DOC Douro wine.
• River Cruise: Enjoy a 1-hour river cruise on a typical rabelo boat, historically used for wine transportation along the Douro River. Marvel at the scenic landscapes and historical landmarks from the heart of the valley.
• Local History and Traditions: Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the region as your local guide shares insights into the history and traditions of the Douro Valley.
• Scenic Landscapes: Admire the breathtaking beauty of the Douro Valley landscapes as you travel in comfort by air-conditioned vehicle along the picturesque route.

This full-day adventure is a perfect blend of cultural exploration, wine appreciation, and scenic beauty in the heart of the Douro Valley.

Douro Valley amazing wine Tours

• Overall Rating: 5.0/5 based on 7 reviews

Embark on a captivating day tour visiting three exceptional family estates in the Douro Valley. Immerse yourself in vineyard walks, taste high-quality table wines (Red/White/Rose) and exquisite Port wine, indulge in olive oil tastings, and savor delicious Portuguese cuisine.

The tour encompasses hotel/train station pickups, exploration of centuries-old winemaking knowledge, scenic viewpoints, and a visit to a traditional Portuguese Quinta.

• Family Estates Exploration: Visit three fantastic family estates, delving into the rich history and winemaking traditions of the Douro Valley.
• Vineyard Walks and Tastings: Wander through picturesque vineyards and partake in tastings of high-quality table wines, including Red, White, Rose, and the precious Port wine.
• Scenic Viewpoint Stop: Pause at one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Douro Valley, savoring the breathtaking scenery with a glass of wine in hand.
• Portuguese Cuisine: Experience the culinary delights of Portugal with a stop at a restaurant serving delicious typical Portuguese food (lunch not included).
• Small Portuguese Quinta Visit: Explore a small Portuguese Quinta (Estate), gaining insights into the intimate aspects of winemaking and local traditions.
• Tour Conclusion: After visiting the three wineries, the tour concludes with a return to your accommodation, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

This full-day tour , boasting a perfect 5.0 rating from 7 reviews, promises an immersive journey into the heart of the Douro Valley’s winemaking heritage, complemented by stunning landscapes and culinary delights.

Sparkling Douro: Private Wine Tour Douro and Lamego Region

• Overall Rating: 4.8 stars

Enjoy this Sparkling Wine Route tour , exploring the city of Lamego and surrounding villages while immersing yourself in the local flavors of sparkling wines. Visit a local winery, indulge in tastings of white and sparkling wines, savor traditional cuisine at a local restaurant, and discover the sights of Lamego.

• Quinta Da Portela Visit: Commence the day with a visit to Quinta Da Portela, a local winery, and indulge in a wine tasting complemented by regional products.
• Traditional Cuisine Lunch: Experience a unique lunch in a peculiar village, sampling the typical cuisine still prepared in iron pots.
• Ucanha Cellar Visit: Explore the remarkable cellars in Ucanha, descending 68 meters deep, and taste the exquisite Murganheira sparkling wines.
• Presunteca Tasting: Conclude your day with a tasting of cheeses and smoked meat at the Presunteca, accompanied by a delightful sparkling wine.

This full-day Sparkling Wine Route tour offers a delightful blend of cultural exploration, culinary experiences, and wine tastings, providing a unique perspective on the local flavors of the region.

Private Douro Valley 4WD Tour with Wine Tasting and Picnic

• Overall Rating: 4.9/5 based on 10 reviews

This tour is an adventure through the renowned Douro Valley wine region with a private 4WD vehicle, escaping the usual tourist crowds and venturing off the beaten path. Enjoy stunning mountain landscapes, vineyards producing Portugal’s highest DOC wines, a unique picnic lunch made by locals, and tastings of fortified port wines at a local quinta.

• Private 4WD Exploration: Discover the Douro Valley in the exclusivity of a private 4WD vehicle, offering a personalized and off-the-beaten-path experience.
• Scenic Mountain Drive: Journey through the steep mountains along the banks of the River Douro, witnessing breathtaking vineyards that contribute to wines with the highest DOC classification.
• Unique Picnic Lunch: Indulge in a marvelous picnic lunch made by locals, immersing yourself in the beauty of the Douro Valley while enjoying a unique culinary experience.
• Port Wine Tastings: Visit a local quinta (winery) to taste the fortified port wines produced in the region, gaining insights into the rich winemaking traditions.
• UNESCO World Heritage Views: Return to Porto with more amazing views of the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards, rounding off a day of exploration and indulgence.

This full-day private tour is an unparalleled journey through the Douro Valley, combining scenic drives, wine tastings, and exclusive experiences off the typical tourist path.

Picture this: a warm breeze carrying the sweet aroma of ripening grapes as you stand amidst the vines, sipping on a glass of velvety port wine. It’s a scene I’ve not only witnessed but one I’ve made it my mission to share with friends, family, and fellow wine enthusiasts. Join me on this virtual journey, as we explore the art of choosing the perfect Douro Valley wine tour, unraveling the mysteries of the region, one sip at a time.

Nicole LaBarge is a travel expert who has been traveling internationally for over 25 years and she has visited over 115 countries all while working a 9-5. She has lived in England, Scotland, Japan and New Zealand. Check out her detailed destination guides and travel product guides.

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Portugal’s Douro Line is a scenic train journey to “nowhere”

Feb 8, 2023 • 5 min read

The antique wooden train station at Pocinho, the terminus of the Linha do Douro train route through northern Portugal © Austin Bush / Lonely Planet

Our slow travel series explores how you can take more-mindful journeys by train, boat, bus or bike – with tips on how to reach your no-fly destination, and what to see and do along the way. Here, Lonely Planet’s Austin Bush takes us along northern Portugal’s Douro Valley by train.

There isn’t much in the tiny town of Pocinho. But in the case of northern Portugal ’s Linha do Douro, the train line that connects this rural village and Porto , it’s more about the journey to get there. 

The Douro River bisects the top half of Portugal , carving a ragged gap from east to west. That glass of port you tasted in Porto? It got its start in the almost impossibly steep vineyards that frame the river valley. And while most visitors to Porto will experience the Douro River via a cruise, I wanted to do it by train.

Many consider the Linha do Douro, the train line that follows the valley, one of the  most beautiful train rides in Europe . Under 125 miles (200km) long, the line terminates at Pocinho, just shy of the  Spanish  border. This means that the train doesn’t really get you anywhere in particular, and you have to return the way you came. But if done right, it’s possible to approach the Linha do Douro as a slow and contemplative – yet also occasionally dramatic – day trip, one that even offers a break for lunch and wine tasting. 

The departure

To ensure that you have time for lunch or (and?) wine tasting, it’s necessary to take the first train of the day, which departs from Porto’s legendary São Bento Station at 7:15am. I was obliged to change trains in the town of Ermesinde, just northeast of Porto, and it was here that I boarded my Linha do Douro train. The stock – made in Switzerland, painted a ’70s-era orange and virtually empty – could easily have featured in a Wes Anderson film.

The next hour, you’ll traverse Porto’s urban sprawl – predominantly gray, semi-industrial feeling suburbs. Your first tunnel (of 23 total) is in Caíde, which is also where the views start to become more rural. The town of Ribadouro offers your first glimpse of the Douro, and it’s from this point on that things get interesting.

Spending diaries: What I spent on a cheap-ish weekend trip to Porto, Portugal

The train snakes along the river, with incredibly steep terraced vineyards and tiny villages clinging to hillsides rising on either side. Whistle-stop stations boast charming tiles; at some points the train tracks are virtually at river level. I did the trip in late January, and while mist and fog obscured the views they created an otherworldly, remote atmosphere. Be sure to sit on the right-hand side for the best views. You may be tempted to hop off in the large-ish city of Peso da Régua , but a wiser stop is Pinhão , where you’ll arrive at about 10am.

The interlude

The terminus for one-day boat trips from Porto, Pinhão is a funny little town, a mix of crusty old winemakers and wide-eyed tourists. It also offers enough to occupy you for a few hours. Take the obligatory photo of the tile murals at the station, and after a walk along the charming waterfront, start planning lunch. A handful of cafes and restaurants are in the center of town, with eateries such as Veladoura or Cozinha da Clara located a short walk away.

Alternatively, Pinhão is also home to a legendary butcher, Talho Qualifer – Quinta das Barrocas, where you can taste smoked meats in-house or assemble a riverside picnic lunch. Of course, you’re in the heart of Portugal’s most prestigious wine country, so pencil in time for a tasting session. Several houses, including Croft , Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta do Noval are located right in town, and offer tastings of standard and fortified wines. 

Satiated and slightly buzzed, it’s time to continue to the end of the line: Pocinho. I recommend taking the train that departs at 3:43pm: this allows you nearly five hours to dine and wine in Pinhão, and also catch a not-too-late return train from Pocinho back to Porto. 

The final hour that connects Pinhão and Pocinho is arguably the most beautiful section of the line – and the section that the day-trippers on boats from Porto miss out on. Outside of Pinhão, the Douro narrows and the scenery becomes more rocky, rugged and wild. At Ferradosa, the train crosses a bridge (one of 35 along the route) to the south bank of the river. Shift to the left side of the train to see tiny train stations – shelters, really – that link to trailheads, abandoned wineries and vineyards that extend right to the tracks.

As you approach the end of the line, the landscape abruptly widens into a broad valley studded with olive trees, a dam and power plant ominously looming in the distance. In Pocinho, the original wooden station is still intact, though there’s not much else to see or do here.

Stretch your legs, take a bathroom break and board the train (most likely the same one you arrived on) returning to Porto, which departs at 5:14pm. If there are no delays, you should arrive in Porto around 8:30pm, just in time for dinner.

Practical information about the Linha do Douro

Best time to go.

I did the trip in January, which meant the weather was particularly wet and misty. If you’re serious about clear views or photography – or simply want to take advantage of the long days to take a later train back – make the trip during the summer months.

Food and drink on the journey

Pinhão is your best bet for food and drink. Alternatively, if you’re on a budget, pack a lunch and a bottle of wine ahead of time and plan a riverside picnic.

I bought my tickets in advance, yet given how few people ride the Linha do Douro nowadays, you’d probably be fine buying your tickets at the station. A round-trip ticket costs just under €30; breaking the trip into bits and buying three separate tickets as I suggest here will cost a tiny bit more.

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The Douro Valley

The birthplace of Port wine

Visiting the Douro Valley – Wine tours from Porto

Visiting the douro valley region from porto, getting to the douro valley by train: peso da régua station or pinhão station, guided tours of the douro valley from porto.

The Douro Valley is a wine region of Portugal with more than two thousand years of existence . For centuries, grapes have been planted and harvested by hand on its steep terraces that end by the Douro river (hence the name).

This valley represents one of the most beautiful landscapes in Portugal .

Several reasons confer the Alto Douro wine-growing region the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO : its cultural importance, its fertile land and the particular climate, and the world-renowned quality of its wines.

It is also the oldest demarcated wine region in the world .

The Douro River originates in Spain, in Soria, where it is called the “Duero”, and flows into the Atlantic Ocean, on the coast of Matosinhos , very close to the center of Porto . Throughout its course, it crosses and joins the northeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula.

For the city of Porto, it is of special importance, as it has historically served as a promoter of trade flows, communicating the metropolis with several neighboring cities.

For the distribution of Port wine the river has been its main channel. Traditionally, it was through the waterway that the wine was transported from the Douro valley to the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia . Once aged, it is then marketed to the rest of the world.

This river trip was done decades ago in boats called Rabelos , and you can still admire them in the Douro River by the Dom Luis Bridge or in front of the wineries .

Today the grapes and wine are transported in small trucks that you can see moving around the Douro Valley, especially at the end of the summer, during the grape harvest season.

One question many visitors ask is about the types of wines that are produced? In the valley, not only port wine is made. The Douro Valley also produces some of the best red and white wines in Portugal and the world.

In Porto, you can visit the cellars , learn how the wines are produced, and enjoy a Port Wine tasting session .

However, it is in the Douro Valley Wineries where you can live the whole, real experience.

Visiting a “Quinta” (the Portuguese equivalent of estates, where grapes are grown), walk through its vineyards, enjoy the fantastic views, and taste the best wines of the Douro region, that's what you want to experience. And it is something we highly recommend doing as a day trip from the city.

On a road with unique landscapes, it takes about an hour and a half by car. The only disadvantage is that you won't be able to extend your tasting if you have to drive back.

Now, how far it's the Douro Valley from Porto? Short of 60 miles (97 km), and the trip, by car , is about 1 hour 15 minutes. But it really depends on where you're going to, because there are two main towns with wineries close to Porto.

Read below to find out where these are.

You can take the train from Campanhã station to Peso da Régua (Regua station).

The trip takes 2 hours each way and the ticket costs around 20€, depending on your choice.

There's another train station in the Douro, it's called “Pinhão” . It is within walking distance of two beautiful Quintas and restaurants.

Both trips can be booked within the cp.pt (“Trains of Portugal”).

Another terrific alternative, although more expensive than the regular train, is to get on the historic train in Peso da Régua , which goes to the area of Tua on the banks of the river in a steam locomotive built in 1925. See all the information on the official website . The disadvantage of this option is that the train arrives in the city center, and you have to find your way around the area.

You can also take a guided tour from Porto. Some companies use the bus, the train or even the river cruise. This alternative allows you to relax, better enjoy the experience and do the wine tasting without having to worry about driving back to Porto.

We have a sister company that sells such tours; find out more about our best-seller Douro Valley Wine Tours from Porto. It includes 2 Wineries, Tastings, River Cruise, and Lunch

Excursions to the Douro Valley from Porto

The best wine tours in the Douro

Tour of the Douro Valley vineyards, Wine Tasting in 2 wineries, Lunch & Cruise

Wine tasting, boat ride, traditional lunch and spectacular views. One of the best Douro Valley Wine Tours.

Visit to Quinta do Bomfim Winery

Visit to the Symington family winery with tasting of 3 wines.

Boat ride in Peso da Régua

50 minute boat ride from Peso da Régua through the landscapes of the Douro Valley.

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Exploring the Douro Valley: An Epic Day Trip From Porto

• Last Updated On: August 1, 2022

Just outside of Porto is the wonderous wine country of the Douro Valley. The Douro Valley is Portugal’s most well known wine region and is home to the numerous wineries that produce much of Portugal’s wine and almost all of Portugal’s Port.

Thankfully, the Douro Valley is easily accessible from Porto and makes for an epic day trip or even better, an amazing addon to your northern Portugal trip. The Douro river that separates Porto and Gaia runs all the way to Spain and along the way you’ll find incredibly beautiful wineries and views. Additionally, if you’re flying into Lisbon , a drive to the Douro valley is three hours by car.

Visiting the Douro Valley was absolutely amazing and it was all part of my Portugal travel itinerary . If you’re curious about how I planned my trip to see all of Portugal’s sights, make sure to give that a read!

Planning a day trip to the Douro Valley

I spent two nights in the Douro Valley which was an absolutely bliss getaway. However, I think most people didn’t think of visiting the Douro and didn’t allocate enough time or resources to planning a trip there. I’m here to say that you can easily visit the Douro Valley on a day trip from Porto . Whether you want to rent a car or take public transportation, beautiful views and wine tasting are at your doorstep.

Taking the train from Porto to Pinhao

If you aren’t keen on renting a car, then your best option is to take the train from Porto central station. Pinhao is the main town in the Douro Valley and is located right in the middle of all the action.

This train ride is famous for its scenic views of Douro river. You have a direct IR connection (InterRegional) every two hours starting at 7h15 (then 9h15, 11h15…) until 19h30.

The cost of this train is €10 one way.

The problem you’ll have with taking the train is that you can only walk to the nearby wineries. I didn’t see much in the way of taxis during any of my visit to the Douro Valley. There are plenty of wineries nearby to Pinhao so you have many options to choose from. There are two wineries inside the town of Pinhao that is only a few minutes walking from the train station. Other wineries with more expansive views and beauty will require a slightly longer walk (30 minutes or so).

Renting a car

Renting a car is my preferred method for seeing the Douro Valley. Most of the beautiful wineries are out of reach from Pinhao by foot so you really need a car to properly explore the area.

There are car rental shops in the city center of Porto, otherwise you can take an Uber to the airport for €12-15.

Do you have to make appointments in the Douro Valley for wine tasting?

One of my favorite parts of the Douro valley wine tasting is the fact that you don’t need to make reservations beforehand. If you want to take a tour of the cellars and do the entire process, then you will need to book. However, if you just want to show up, sit back, drink some wine, and enjoy the views, you don’t need to reserve beforehand.

The wineries in Portugal have big, central estates on the middle of their properties. Similar to South Africa’s wine country and unlike wineries in France, these estates are built to showcase their wines and make it easy and comfortable to taste.

I’ve always been annoyed with places that require bookings beforehand. I’m almost never in the mood to have a full tour of the winery because I’ve already been on God knows how many before. They are all similar, and you end up just forgetting everything shortly afterwards anyhow!

Day trip from Lisbon to the Douro Valley

If you are staying in Lisbon which I absolutely love as a city, it is also possible to do a day trip to the Douro Valley. This is a very aggressive day trip and I probably wouldn’t recommend it but it is doable.

From Lisbon , it is a 4 hour drive to Pinhao in the heart of the Douro wine country. You could leave very early in the morning (6am or so) and be tasting wine by 10am. You could then follow much of the itinerary below to your desired effect. As most of the wineries close around 5pm, you could leave around 4 and be back in Lisbon by dinner time.

What’s better is probably to just do an overnight trip to the Douro Valley if you are staying in Lisbon for 5+ days.

If you are in the Algarve region of Portugal , don’t even think about it 🙂

The best Wineries in Douro Valley for views

I spent a few days in the Douro Valley and wasted no time. I went to many wineries along the way and enjoyed the breathtaking views of the Douro as well as delicious Ports and wines.

The Douro Valley is very similar to the Mosel Valley wine region in Germany . It’s a river that snakes its way around the region and surrounded by rolling mountainous landscapes full of vines. The Douro has higher hills and more dramatic scenery than the Mosel. The grape vines are also more expansive and all encompassing. It is truly breathtaking.

Here are a list of all the wineries I visited during my stay in the Douro Valley.

• Quinta de Popa
• Quinta Do Seixo (Sandeman)
• Quinta Do Bomfim
• D’Origem Vinhos
• Nova Winery

How to spend one day in the Douro Valley

Now that you know my favorite spots, it’s time the day out for a day trip from Porto.

I will focus on the itinerary with having a car because if you are taking the train, you should just get off in Pinhao and go to Croft Porto, and Quinta Do Bomfim. If you can find a taxi, then a visit to QUinta Do Seixo could be nice as well.

one thing to keep in mind that there are not many bridges in the Douro River. I found myself wanting to go to various different wineries on opposite sides of the river, only to find out I’d have to travel a lot distance to go to the one bridge in the area. Two wineries can look very close on Google Maps on opposite sides of the river but that is likely not the case. You ould very easily have to drive 1 hour because the bridge is 20 km away through slow windy roads.

Leave Porto around 9 in the morning

From Porto, I would leave around 9 so you can get to the Douro Valley around 10. From the city, it is about 1 hour driving to the start of the wineries.

This will allow for you to get a lay of the land and mentally prepare yourself for the beautiful views from the day to come.

Drive on the N222 highway

For the best views, you’ll want to drive along the N222 which is on the south side of the Douro river. This is known as the scenic road and is right next to the river as it snakes its way to Spain.

You’ll be mesmerized by the giant hills on both sides of you full of vineyards and estates.

Stop at Quinta Do Bomfim in Pinhao town

Quinta Do Bomfim is one of the largest and most popular wineries in the region. They own the Dow’s and Graham’s brand and is located right in the Pinhao town. From their terrace, you have a beautiful view of the Douro Valley.

I had a Port tasting here of the white, Tawny, and Late Bottled Vintage and it was delicious.

Go next door to Croft Port

Next door to Quinta Do Bomfim is one of the oldest wineries in town, Croft Port. They have a beautiful estate with an even better view of the valley. Their grapes are right on the property and your view of the endless vines is what it’s all about.

I had another Port tasting here of their Ruby and Tawny.

Have Lunch in Town

Pinhao is the main town in the region and there are numerous restaurant sin town to choose from. It’s not a particularly cute town that you’d imagine would be in a region like this but it has all that you need.

If you want a full lunch, go to Veladouro which is located right on the water. Look no further than getting the Secretos De Porco Preto (Secrets of the BLack Pig). This is one of my favorite things to eat in Portugal and you’ll hardly find it anywhere else in the world (I’ve only seen it once again in Puglia, Italy ).

Secretos is essentially a special cut of pork from a very special pig, the Iberian Pig. Yes the same pig that is used to make the God level delicious Jamon Iberico. Turns out that Spain are the masters of the Jamon (Cured meat) but Portugal actually eats the meat of the pig. The meat as you’d expect is incredibly juicy, tender, and flavorful. I had secretos on more than one occasion.

If you want a quick lunch, then go to the O’Porco wine bar. They do sandwiches and Pulvo salads that are quite delicious. All for a very cheap price.

Visit Quinta Do Seixo

Quita Do Seixo is located high up on the hill overlooking all of its vines and of course a stunning view of the valley. They have a beautiful modern tasting room that has stunning views. I stopped drinking Port here and elected for wine instead.

Visit Quinta De Popa

I can’t comment too much on the wine itself as I was already pretty tipsy by the time I got here.

Drive back to Porto at 5pm

The wineries in the Douro mostly close by 5pm or 6pm for their tastings. Therefore, it is the perfect time to head back to Porto in time to enjoy a drink from Porto Cruz’s rooftop in Gaia where you can put all your new found Port appreciation to use.

Where to stay in the Douro Valley

If you decide that one day is not enough (which it probably isn’t), then you should definitely book accommodations to stay in the beautiful Douro Valley!

There are countless Quintas and guesthouses with accommodation options in the valley. The Douro Valley is generally seen as a more expensive destination within Portugal so you will pay more here in comparison to other locations.

After starting my search, I saw many Quintas located on the hillside with beautiful pools that overlook the river and valley. I knew this was what I wanted and went to look through the numerous hotels that offered this.

Quinta De Santa Marinha

Upon arriving, I can confirm that the views were completely out of this world. It was higher up than other hotels and you could see so much of the surrounding landscape. From the pool, it was bliss and an amazing place to waste the day away.

The traditional breakfasts were also a delight to have in the morning before setting out to wine taste.

Other options to stay for the Douro Valley

I found many other options to stay during my visit and some looked absolutely incredible but were sold out or cost too much. If you like the pictures from the above but want something different but with similar amenities, here is a list of places to choose from!

• Quinta Nova
• Casa Da Piscina

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Hey! I have been exploring the Douro Valley’s renowned vineyards for the past couple years, but can you recommend the ultimate vineyard experience in this stunning region?

I’m seeking not just exceptional wine but also a captivating ambiance and perhaps a unique story behind the winemaking process. This is one of the experiences I have done in the past, and it was great!

However, if you have any more suggestions, I would really appreciate it. Thank you for this excellent post!

Travelffeine

Sipping coffee & chasing dreams, douro valley day trip: a self-driving tour porto to pinhão.

Driving from Porto to  Pinhão  in the Douro Valley was one of my favorite day trips during our  two-week road trip in Portugal .  The Douro River Valley is a gorgeous region in Portugal with terraced landscapes reminiscent of the rice fields in certain parts of Asia. With only a few days in Porto, we knew we only had time for a day trip to the Douro Valley. I read that Pinhão  was one of the prettiest towns along the Douro River, so we made that our destination and turn-around point.

I booked a tour ahead of time with Quinta da Bomfim in  Pinhão .  Many vineyards in the Douro Valley allow drop-ins. However, since the changes brought on by COVID, most were not accepting walk-ups during my visit there. So, to be on the safe side, I recommend reserving a tour in advance.  Then, you can always stop at various vineyards if they allow drop-ins, but at least you’ll have one “for sure” visit planned.

If you only have one day to visit the Douro Valley, this self-driving tour from Porto to  Pinhão will give you a complete picture of this beautiful part of Portugal. You’ll take in stunning views, learn about the region’s history, take a tour, and eat an incredible meal. If you’re looking for a great day trip from Porto, put this one at the top of the list!

Tip: Before heading to the Douro Valley make sure to make any necessary reservations for winery tours and dining in advance.

Table of Contents

About the douro valley.

• Options When Visiting the Douro Valley
• What to Expect From this Day Trip
• Who is This Douro Valley Road Trip Designed For
• Map of Our Driving Route from Porto to the Douro Valley
• Highlights Along This Douro Valley Drive
• What Would I Do Differently on a Second Visit

Additional Articles You Might Enjoy

The Douro Valley is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its vineyards and production of port and wine. Originally, flat-bottom boats called rabelos took the wine down the Douro River to the Gaia district across from Porto. 

Now the wine is transported via trucks, but you can see these traditional rabelos in Porto and Gaia. You can even  take a rabelos boat tour  to experience this traditional mode of transport.

Options for Visiting the Douro Valley

There are three main options for visiting the Douro Valley from Porto, Portugal. You can rent a car and drive there, book a tour from Porto, or take the train. 

Driving from Porto to the Douro Valley : This is my choice for the ideal way to visit the Douro Valley. Depending on traffic, Porto to Pinhão is about a 1.5 hour to 2-hour drive. You can plan to stay a couple of nights and explore the region, or for those with limited time, you can easily take a one-day self-driving tour from Porto to the Douro Valley.   

Take the Scenic Train from Porto: You can also  take a train from Porto to Pinhão . The train ride takes about 2 hours and 17 minutes. You won’t, of course, be able to take any side roads or stop for photos, but you can enjoy the beautiful scenery from your seat on the train. Additionally, the train goes as far as Pocinho with multiple stops along the way, making it possible to plan a multi-night stay in the Douro Valley along the train’s route.

Book a Tour: There are many tour options available for those wanting to take a guided trip to the Douro Valley.  You can take boat trips up the Douro River, take an all-day or multi-day driving tour, and there are even  combo tours  that include visits to wineries as well as a short cruise on the Douro River.  I cannot list all the options for tours here, but if that’s up your alley, you’ll have no lack of options from which to choose.

What to Expect on this One Day Self-Driving Tour

• You’ll see the beautiful Douro Valley River and Landscape.
• Visit a Douro Valley winery and take a wine tasting or vineyard walking tour.
• Eat at an incredible restaurant with views of the Douro River.
• Go home happy and full of unforgettable memories.

Don’t feel like you won’t get to enjoy the beauty of the region with only one day. Even the fast route, which we took, provided many stunning viewpoints and vistas to stop at and enjoy. Even though we only visited one Douro Valley winery, it still gave us a perfect taste for the region’s beauty and history. It had everything we wanted all wrapped up in one day full of beautiful memories. 

Our day trip from Porto to the Douro Valley became one of our favorites from our entire two-week road trip in Portugal. I highly recommend making time for at least one day in this beautiful and unique region.

Who This Douro Valley Road Trip is Designed For

This Douro Valley self-driving tour is best for people who want to experience the region’s beauty and history but aren’t necessarily into sampling a bunch of wine. Meaning if you want a tour that hops from one Douro Valley winery to the next to sample ports and wines, then one of the guided tours might be a better option.

My husband and I are not wine drinkers, and I had never tried port until I visited Portugal. So our day trip to Pinhão  was more about exploring the region and learning about its history.  We drove through the scenic vineyards and along the Douro River, toured a family winery, walked through its vineyards, and ate an incredible meal that was locally sourced. It was a perfect day spent in the Douro Valley.

Walking through the vineyards at Quinta do Bomfim.  

Non-Alcoholic Drinkers

If you do not drink wine at all, a trip to the Douro Valley is still worth your time. In addition to winery tours and tastings, Quinta do Bomfim  offers self-guided vineyard walks. They provide you with a map, hat, and bottle of water. There is signage throughout the vineyard to guide your walk and inform you of the history. I highly recommend this, as it was beautiful to walk around the vineyard and learn about the history of the rugged landscape that is now so famous for its wines and ports.

Our Driving Route from Porto to the Douro Valley

During our two-week road trip in Portugal, my husband and I took one day to drive from Porto to the Douro Valley. I made reservations in advance to tour the Quinta da Bomfim vineyard. Our reservation was for 11:30 a.m. We left early and took the quickest route to Pinhão, which included a scenic drive with viewpoints for photos along the way.

Click the map to see the stops  I marked for miradouros (viewpoints), the winery, our choice for where to dine, and the loop we took from Porto to  Pinhão  and back.  This drive is an excellent option for a day trip from Porto. 

The entire route takes around 3.5-4 hours of straight driving (round trip), and with stops, a visit to a vineyard, and lunch/dinner, you won’t make it back to Porto until the evening.  We left the Douro Valley shortly before 5:00 p.m., and my hubby was hoping to miss rush hour traffic, but we still hit some and made it back around 7:00 p.m.

Highlights Along This Douro Valley Route

I loved the route we took! After jumping off the A4 by Vila Real, we hopped on the N322. After passing through the town of Sabrosa, the natural beauty of the Douro Valley and the scenic drive began. The fall colors were out during our visit in October, and it was so beautiful!

This photo was taken across from the picnic area off N323 near Sabrosa, Portugal.

Small Picnic and Parking Area

There is a little picnic area with parking about 10-minutes outside the town of Sabrosa, where we stopped to take the above photo. It was the first of many stops along this scenic driving route.  N322 becomes N323 along this stretch, and the road sort of goes back and forth between the two, but it’s all the same route.

One of the many viewpoints along this scenic route.

Miradouros (viewpoints)

Make sure to pay attention to the brown signs along the road, as these are sightseeing stops. Most of the signs along this road are for the miradouros (viewpoints).  We stopped at quite a few of them, and each one had an informational sign telling us about the area’s history and the family-owned vineyards in the Douro Valley.

I recommend at least stopping at the following four viewpoints on the way to  Pinhão.

• Aldeia Vinhateira de Provesende
• São Cristovão
• Vale do Pinhão
• Terra de Fernão de Magalhães

Driving into the town of Pinhao.

Quinta Do Bomfim & Casa dos Ecos by Pedro Lemos

I highly recommend you reserve a tour at the Quinta do Bomfim winery or at a minimum take the self-guided walking tour through their vineyard.  I also can’t recommend enough reserving lunch or dinner at  Casa dos Ecos by Pedro Lemos . The food is superb and the view over the vineyards and the Douro River is incredible!  Read more about my visit to the Quinta do Bomfim winery and my dining experience at Casa dos Ecos .

Quinta do Bomfim winery in Pinhao, Portugal.

The Douro River along N222.

Régua Dam Lock

The Regua Dam Locks

Régua Bridges

The three bridges outside the town of Peso da Régua are beautifully designed. One of them is a pedestrian bridge, and if you have time, I recommend taking a walk across it for stunning views of the river and bridges. It was especially beautiful when we visited in the fall.

The three Regua Bridges.

Douro Museum

If you want to learn more about the Douro Valley and its wine-making history then give yourself about an hour to tour this small museum. The cost of admission also includes a small port tasting.

What Would I Do Differently on a Second Visit?

I would spend at least one night in the Douro Valley.  Although we thoroughly enjoyed our day trip to the Douro Valley, spending a night there would give us more time to relax and enjoy a stroll along the river and perhaps do a little shopping. Plus, for anyone who loves photography, experiencing the Douro Valley at sunrise and sunset will make for some stunning photographs. 

I would also like to explore more towns along the Douro River and perhaps make a trip further north to the town of Tua. I found this incredibly informative site that gives many options for  an in-depth driving route  through the Douro Valley for visitors with more time.

The Douro Valley is such a picturesque area with a slower pace that is a nice change from the city. After staying in Porto, and learning about the cities namesake drink, it felt like a full-circle trip into the region’s history. I highly recommend a visit to the Douro Valley during a trip to Portugal.  If you’ve been, I’d love to hear what stops you made while in the Douro Valley.

Boa Viagem!

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BEST Porto To Douro Valley By Train Day Trip

Last Updated on February 26, 2024 by Soumya

Planning to take the train from Porto to Douro Valley ? You’re at the right place.

In this ultimate Porto to Douro Valley Train Guide , you’ll learn all about taking the train to Douro Valley, things to do in Douro Valley on a day trip, and the pros and cons of taking the train vis-à-vis other means of transport

The scenic Douro Valley in Northern Portugal is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Portugal . It is also the birthplace of Port Wine, a Portuguese fortified wine .

The best part is you can easily visit Douro Valley on a day trip from Porto . And there are many ways you can do that – by train, car, or boat.

One of the most popular options, especially among locals, is to take the Porto to Douro Valley train . We took the Douro Valley train from Porto to Pinhao and onward to Pocinho and absolutely loved it.

If you want to do the same, follow along and plan an epic day trip to Douro Valley from Porto by train .

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thanks for your support!

Table of Contents

Is Douro Valley Worth Visiting?

Yes, Douro Valley is absolutely worth visiting because of three reasons. Also known as the Alto Douro Wine Region, Portugal’s Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , the main producer of Port wine , and home to an exquisite landscape created by years of traditional viticulture practices.

Undulating hills, terraced vineyards, sumptuous orange trees, once-in-a-while wine estates, and River Douro snaking through them all. The beauty of Douro Valley is unparalleled.

If you have seen some wanderlust-inspiring pictures of Portugal , you have probably seen a few of Douro Valley.

Douro Valley is the best place to visit if you want to enjoy good Port wine, experience traditional wine cultivation, and photograph gorgeous sceneries.

If you have more time than a day, staying in one of Douro Valley’s charming hotels is a perfectly relaxing way to experience this gorgeous place.

📖 Related Read : Love beautiful, historic places? Check out this epic list of the 17 Best Heritage Places to Visit in Portugal .

Why Take the Train from Porto to Douro Valley?

Douro Valley train stations are often adorned with gorgeous azulejo panels. That was one of the reasons why I decided to take the train from Porto to Pinhao and not the car.

There are multiple ways to get to Douro Valley from Porto. Train, car, bus, cruises, and guided tours are all viable options.

Here are a few reasons why you would want to take the train to Douro Valley from Porto.

• You want to see Douro Valley like the locals do – in an old train chugging through winding railway lines while marveling at stunning views of the hilly countryside throughout the journey and admiring beautiful azulejo tiles at local train stations.
• Someone in your group suffers from motion sickness . Traveling by car on the hilly roads of Douro Valley is a strict no-no in that case. One of my readers actually got back to me with this reason and how they felt that my Douro Valley Train Guide was super helpful to them.
• You’re traveling on a budget. The train is the most budget-friendly way to get to Douro Valley from Porto.

✦ Pro Tip : If you’re traveling on a budget, read our 10-Day Portugal Itinerary by Train and Bus .

How to Take the Porto to Douro Valley train?

Which Train to Take to Get To Douro Valley from Porto?

You need to take a Linha do Douro or Douro Line train from Porto . Have a look at train numbers and stops here.

There are Urban (U), Regional (R), and Inter-Regional (IR) trains. Three important stops that you need to know about – Regua, Pinhao, and Pocinho .

• U and R trains will take you to Regua (end of the line). IR trains will take you to Pocinho at the end of the line and everything in between.
• You need to get on the IR train from Porto to Pinhao – the most popular Douro Valley train stop . Pinhao comes between Regua and Pocinho – two other less-frequented but interesting stops on the Douro Valley train line.
• The train journey is pretty basic till Regua but gets especially scenic after the Regua station. From Pinhao to Pocinho, it is more rugged, wild, and more offbeat.

A special Douro Historical Train also runs between July and October. The website does not give too much information on schedules and prices. This train runs between Regua and Tua and back. It includes traditional performances, food, and a journey back in time.

✦ Pro Tip : Looking for the best guided tour of Douro Valley? Check out this incredible full-day tour of Douro Valley from Porto that includes a boat tour, wine tasting, and lunch.

Where to Board the Train for Douro Valley?

There are two train stations in Porto where you can board your Douro line train: Sao Bento or Porto Campanha.

Sao Bento Train Station ( Google Maps ) is located in the historic center of Porto and easiest to get to. This station is an attraction in itself , being one of the best places to spot azulejos in Porto . Get here early to spend some time in the big, beautiful hall of the station.

Or you can go to Porto Campanha Train Station ( Google Maps ), a 10-minute drive from Sao Bento. All the trains from Sao Bento pass through Porto Campanha anyway.

Trains from Porto Campanha to Douro Valley are more frequent than those from Porto Sao Bento. Check for schedules here before planning.

✦ Pro Tip : Get a seat on the right side of the train when traveling to Douro Valley from Porto because that is where you will get the best views of the valley. If you board late, the right side seats will all be gone. The train moves very close to River Douro. You can even see the fishermen from close quarters. But these are old trains, and their glasses may not be that clear all the time.

Where to Get Off the Douro Valley Train?

Depending on what you want to see, you can choose to get off at one of the many charming village stations of Douro Valley.

Pinhao (2 hrs 15 minutes from Porto Sao Bento) is the most popular stop on the Douro Valley train line.

You can also choose to get off at Regua (1 hr 50 minutes from Porto Sao Bento).

If you’re more adventurous and like to see offbeat gems, then head to Pocinho, the last stop on the Douro Valley train line . Pocinho is a small village, and you can tour the entire hamlet in about 30 minutes.

Most locals who were on the train with us went all the way to Pocinho (we did the same, too) and came back to Pinhao to spend a lazy afternoon by the river.

Keep reading to find out what to see at each of these places in Douro Valley.

How to Book your Porto to Douro Valley Train Ride?

The Porto to Douro Valley train operates daily , and tickets cost between €10-15 depending on where you board and where you want to get off the train.

You will want to buy your tickets as soon as possible , especially in spring and summer when Porto is packed with tourists, and everyone wants to go to Douro Valley.

There are three ways to buy your Porto to Douro Valley train tickets.

• Online on the Comboios de Portugal – Portugal’s official railway website .
• Online on the OMIO Website – my preferred way of booking trains in Europe. OMIO Website is in English and easy to navigate.
• At the ticket counter at Sao Bento or Porto Campanha train stations. Plan to come a little early because the queues at the counter can be really, really long.

If you are planning to come back on the same day, make sure you buy a return ticket for your journey. The ticket offices at the small Douro villages may or may not be open when you need them to be.

Note that this train ride is not included in the Porto Card , the city’s official city pass.

What to Do in Douro Valley?

Things to do in pinhao.

Since Pinhao is the most popular village on the Douro train line, there are lots of interesting things to do here.

Right after getting off the train at the Pinhao station, you will be treated to a visual wonder. The train station is a museum of beautiful azulejo panels representing life and work in Douro Valley .

You can then enjoy a visit to a winery, cellar, and vineyard . There are many wineries around the Pinhao Station, but Quinta do Bonfim is only 5 minutes away. Book a visit to Quinta do Bonfim and taste delicious family-made Port on the terrace here with splendid views of the valley.

Boat Tours in Pinhao in Douro Valley

Head next to the Rio Douro pier at Pinhao, where you can take a 1-hour guided tour on a traditional Rabelo boat . Pass under the Eiffel Iron Bridge, listen to interesting stories, and enjoy the lush green countryside of Portugal’s unique wine region.

Since the 1-hour Rabelo boat tour is a group tour, it can sometimes get crowded, especially during the peak seasons. You can book a private Rabelo boat tour instead.

How about a private yacht cruise on the Douro River ? That sounds even more fun!

Once you’re done with your winery tour and boat tour , treat yourself to a sumptuous lunch in Pinhao . There are several good restaurants here. They will serve you the catch of the day and some good Port wine to go with it.

Things to Do in Regua

Regua is home to the Douro Museum ( Google Maps ), where you can learn all about the history and culture of winemaking in the Douro Valley.

There are several wineries here where you can go for some Port tasting or spend your time relaxing at the Regua waterfront. You can also do a Douro Valley wine tour from Regua and enjoy samples of Port wine.

Things to Do in Tua

Some boat rides can take you from Pinhao to Tua, another scenic Douro village. It is a popular stop among hikers.

Porto to Douro Valley Train – Is It Worth It?

The train from Porto to Douro Valley is absolutely worth it because of its charm when compared to other means of transport.

The train is most definitely the more local way of seeing the picturesque Douro Valley . Locals have made this journey for years and still do. On the train, you get an opportunity to meet and talk to them. Most of them are traveling for a day out in their favorite Douro Valley.

The Douro Valley train is also much cheaper than renting a car or taking a guided tour .

Plus, you can get a holistic experience and see a bit of everything. Include a winery tour with stunning views , a Rabelo boat cruise , lunch at the waterfront, a tour of the Azulejo-studded railway station of Pinhao, and the Douro Museum in Regua.

Some cons of the Douro Valley Train

All said and done, a train journey is always less flexible than renting a car and driving on your own . You will need to plan your day in advance instead of just going out whenever you like.

Also, if you are keen to do more winery tours along the way, then it makes sense to drive. That will be faster and more convenient.

Plus, if you wish to avoid the headache of planning the train trip and just want to relax, consider booking one of these highly-rated guided day tours from Porto to Douro Valley . These small group tours take care of everything and are totally worth it.

Suggested Itinerary for Douro Valley Day Trip by Train

Here’s a sample itinerary for a day trip to Douro Valley from Porto by train . You can choose what to keep and what to change according to your preferences.

• Board IR 861 from Porto Campanha at 7:25 am and arrive at Pinhao at 9:46 am.
• Spend the first half of the day in Pinhao – take a Rabelo boat ride, tour a winery, and have lunch.
• Take IR 868 from Pinhao at 2:06 pm and arrive at Regua at 2:33 pm.
• Spend the rest of the day exploring the Douro Museum in Regua and at the waterfront.
• Head back to Porto on IR 876 at 6:40 pm or a regional train at 9:09 pm.

Please note that the train times may change. Refer to the latest Douro train schedule before making plans.

Loved this Porto to Douro Valley Train Guide? Pin it for later!

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• Detailed Review Of The Porto Card - Worth It Or Not?
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2 thoughts on “ BEST Porto To Douro Valley By Train Day Trip ”

Love your artiicle, howwever there is no info on Pocinho. What to do in Pocinho since you can see everything in 30 minutes. Did you take the same train back to Pinhao ?

Pocinho is a small village – nothing much to see except the scenery and walking through the quaint lanes and gazing at the houses. We stopped to have some pastel at a village shop. Strolling through the village gives you the experience of a true Portuguese village, not overrun by tourists yet. Yes, we took the same train back to Pinhao.

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Douro Valley , Europe , Portugal

Exploring the spectacular douro valley in portugal – porto to douro valley day trip.

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Portugal has many beautiful places, but Douro Valley might just be the most stunning region of the country. The UNESCO recognized wine region is one of the world’s oldest with wine production going back to 2,000 years ago. Even if you are not a wine drinker, Douro Valley is a must visit, whether as a day trip from Porto or a stop on a longer trip through Portugal. A couple of days would be ideal, but if you are short on time, Porto to Douro Valley day trip will give you a chance to get a nice overview of the area.

Visiting Douro Valley from Porto is very easy and you have several options on how to get there. From self driving, joining an organized tour to taking a train or even a river cruise. While each option has its own advantages, I personally think, that taking a tour is the best way to visit Douro Valley for the day. And that’s coming from someone who prefers to explore independently and rarely joins the tours.

While having your own car gives you the most freedom and the drive itself is quite scenic, this is not ideal, if you’d like to indulge in all the Port wine tastings.

As you explore the area, you’ll also be able to spot quite a few a cork oak trees, which is considered Portugal’s national tree. As it happens, Portugal is the leading producer of wine cork, accounting for 50% of cork sold worldwide. The majority of the cork trees grow in the South of Portugal, but it’s not unusual to see them up North as well. It takes about 25 years for the first layer of bark to be ready for stripping. After that it’s every 8-10 years for the new layer to develop.

Where is Douro Valley

The spectacular Douro Valley is located in Northern Portugal, about 100 km ( 62 m ) from Porto. It’s home to close to 5,000 Quintas, ranging from really small, family run places to big estates.

While grape vines dominate Douro Valley’s landscape, olive trees are also a common sight. The soil and climate in the Valley is very suitable for growing olives, and many wineries produce their own olive oil, along with the wine.

About Port wine

Port is a sweet, fortified wine that is produced exclusively in Douro Valley. What that means is that for the wine to be called Port, it has to be produced in Portugal’s wine region. If sweet is one word to describe it, strong would be the other. For the wine to be considered Port, it has to be 17-21%. What makes the alcohol content higher than other wines, is the fact that brandy is added during the fermentation process.

The process of Port making is what makes Douro Valley a truly special and unique place. A lot of it happens the same way as it did years ago. Because the terraces are too narrow for any machines to fit, when harvest season comes, the grapes have to be hand picked. It’s a tough job, as it’s often still really hot in Douro Valley in September. It takes about 1.5 kg of grapes to produce 1 bottle of wine.

After they get picked, the grapes are then ready to be crushed. While larger estates use machines, many smaller places stick to the traditional method that’s been around for thousands of years: foot treading. The grapes are put in large tanks called lagares and stomped by workers’ feet in a steady and synchronized way. This method is still favored in many estates over other methods, as it’s a much gentler process. Stomping the grapes with your feet avoids seed crushing, which prevents releasing the bitterness into the juice.

Porto to Douro Valley day trip highlights

Pinhão .

With just 500 residents, the lovely Pinhão is a very sleepy town. This was just a quick stop for us, but Pinhão’s central location makes for a great base for exploring the vineyards. The town, even though very quiet, has just enough accommodations , cafes, stores and even a couple of wineries within walking distance.

One of the highlights in Pinhão is the beautiful train station. Like a lot of buildings in Portugal, it’s covered in white and blue azulejos , depicting the process of Port wine making and life in the Valley.

Quinta do Jalloto

Quinta do Jalloto is a small estate that has been in the family for generations and where we stopped for the first tasting of the day. After experiencing large wine lodges in Porto, it was great to visit a small, family run business. It didn’t hurt that Quinta do Jalloto happens to be in one of the most stunning locations , which alone is a good enough reason to pay a visit. The nearby Casal de Loivos view point offers some of the most spectacular views of Douro Valley.

Before trying some of their delicious wines, we learned more about the estate and what goes into port wine making. Quinta do Jalloto is one of the places, that still practices the foot treading method of crushing grapes.

Delicious wines were not the only thing we got to sample during our visit. Like many other wineries, Quinta do Jalloto also grows olive trees and produces their own olive oil, as well as honey. We got to taste all that in the most beautiful setting, from the estate’s terrace overlooking grape vines and olive trees.

Douro river cruise

Once the wine making process is complete, the wine makes its way to Porto ( Vila Nova de Gaia to be specific ) to age in one of the lodges. Back in the day, wooden Rabelo boats were used for carrying barrels of Port, all the way to Porto down Douro River. The journey took about 2 days, but much longer getting back up the river’s stream. It’s much quicker these days, but the boats are still around and mostly used for leisurely cruises.

If you visit Douro Valley as part of an organized tour, this will be an optional activity, but I would encourage you not to skip it. Not only you will be able to spend an hour aboard the traditional Rabelo boat, but you will get a taste of what transporting wine looked like years ago. Not to mention, the views surrounding you will take your breath away.

Quinta das Lamelas

This family owned and operated Quinta has been producing Port wine since 1836 . Just like Quinta do Jalloto, this small winery practices the traditional method of stomping grapes. Something you will be able to witness if you visit Douro Valley during harvest season.

Best time to visit Douro Valley

While Douro Valley is a great destination year round, best time to visit is between Spring and Fall. Spring means the temperatures are just warm enough without being oppressive and the surrounding landscape is lush green.

Summer is a great time to visit, but that’s also when the temperatures are at their highest. One thing to keep in mind is that if you’re coming from Porto, Douro Valley will feel significantly hotter. You can often hear people say “ in Douro Valley we have 9 months of winter, and 3 months of hell “. It’s a testament of how hot it gets there during summer months.

Fall brings not only slight changes in temperatures, but also in the landscape. The colors shift from green to orange and yellows, which means one thing: harvest season. This is an exciting time to be in the Valley, making September one of the best months to visit. You get to witness all the activity, that takes place during harvest season, from grape picking to traditional foot treading.

How to get to Douro Valley from Porto

With just a 100 km ( 62 miles ) between Porto and Douro Valley, it’s very easy to escape the city and visit the stunning wine region. There are many ways to get there, depending on how much time you have.

Douro Valley Tours from Porto

If one day is all you have, an organized tour from Porto to Douro Valley is your best option. That’s coming from someone who almost never takes such trips. There are many companies offering small group tours, limiting to 7-8 people which makes for an intimate experience. Most of them include a stop in Pinhão, Port tasting at a couple of Quintas , lunch and an optional cruise down the river ( which I highly recommend doing ).

By choosing an organized tour you get the most out of your day. You don’t have to worry about navigating the winding and narrow streets in the Valley. And most importantly, you don’t have to worry about driving back after indulging in many Port tastings. The average cost of those tours is around $100.

I chose to take a day trip with Cooltour Oporto and I highly recommend it. Alex, our tour guide and Douro Valley native, was very engaging and informative. Having grown up in the region, he has vast knowledge of the area and Port wine production.

Most of the Porto to Douro Valley tours offer a similar experience. Here are some other highly rated tours:

• Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch
• 3 Douro Valley Vineyards Tour with Lunch
• Private Wine Tasting and River Cruise

Porto to Douro Valley by train

The train ride from Porto to Douro Valley is often described as one of the most scenic in the world. Linha do Douro runs from Porto’s São Bento station reaching Pocinho in 3.5 hours. Because of the length of the ride, it’s not the best option for a day trip. Mostly because taking the train back and forth in one day will leave you with very limited time in Douro Valley.

If you do decide to get to Douro Valley by train, it’s a good idea to plan to stay overnight. This will give you more time to explore the region. Here you can check the up to date Linha do Douro schedule and pricing .

Also, between June and October, there’s a historical train traveling along Douro River between Régua and Tua.

Driving to Douro Valley

Driving from Porto to Douro Valley takes approximately 1.5-2 hours. Having your own transportation gives you freedom to explore the region at your own pace. That, of course if you don’t mind navigating the hilly and narrow streets. However, driving for the day might not be a good idea if you plan on indulging in wine tastings.

Douro Valley River Cruise

Another option is taking a boat from Porto all the way to Douro Valley. The boats leave from Vila Nova de Gaia for a relaxing cruise down the river. There’s a variety of options ranging from one day to multi day cruises. If you are looking for just a Douro Valley day trip, this Douro River Cruise, Winery Visit & Lunch is a perfect choice.

READ MORE :

• Best day trips from Porto, Portugal
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12 thoughts on “ Exploring the spectacular Douro Valley in Portugal – Porto to Douro Valley day trip ”

After reading your post on the Duoro Valley I’m ready to go! I would love to experience the wines and port that that region offers. Sounds like a wonderful experience!

It really is! And I’m told that if you visit during harvest season in September, you also get to experience all the activities that happen around that time.

Wow this is a great thorough guide! My husband and I are hoping to go to Portugal soon!! So beautiful!

Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you get to go soon, Portugal is a beautiful country!

This looks like a perfect place to relax. I have visited Porto before, but if (well, when) we go back I would loooove to explore the Douro Valley. Crusing down the river before tasting the wine sounds like a perfect day.

Hope you get to go and if you do, you won’t be disappointed! Douro Valley is absolutely beautiful and definitely my favorite day trip from Porto

I love this post! First off, you had me at wine, but then it just continued to get better from there. I had no idea that corks were made from a specific tree and that the majority of these originated in Portugal! I am going to take your advice and try to schedule a trip in September to see all of the action!

Thank you! If you do get to go in September, I’m sure you will have an incredible experience. I almost want to go back during harvest season to witness all the action.

Awwww, that river cruise! Would really love to do one of those 😀

Porto is such a great city, one I’ll definitely return to. So love the idea of a day trip like this!

I’ve done a few day trips from Porto, and even though I loved them all, visiting Douro Valley was hands down my favorite.

I’ve been interested in visiting Porto and surrounds for awhile. I want to walk part of the Camino de Santiago that is in Portugal.

Camino de Santiago sounds amazing. I know someone who did it and what an incredible experience.

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I read there's a train from Porto to Pinhao. Does it stop at any interesting places along the way, and is Pinhao itself interesting?

Note that I'm not planning on visiting the wineries, I am just wondering if the valley is somewhere worthwhile to stay in a couple of airbnbs for a few to several days, while I remotely work (so, "cute" town, views, riverside location, supermarket nearby, accessable by train or bus, or the boat if not a long journey, would be things hoping for).

The railway passes right along the valley as far as Pinhão. Stops are at several small towns along the way. Whether or not they are 'interesting' I must leave to others. However, other than the railway and one or two connecting bus services to towns nearby, public transport is either the very sparse public bus service, taxis or uber. Régua, where I have been to, is the biggest town and a pleasant enough place. Boat trips are available in season.

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9 Best Places to Go in Portugal for Couples

W ith its rich history, rugged coastal charm, and expansive beaches, Portugal is a paradise for couples seeking adventure and relaxation. Join me as I explore these romantic gems and more in this detailed guide to the best places to go in Portugal for couples.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Please check out our  disclosure policy  for more details. Thank you for your support!

Most Romantic Places to Visit in Portugal for Couples

Imagine strolling hand-in-hand through Porto’s cobblestone streets, each corner revealing another cozy wine bar or a stunning view of the Douro River. Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife and historic trams offer a perfect blend of excitement and heritage, while the Algarve’s Lagos enchants with its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. 

For wine lovers, the Douro Valley is unmatched, with its terraced vineyards and exquisite port wines. And for a fairytale adventure, there is no other destination than Sintra to add to your Portugal couple’s itinerary. 

Each romantic destination in Portugal is a unique gem, offering couples the chance to explore, indulge, and create unforgettable memories against a backdrop of unparalleled beauty and culture.

Porto, Portugal’s northern gem, captivates couples with its romantic allure, combining ancient charm with culinary delights. 

Start your journey at the Dom Luís I Bridge, where hand-in-hand, you can watch the sunset over the Douro River in hues of gold, offering a moment of serene connection. 

Venture into the heart of Porto to Taylor’s, one of the most esteemed port wine cellars. We recommend a guided tasting tour that reveals the intricacies of port wine production, enhancing your appreciation for Portugal’s iconic drink. 

For a memorable meal, dine at DOP by Rui Paula. The chef renowned for reinterpreting traditional Portuguese cuisine in a modern, romantic setting, perfect for a special evening. 

Don’t miss a visit to Livraria Lello in the Baixa neighborhood, one of the  best places to stay in Porto . This is often cited as one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, where its stunning staircase and enchanting ambiance inspire whispered conversations and shared dreams. 

Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, is a treasure trove of experiences for couples seeking romance amid its historic streets and modern vibe. 

Begin your exploration in Alfama, the city’s oldest and one of the most romantic  neighbourhoods in Lisbon , where the narrow, winding streets and traditional Fado music bars create an intimate atmosphere for evening outings.

For a touch of luxury, stay at Memmo Alfama , a boutique hotel offering stunning views of the Tagus River and a secluded feel within the city’s historic heart.

Take a leisurely ride on Tram 28, which weaves through Lisbon’s picturesque neighborhoods, providing a charming way to see the city’s highlights together. Stop at Belém to sample the iconic Pastéis de Belém , a sweet treat that’s best enjoyed in the company of your significant other.

For dinner, venture to Time Out Market Lisboa , where you can indulge in a gastronomic journey sampling dishes from some of Portugal’s finest chefs, making for a lively and delicious shared experience.

Cap off a day of exploration at Park , a rooftop bar offering breathtaking views of the city and a cozy spot to enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets, wrapping up your day in romance and beauty. 

3. Lagos, Algarve

Lagos, nestled in the heart of the Algarve Coast, is a paradise for couples in search of sun, sea, and secluded spots. Renowned for its stunning beaches and dramatic cliffs, this  best Algarve town  offers the perfect setting for romance. 

Begin your stay in this romantic Portugal destination at Casa Mãe , a boutique hotel that boasts a blend of traditional Portuguese architecture and modern design, providing a peaceful retreat just a short walk from Lagos’ vibrant centre.

Spend your days exploring the secluded coves of Ponta da Piedade by kayak , navigating through crystal-clear waters and discovering hidden beaches accessible only by water. This adventure offers couples a unique way to connect with nature and each other in a serene setting.

For an unforgettable dining experience, book a table at Orta , where the focus on fresh, local ingredients and inventive dishes complement the intimate atmosphere, making it ideal for a romantic evening.

Don’t miss a sunset stroll along Meia Praia, a vast stretch of golden sand where the setting sun paints the sky in vibrant colors, offering a picturesque end to your day. 

4. Douro Valley

The Douro Valley , Portugal’s famed wine region, is a haven for couples drawn to the romance of rolling vineyards and world-class wines. 

Embark on a journey through the valley aboard a traditional Rabelo boat , cruising along the Douro River with the vine-covered hills unfolding around you. This peaceful experience offers a picturesque backdrop for memorable moments together.

For an intimate vineyard experience, visit Quinta do Crasto , known for its stunning infinity pool overlooking the Douro and its exceptional range of wines. Here, you can enjoy a private tour and tasting, learning about the wine-making process while sampling some of the region’s finest exports.

Stay at Quinta da Pacheca , a wine estate turned boutique hotel, where you can sleep in barrel-shaped suites for a truly unique experience amidst the vineyards. This romantic setting not only promises tranquility but also immerses you in the heart of Portugal’s wine culture.

Coimbra, a city steeped in history and academic tradition, offers a romantic backdrop for couples who revel in culture and charm. 

A visit to the University of Coimbra is a must, where you can explore one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world. The stunning Joanina Library, with its opulent baroque decor, provides a setting so enchanting that it feels like stepping into another era. It is perfect for couples who appreciate the romance of history.

End your day with a visit to Fado ao Centro , a cozy venue dedicated to Coimbra’s unique style of Fado music. The intimate performances of this deeply emotional and traditional Portuguese music provide a soul-stirring backdrop for an evening spent together, capturing the romantic spirit of Coimbra. 

Nestled within ancient walls, Óbidos exudes a timeless charm that captivates couples at first sight. This medieval town is one of the most romantic places to visit in Portugal with its cobblestone streets and charming corners. 

For those seeking a cozy retreat, the Pousada Castelo de Óbidos offers enchanting accommodations within the castle walls, blending history with luxury.

Walking through Óbidos, the vibrant bougainvillea and whitewashed houses create a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls. The town is famous for its cherry liqueur, Ginjinha. This is best enjoyed in a chocolate cup from one of the local vendors, offering a sweet moment to share.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the town’s bookshops, including the unique Livraria de Santiago , housed in a former church, providing a quaint backdrop for discovering new reads together. 

Sintra , a town set amidst the lush Sintra Mountains on the Lisbon Coast, is known for its enchanting palaces and mystical gardens that seem to emerge straight from a fairy tale. Couples are drawn to the romantic ambiance of Pena Palace , with its vivid colors and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, offering a spectacular backdrop for memorable photos together in one of the top destinations in Portugal for couples.

Stay at the Tivoli Palácio de Seteais , an 18th-century palace turned luxury hotel, where elegance and history blend seamlessly, providing an opulent retreat after a day of exploration. 

A visit to the Quinta da Regaleira , with its gothic architecture, deep wells, and hidden tunnels, offers an adventure into the mystical. The gardens are perfect for leisurely walks, uncovering secret paths and romantic hideaways.

Cascais, once a quaint fishing village and now a sophisticated seaside escape, offers couples a blend of natural beauty and chic leisure. Stroll along the palm-framed promenade of Passeio Marítimo, which leads to the scenic Boca do Inferno. This is where the sea powerfully crashes against the cliffs, creating a dramatic natural spectacle ideal for witnessing together during sunset.

For a taste of culture, the Paula Rego House of Stories museum showcases the intriguing work of the renowned Portuguese painter in a building as captivating as the art it houses. It’s a spot where couples can share their interpretations and insights, adding depth to their visit.

Cascais’ historic centre, with its labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, is filled with artisan shops and seafood restaurants. Dining here, especially at spots like Mar do Inferno , offers not just exquisite local dishes but also views over the Atlantic, making every meal a romantic event.

Evora, nestled in the heart of Alentejo , stands as a testament to Portugal’s rich history, offering couples a journey through time. This UNESCO World Heritage city is home to the Roman Temple of Evora, one of the best-preserved Roman structures on the Iberian Peninsula, providing a majestic backdrop for exploration and photography.

A visit to the Chapel of Bones, with its eerie yet fascinating interior adorned with human bones, offers a unique experience that is both thought-provoking and memorable. 

For a leisurely afternoon, the public garden Jardim Público de Évora offers a serene escape with its lush greenery and small ponds, perfect for a romantic picnic or a quiet stroll.

Evora’s historic centre, characterized by its cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses, is ideal for exploring hand in hand, discovering local crafts, and tasting regional specialties like the rich and savory Alentejo cuisine in traditional restaurants such as Taberna Típica Quarta-Feira , known for its authentic dishes and warm atmosphere.

Best Places to Go in Portugal for Couples Final Thoughts

Exploring the best places to visit in Portugal for couples unveils a plethora of romantic experiences. From the enchanting wine tours of Porto to the serene beaches of the Algarve and the cobblestone streets of Lisbon, Portugal is a haven for lovers. 

These spots promise memorable moments, blending cultural richness with natural beauty, ideal for couples looking to deepen their connection amidst Portugal’s scenic landscapes and vibrant cities.

About the author: Haley is the creator of the Portugal travel blog,  Where to Stay Portugal . She has been visiting Portugal since 2012 and has now called it her part-time home since 2021. Haley writes knowledgeable in-depth travel guides about the best places to stay in Portugal, providing first-hand experience for her readers.

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