Every time I go to Portugal, I fall in love a little bit more. Porto is absolutely charming, there are so many things to do in Lisbon, the coast is simply wow… and the Douro Valley didn’t disappoint either.
In fact, you should definitely add it to your itinerary even if you’re only for one week in Portugal.
Here it’s a complete guide to what to do in the Douro Valley, where to eat, and the best quintas in Douro where to taste the wine.
Table of Contents
What to do in the Douro Valley
• Take IG-Worthy Photos at the Pinhao Train Station: All those pretty tiles are so Instagrammable!
• Enjoy a Cruise Down the River: From the Pinhao station, walk down to the pier for a pleasurable boat ride through the Douro Valley. There’s nothing better than sitting down after the best meal, relax, and enjoy the ride among green hills and wineries?
The gentle rolling of the boat, the sun in your face… can you picture it? Feels like heaven. You can either choose a one- or a two-hour cruise, but the one-hour ride was just enough for me.
• Visit the Museu do Douro: Located in Peso da Régua, this is the perfect introduction to the region. I’m not usually a museum person but when you ticket includes a glass of Port, well, I guess I can become one! Aahah, no, I’m kidding, a visit to the Museu do Douro is really interesting to understand the history of the region and the wine.
• Relax at the Spa: The Six Senses Douro Valley Spa in Lagares has won a number of awards, and it’s easy to understand why. It’s simply magnificent. The indoor pool and the massage rooms with those views are so worth the trip.
• Take a Picnic Among the Vineyards: You and your better half, a blanket, and a basket full of Portuguese delicacies and wine. All around you, the vienyards. Sounds dreamy? You can do it at Quinta do Popa.
Where to eat
Right behind the Museu do Douro in Peso da Régua, there’s a little gem of a restaurant, Tasca da Quinta. It serves traditional Portuguese food with a modern twist and trust me, everything is de-li-ciouuuuus.
Just ask the waiter to bring a little of everything and share it with your companions, because what kind of trip to Portugal would it be if there weren’t plenty of food?
Tasca da Quinta Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 7-10.30 PM, Saturday 12.30-2.45 PM and 7.30-10 PM, Sunday 12.30-2.45 PM.
Address: Rua do Marquês de Pombal, Peso da Régua.
Where to sip Porto
In the Douro Valley, there are tens of wineries you can visit and tour... and why not tour them all if you are a wine anthusiast! If you have to choose one, though, Quinta do Seixo, where the Sandeman’s center is located, is one of your best bets.
Located on top of a hill in the heart of the Douro Valley, it’s hard to imagine there are better spots to photograph the valley (unless you are Bred and Angelina and can afford an helicopter ride for the whole family).
After a brief visit to the Sandeman’s facilities and an explanation about the different kinds of Port, it’s time for you to finally taste the wine – one of my favorite! Actually, not one, but we got to taste three – the Ruby, the Tawny, and the Late Bottled Vintage.
Opening Hours: Quinta do Seixa is open every day from 10.30 AM to 6.30 PM in the summer. In the winter, it opens from 10.30 AM to 1 PM and from 2 PM to 6.30 PM.
How to get to the Douro Valley
• Join the Tour Led by AtWill: I can’t recommend the Douro Tour – Full day Experience enough as it was absolutely perfect. I was pampered and taken care of as I were family, and we spent a wonderful day exploring the region.
• By Train: Bordering valleys and the river, they say this is one of the prettiest train rides you’ll ever take. Trains depart from Sao Bento and Campanha stations in Porto. there are quite a few trains a day, check out the timetable. Get off at Regua, Pinhao (where the pretty station is!), or Pocinho.
• By Bus: A bus line links Porto to Régua 6 times a day. It takes about 2 hours, similar to the train, but the train ride is more pleasurable.
• Rent a Car: If you feel comfortable driving in a foreign country, this could be your best option. It takes about 1 hour and a half by car to from Porto. The Douro Valley should 100% be on your itinerary if you’re going on a road trip in Portugal!
