The Douro Valley, known as the birthplace of sweet Port Wine and home to an incredible variety of both red and white wines, is synonymous with wine-making. With a 2,000-year-old history dating back to Roman times, this region is a wine-lovers paradise. But the Douro offers more than just wine: its epic landscapes have been shaped by millennia of labor and include nature parks where rivers run wild and free.
Discover the rich history of this ancient wine region, how to get there, the best hiking trails, and where to sample some exquisite Port Wine.
For 2,000 years, traditional landholders have produced wine in the Alto Douro Region. Rows of terraces have been constructed over centuries using various techniques, turning the slate-soiled region into an agricultural and scenic masterpiece. The Douro River itself, although regulated by 15 dams, begins in Spain and flows west through northern Portugal into the Atlantic Ocean at Porto. It’s fed by three major rivers and about 30 smaller ones, which create the smaller valleys contributing to the Douro’s breathtaking landscape.
Everyone has their favorite spot in the Douro, but the Alto Douro Wine Region stands out as the most enchanting, holding the title of the world’s oldest demarcated wine region—a designation acknowledged by UNESCO in 2001.
As the Douro approaches the Atlantic near Porto, it transitions from an urban setting to wilder landscapes with combed vineyards, orchards, and olive groves as you go upstream. Beyond the Alto Douro Wine Region and along its tributary rivers, a more untamed world reveals itself, filled with the sounds of nature.
Several national parks lie in and around the Douro River area. The Douro International Nature Park, a joint effort of Portugal and Spain, boasts steep rock formations and dramatic riverscapes. The Vale do Tua Regional Nature Park is centered around the Tua River, showcasing diverse flora. North-west of Vila Real, the rugged Alvão Nature Park offers stunning views from its 1,339-meter-high peaks, particularly around the Fisgas waterfalls, which is a favorite hiking spot.
While the Douro Valley is more than just Port wine, this drink is an integral part of its identity. We visited two notable Port wineries: Quinta Nova and Quinta do Bomfim. Quinta Nova provides a guided tour for 16€ that details the Port wine production process, with optional wine tastings and a 3-course meal at their restaurant. Visitors can also enjoy a hike around the estate. Quinta do Bomfim, meanwhile, is a historic estate with museum tours, a 5-minute walk from the train station in Pinhão, and offers tastings of three local Port wines, making for a delightful visit.
We explored the Douro during the Covid-19 pandemic, limiting our movement, but we still managed to hike in Alvão Nature Park, Vale do Tua Regional Nature Park, and along the Douro River. Here are our top five hikes around Vila Real. For other trails in Portugal, the Cicerone guidebooks are highly recommended.
To reach the heart of this beautiful region, you have three options: by car, train from Porto, or boat, also from Porto.
By Car: This offers flexibility, allowing you to explore winding roads, visit various wineries, and venture off the tourist path for hikes and nature experiences.
By Train: If arriving from Porto with limited time and a desire for more wine without worrying about driving, the train is a great option. It allows for a relaxed view of the landscape, with stops for wine tastings at places like Quinta do Bomfim. The trip from Porto to Pocinho takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes.
By Boat: Traveling by boat offers another scenic way to experience the Douro Valley. One-day cruises often combine a train ride to Régua with a cruise back, allowing you to enjoy the landscape from both land and water. Various packages are available for different budgets and preferences.
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