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5-day road trip in the Douro Valley

5-day road trip in the Douro Valley

Vue sur la Vallée de Douro près de Peso da Régua (Portugal)

©Visual Cortex/Shutterstock

The stunning beauty and rich history of the Douro Valley deserve a multi-day road trip. Starting from Porto and heading to Vila Nova de Foz Côa, the route takes you along the river, playfully weaving in and out alongside the cruise ships. Charming villages appear around every bend, revealing astonishing historical sites and renowned vineyards.

Stop 1: The must-sees of Porto

Your journey begins with a visit to Porto and its must-see attractions. Start with a stroll through Porto’s city centre, making your way to Livraria Lello, a true neo-Gothic architectural gem. Climbing the nearby Torre dos Clérigos promises breathtaking panoramic views. In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a walk along the picturesque Ribeira Quay, featuring its colourful alleys at the foot of the Dom Luís I Bridge, before heading to Vila Nova de Gaia and its famous wine cellars. It’s a perfect teaser for your road trip in the Douro Valley…

Stops 2 and 3: Amarante and Régua, at the heart of the wine region

To explore the Douro Valley by car from Porto, head towards Amarante, about an hour’s drive via the A4. The charming old town and the Church of São Gonçalo overlook the banks of the Tâmega River. On your way to Régua, take advantage of the numerous viewpoints to admire the Serra do Marão.

An afternoon in Régua immerses you in the region’s winemaking tradition. The Douro Museum (Museu do Douro) is the perfect place to learn about the history and production of Port wine before heading to Quinta da Pacheca, an exceptional vineyard, to taste some of the finest wines.

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The centuries-old origin of the Douro Valley terraces

Due to the wars of the 17th century limiting the import of French wines, the British turned to Portugal. With the meteoric success of Port wine in England, vineyards flourished along the Douro, gradually colonising every sun-soaked sloped patch of land. The terraces created such a spectacular landscape that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001!

Stops 4 and 5: Azulejo tilework and gastronomy, from Lamego to Pinhão

A small café in the square of Lamego will be a welcome stop before you tackle the famous Baroque staircase of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, with its 686 steps adorned with statues, fountains, and traditional tiles—the famous azulejos.

After a light yet delicious lunch in Pinhão, a leisurely one-hour cruise on the Douro is a must before hitting the road again. Just outside the village, the scenic route from Pinhão to Sabrosa winds through the terraces, offering stunning views. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a break in Provesende, a charming village with picturesque streets, and at Quinta do Bomfim, a renowned wine cellar, for a tasting and a guided tour of the vineyards. In the evening, unwind with a gourmet dinner in Pinhão while watching the sunset over the Douro, glass of wine in hand.

Stop 6: A prehistoric journey in Vila Nova de Foz Côa

After breakfast, head to Vila Nova de Foz Côa, renowned for its rich prehistoric heritage. The must-visit Côa Museum offers a captivating insight into the history of the region’s rock engravings and treasures, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the Archaeological Park, thousands of drawings, mostly from the Upper Palaeolithic era, are well worth a long and fascinating guided tour.

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Which winery to visit in the Douro Valley?

There’s a special charm in following your instincts down side roads and stumbling upon a hidden gem of a vineyard with a name you’ve never heard before. But that doesn’t mean you should pass up the chance to visit the region’s iconic cellars. In Vila Nova de Gaia, the legendary Taylor and Graham estates combine engaging tours with top-notch tastings—an experience not to be missed!

Stop 7: Easing back into Porto

The drive back to Porto—around four hours along the scenic N222—offers one last chance to savour the breathtaking views. As you wind through terraced hills with the river flowing below, the magic of the Douro Valley is almost tangible. Take a break at the Boa Vista Viewpoint to soak in the spectacular panorama overlooking the Douro Valley one last time.

Like the river, your journey flows to a close in Porto. End your adventure in style with a final aperitif on a terrace by the Dom Luís I Bridge, reminiscing about the special moments from your Douro Valley road trip.

 

Drinking alcohol in excess is harmful to your health.

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