Porto to Douro valley: the most complete guide!
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 12th Century, when the Kingdom of Portugal began to export it.
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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 17th 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 18th 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 21st 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 13th 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 opens 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 visitas@arte-coa.pt, 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:
| 8:30 – 10 | Porto to Lamego |
| 10 – 12 | Explore Lamego (then 45 min drive to next stop) |
| 12:45 – 13:15 | Stop at San Leonardo de Galafura (then 45 min drive to next stop) |
| 14 – 15:30 | Lunch at Quinta de la Rosa (Cozinha da Clara restaurant) |
| 16 – 17:30 | Tour and wine tasting at Quinta do Carvalhas |
| 18 – 19 | Boat trip |
| 19 – 20:30 | Drive back from Douro valley to Porto |
Porto to Douro Valley by car: 2 day itinerary
| DAY 1 | |
|---|---|
| 8:30 – 10 | Porto to Peso da Regua |
| 10 – 11 | Explore Peso da Regua and visit Museo do Douro (then 30 min drive to next stop) |
| 11:30 – 14 | Tour and wine tasting + lunch at Quinta do Vallado (to be booked in advance, then 1h drive to next stop) |
| 15 – 17 | Explore Lamego |
| 17 – 18 | Quick visit at Ucanha and Salzedas |
| 18 – 19 | Drive to your Quinta |
| DAY 2 | |
|---|---|
| 9 – 12 | Relaxing time at your Quinta |
| 12 – 14 | Visit Pinhão and take 1h boat tour |
| 14 – 16 | Lunch at Quinta de la Rosa (Cozinha da Clara restaurant) |
| 16 – 17 | Drive to Foz da Tua passing by Casal de Loivos |
| 17 – 19 | Visit Vale do Tua Interpretive Center and walk along the river |
| 19 – 20:30 | Drive back from Douro valley to Porto |
Porto to Douro Valley by car: 3 day itinerary
| DAY 1 | |
|---|---|
| Same as Day 1 in the 2 day itinerary |
| DAY 2 | |
|---|---|
| 9 – 12 | Relaxing at your Quinta |
| 12 – 14 | Visit Pinhão and take 1h boat tour |
| 14 – 16 | Lunch at Quinta de la Rosa (Cozinha da Clara restaurant, then 30 min to next stop) |
| 16:30 – 18 | Tour and wine tasting at Quinta do Castro |
| 18 – 19 | visit Provesende while driving back to your quinta |
| DAY 3 | |
|---|---|
| Depends where you start from | Drive to Foz da Coa |
| 9:30 – 11 | Visit the Coa Vally archaeological Park |
| 11 – 13 | Visit Foz da Coa and the museum |
| 13- 14 | Lunch at Coa museum (then 1h drive to next stop) |
| 15 – 17 | Visit Vale do Tua Interpretive Center and walk along the river (then drive 45 min to next stop) |
| 17:45 – 19 | Stop at Quinta do Pego for aperitif before to drive back to Porto |
| 19 – 20:30 | Drive back from Douro valley to Porto |
Porto to Douro Valley by car: 4 day itinerary
| DAY 1 | |
|---|---|
| Same as Day 1 in the 3 day itinerary |
| DAY 2 | |
|---|---|
| Same as Day 2 in the 3 day itinerary |
| DAY 3 | |
|---|---|
| Depends where you start from | Drive to Foz da Coa |
| 9:30 – 11 | Visit the Coa Vally archaeological Park |
| 11 – 13 | Visit Foz da Coa and the museum |
| 13- 14 | Lunch at Coa museum (then 1h drive to next stop) |
| 15 – 19 | Relaxing time at your Quinta (or optional: visit another site in the Coa Valley Archeological Park, or take the steam train) |
| DAY 4 | |
|---|---|
| Untill 11 | Relax at your Quinta |
| 11 – 13 | Visit Vale do Tua Interpretive Center and walk along the river (then drive 45 min to next stop) |
| 13:45 – 16 | Visit Quinta da Popa, wine tasting & picnic |
| 16 – 16:30 | Stopping at Casal de Loivos while driving to Favaois |
| 16:30 – 18:30 | Visit Favaois and the Bread and Wine museum |
| 18:30 – 20 | Drive back from Douro valley to Porto |
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
| 1 DAY ITINERARY | COST PER PERSON | |
|---|---|---|
| 08:20 – 10:46 | Train from Sao Bento – Pinhão | € 11.15 |
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Tour and wine tasting at Quinta do Carvalhas | € 12.50 |
| 12:30 – 14 | Lunch at Quinta de la Rosa (Cozinha da Clara restaurant) | ~€35-40 |
| 14-15:30 | Visit Pinhão and take 1h boat tour | € 11 |
| 15:43 – 15:57 | Train Pinhão to Tua | € 1.85 |
| 16 – 17:58 | Visit Vale do Tua Interpretive Center and walk along the river | €2 |
| 17:58 – 20:30 | train back to Porto (buy the ticket of your train from Douro Valley to Porto in the morning to avoid problems in case the station ticket office is closed) | € 11.85 |
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 19th 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.
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
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
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
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!!!!
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
clo
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!
Andrew H
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!
clo
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
clo
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!
scott
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
clo
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
scott johnson
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.
clo
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!
clo
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.
Sarah
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?
clo
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!
Carrie
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?
clo
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