Portugal’s Douro Valley Is a Wine Lover’s Dream — With Historic Prepare Rides, Scenic Boat Excursions, and Luxurious Inns

As a newly minted resident of Portugal, I’m right here to let you know, each single sq. inch of it’s lovely. However there’s one thing further particular concerning the Douro Valley.

Positioned within the northern area of Portugal, the Douro Valley is as enchanting a spot as they arrive. Its rolling hills — punctuated by completely aligned winery vines, that are a testomony to the agricultural dedication of native farmers relationship again hundreds of years — disclose to winding river views that go on for so far as the attention can see. In the summertime, the phrase “verdant” would not do the greenery justice, and are available fall, the dazzling foliage takes over.

“The Douro Valley is famend for its breathtaking magnificence, steeped in centuries of winemaking historical past,” Madalena Dinis, director of promoting and communication for the Porto and northern Portugal tourism board, informed Journey + Leisure. “Notably, the Douro is the oldest demarcated wine area on this planet, which provides a historic richness to its vineyards and winemaking traditions. It’s a haven for wine fanatics and an ideal place for anybody in search of a serene escape in nature. The area’s wealthy culinary traditions and the heat of its individuals make it an inviting vacation spot for all.” 

Able to see it for your self? Listed here are the very best locations to remain, sights to see, and vineyards to go to in your subsequent journey to Douro Valley. 

Greatest Inns and Resorts 

Six Senses Douro Valley

The Six Senses was voted one of many finest resorts in Portugal and Spain by T+L readers within the 2023 World’s Greatest Awards, and it is simple to see why. The Nineteenth-century manor-turned-hotel sits amid the terraced vineyards and provides spacious suites so that you can name residence. Right here, company may also take pleasure in spa therapies, stroll the natural gardens, dig into regionally sourced meals, and sure, get pleasure from loads of wine tastings, too. 

Lamego Lodge & Life

Lamego Lodge & Life is tailored for these in search of a extra trendy expertise. The property’s modern design, which features a clean-lined pool surrounded by neutral-toned chaise loungers, supplies the utmost stress-free ambiance. Visitors right here may also swim within the indoor pool on chillier days, get a therapy on the L’Occitane spa, and take pleasure in conventional Portuguese delicacies on the restaurant, O Comendador. The resort can be inside strolling distance of regional cultural landmarks, together with Lamego Cathedral and the Sanctuary of Our Woman of Cures.

Quinta de la Rosa

Perched on a bend within the Douro River, Quinta de la Rosa provides a family-style keep so company can really feel immersed within the vacation spot. Calling it a “resort” is a little bit of a misnomer, because the rooms are sprinkled all around the property, giving everybody a way of solitude throughout their keep. When prepared for a meal, company are invited to Cozinha da Clara (or Clara’s Kitchen) for a regionally impressed meal.

Vidago Palace

A couple of nights at Vidago Palace, a historic resort set in a centuries-old forest, is sure to make you’re feeling like royalty. The palace was the imaginative and prescient of King Carlos, who needed to construct a luxurious spa to entice a worldwide clientele — and he succeeded. Right here, guests will discover opulence at each flip, from the grand staircase within the entryway to the manicured gardens, rooms with leather-based furnishings, and a thermal spa that may undoubtedly undo all of your aches and pains. 

Greatest Issues to Do 

Drink within the view at São Salvador do Mundo.

Whereas the Douro Valley is gorgeous from each angle, the São Salvador do Mundo viewpoint permits guests to soak up all of its splendor without delay. Positioned excessive on the riverbank, this vantage level provides a sweeping view of the water and terraced vineyards. Plus, it is a prime spot for admiring the sundown. There’s additionally a tiny chapel on the prime, together with pre-Roman stays. 

Get to know the land at Côa Valley Archaeological Park.

The Côa Valley Archaeological Park, positioned a few one-hour drive from the guts of the Douro area, provides a glimpse into not simply Portugal’s previous, however into humanity’s. The museum and open-air gallery are residence to an intensive assortment of Paleolithic rock carvings, some relationship way back to 30,000 years in the past. The museum itself is a sight to behold, made out of a natural-colored cement that blends seamlessly into the panorama. However do not cease there — proceed on to discover the park through a guided tour so you do not miss a factor. 

Take a ship tour.

Get a complete new perspective of the valley throughout a ship tour down the river. There are a number of native operators providing excursions, from fast river journeys to multiday cruises. For one thing much more distinctive, Anima Durius hosts journeys on super-cool small vessels, together with traditional wood boats and some good-looking sailboats. 

Hop aboard the Historic Prepare.

Journey again in time with a experience on Douro’s Historic Prepare. The journey, which runs between Régua and Tua, hugs the banks of the river, offering lovely movies from the 5 historic carriages. Passengers may also count on leisure and even a couple of little presents on board. 

Greatest Vineyards

Quinta do Seixo

Quinta do Seixo, positioned alongside the banks of the river, goes on for practically 250 acres. The vineyard is well-known for its trendy winemaking heart that pairs completely with its conventional winery farming. Visitors can come for a tour and tasting led by one of many winery’s specialists. 

Quinta da Pacheca

Quinta da Pacheca has been producing wine since 1738, making it one of many Douro’s oldest estates. Right here, company can go for the normal tastings, ebook a picnic lunch or dinner to get pleasure from among the many vines, or go to within the fall to expertise the olive oil harvest. As for the place to remain, you may ebook one of many winery’s huge wine barrels turned glamping websites, which have turn into well-liked because of Instagram. 

Quinta das Carvalhas

Quinta das Carvalhas is youthful than Quinta da Pacheca, however not by a lot. It started producing wines in 1759 and has been a distinguished winery within the area ever since. Right here, company can go on guided excursions, which embrace climbing the hillside panorama for a 360-degree view of the Douro Valley and studying all concerning the historical past of viticulture alongside the best way. 

Greatest Time to Go to

The very best time to go to the Douro Valley, in response to locals, is de facto everytime you’d like. 

“Whether or not you like the colourful colours of spring, the bustling ambiance of harvest season, or the serene tranquility of winter, there’s by no means a improper time to go to the Douro Valley, Richard Bowden, the director of promoting and communications on the Six Senses Douro Valley, shared with T+L.  “Every season provides its personal distinct appeal and attract for vacationers.” Whereas he has a tough time choosing a favourite, Bowden notes the grape harvest season, which runs from September to October, “is a very vibrant time to go to, because the vineyards are ablaze with autumn colours, and lots of wineries provide particular occasions and experiences.”

Should you had to decide on, probably the most optimum time to go to is often between late spring and early autumn (Might to September), when the times are sunny, lengthy, and heat. All that provides as much as beautiful days made for mountain climbing, wine tasting, or cruising down the river. Nevertheless, if you wish to stretch your journey into late October, you will catch the olive harvest season, too. 

How one can Get There

By Automotive: Driving is the best approach to attain and discover the Douro Valley. From Porto, it is a few 1.5- to two-hour drive through the A4 motorway and N222 highway. With this drive, it truly is concerning the journey and the vacation spot, because the N222 highway is commonly thought to be one of the crucial lovely drives on this planet because of its inexperienced hillsides and loads of viewpoints. From Lisbon, you may make it to the Douro Valley in about 3.5 hours. It isn’t as glamorous of a drive, however it should get you there. 

By Prepare: For a extra stress-free various, strive the prepare. The Linha do Douro (Douro Line) runs from Porto’s São Bento or Campanhã stations to Pocinho, passing via Régua, Pinhão, and Tua alongside the best way. It, too, is thought for its picturesque landscapes en route, together with proper alongside the river’s edge, making it a nice journey. 

How one can Get Round

By Automotive: Once more, it is best to convey your personal automotive when visiting the Douro Valley, as issues are fairly unfold out. This fashion, you may see all of the sights in your personal time. Vacationers can lease a automotive from both Porto or Lisbon; firms like Avis, Hertz, and Alamo all have stations in every metropolis. 

Tour Information: Should you’re not snug driving on the slender, winding roads, you may rent a personal tour information. There are many native (and educated) guides able to whisk you away to all their favourite spots, together with some off-the-beaten-path gems.