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

As a newly minted resident of Portugal, I’m right here to inform you, each single sq. inch of it’s lovely. However there’s one thing additional particular in regards to the Douro Valley.

Situated 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 courting again hundreds of years — divulge to winding river views that go on for so far as the attention can see. In the summertime, the phrase “verdant” does 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 selling 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 folks make it an inviting vacation spot for all.” 

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

Greatest Lodges 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 easy to see why. The Nineteenth-century manor-turned-hotel sits amid the terraced vineyards and affords 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, take pleasure in 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 up to date design, which features a clean-lined pool surrounded by neutral-toned chaise loungers, offers the utmost stress-free environment. Company right here may also swim within the indoor pool on chillier days, get a remedy on the L’Occitane spa, and take pleasure in conventional Portuguese delicacies on the restaurant, O Comendador. The lodge 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 affords a family-style keep so company can really feel immersed within the vacation spot. Calling it a “lodge” is a little bit of a misnomer, because the rooms are sprinkled everywhere in 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

Just a few nights at Vidago Palace, a historic lodge set in a centuries-old forest, is certain to make you’re feeling like royalty. The palace was the imaginative and prescient of King Carlos, who wished to construct a luxurious spa to entice a world 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 absorb all of its splendor without delay. Situated excessive on the riverbank, this vantage level affords 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, situated a few one-hour drive from the guts of the Douro area, affords 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 courting 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 by way of 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 anticipate leisure and even a couple of little items on board. 

Greatest Vineyards

Quinta do Seixo

Quinta do Seixo, situated alongside the banks of the river, goes on for almost 250 acres. The vineyard is well-known for its trendy winemaking heart that pairs completely with its conventional winery farming. Company 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 standard tastings, ebook a picnic lunch or dinner to take pleasure in among the many vines, or go to within the fall to expertise the olive oil harvest. As for the place to remain, you’ll be able to ebook one of many winery’s large wine barrels turned glamping websites, which have change into in style 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 embody climbing the hillside panorama for a 360-degree view of the Douro Valley and studying all in regards to the historical past of viticulture alongside the way in which. 

Greatest Time to Go to

The most effective time to go to the Douro Valley, in keeping with locals, is absolutely everytime you’d like. 

“Whether or not you like the colourful colours of spring, the bustling environment 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 selling and communications on the Six Senses Douro Valley, shared with T+L.  “Every season affords its personal distinct attraction and attract for vacationers.” Whereas he has a tough time selecting 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 plenty of wineries provide particular occasions and experiences.”

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

The right way to Get There

By Automobile: Driving is the simplest approach to attain and discover the Douro Valley. From Porto, it is a few 1.5- to two-hour drive by way of the A4 motorway and N222 highway. With this drive, it truly is in regards to the journey and the vacation spot, because the N222 highway is usually considered some of the lovely drives on this planet because of its inexperienced hillsides and loads of viewpoints. From Lisbon, you can also make it to the Douro Valley in about 3.5 hours. It is not as glamorous of a drive, however it would 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 by way of Régua, Pinhão, and Tua alongside the way in which. It, too, is understood for its picturesque landscapes en route, together with proper alongside the river’s edge, making it a pleasing journey. 

The right way to Get Round

By Automobile: Once more, it is best to carry your personal automobile when visiting the Douro Valley, as issues are fairly unfold out. This fashion, you’ll be able to see all of the sights in your personal time. Vacationers can hire a automobile from both Porto or Lisbon; firms like Avis, Hertz, and Alamo all have stations in every metropolis. 

Tour Information: In case you’re not snug driving on the slender, winding roads, you’ll be able to 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.