The DL:
The Douro Valley, the wine country of Portugal takes you back in time thanks to the historical protection of the land. It is also noted as the oldest wine region in the world. Spread out in nature, the Douro valley is divided bu the Douro river, so make note when planning your trip as travel can take longer than normal depending on where you go. We stayed on the southern side of the river for most of our trip.
Where to stay
Qunita de Corte – honestly one of my favorite stays in Portugal. Only 8 rooms, dinner is cooked around a family table, an infinity pool overlooking the river and valley, and a newly updated interior its hard to go wrong. They have their own winery onsite.
Another option is Six Senses, a luxury more resort option.
Tip: Find the wineries you want to visit and then find a hotel centrally located.
What to do in the Douro Valley
- Drink lots of wine! The roads are very windy so if driving yourself I would plan to get a driver the day you hop from winery to winery or end your day at your resort early. Don’t rely on taxis or ride share they pretty much don’t exist here.
- Take a boat tour down the Douro Valley – there are lots of options depending on how long you want to explore
- Learn about the region in more depth at the Museu do Douro or see the famous rock at the Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley
- Hang at your resort, I highly recommend a resort that has a pool with a view or on a winery, ours had both. We loved spending the afternoons or sunset by the pool with a glass in hand overlooking the Valley and River.
- Be a part of harvest season, depending on when you are visiting help harvest the grapes (end of September) or olives(winter)!
- Take a drive – the interstate N222 between Peso de Régua and Pinhão has been voted the best driving road in the world
Where to eat and drink in Douro Valley
Wineries:
- Quinta do Seixo
- Qunita da Corte
- Quinta Do Pego (great lunch views)
- Quinta das Carvalhas
- Quinta da Pacheca
Food
- Quinta De Popa (great lunch views)
- DOC – Chef Rui Paula
- Restaurant at Quinta de Corte (call ahead)
- Castas e Pratos
- Calça Curta (Foz do Tua) – did not try but amazing views
- A Cozinha da Clar
- Quinta do Crasto
If you are taking a day trip here via train or boat, keep in mind there is really no taxis or ride shares so stay local to the area you need to be picked up in or you may get stuck in the valley. My husband and I really enjoyed this northern part of Portugal, it gets a little chilly to plan to bring a jacket even into the summer months. Enjoy!
If you are visiting other areas of Portugal, check out my guides here to Porto, Lisbon, or Comporta.
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