Things to do in Douro Valley & Porto's Riverbank

The powerful Douro River, known in Portuguese as the Douro, is the third longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. It originates in northern Spain, in the peaks of the Sierra de Urbión, at an altitude of about 2,080 meters, and flows approximately 897 kilometers until it reaches its mouth in Portugal, near the charming city of Porto.

It is also part of the Douro Valley, a picturesque region in northern Portugal with the ideal climate and soil for grape cultivation and a wine culture that dates back several centuries. For this reason, it has gained popularity in recent years as more and more travelers explore the area to taste the world-renowned wines produced there.

 

 

You will be amazed to see everything you can do on the Douro River, one of the most attractive places to visit in Portugal. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience something entirely different and discover one of the places near Porto that will stay in your memory forever.

The Douro River, the River of Gold

The Douro, more than just a river in Porto, has been a central artery in the life of the valley since ancient times, serving as an essential transportation channel for wine and the people of the region. In the past, it was characterized by being a turbulent and unpredictable river, navigable only by Rabelo boats, a type of traditional Portuguese wooden cargo vessel.

 

A traditional Rabelo boat sailing on the Upper Douro River

 

However, times have changed. With the construction of several dams along its course, five of which are in Portuguese territory, the Douro has become a completely navigable and safe river, allowing it to be used as a tourist attraction by countless cruises transporting thousands of passengers daily.

Cruises regularly depart from Porto to points along the Upper Douro, navigating impressive locks. If you are visiting Portugal’s second-largest city, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a Porto full day tour that also includes a tasting of different types of Port wine in Vila Nova de Gaia and a traditional boat ride on the Douro.

The Douro Valley, where the Douro is born

 

The Douro Valley in Portugal welcomes visitors to a charming world of terraced vineyards and landscapes as beautiful as they are spectacular, created by the slopes and their undulating curves, which change throughout the seasons. In fact, it is such a special place that it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

While it is mainly known for the production of Port wine and Vinho Verde (the two most popular Portuguese wine varieties worldwide), wine tastings, cruises on the Douro, vineyard tours, and participating in the harvest are just some of the many reasons to visit this mystical place.

It is easy to deduce that for wine enthusiasts, the Douro Valley is a dream destination. Not only because it is the only place where Port wine is legally produced in a traditional manner, but also because they often preserve ancient techniques, such as handpicking grapes and crushing them by foot. Yes, by foot! And it is fascinating to see how it is done.

Plans to Enjoy in the Douro Region in Porto

If you think there are many things to see and do in the Douro, you are right. There are increasingly more ways to experience everything the region has to offer in terms of food, wine, landscapes, culture, and history. Will you join us to discover some?

Pinhão, vineyards and wineries in the Douro Valley

Pinhão, one of the most beautiful villages along the Douro River Valley

 

If you dare to venture inland to the Douro Valley, you will be rewarded with the chance to discover the most charming towns in the Douro region.

To do this, we recommend taking the fascinating tour of the Douro Valley, where you will explore vineyards, enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine, and of course, learn about Port wine and its production process by visiting two prestigious wineries in the region.

One of the towns you will visit in the Douro region is Pinhão, which concentrates a significant portion of Port wine production in the Douro Valley. The journey from Porto to Pinhão is picturesque, as the road takes you along the Douro River and through the terraced hills where grapes and olives are cultivated.

Among other stops on the tour, we can highlight Amarante with its combination of Portuguese architecture and stunning surrounding landscapes, and Galafura, the highest point in the region with postcard-worthy views of the valley and the Douro River.

Boat Ride on the Douro

 

Taking the 6 bridges cruise in Porto is the best way to discover the six magnificent bridges that are part of the city’s unique charm, as well as to see the Ribeira district of Porto, one of the most iconic spots in the city.

The ride takes place aboard the old and famous Rabelos, which were historically used to transport Port wine shipments and can also be seen in other cities like Aveiro.

The bridges each have their own distinctive styles. Among them, we highlight the iconic Dom Luis I with its spectacular arch; the Arrábida, which was once the longest reinforced concrete bridge in the world; and the Maria Pia, the first masterpiece of Gustave Eiffel (yes, the same one as the Eiffel Tower).

But that’s not all. You will also see from the boat some of the main places to visit in Porto, such as the Palácio de la Bolsa, the Port Wine Museum, and the Mosteiro de la Serra do Pilar on one side, and the municipality of Vila Nova da Gaia on the other. It couldn’t be better.

Visiting Wineries with Port Wine Tastings

 

In a wine destination like the Douro Valley, Portugal, it is impossible to overlook a visit to a winery.

If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn more about the organoleptic properties of this fortified wine, you can venture to visit some of the best wineries in Porto and try the most exclusive varieties, which you can find during a visit to the Poças Winery.

Kayaking on the Douro

Kayaking on the Douro River is the ideal way to explore part of the region at your own pace for an hour or two. Its calm waters are suitable for people with or without experience to enjoy this activity, which is usually practiced under the guidance of an instructor and on the smaller tributaries of the Douro rather than the main river itself.

Harvesting Grapes During the Harvest Season

 

If you visit the Douro Valley around September (the harvest time varies each year depending on the weather and other conditions), you can take part in the famous “vindimas” and help produce sublime Port wine with your own feet. This process, which is both curious and incredibly labor-intensive, is crucial to ensure the best results.

Once the grapes are handpicked and inspected by the winemaker, it’s time to place them in the lagares (wide granite tanks) to be crushed and obtain their juice. This is a fun way to combine exercise and tourism because, although it’s enjoyable, it is certainly not an easy task. Would you dare?

If you can’t wait to explore this important wine region in northern Portugal and enjoy a good Port wine, check out our tours and activities in Porto and start planning your trip right away.