The Douro Valley is one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The scenery features rolling hills, the winding Douro River, and terraced vineyards. Located about an hour away, the Douro Valley is a must-do day trip from Porto. You can get there by car, public transportation, or by boat or vehicle on a guided tour.
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Amarante
Start your day in the Douro Valley in Amarante. This charming village is filled with Renaissance, Romanesque, and Medieval architecture. Located at the base of the Serra do Marao mountain, this town has been inhabited since the 4th century BCE. It is the birthplace of 12th century saint São Gonçalo and many landmarks are named for him.
Ponte de São Gonçalo
While you are in town, make sure to see the São Gonçalo Bridge. Spanning the Tamega River, the bridge is best viewed from underneath. Walk over the bridge, and also take the stairs to the bank of the river. Enjoy a nice walk along the river as well.
São Gonçalo Church
Also visit the Baroque São Gonçalo Church. Dating from the 16th century, the church features a beautiful high alter and pipe organ. It is the final resting place of Saint São Gonçalo. The church features unparalleled views of the river.
Pardal Bakery
Before you leave town, stop at Pardal Bakery for a uniquely shaped pastry. The doces fálicos (phallic sweets) are penis-shaped pastries and are relics of a time that pagan fertility rituals were practiced in this ancient town. Originally only made in January and given to others to wish them a fertile and favorable new year, the pastries are now available year round. Now there is also a festival held the first Saturday in June where the pastries are said to bring true love and a happy family. Eating a phallic shaped pastries coated in white icing and often filled with cream may make you blush, but feeling slightly uncomfortable is a hugely important part of the travel experience!
Casa de Mateus
We continue our day in the Douro Valley by touring Mateus Palace. Built between 1739-1743, the palace still remains in the same family who resides on site. The palace features striking carved wooden ceilings, ornate furniture, and a beautiful library. There are also rooms full of religious artifacts, relics, and dioramas. The gardens surrounding the house are also gorgeous.
Quinta de Avessada
It’s about time for lunch on our day in the Douro Valley, and we have a treat in store. Quinta de Avessada is a farm near the town of Favious. Here we will enjoy a four course meal and a variety of wines created from the grapes grown at the farm. While you eat, a member of the farm family will tell you about the farm’s history and the dishes you are enjoying. Sometimes musicians will entertain you as well. After lunch, we tour the wine cellar and taste more varieties of the farm’s wine.
Casal de Loivos
After lunch, we take a brief drive about six miles south to the Casal de Loivos viewpoint. You will want to snap plenty of pictures from this glorious spot!
Pinhão
We continue on to the town of Pinhão. It is nestled in terraced hillsides at a bend in the Douro River. This sleepy village is the heart of the wine region. Here you can sample even more wine at tasting rooms in town, or visit vineyards within walking distance of the town center.
Pinhão Train Station
While you are in town, don’t miss the Pinhão Train Station. There are over 3,000 Azulejos tiles that tell the story of winemaking, from harvesting grapes to transporting the bottles to market. It’s located right in the town center, so you can’t miss it.
Cruise on the Douro River
Book a 1-2 hour round-trip ride on a traditional Rabelo boat. This is the best way to see the vineyards along the river. You can book these in advance or when you arrive in Pinhão.
Road N222 from Pinhão to Peso da Régua
Head back towards Porto on Road N222. The 18 mile stretch between Pinhão and Peso de Régua is considered to be one of the most scenic drives in the world. This slender road skirts the edge of the river. On one side of the vehicle you see the river winding along and on the other are sweeping terraces. No wonder the car rental company Avis named it the “best road in the world” in 2015!
Unfortunately, we are out of time to explore more during our day in the beautiful Douro Valley. You can continue on Road N222 all the way to Porto. It will take about three hours, and the views will be worth it! But you can also return in half that time on the more efficient A4 highway! Either way, make sure to savor the last views you will have of this beautiful region. Until you return again, that is!
What do you look most forward to during your day in the Douro Valley?
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