Wine region · Portugal

The Douro: terraces, port and a river railway

The Douro is a landscape built by hand. Stone terraces climb the schist hillsides above a green river, with white quintas perched among the vines. In September the air smells of crushed grapes. Down at the coast, in Vila Nova de Gaia, the port lodges keep their barrels in the cool damp of the riverbank.

Terraced vineyards covering the hills of the Douro Valley in golden light
Terraced vineyards, Douro Valley · François Philipp from Darmstadt, Germany · CC BY 2.0

The lie of the land

The wine journey starts in Porto, or rather across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, where port houses have aged their wines for centuries. The vineyards themselves are inland, about 100 km up the river. Peso da Régua is the gateway town. Pinhão sits at the heart of the most famous quintas. The Douro Superior stretches wild and hot towards the Spanish border.

The Alto Douro Wine Region has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. The Douro was also one of the world's first demarcated wine regions, in 1756.

Getting there without driving

The Douro line railway from Porto São Bento follows the river for much of its route. It is one of Europe's most scenic train journeys, and the best way to arrive. River cruises from Porto and private drivers are also popular. Road journeys on the winding valley roads are slower than they look.

Where to base yourself

Spend a night or two in Porto for the lodges, then stay in a quinta near Pinhão or Régua. Many have rooms, dinners and a pool. Book early for September.

Want this trip planned for you?

Tell us the dates, the wines you love and how you like to travel. Our trip planners will suggest a tailor-made route with drivers, trains and tasting bookings arranged, so nobody in your group has to drive.

Start a tailor-made enquiry

Quick answers

Can I visit the Douro as a day trip from Porto?
Yes, by tour or train. But the valley is far enough that one or two nights in a quinta is much more relaxing.
How do I get from Porto to Pinhão by train?
Take the Douro line from Porto São Bento or Campanhã. Check CP (Comboios de Portugal) for times. Some services need a change.

Official sources to check before booking

Keep exploring

Traditional rabelo boats on the Douro in front of the colourful Ribeira district of PortoItinerary · 4 days · PortugalPorto and the Douro Valley in 4 daysPort lodges, a riverside railway and two nights among the terraces.Two copper pot stills inside Dallas Dhu DistilleryGuide · Bottles & luggageGetting your bottles home: luggage, shipping and the rulesPacking, airline limits, courier options and the import rules to check first.Autumn-coloured vines along a dirt track near Laguardia in Rioja AlavesaWine region · SpainRioja: old bodegas and hilltop townsBarrel-lined bodegas, walled hill towns and Logroño's pinchos lanes.