Luxury Villas in Douro Valley

Port wine may be the first thing you think of when dreaming of Douro cuisine but the region is also quietly famous for its cheese, olive oil and honey production.

Some local favourite dishes include cozido (a stew with various meats and carrots, cabbage and potatoes), roasted goat, and bacalhau (salt cod). Make sure to try delicious Rojões, a traditional dish made with marinated pork cubes that are fried until crispy. Caldo Verde is a lip-smacking soup made with potatoes, onions, and kale, and is often served with slices of chorizo that makes for an ideal starter dish.

Wash it all down with exceptional port wine in classic red, sweet white or unique tawny varieties, or try all three at once! Many restaurants serve a ‘flight’ of ports - a good-sized sample of all three types.

If you’re looking for something a little lighter to enjoy beneath the Portuguese sun, you must try Vinho Verde - or ‘green’ wine - which is a refreshing variation of wine from the Douro Valley that is known for its light, crisp, and slightly effervescent taste.

Platter of Green Wine and Cod

There are so many exciting things to do throughout the year in the Douro Valley. The Festa da Cereja - or cherry festival - is held in May and celebrates the region's cherry harvest. Visitors can taste the cherries and enjoy local cuisine and live music.

Or, if you’re visiting in June you’ll get to see the colourful Festa de São João. This festival is celebrated throughout Portugal, but in Douro Valley, it is a big event. It is held on the night of June 23rd and includes fireworks, traditional dances, and lots of locally-caught grilled sardines.

Later in the year, in November, the Port Wine Festival celebrates the famous drink produced in the Douro Valley. Visitors can taste a variety of ports, attend workshops, and enjoy live music - the perfect activity to enjoy in the cooler months.

Vinyards in Douro Valley

Pretty rural communities dot the quiet hills of the Douro Valley and there are lots of charming towns too. You won’t regret going to local markets and sampling the region’s specialities, and you really must spend some time in the region’s capital, Porto, which is becoming an ever more popular tourist destination.

At the Douro’s estuary, outside of the city of Porto you’ll find gorgeous, soft sand beaches but don’t forget to explore the praias fluviais - or river beaches - found along the length of the Douro as well.

The principal airport for the region is Francisco Sá Carneiro in Porto, which is easily accessed from all over Europe. Direct flights from the UK take 2 hours and 20 minutes and are available on a range of low-cost and standard carriers.

By car

Driving around the region is always recommended to get the most out of exploring. The roads are excellent quality and easily navigable. There is a multitude of car rental shops at Porto airport, including RentalCars.com, Europcar, Avis and others.

By boat

How better to explore the river that gives this region its name than by taking to the water? There are many types of riverboat services to join in the principal towns for exploring the Douro Valley, ranging from small, traditional boats to larger, more modern vessels. Some boat tours are short and focused on sightseeing, while others are longer and include meals and entertainment on board.

By train

The Douro Valley is well-connected by train, and it's a scenic and affordable way to explore the region. Trains run from Porto near the coast to Pocinho which is located in the heart of the Douro Valley, and the journey takes around two hours. Once you arrive in Pocinho, you can explore the region by taking a boat tour or by renting a car.

By bike

The terrain in this region is very diverse, with great hills and valleys as well as flat areas. Experienced cyclists will love exploring on two wheels, however beginners may struggle here.