Villa Lalio

The Douro Valley, listed as a World Heritage Site, is often thought of as the enchanted valley. It is a majestic wilderness and one of the oldest demarcated wine regions of the world. The landscapes are breath-taking and can be experienced by road, train, cruise boat and even helicopter. The best vistas are on either side of the river so along the way you will cross the river, visiting vineyards, towns and villages. The valley starts at Porto and continues through Portugal to the border at Miranda de Douro. Brimming with natural beauty, the best viewpoints are Ventozelo near the Portugal-Spanish border and Miradouro Sao Leonardo da Galafura, between Peso da Regua and Pinhao – so close to Villa Lalio.
 
The Douro Museum at Peso da Regua is really interesting and being so close it is a great place to start learning about the culture and identity of the Douro wine region.
 
Lamego is one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Portugal. Incredible blue and white tiled steps lead to the amazing Shrine of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios. You really need to take your time to contemplate the beautiful Cathedral de Lamengo, founded in 1129. It is so sensational.
 
Pinhao is a must-visit. You can admire the ancient tiles in the railway station dedicated to the cultivation of wines and take a wonderful rabelo boat guided tour with a glass of port! These flat, wide, wooden barcos rabelos were used for centuries to transport port barrels down the river.  You will take a very quiet, breath-taking cruise between wonderful vineyards and terraces reaching the Tua area passing under the Eiffel iron bridge.
 
At Quinta da Roeda, less than a mile from Pinhao, the old barns and stables of the grape farm have been converted to a visitor centre with a wonderful terrace overlooking the Benedita vineyard. You can taste the Croft range of ports and even tread the grapes during harvest time. The Quinta do Panascal estate is also open to visitors close to Pinhao. Quinta do Bomfim, less than 5 minutes walk from Pinhao makes Dow’s, Warre’s and Cockburn ports. It has a fantastic museum. You can take a tour and a tasting. They even provide picnics, complete with wine.
 
While in this very special region you really should savour some delicious, typical Douro cuisine. Some favourite dishes are bacalhau (salt cod), roasted suckling pig and octopus salad. You should also sample olive oils and honey as well as the delectable port and table wines
 
Avid bird watchers should get their cameras ready to snap unique images of a black stork, Egyptian vultures, Griffon vultures, golden eagles, Bonelli’s eagle, Peregrine falcons and black red kites.

Please be aware that the location tab shown on the website is not based on the property's exact location; therefore, all location amenities are an approx of facilities, restaurants, and villages/towns you might find around the property. The property's exact location will be provided to you before arrival and might come along with some recommendations about the area and what to visit.

ABOUT THE DOURO

A symbol of Portugal’s birth and growth as a nation, the Douro has long been the country’s lifeline. Leaving the pastel-coloured metropolis of Porto, venture through the enchanting countryside.

Following the winding Douro river east from Porto reveals one of the most scenic drives in Europe and Portugal’s premier wine region, the Douro Valley. With terraces of vines lining the riverbanks, Douro Valley holidays offer stunning hiking trails, beautiful viewpoints and a wonderful selection of peaceful retreats.

In the Douro, you will find quiet towns and villages, vineyards hugging the bends, castles from the time of the Reconquest and other places worthy of a stop to look far into the horizon.