10 things you will not want to miss in Douro

By We Love Small Hotels

Douro is one of the most beautiful Portuguese regions. Its natural beauty, made up of vineyards, slopes and the river that crosses the region, gives a special charm to a place that is considered World Heritage by UNESCO. Find out what you cannot miss in Douro, from its gastronomy, good wine and incredible hotels with breath-taking views.

We chose 10 things you will not want to miss on your visit to the Douro.

1. Visit a winery and do a wine tasting

Douro is known for having some of the best wines from Portugal and even the world, weather and soil conditions allow the development of grape varieties that produce magnificent wines. It will not be difficult to find a winery on your way. We recommend a visit to Quinta da Pacheca and have a picnic in the vineyard. This house offers the tradition and history of the Douro, find the wine and the flavours of these lands through the kitchen of Chef Carlos Pires and be part of the inheritance. You can stay in Quinta da Pacheca, since it has its doors open in a small hotel of charm, with very familiar service.

2. Drive on the most beautiful road in the world, the N222

The 222 national road was considered the most beautiful road in the world by Avis (World Best Driving Road by Avis). All the way and its surroundings provide an unforgettable trip through the colours of Douro, where the river will always be your company. We recommend that you tighten your seat belt and enjoy this road connecting Peso da Régua to Pinhão.

Discover our tour: SCENIC ROUTES IN DOURO

3. Take a cruise in the Douro

Feel the peace and calm that the river Douro transmits. Take the train to Pinhão and sail to Tua for breath-taking views. A trip you will not forget as the slopes that line the Douro reproduce one of the most magnificent views of the country.

4. Getting to know UNESCO heritage in the region

The region of Alto Douro Vinhateiro belongs to the world heritage classified by UNESCO. The wine tradition and culture of this place makes Douro a famous region and the quality of the wines that are produced there is recognized by the outside world. Be part of the technological, social and economic evolution that wine has provided to this region. But do not forget to visit the Archaeological Park of Côa, where you will find the most important set of Palaeolithic figurations of open air until today known. Find Iron Age motifs, historical epoch and recent prehistory.

Discover our tour: UNESCO PATRIMONY TOUR IN THE NORTH AND DOURO VALLEY

5. Walk through the vineyards

Take a walk through Douro, discover its vineyards, rails and nooks of the villages that spread throughout the region. Along the way, taste the flavours that only Douro offers in Quinta do Vallado. This is a Centennial House and the first to bottle wine of the brand itself.

Quinta da Pacheca Wine Hotel has its doors open every year, with a family atmosphere, providing unique experiences with the wine theme. Enjoy this property in Douro Vinhateiro and the landscape full of terraces and abundant in vineyards.

We suggest a Walk Tour in Douro. See our suggestion here: THE CHARMING DOURO VALLEY WALK TOUR

6. Taste the Portuguese flavours of Douro

Taste the delicacies of this region, known not only for the wines, but also for the olive oil, sausages and traditional confectionery. It is in the village of Pinhão that are the best sausages. Do not go away without sampling the famous convent sweets such as chila's little fish or Teixeira's biscuit.

Try this Foodie Tour that starts up in the north of Portugal: THE MOST AUTHENTIC FOODIE TOUR IN PORTUGAL

7. Visit the best viewpoints of Douro for incredible views

To appreciate the one that was considered by the BBC as one of the most beautiful views in the world, climb up to the viewpoint Casal de Loivos. Then visit São Salvador do Mundo, which has a sanctuary with several chapels and also the viewpoint of São Domingos where you can see Mirandela, Vila Real and Bragança. Do not miss on the road that connects the village of Beira Grande, the viewpoint of the Douro Route. If you follow your path towards Senhora da Ribeira, you will see the train line connecting Tua to Pocinho, with breath-taking views.

8. Take a trip on the historic train

Travel on the famous Steam Locomotive 0186 on the banks of the river Douro built in 1925 and travel the distance from Régua to Tua. Have a return to the past along with the region's magnificent landscapes, classified by UNESCO as World Heritage.

9. Cycling on the Douro River

Let yourself be enchanted by the landscape as you pedal through the Douro region, descend the mountain slopes and appreciate what nature has created and the human hand has taken advantage of, a perfect harmony in an enchanted valley. Stop, breathe and be dazzled by the views of this wine-growing region.

Discover our Bike Tour in Douro: THE CHARMING DOURO VALLEY BIKE TOUR

10. Discover the preserved villages

Visit the village of Provesende, located in Alto Douro Vinhateiro. Its location offers a unique view of the oldest wine region in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The many vineyards that surround it, the village's main square and its magnificent buildings offer a journey back in time with much to discover.

To prolong your visit, stay in Morgadio da Calçada, a manor of the 16th century and fruit of a careful and inspiring renovation. Taste the famous Port wine that in this unit is produced. Stroll through the vineyards, through the winery and get to know an authentic Portuguese village.