What To Do in Douro Valley ? The Ultimate Guide

Wine tasting, postcard-perfect landscapes, and charming villages: want to discover all the facets of the Douro Valley? Then you’re in the right place. The vineyards of the Douro Valley hold no secrets from the Winalist team! Dive into our guide to explore the region the best way and discover Douro Valley wine tours that are worth doing. Explore what to do in Douro Valley and don’t forget to book your visits and tastings early, as they tend to fill up fast!

What to Do in the Douro Valley: Map

Throughout a 373-mile journey, you’ll uncover some of Portugal’s most charming spots from Lamego to Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Miranda do Douro, Porto, and beyond. If you’re anything like us passionate about wine or simply a lover of good food the Douro Valley is a dream destination. It’s the perfect place to dive into the rich world of Portuguese wines, explore their storied past, wander through breathtaking vineyards lining the Douro River, connect with local producers, and of course, enjoy unforgettable tastings.

Good to know: Starting from Porto and following the Douro River, you’ll pass through the scenic Vinho Verde wine region before arriving in the renowned Douro Valley. Be sure to book your tours and tastings in advance:

How to Visit the Douro Valley from Porto?

Take a Douro River Cruise

From Porto, set off on a Douro Valley river cruise a fantastic way to explore the region’s many Douro wine estates and cellars. Often departing right from the city, these cruises offer a full day of breathtaking scenery, winding through vineyard-covered hills and charming riverside villages.

Explore the Douro Valley on a Guided Tour

If you prefer to sit back and let someone else take the wheel, a guided tour is one of the best ways to explore what to do in the Douro Valley and its renowned vineyards. Discover Winalist’s curated selection of top-rated tours and book your adventure with a local guide today!

Driving the Douro Valley Wine Route

If you’re the adventurous type who loves to explore at your own pace, rent a car in Porto and set off for one or more days to discover this wine region.

You can explore the Douro Valley in a single day by car, starting from Porto and making your way to Pinhão. Plan a vineyard visit in the morning and another in the afternoon to make the most of your tasting experience. For an even more memorable trip, take the scenic route on the way there, winding through picturesque villages and enjoying stunning views of the river then opt for the highway on the return for a quicker ride back.

Which Towns to Visit in the Douro Valley?

Lamego

Trace the history of the Douro at Lamego, the city where Port Wine was born. In the 18th century, this historic city produced a wine called “vinho fino,” which became known as Port wine, later produced elsewhere in the Douro Valley. Explore the Mateus Palace, a magnificent 18th-century palace distinguished by its baroque style, surrounded by beautiful gardens, lakes, woods, and vineyards. For food lovers, a visit to the Pastelaria da Sé to taste the delicious local pastries is a must.

Do not miss ou dedicated guide to the best things to do in Lamego.

Peso da Régua

Then head to the town of Peso da Régua, located on the banks of the Douro, and take the opportunity to visit the Douro Museum. This museum aims to acquaint its visitors with the identity, history, culture, and development of the Douro, especially regarding viticulture, making it a must-see during your Douro Valley visit.

Pinhão

Once in Pinhão, head to the Casal de Loivos viewpoint (about 2 miles from downtown) for a splendid view of the Douro Valley. Then, head downtown, where you can admire the beautiful Azulejos panels at the train station. Also, take the opportunity to stroll along the Douro River or take a one-hour cruise for another perspective of the Douro Valley. 

Quinta do Noval

To make this day even more memorable, we recommend visiting one of the nearby wine estates, such as the Quinta do Noval, a Winalist hosting excellence!

Quinta Do Seixo

Perched on the slopes of the Cima-Corgo sub-region, Quinta do Seixo is a historic 17th-century estate owned by Sogrape, blending centuries-old winemaking with modern innovation. Easily reached by following the Douro River from Régua to Pinhão, it features stunning terraced vineyards and a contemporary wine cellar equipped with robotic presses. With panoramic views over the Douro and the vineyards of Pinhão, this UNESCO-listed estate is a flagship of Casa Ferreirinha, renowned for crafting exceptional Douro DOC wines that reflect the region’s unique terroir.

Quinta de Gricha by Churchill’s

If you’re still around by midday, visit the Quinta da Gricha by Churchill’s for a dining experience with breathtaking views of the Douro.

We suggest visiting the São Gabriel viewpoint a must-see on any list of what to do in Douro Valley. From there, you can take in the breathtaking landscapes of the Douro and Côa Valleys, making it an unforgettable stop on your journey through the region.

Vila Nova de Foz Côa

Vila Nova de Foz Côa is a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts. The town is renowned for its remarkable Bronze Age rock engravings, considered one of the most significant collections of prehistoric art in Europe. In addition to its extraordinary archaeological heritage, Vila Nova de Foz Côa offers breathtaking natural landscapes, with terraced vineyards, winding rivers, and olive groves. Stroll through its picturesque streets, explore local museums, and savor the delicious regional cuisine.

Torre de Moncorvo

This small town on the north bank of the Douro River will charm you, especially with its medieval historic center where you can admire:

• Matriz Church (national monument)
• Misericórdia Church
• Sacred Art Museum
• Ruins of Dom Dinis medieval wall
• Chapel of Sacred Heart of Jesus
• Chapel of Our Lady of Pleasures

Then head to the International Douro Natural Park where you’ll discover authentic towns and villages as well as viewpoints with incredible views!

The first stop is the Miradouro do Penedo Durão, a sublime viewpoint where you’ll view the beautiful Portuguese and Spanish landscapes (on the opposite riverbank), a dam, and you will undoubtedly spot many birds of prey (Egyptian vulture, golden eagle, peregrine falcon).

Then visit the lovely town of Freixo de Espada à Cinta, approximately 7.5 miles from the Penedo Durão viewpoint. Take the time to discover the historic center, especially:

• Rooster Tower (Torre do Galo)
• Walls of the ancient castle
• Matriz Church

Depending on the time of the year, you can descend to the Congida River Beach for a swim or just admire the Douro River, which here serves as a natural border with Spanish wineries.

To wrap up your day, head about 12 miles from Freixo de Espada à Cinta to discover three stunning viewpoints. Start with Miradouro do Colado, which offers a sweeping view over the village of Mazouco and the International Douro Valley. Then, enjoy a striking, bird’s-eye perspective at Miradouro do Carrascalinho, with its dramatic view down to the river. Finally, make your way to Miradouro da Cruzinha, where you can admire the Douro River and catch a glimpse of the Spanish village of Salto de Aldeiadávila. This last stop is also equipped with picnic tables the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenery as the day comes to a close.

To rest after this beautiful day, stay at Casa Das Águas Férreas Hotel, located close to downtown Mogadouro.

Mogadouro and Miranda do Douro

Enjoy your visit to Mogadouro by exploring some of its most emblematic sites. Begin with the Church and Convent of São Francisco, a remarkable example of the region’s religious heritage. Then, step back in time at the ruins of Mogadouro Castle, originally built in the 12th century, offering a glimpse into the area’s medieval past. Finally, enjoy a leisurely walk through the historic downtown, where the picturesque streets and traditional architecture reflect the soul of the town.

In the afternoon, you can either head back to Porto to enjoy two full days exploring Portugal’s northern capital, or continue your journey to Miranda do Douro just 30 minutes from Mogadouro and book a historic tour of the Bodegas Bruneo Winery.

In Miranda do Douro, take time to wander through the historic center, where you’ll uncover key landmarks such as the Matriz Church, once the city’s cathedral, the evocative ruins of the Paço Episcopal, and the remains of Miranda do Douro Castle, which echo the town’s rich past. To extend your stay, consider spending the night at the charming Hotel Parador Santa Catarina or the welcoming Casa dos Edras both offering a comfortable base to soak in the local atmosphere.

Useful Resources for Visiting the Douro Valley Portugal