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The Douro Valley is a wine region in northern Portugal along the Douro River, approximately 120 kilometres east of Porto. The Douro is known for its stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, world-renowned wine production, and gorgeous quintas - the traditional vineyard estates.
The easiest way to get to the Douro Valley is by car, with the scenic drive offering stunning landscape views. Alternatively, you can take a train from Porto to one of the main towns in the Douro, such as Pinhão or Peso da Régua. Boat tours that travel along the Douro River are also available, providing a unique perspective of the valley.
Some of the best towns to stay in the Douro Valley include Peso da Régua (considered the capital of the Douro), Pinhão (picturesque vineyards and charming riverfront), Lamego (historical landmarks), Vila Nova de Foz Côa (prehistoric rock art sites), and Sabrosa (a quaint village with a rich wine heritage). These towns are excellent bases for exploring the Douro.
Some of the top things to do in the Douro Valley include taking a boat tour along the Douro River, visiting local quintas for wine tastings, exploring the historic city of Lamego, and taking in the stunning views from the Miradouro São Leonardo da Galafura viewpoint. Venture further east to visit the prehistoric rock art sites in Foz Côa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some of the best wineries to visit in the Douro Valley include Quinta do Vallado, Quinta do Crasto, and Quinta do Noval.
Some of the best restaurants in the Douro Valley include DOC, Castas e Pratos, and Tasca da Quinta.
The Douro Valley has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures can range from 20-35°C (68-95°F) in the summer months and 10-15°C (50-59°F) in the winter months. The Douro receives the most rainfall during the winter months, with occasional heavy showers, although it can rain at any time of the year.
When searching for the best hotels in the North of Portugal, we always aim to uncover special places – a boutique hotel overlooking the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, a countryside retreat in a tranquil setting, or a simple guesthouse in a historic North of Portugal town. On JO&SO, you can explore the best hotels in the North of Portugal by specific areas, or you can categorise by type: best hotels in the North of Portugal with design features, best hotels in the North of Portugal with a swimming pool, boutique hotels in North of Portugal with wine-related activities, best five-star hotels in the North of Portugal, best spa retreats, and more. We hope you discover the perfect hotel in the North of Portugal for your journey.
“Sisters Joana and Sofia de Lacerda are the duo behind JO&SO, the most insider online guide to Portugal's coolest hotels.”
