6 Reasons Why Portugal's Douro Valley Should Be on Your Bucketlist

An unforgettable road trip or train journey through Portugal awaits you in the mesmerizing Douro Valley, located just 100 kilometres (62 miles) west of the city of Porto. Sought out by curious travelers looking for an up-close-and-personal introduction to Portuguese viniculture, visitors get more than insight to port wine production-find out why the Douro Valley is one of the places in Portugal that locals are most proud of and make sure to add it to your travel bucket list.

The world’s oldest demarcated wine region

Boundaries were determined for the Douro Valley’s vineyards in 1756, making it the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Grape harvest and wine production goes back 2,000 years, however, and the support of the people led to the vineyards’ recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The terraced fields on either side of the Douro River are breathtaking and unique to the region. 

Experience Port wine production and help in the harvest

Port wine is the Douro Valley’s cultural treasure and has been attracting international wine aficionados since the 18th century. Participating in the harvest and production, towards the middle to the end of September is a unique way to appreciate this delicious, sweet drink even more.

You can stay at a hotel or villa  

Wine-loving travelers can stay at rustic villas and hotels, surrounded by vineyards and the breath-taking rolling landscape. Country homes, many more than 100 years old, have been converted into bed & breakfast-style lodging, so guests can spend peaceful days exploring the region and nights indulging in the wine and learning about the culture from friendly locals.

The breathtaking views

Terraced vineyards climbing up and down the rolling hillsides on each side of the curvy river are responsible for the region’s unique landscape. Portugal is a country brimming with natural beauty but the Douro Valley is considered one of the country’s ‘crowned jewels’. A couple of the best viewpoints to see the green hilltops and the Douro River are in Ventozelo (near the Portugal-Spanish border) and the Miradouro São Leonardo da Galafura, located between Peso da Régua and Pinhão.

The local cuisine

Don’t visit the Douro Valley on a diet—another reason to make your way to this part of northern Portugal is the local cuisine, and it’s anything but light. Follow locals to the neighborhood tascas where meats, fish and stews fill the menus. Some favorite dishes include grilled bacalhau (salt cod), roasted suckling pig and octopus salad. Even if you’re not hungry, ordering a cheese and charcuterie platter to accompany a glass of the local wine is always a good idea.

Extraordinary museums to learn about the region’s history

Learn about the local culture, cuisine and wine while museum-hopping, or learn about everything in one place at the Douro Museum in Peso da Régua.

Comments

  1. Rui PedroJanuary 29, 2021 at 4:32 PM

    Great list! Very solid solutions.
    "Museu do Douro", looks like a good choice to visit in a Sunday afternoon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rabelo WinesJanuary 30, 2021 at 5:34 PM

      Hi Rui, thank you for your feedback! It's a really interesting place full of history.

      Delete

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