You may associate Porto with the fortified wine of the same name, but did you know that Portugal’s second city serves as a gateway to one of the oldest and most beautiful wine-growing regions in the world? Whether you come for the scenery, the history, or the wines, the Douro valley is becoming one of Europe’s must-see destinations.
Wine throughout time
Slicing through the hills of Northern Portugal, close to the border with Spain, the Douro river meanders through lush hills with rich vineyards on either bank. Wine has been grown here for thousands of years. Indeed, it was the Romans who first spotted the region’s potential. The warm, dry, climate made perfect conditions for their vines and they set about planting as many as they could.
A few hundred years later and, as Douro’s borders became solidified, it became the world’s first-ever legally protected wine-growing region. UNESCO rubber-stamped its reputation in 2001, declaring it a UNESCO world heritage site.
In the modern age, it is still known as one of the best wine regions in Europe and its product sells all over the globe. However, this is a region that wears its history on its sleeve. Across the thousands of hectares of vineyards, grapes are still picked by hand and in most cases are crushed by foot in the traditional ways.
That history is also apparent when it comes to the region’s star attraction—its world-famous port. This sweet fortified wine can only be grown from Douro grapes and spends at least two years maturing in the wineries around Porto—the city that gave the beverage its name.
Travelling through the Douro Valley
Elsewhere, along the river, you can experience one of Europe’s most spectacular railway journeys. The Linha de Douro historically connected Portugal’s famous wine-growing regions and runs from Porto to Pocinho. However, in days gone by, this extended all the way to Salamanca and there are plans to reopen parts of the old railway taking it right up to the border with Spain. The main line runs between Porto and Regua before heading onwards to Pocinho.
Alternatively, you can explore the region by car, taking the long meandering road that follows the banks of the river. This is a chance to get out into the picturesque towns and villages that populate the region.
Hikers looking to get off the beaten track can head up to Lake Tua. The rolling hills offer spectacular scenery and miles of virtually deserted walking tracks.
It’s a wonderful place to get away from civilisation and enjoy the beauty of North Portugal in peace, all the while knowing that the bustling nightlife of Porto is still within easy reach.
This vibrant city, with its quaint cobbled streets, offers something for everyone—from great bars and restaurants to world-class art galleries and iconic street art.
The Douro, then, is one to have on your travel list. It entices millions of people every year for its famous wine varieties, but it is the rich history, beautiful countryside and warm local welcome that will leave you longing to return.
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