Porto and the Douro Valley
★ 4.8🇵🇹 PortoSuggested visit 1-2 daysBest season April to October, when vineyards and river cruises are running
World HeritageFood and wineRiver
The home of port wine, where an iron bridge, lodges and terraced vineyards follow the Douro.
Overview
At the mouth of the Douro, Porto is Portugal's second city. The Dom Luís I iron bridge, designed by a pupil of Eiffel, carries the metro on its upper deck, and the port lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia across the river offer tastings. East of the city, the terraced vineyards of the Douro valley form a World Heritage landscape, explored by boat or train past historic estates and viewpoints.
History
A port since Roman times and an important city of the Portuguese kingdom from the 12th century; vines have grown in the Douro since Roman days and the valley was inscribed in 2001.
Highlights
- •The Dom Luís I bridge
- •Port lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia
- •The terraced vineyards of the Douro
- •Livraria Lello and São Bento station
Practical tips
- •Book port lodge tours ahead
- •The train along the Douro is a superb ride
Practical information
- Best time
- April-October
- Tickets
- Lodge tastings about EUR 15-30
- Opening hours
- Lodges roughly 10:00-18:00
- Local food
- Port wine, pastéis de nata, bacalhau
- Getting around
- About three hours by train from Lisbon; trains continue along the Douro.
- Visa
- A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.
Traveller reviews
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