{"id":17638,"date":"2019-09-27T18:10:14","date_gmt":"2019-09-27T16:10:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/euroviajar.com\/?p=17638"},"modified":"2023-05-03T18:48:57","modified_gmt":"2023-05-03T16:48:57","slug":"douro-valley-vineyards-near-porto-portugal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/euroviajar.com\/en\/douro-valley-vineyards-near-porto-portugal\/","title":{"rendered":"Douro Valley Vineyards near Porto, Portugal – Where the Port Wine is Born"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Douro Valley vineyards where the port wine is produced, are definitely one of the greatest attractions of Portugal<\/a><\/strong>. Let us tell you all you need to know to see this amazing place and make the most of your visit.<\/p>\n

The Terraced Landscape<\/h2>\n
\"Characteristic

Characteristic and quite unique terraced landscapes of the Douro Valley vineyards are a memorable sight<\/p><\/div>\n

The Douro River, passing from the Spanish border all the way to Porto, is a deep, wide and scenic river irrigating the fertile lands of the Northern Portugal. Since the riversides are too steep for typical plantation, throughout centuries the hills’ grounds were cut into levelled terraces<\/strong>. Nowadays, there are endless terraced hills<\/strong> all around this area, creating a spectacular and unique landscape<\/strong>. I have only seen a comparable landscape on rice fields in China, and some small terraces in Cinque Terre, Italy.
\nIt is a beautiful, peaceful rural area, filled with lush greenery of vineyards and olive groves, with impressive, elegant wineries and small villages<\/strong>. The heritage importance of this area was recognized by UNESCO<\/strong>, enlisting the entire Douro Valley as World Heritage Site.<\/p>\n

How to get to the Douro Valley Vineyards?<\/h2>\n
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There are four options to get to the Douro Valley:<\/p>\n

Boat trip to the Douro Valley from Porto<\/h3>\n

If you want a day or half-day trip, it’s a great option. During the cruise, you will see the beautiful landscapes, and then the tour guide will show you the selected winery or wineries, usually with wine tasting and sometimes lunch.<\/p>\n

Check boat trips to the Douro Valley from Porto here<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Boat trip from Peso da R\u00e9gua \/ Pinh\u00e3o<\/h3>\n
\"Scenic

Scenic boat trip along the Douro River on board of a traditional ‘rabelo’ boat used to transport wine barrels<\/p><\/div>\n

You can get by train to Peso da R\u00e9gua<\/strong> (closer from Porto), where the Port Wine Route starts, or to Pinh\u00e3o<\/strong> (a bit further from Porto) – in the heart of the port vineyards. From both these towns, you have multiple options of boat trips. I recommend Pinh\u00e3o, because it’s scenic and beautiful. Peso da R\u00e9gua is a charmless town, although it may be a good starting point, as it has a Port Wine Museum and most trips start from there, so there is a huge choice of them.<\/p>\n

Check boat trips to the Douro Valley from Peso da R\u00e9gua here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Check boat trips to the Douro Valley from Pinh\u00e3o here<\/a><\/strong>– starting from as little as EUR 10<\/p>\n

The Douro Valley By Car<\/h3>\n
\"Panoramic

Panoramic road along the Douro Valley terraced vineyards<\/p><\/div>\n

The beautiful landscapes can be well admired from the car, with some lovely miradouros – viewpoints – along the way. However, take into consideration that it is a rural and hilly area,<\/strong> so the roads are at times narrow<\/strong>, they are very curvy<\/strong> and some slopes are relatively steep. If you don’t like driving on winding roads upwards or downwards, consider the boat trip. Otherwise – take the car and enjoy the trip!<\/p>\n

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