Douro Valley: Day Trips and Tours from Porto

Maximize your holiday with a day trip to Douro Valley from Porto. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of stunning vistas of sweeping landscapes over the river and vineyards. There's a charming selection of towns and villages too!

Read on for our travel guide to the Douro Valley, one of the most scenic day trips from Porto.

Why visit the Douro Valley?

Besides its breathtaking, rolling hills, the Douro Valley is a famous wine region. All the grapes used to make Port wine are grown in this region. Here, they harvest the grapes and make the wine before it's sent to the lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia to be aged for years, decades or even centuries.

In Peso da Régua, you can visit the Douro Museum. Here, you will learn all about wine growing in the region and gain a different perspective on the wine-making methods of the Douro Valley.

Traveling to Douro Valley from Porto

Most Douro valley day tours from Porto include a private transfer. There are several methods for getting there, including the train, with the direct IR train going from Porto to the Douro Valley. There are also regular buses from Porto to Douro Valley. River cruises are another popular method to reach the valley.

Douro Valley tour prices

Douro Valley Day tours from Porto vary in cost depending on the tour you decide to take. Full tours, on average, cost from €70 to €250, with more expensive options lasting for two days. They often include hotel pickup and drop-off.

Best places to visit in Douro Valley

Amarante

Amar means “love” in Portuguese, so it’s no surprise to find that it’s the first half of Amarante — a scenic town in Douro Valley. Situated in the Minho region, Amarante’s focal point is Ponte São Gonçalo, a striking arched bridge where the river Tamega runs.

Pinhão

Wine is the name of the game at Pinhão, and it’s where some of the world’s best port is produced. A trip to Pinhão will see you enthralled by its terraced hillsides and many wineries that compete with each other for your attention. Make sure to visit the must-see railway station for its ancient tiles which are dedicated to the cultivation of vines.

Peso da Régua

Part of the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, Peso da Régua is a town on the river. It encompasses beautiful architecture in the form of high shale slopes with wine terraces cut from the rock. A trip to Peso da Regua offers wine tours, river trips and walks through the unique landscapes where you can take in the surrounding views.

Lamego

Day trips to Douro Valley should include a visit to Lamego, a town known for its art and beautiful landscape. Get your walking boots on and ascend 700 steps to the Shrine of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios - one of the most iconic and visited sites in Lamego.

Bitetos

The former Roman village of Bitetos is now well known for its Alpendurada Monastery, which is a beautifully restored inn. Over 1,000 years ago it served as the center of religious life in the region of the Douro Valley. Today, you can enjoy historical walks and admire the Roman influences in the village.

Pocinho

The northern Portuguese village of Pocinho is nearby the Douro River and the Pocinho Dam. Visit the Museu do Côa Museum on your tour before heading to the south bank to see the castle of Numão and its sweeping skyline views.

Vale do Côa Archaeological Park

The Vale do Côa Archaeological Park features a world-famous gallery of rock art. Its status as a working archaeological site means you must visit with a guided tour to see the stunning etchings. There are three sites open to the public: Inferno, Ribeira de Piscos and Penascosa.

Vila Nova de Gaia

Make the most of your Douro valley day tours from Porto by visiting Vila Nova de Gaia. Renowned for its port cellars, the city is the de-facto place for wine tasting. And if you're looking for some sun to soak up, enjoy one of the 15 Blue Flag beaches that are within proximity to the area.

Barca de Alva

Barca de Alva is the last village along the Douro and less than two kilometres from the Spanish border. It’s surrounded by mountains and features elderly cottages, along with a sparkling quayside with huge pontoons. There is a smattering of cafes, shops and restaurants to enjoy on your day trip from Porto.

International Douro Natural Park

Once you get to Barca de Alva, you will arrive at the International Douro Natural Park. This is where the river marks the border between Portugal and Spain and is filled with dominating canyons. Make the most of your trip to the International Douro Natural Park with some bird watching and taking in the natural landscape.

Best time to visit Douro Valley

Douro Valley is ideal for trips all year round, with some areas better suited to particular seasons. Upper Douro and the areas around Foz Côa are best visited in late February and March, as they get boiling during the summer months. Cyclers and hikers will enjoy the springtime or autumn, while sun-seekers should go in the summer when temperatures reach the high 30 degrees.

Travel tips

• Get the best experiences out of Douro Valley day tours from Porto by making the most of its wine region. You will find some of the best wine-making areas in the world, and there are plenty of tours where you can taste and learn all about the local wines.
• River cruises are also popular, as they allow you to see the astonishing natural landscapes of Douro Valley. From terraced vineyards to mountainous peaks, a river cruise allows soaking up fabulous sights in a snapshot while cruising down the river.
• It’s a good idea to make the most out of local tour guides, who can tell you all about the history of the area and make your trip to Douro Valley more knowledgeable. Of course, you can also explore on your own if you prefer to go at your own pace.