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Portugal · Norte

Douro Valley travel guide

Terraced vineyards and port wine estates along a river

Terraced vineyards in the Douro Valley. Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2hflight from London
OPOnearest main airport
22° in Augwarmest month
5° in Jancoolest month

The Douro Valley is one of the world's oldest wine regions, with steep terraces of vines above a winding river. It's where port wine is made, and many quintas offer tastings and stays.

It's two hours from Porto by car or by scenic train, and makes a relaxing escape from the city.

Good forWineSceneryRelaxingRoad trips

What Douro Valley is known for

  • Port wine

    Made here and aged in Gaia.

  • Terraced hills

    A UNESCO wine landscape.

  • The Douro line

    A scenic railway along the river.

  • Harvest

    Grape picking and treading in autumn.

Top things to do in Douro Valley

  1. 1

    A quinta tasting

    Visit wine estates for tours and tastings.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    A river cruise

    Boat trips between Pinhão and Régua.

    Find tours and tickets
  3. 3

    The Douro train

    A scenic ride from Porto along the river.

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  4. 4

    Pinhão

    A village with a tiled railway station.

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See all tours and tickets in Douro Valley

Where to stay in Douro Valley

Find a hotel in Douro Valley

Best time to visit Douro Valley

Best value: Mar–Jun, Oct. September and October for the grape harvest. May and June are green and pleasant.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
4.8 C5°J5.4 C5°F7.8 C8°M10.4 C10°A13.8 C14°M18.4 C18°J21.9 C22°J22.2 C22°A18.9 C19°S13.6 C14°O7.9 C8°N5.1 C5°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Douro Valley, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 2h from London to OPO, and flights from most UK airports.

A car or tour is easiest. Trains run from Porto to Régua and Pinhão.

Find flights to Douro Valley (OPO)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Don't drink and drive: book a tour or driver for tastings.
  • Summer is very hot in the valley.
  • Book quinta stays early for harvest season.
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Douro Valley FAQ

Can I visit the Douro as a day trip from Porto?

Yes, many tours run daily from Porto.

When is harvest?

Usually mid-September to early October.

More places in Portugal

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