This article was written by National Geographic Traveler (UK).
One of the oldest and perhaps most beautiful wine regions in the world, the Douro Valley is a pure white vineyard landscape that snakes firmly and despicably around the contours of incredibly steep hills. There is a vast Quinta, Grand Wine Estate Mansion and a sleep under the vast sky. And groves of olive, citrus and almonds were slanted by the swirling waters of the Douro River, and medieval villages clung to the hills.
Until the 1960s, when a series of Deeprock tame the rapids and vortices of the Duro, flat-bottomed Rabello boats pose as the dangerous waters of the time, transporting the ports of the coastal city of Porto from Quintas. These days, wine is being transported on the roads, as it is more prosperous. And while Labellos is still used for tourism, sophisticated river cruisers rule 124 navigable miles between the coast and Barcodarba, and are forced onto the Spanish border.
Of course, tasting port wine is one of the reasons you should visit. However, other cultural draws include hiking vineyards, kayaking trips, gourmet food, and fascinating history, from paintings of old stone rocks to vineyards planted with vineyards by the Romans.
Pick up some cans of sardines at Bolhao Market in Porto. Photo by Rubens Alarcon, Alamy
1. Experience local specialties
Porto offers unique dishes packed with flavours, including pastis de Bacalhau (bite-sized salted cod fritters) and stew punched with spicy choriso sausage. The rustic theme continues with a slow roasted child. The city's Borjao market has a stall selling conservative, canned sardines, preserved in a variety of different flavors, perfectly combined with Vigno Verde glasses.
Stop by for a burger de la mego with flake pastry slices filled with ham and choriso or bread, or a burgera mego, further above the Douro Valley of Lamego. The small village of Castelorodrigo is surrounded by olive and almond groves. This is where you can buy honey, almonds, extra virgin olive oil and salty sheep cheese. Look for Terincho, a delicious, creamy, semi-hard cheese made from milk from the Chulada Teraciente Sheep in the Alto Duro region.
The area is also famous for its sweet treats. It is said to have been medicinalized from Rebusados da Legua, boiled sweets made from sugar, lemon, herbs and port wine. At Amarante, packed with patisserie, try Papodenjoe, Boros de Sangonzalo, which induces egg yolks stewed in flavoured sugar syrup and piquant cakes that induce cream-filled sniggers. At this conservative Little Town annual festival, local Rotarios presents cakes to the purpose of their desires.
Overlooking the Quinta Dos Malvdeos Vineyard and the Douro River are a spectacular sight. Photo by Francisco Soares, Simington Family Estate
2. Hike through the hills and vineyards
Hikers delight – From pristine vineyards to dense pine and oak forests and wilderness views of the Serpent River, the glorious views of the Duro are made for those who love long walks.
Most river cruise lines offer shorter walk opportunities. For example, on the Amawatur Ways excursion to Casteloro Drigo in the 13th century Hilltop village, you can hike the final section of the climb, passing through Pinewood and Almond Groves.
France owns Croix Jou Rope, which offers a week-long walking themed cruise. This includes a more challenging 3- and 4-hour hike through the vineyards and forests of Upper Duro. lunch.
For a little effort coupled with fresh air and some extraordinary history, head to the magnificent Core Valley archaeological park. In the 1990s, prehistoric art dated back to 22,000 BC was discovered and carved into rugged rocks. The incredibly contemporary core museum packed with interactive displays and replica art is an absolute must, but it's even better to take a guided outdoor tour and see the real thing, collide along dirt roads, and Hike remotely along rocky trails.
The Santuario de Nossasen Holados Remedios of Lamego dates back to the 18th century. Photos, AWL images by Sean Egan
3. Explore the historic town
Douro Valley is dotted with picturesque perfect towns and villages. Lamego in the Viseu district is an important pilgrimage site, with 686 stages decorated with gorgeous azurejotiles leading up to the 18th century Santuario de Nossasen Holados Remedio. The truly respectful people climb the stairs on their laps.
From here, you will find Amarante, an hour northwest. This clings to the banks of the Tamega River, a subsidiary of Douro. This is where townspeople kept French invaders famous for two weeks in 1809.
All river cruises call the sleepy Ping Hao stretching along the riverbank, and are known for their exquisitely clean railway stations with 24 scenes of country life intricately depicted on Azurejo tiles. Take a walk through the vineyards, visit one of Quinta to taste the harbor, or watch life waft from the lush riverside promenade. Pinghao is also a great day trip from Porto. Departing from the city's Saovent station, it rattles along one of the river's most scenic stretches for two and a half hours.
Kayaks allow visitors to gain a whole new perspective on the River Douro. Photo by Chris Hill from Getty Images
4. Going to kayak
Douro and its tributaries are perfectly useful for gentle paddling. Sitting on the water, visitors offer a totally different perspective on the view compared to the view from a larger river cruise boat. Think of it as being grown to banks of stone-like beaches and giant rocks scattered across ancient olive fields and wild almond trees.
Kayaking is available on the Pinhâo River, which joins Douro, the town of the same name, or on the Tua, another skinny tributary. Kayak operators often take visitors to traditional flat Labello launch sites. This was originally used to carry barrels in the port of Porto, so you can get two experiences in one. Then it's a gentle bird's chirping with soundless, undulating water and a breeze. Summer heights allow you to swim from Stony Beach. This is a wonderfully refreshing experience in the stifling heat of the Upper Valley.
Located in Port Cellars, Taylor's Barão Fladgate restaurant offers spectacular views of Porto. Photo by Hirody Spa
5. Learn about Port Wine
The grapes have been cultivated in the Douro Valley for about two thousand years, and in 1756 it became a borderless wine-growing district, becoming the oldest district in Europe. Start with the Museum of Peso da Legua, Duro, to learn more about the port and Portuguese winemaking in general. There, a river map shows many growers and vineyards in the area. On display are old posters, leather books, vintage machines and original ravello boats. Take a sniffing test, identify the aroma of the port, and then try it yourself.
Along the river are Quintas, where you can see port production active. Quinta do Bomfim (Graham's House), Dow's and Cockburn's overlook the river. Book a tasting or meal at Bonfim in 1896. Here, chef Pedro Lemos cooks Atlantic shrimp and cod, wild boars and slow roast goats.
All port lodges are located in Vilanova degaia, a city that is visible across Douro in Porto. Each offers tours and tastings, but don't leave the area without visiting Taylor's Barão Fladgate restaurant. Order Ice Port and Tonic and enjoy the views of Porto. There are also many practical opportunities. During the harvest season in September, the Viking Cruise offers an excursion to Quinta da Avessada on the north hills of Pinghao. Guests will choose their own grapes and then stomp on foot on a lager. This is the stone valley where grinding is traditionally carried out.
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