The Douro Valley is one of Portugal's most spectacular regions, where steep, terraced vineyards meet the winding Douro River in a landscape of breathtaking beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage region combines world-class wines, stunning scenery, and centuries of wine-making tradition to create an unforgettable destination.

This guide provides five detailed maps to help you get the most from your trip to the Douro Valley. The first map shows the main towns and sights of the region, while the second map focuses on wine tourism and details the best quintas (wine estates). The third map shows accommodation options throughout the region. The final two maps cover transportation, highlighting the scenic N222 road and the historic Linha do Douro railway - both offering spectacular ways to explore the region.

This map highlights the principal towns (green markers) and attractions (yellow markers) of the Douro Valley, with the most scenic stretch of Douro River marked in blue. For wine estates (quintas), please refer to Map 2. (Note: zoom in or out to see all of the points)

Legend: 1) Peso da Régua 2) Pinhão 3) Vale de Mendiz 4) Tua 5) Pocinho 6) Vila Nova de Foz Côa 7) Barca d'Alva Pier 8) Lamego 9) Lago Tua (Tua Lake) 10) Museu do Douro (Douro Museum) 11) Parque Arqueológico do Vale (Vale Archaeological Park) 12) São João de Tarouca Monastery 13) Ucanha 14) Casa de Mateus 15) Castelo Rodrigo 16) Miradouro de São Leonardo (Viewpoint) 17) Miradouro Vale de Mendiz (Viewpoint) 18) Miradouro de São Salvador (Viewpoint) 19) Miradouro Rota do Douro (Viewpoint) 20) Barragem da Régua (Régua Dam) 21) Barragem do Tua (Tua Dam) 22) Barragem da Valeira (Valeira Dam) 23) Barragem do Pocinho (Pocinho Dam)

 

 

 

The main towns of the Douro Valley
Pinhão
Located at one of the most scenic bends of the Douro River, Pinhão is often considered the heart of port wine country. The town serves as a perfect base for exploring the region, with many of the most famous quintas within easy reach. Though small, its riverside location makes it a popular stop for river cruises, and its position among the finest vineyards of the valley makes it an oenophile's dream.

Pinhão

Peso da Régua
Known locally as simply 'Régua', this bustling riverside town serves as the commercial center of the Douro wine trade. Home to the informative Museu do Douro, which tells the story of the region's wine-making heritage, Régua offers visitors an authentic glimpse into modern Douro life. The town's riverside promenade is lined with restaurants serving traditional Portuguese cuisine, and its position as a major transport hub makes it an excellent base for exploring the valley. The nearby São Leonardo viewpoint offers spectacular views over the terraced vineyards.

Lamego
This historic town, while technically just south of the Douro, is one of the region's cultural jewels. Its crowning glory is the baroque Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, reached by a magnificent ceremonial staircase with 686 steps. The town's medieval cathedral, the Gothic Capela de São Pedro de Balsemão, and its excellent regional museum housed in a former bishop's palace make it a cultural highlight.

Tua
The small town of Tua sits at the confluence of the Tua and Douro rivers, marking the entrance to the Upper Douro. Its historic railway station marks the junction of the Douro and Tua lines, making it an important point in the region's railway heritage. The dramatic surrounding landscape, with steep valley walls and vineyards, offers excellent hiking opportunities.

Pocinho
Located at a significant bend in the Douro River, Pocinho marks the traditional end of the navigable Douro. Its dam and railway station make it an important transport junction. The town offers a glimpse into the more remote and rugged part of the Douro Valley, where the landscape becomes notably more dramatic and less touched by tourism.

Vila Nova de Foz Côa
Though technically outside the main Douro Valley, this town is a significant cultural destination as the gateway to the Vale do Côa Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park contains one of the world's most important collections of Palaeolithic rock art.

Tours of the Douro Valley
An organised tour led by an experienced guide is often the best way to get the most from the Douro region. There are many excellent tours that combine wine tasting, a boat cruise and sightseeing in a single day. Some of the best tours offered by GetYourGuide include:

The Douro Valley is the world's oldest officially recognised wine region and the birthplace of Port wine. The terraced vineyards that cling to the steep hillsides represent centuries of cultivation while the traditional Quintas preserve historic methods of wine production.

The following map shows the locations of the finest vineyards and wineries in the region, each offering unique wine-tasting experiences and cellar tours. While some Quintas accept walk-in visitors, most require advance booking for their tours and tastings, especially during the busy harvest season between September and October.

At the end of this guide, you'll find detailed information about each Quinta, including links to their websites for bookings and details of experiences.

Legend: 1) Quinta do Noval 2) Quinta do Bomfim 3) Quinta das Carvalhas 4) Quinta do Seixo 5) Quinta da Roêda 6) Quinta do Crasto 7) Quinta da Pacheca 8) Quinta de La Rosa 9) Quinta do Panascal 10) Quinta de São Luiz 11) Quinta Vale Dona Maria 12) Quinta do Tedo 13) Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora 14) Quinta do Portal 15) Quinta de Nápoles 16) Vieira de Sousa 17) Quinta dos Avidagos 18) Quinta do Vallado

When choosing where to stay in the Douro Valley, visitors face a delightful dilemma that perfectly encapsulates the region's unique character. Your choice essentially falls into two distinct experiences, each offering its own charm and advantages.

The first option is to stay within one of the historic quintas. These converted farmhouses offer an authentic glimpse into the region's wine-making tradition, often featuring elegant rooms within centuries-old buildings surrounded by terraced vineyards. While these properties provide unparalleled tranquillity, they are typically remote and require a car for access to restaurants and amenities.

The second option is to be based in one of the region's historic towns. Each major town has its own distinct personality:
• Lamego stands out as the most appealing base for many visitors. Located just south of the Douro River and connected via the efficient A24 highway to Peso da Régua, this historic town combines architectural splendour with practical amenities. Its selection of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions makes it an ideal hub for exploring the region. Our guide to Lamego.

• Peso da Régua, while not as historically picturesque as Lamego, serves as a crucial transportation hub and offers excellent riverside dining options. Its central location makes it particularly convenient for wine tourism. The largest selection of boat tours departs from here.

• Pinhão is the most scenic town, positioned on a dramatic bend of the Douro River. While smaller than its Lamego and Peso da Régua, what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm.

Our interactive map, powered by Booking.com, helps you explore current options and locations throughout the Douro Valley. After the map are details of some of the finest quintas.

Booking.com

The finest Quinta hotels of the Douro region
Quinta do Vallado
This historic wine estate offers both traditional and contemporary accommodation wings. Guest rooms overlook the terraced vineyards and River Corgo. The hotel features a panoramic pool, wine bar, and offers guided tastings in their impressive barrel room. Further information

Quinta Nova Winery House – Relais & Châteaux
This luxury country house hotel sits above the Douro River, offering spectacular panoramic views. Guest rooms blend traditional charm with modern comforts. The property features an infinity pool, wine library, historic chapel, and gourmet restaurant serving regional cuisine. Further information

Casa do Rio
A modern boutique hotel belonging to Quinta do Vallado, featuring just six exclusive suites. The striking contemporary building sits elevated above the vines. Each suite has a private terrace, and guests can enjoy the infinity pool overlooking the Douro River. Further information

Six Senses Douro Valley
Set in a renovated 19th-century manor house, this luxury spa resort offers elegant rooms and suites with valley views. Facilities include an impressive wine library, organic garden, multiple restaurants, extensive spa, and both indoor and outdoor pools. Further information

Quinta da Côrte
A boutique hotel designed by renowned architect Pierre Yovanovitch, featuring distinctive oval windows and local schist stone. Guest rooms combine traditional materials with contemporary design. The property includes a wine shop and tasting room. Further information

Quinta da Pacheca
Known for its unique accommodation options including wine barrel rooms overlooking the vineyards. The estate also offers traditional hotel rooms in the main house. Features include a wine shop, restaurant, and cooking school focusing on regional cuisine. Further information

Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta
A collection of converted farm buildings now housing comfortable guest rooms. The hotel features an infinity pool with vineyard views. Includes a museum of farming life, walking trails through the estate, and a restaurant serving local specialities. Further information

The Vintage House
Located in Pinhão, this riverside hotel occupies a converted 18th-century wine lodge. Rooms feature private balconies overlooking the Douro River. Amenities include an outdoor pool, wine shop and elegant restaurant with riverside terrace. Further information

The Linha do Douro is a historic railway line that winds through the heart of the Douro Valley, offering one of Europe's most spectacular train journeys. Departing from Porto's Campanhã station, the track follows the mighty Douro River for much of its route, providing breathtaking views of terraced vineyards and the river.

The journey can be broken down into three distinct sections:
• Porto to Pala - Initially passing through urban and suburban landscapes (not particularly scenic)
• Pala to Pinhão - The most photogenic section, with stunning river views and vineyard terraces
• Pinhão to Pocinho - Continues through the valley with more dramatic landscapes

Our suggestion, if you are planning a trip on the Linha do Douro, is to aim for the pretty town of Pinhão. While here, you can join a short boat cruise, go wine tasting at Quinta do Bomfim or Quinta das Carvalhas, or take a hike up to the Miradouro Casal de Loivos viewpoint. An alternative is to combine your visit to Pinhão with Peso da Régua. The final option is to ride the entire length to Pocinho, though there isn't much to see at the terminus, so you will likely want to return on the same train.

The map below displays the entire route of the Linha do Douro.

Douro valley train stations: 1) Pala 2) Mosteirô 3) Aregos 4) Mirão 5) Ermida 6) Porto de Rei 7) Barqueiros 8) Rede 9) Caldas de Moledo 10) Godim 11) Régua 12) Covelinhas 13) Ferrão 14) Pinhão 15) Tua 16) Alegria 17) Ferradosa 18) Vargelas 19) Vesúvio 20) Freixo de Numão 21) Pocinho

The N22 ranks among Europe's most magnificent driving routes, that follows much of the Douro river valley before weaving through the vineyard-draped hills towards Vila Nova de Foz Côa.

This stunning route offers breathtaking views of the terraced vineyards, follows the most scenic section of the Douro river and passes many traditional quintas (wine estates).

For visitors, two distinct sections offer unforgettable experiences:
• The stretch from Peso da Régua to Bateiras (near Pinhão), where the road follows the southern bank of the Douro River
• The dramatic section from Bateiras to São João da Pesqueira, where the road leaves the river valley and winds through the terraced vineyards

Beyond São João da Pesqueira, the landscape gradually opens up as the road levels out on its approach to Vila Nova de Foz Côa.

The map below illustrates our recommended driving route through the Douro Region. The journey follows the N22 to São João da Pesqueira before returning via Tua, with the latter section offering spectacular views along twisting mountainous roads. We've highlighted the most scenic stretches in red, where you'll find the region's most breathtaking vistas.

Legend: 1) Peso da Régua (city) 2) Pinhão (town) 3) Vale de Mendiz (village) 4) São Mamede de Ribatua (village) 5) Albufeira de Foz Tua (lake) 6) Tua (village) 7) Linhares (village) 8) Barragem da Valeira (dam) 9) São Leonardo de Galafura (viewpoint)

Below are details of all the Quintas featured on Map 2, including links to their respective websites. Please visit each Quinta's website directly for current tour schedules, booking information, and opening hours.

Quinta do Noval
Known worldwide for its premium ports, especially the iconic vintage Noval Nacional, produced from ungrafted pre-phylloxera vines. The estate dates back to 1715 and its terraced vineyards are among the most photographed in the Douro. Tours and tastings by appointment only. www.quintadonoval.com

Quinta do Bomfim (Symington Family)
Famous for its central location in the Douro Valley and premium ports, particularly Dow's. The estate features a museum showcasing traditional winemaking equipment and has been owned by the Symington family since 1896. www.symington.com

Quinta das Carvalhas (Real Companhia Velha)
One of the Douro's largest estates, covering 600 hectares. Known for its panoramic vineyard walks and distinctive white house positioned at its highest point, offering 360-degree views of the valley. realcompanhiavelha.pt

Quinta do Seixo (Sandeman)
Modern winemaking facilities blend with traditional architecture at this 100-hectare estate. Features an advanced visitor center and offers detailed insights into Sandeman's port production methods. www.sandeman.com

Quinta da Roêda (Croft/Taylor's)
A historic estate known as the "jewel of the Douro," featuring some of the region's oldest vine terraces. The quinta produces exceptional vintage ports and offers traditional grape treading during harvest. croftport.com

Quinta do Crasto
Spectacularly positioned on a steep slope above the Douro, this estate dates to 1615. Recognized for its quality wines, especially reds, and preservation of old vines. www.quintadocrasto.pt

Quinta da Pacheca
One of the oldest Douro wine estates, first mentioned in documents from 1738. Notable for pioneering estate-bottled wines in the region and offering comprehensive wine tours. quintadapacheca.com

Quinta de La Rosa
Family-owned estate near Pinhão dating from 1906. One of the first quintas to produce both ports and table wines, with a focus on small-batch production. www.quintadelarosa.com

Quinta do Panascal (Fonseca)
Fonseca's flagship vineyard, known for its port wines and being one of the first quintas to open to public visits in 1992. Features an innovative audio tour through the vineyards. www.fonseca.pt

Quinta de São Luiz (Kopke)
Home to the oldest port wine brand in the world (established 1638), known for producing premium tawny and vintage ports. kopke1638.com

Quinta Vale Dona Maria
Notable for its preservation of traditional winemaking methods and production of premium Douro DOC wines. quintavaledonamaria.com

Quinta do Tedo
Specializes in organic viticulture and offers detailed tours showcasing traditional winemaking methods. www.quintadotedo.com

Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo
Historic estate focusing on premium Douro wines, offering comprehensive wine experiences and tastings. www.quintanova.com

Quinta do Portal
Features an architecturally significant cellar building that won the Douro Architecture Prize in 2011. Known for innovative winemaking and extensive tasting programs. quintadoportal.com

Quinta de Nápoles (Niepoort wines)
Home to Niepoort's modern winemaking facility, recognized for producing distinctive red wines and innovative port styles. www.niepoort.pt

Quinta do Vallado
Known for combining heritage with scenic lodging options. www.quintadovallado.com

Vieira de Sousa Porto - www.vieiradesousa.pt

Quinta dos Avidagos - www.quintadosavidagos.com