Here are three hands full of suggestions and activities to do, hotels where to stay and places to dine, for a dream vacation, without spending too much.
Summer is at the door and it's time to book a vacation. There is no better destination than the Douro to relax from your routine and recharge your batteries.
However, we don’t always want to spend a lot on vacation…
We give you some suggestions for activities to do, hotels where to stay and places to dine, so you can have a dream vacation without breaking the bank.
In any corner of the Douro, the landscapes are something memorable. We are always surrounded by terraced vineyards that produce the best wines in the world. The Douro River is always on the prowl.
Although there are many viewpoints in the Wine Region, we recommend two: the Miradouro de São Leonardo de Galafura and the Miradouro de Casal de Loivos. They are two of the best known in the region for their incredible landscapes. And they are mandatory points on your vacation.
Enjoy the landscape and take the opportunity to take that perfect picture to keep as a souvenir.
In the Wine Region, we can observe the imposing vineyards of the landscape considered as World Heritage.
The Douro is full of farms that are excellent wine producers. A wine tasting in the Douro is the perfect program for those who want to taste the best wines in the world.
Although there are numerous farms, we recommend Quinta do Bomfim, one of the best known in the Douro. Its vineyards and mills are located in Pinhão and Port wine tasting takes place on a terrace with a privileged view.
The classic tasting is around €17 and includes the opportunity to learn about the history and traditional winemaking processes.
Embark on this adventure to experience a total awakening of all your senses on your vacation.
National road N222 is considered the best road to drive.
The section between Régua and Pinhão is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
There are 27 kilometers and 93 curves that wind through the Douro!…
The road is always accompanied by the Douro River and the emblematic landscapes of the Wine Region.
The trip, and your holidays, can become even more special and complete if you take the opportunity to get to know the various villages that are on its banks along the way.
There is no better way to get to know the Douro than on board a cruise.
Cruises departing from Pinhão towards Tua or Romaneira are carried out on a Rabelo boat.
This typically Portuguese vessel is known for formerly transporting barrels of Port Wine from the Alto Douro to Vila Nova de Gaia.
You can choose between a 1 or 2 hour cruise on the Douro, and you will discover a path that is not visible from the national roads.
Cruises cost €10 or €20 per person and there is no excuse not to embark on this adventure.
You can thus relax and observe the green landscapes, tuning all your senses, while being surrounded by nature.
Many years later, you will still remember these holidays!
The Douro Line is one of the treasures of the region due to the landscapes that surround it. It was built between 1873 and 1887.
Considered one of the most beautiful railway lines in the country, it is one of the best ways to discover the region.
If you travel the route between the Porto e a Régua, you will be able to see how the landscape is transformed, from a city environment to the rural environment of the Alto Douro.
The train makes its way describing the curves of the Douro River, crossing tunnels and bridges.
The landscapes that surround the route are breathtaking, characterized by terraced vineyards and green landscapes.
The Archaeological Park of Vale do Côa concentrates most of the historical remains of Rock Art in the world.
Created in 1996, it is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Here, historical remains are protected and presented, allowing public visits to the rock art of the Côa Valley.
The park has 60 rock groups and numerous engravings on the walls along 26 kilometers. On site, there is also a museum, called the Côa Museum.
A visit to the rock art center costs €10 per person. If you want to include a trip to the museum, the price goes up to €12.
Due to its affordable price and the amount of history contained in a single space, there is no reason not to include the Vale do Côa Archaeological Park in your itinerary. And enrich your vacation with the cultural ballast of the region.
“Imagine a century-old house, just a few meters from the banks of the Douro River, side by side with an old and picturesque train station.
A place that breathes history and where different generations meet, giving rise to a project with its eyes on the future... Welcome to the Original Douro Hotel!
Born in a building dating back to 1880, the same building that once housed the Antigo Hotel Douro (the first in the region) and, later, the Pensão Douro, the Original Douro Hotel is now a unique and differentiated space.
With 18 rooms and a tavern dedicated to regional products and flavors, it offers an attentive service where small details make the difference.
And it invites you to discover: not just “outside” but also “inside”, where photographs rescued from other times or architectural elements preserved by the restoration work transport us to other eras.
Located in the heart of Peso da Régua, the Original Douro Hotel is the perfect starting point for your visit to the Alto Douro Vinhateiro. Embark on this journey and let yourself be carried away by the many wonders of the oldest demarcated region in the world. “
Source?: https://originaldourohotel.com/hotel/
“The inDouro Hostel & Wine Bar is the perfect starting point to enjoy the best that Douro has to offer.
We are located at the Peso da Régua train station in an old CP building, completely restored and modernized.
Facing the river, and just 2 minutes (on foot) from the heart of the historic center of Peso da Régua.
It is a space with a contemporary and welcoming atmosphere that offers different types of services.
With high levels of quality and comfort, inDouro Hostel & Wine Bar offers different types of rooms. All rooms have a private bathroom.
In the shared space we have a fully equipped kitchenette. We serve buffet breakfasts daily. We also have free Wi-Fi throughout the building and a 24-hour reception.
In our restaurant we provide high quality gastronomic moments where you can find a wide range of dishes made with local and seasonal products with certified quality.
inDouro Hostel & Wine Bar invites you to a unique experience of comfort and elegance, in an informal environment, where history and contemporary complement each other!”
Source?: https://www.indourohostel.pt/
“A retreat in an enchanted valley.
Where natural beauty and magnificent surrounding landscapes combine with a cultural heritage rich in history.
Among Malvazia Fina, Touriga Nacional and green hills, stands the Quinta da Vinha Morta, a construction that dates back to the mid-20s, being recovered in order to preserve its characteristics.
The house has 5 double rooms and 1 family room, a bar, a reading room and several social areas, where the rustic and the functional are combined.
In summer, enjoy our swimming pool as well as our outdoor spaces designed with your well-being in mind.
On colder days, they can snuggle up by the fireplace or play pool with friends.
Start the day with our delicious breakfast, prepared with homemade and local products.
Do you want to discover the gastronomy of the region? Let yourself be surprised by our dishes”
Source: https://quintadavinhamorta.wixsite.com/meusite
“Tabuaço, located in the North region, district of Viseu, is a land of unique landscapes and multiple contrasts between the green of the vineyard and the blue of the water, providing a pleasant peace of mind.
In 2001, Tabuaço was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, for the preservation of traces of its culture and for its architectural heritage, both of human and natural origin.
It is in this healthy environment that we present the Hotel Douroinn. With a new decoration concept, (Design Hotel), it will be the ideal place to enjoy a region with much to discover.
The hotel has a pleasant restaurant, bar and surprising rooms where you can recover all your energy.
Hotel Douroinn has a lot to offer to all visitors to Tabuaço, but nothing better than visiting us to discover it.
Hotel Douroinn, a new concept in the Douro Region!”
Source: https://www.hoteldouroinn.com/
The restaurant is located on Avenida Ovar opposite the Peso da Régua car park and serves traditional dishes at friendly prices — on average, a meal is €10 per person.
Cheese with fig jam is one of the most praised dishes.
The Tio Manel restaurant delights its customers, the prices are attractive and the atmosphere is relaxed.
It is located on Rua da Ferreirinha, one of the central streets of Peso da Régua, a stone's throw from the Douro Museum!
The snacks and the main menu of the main meals are prepared and inspired by typical Portuguese cuisine.
The restaurant serves traditional and affordable dishes, and on average a meal costs between €8 and €16 per person.
“OPorCo in Pinhão was the idea of a group of friends who enjoy wine and food.
Our goal was to create a Wine & Tapas Bar where we could get together after a long day at work to drink a glass of wine, have a beer, eat some cheese, some ham and share the day with friends.
Sometimes during summer (July and August) temperatures can reach 45ºC (113ºF) and the wonderful AC from OPorCo and a cold beer can help.”
The average price is €10 per person and includes a tapas board and other appetizers.
Source: https://oporco.pt/about-us/
“The Segredos do Douro restaurant is one of the most typical places in the village of Pinhão where you can appreciate and enjoy the gastronomic secrets of the Douro.
This space also houses a café and a craft shop typical of the region.
Come and discover this pearl of the Douro!!!”
Average price of €10 per person.
Source: Facebook Restaurante Segredos do Douro
“Located behind the Cathedral of Lamego this space was once a pastry house.
It is currently a restaurant serving good homemade food.
Octopus and Trás-os-Montes style skewers, roast cod, rojões, pork chops and strips, oven-roasted kid and veal, rice with sausage, tripe (on Thursdays) and corn from Lamego as starters are the specialties of the house.
Like the kitchen, the atmosphere is also homely and welcoming.”
Average price of €10 per person.
Born in the Douro, namely in the village of Galafura where the most beautiful viewpoint in the Douro is located, Monte de São Leonardo de Galafura. I am lucky to have been born in one of the most beautiful regions in the world and I want to share the best of what comes from it. I want to make known to the world its landscape, its customs, the gastronomy and the fantastic wines that go from strength to strength in the mouths of the world.
Venture with me in the best experiences that will awaken all your senses!
About Us
Douro Criativo is a travel agency and tour operator specialised in Douro tourism. We organise Douro river cruises, personalised tours and authentic experiences with a focus on excellence in service.
With an experienced team passionate about the region, we create Douro tourist programmes that combine breathtaking landscapes, visits to wine estates with tastings, traditional gastronomy and unforgettable river cruises.
We work with trusted local partners to ensure quality, authenticity and support for the regional community.
Discover the magic of the Douro with those who truly know the region →
Partner Network
We work with some of the finest operators, wine estates and institutions in the Douro region to guarantee authentic, high-quality experiences.
In compliance with Law No. 144/2015, for consumer dispute resolution please contact the arbitration commission of Turismo de Portugal: www.turismodeportugal.pt
Licensed Travel Agency by Turismo de Portugal: RNAVT 7667 RNAAT 787/2020
