The atmosphere of the river, its rhythms and people, which has always throbbed in a city that breathes Porto and which, in 2019, is the City of Wine: Régua.
To get there, use the inspiring EN 222, one of the most beautiful roads in the world, ideal to travel while soaking up the spirit of the Douro. It is this atmosphere of the river, its rhythms and people, which has always throbbed in a city that breathes port wine and which, in 2019, is the City of Wine. Boa Cama Boa Mesa shows you what you can't miss on a visit to Régua.
This city has lived around wine for centuries, more precisely since the Marquês de Pombal, establishing the first demarcated wine region in the world in 1756, made it a point of passage for those coming and going to the Douro. It was from Peso da Régua that the typical Rabelo wooden boats departed, which ventured down the river to transport the barrels of wine to the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, where it aged. An umbilical connection still mirrored today by the banks of the river that bathe the city, elected for 2019 City of Wine.
After consolidating the project in the Alentejo, Esporão saw Quinta dos Murças, located on the right bank of the Douro River – between Régua and Pinhão – as the setting for different wines. In the last decade, Quinta das Murças restructured the vineyard, built a new cellar and recovered the farmhouse. Five charming rooms (from €120; whole house from €600) accommodate up to ten people. The furniture is elegant and highlights the bamboo at the headboard and the light colors. There are old photos showing “pre-existences” and the guest appreciates the comfort of the living room or the veranda “overlooking” the river. In the intervals of contemplation, you can stroll through the gardens and take a bath in the pool, but it is the participation in the daily routines of the farm that makes the experience genuine – from the simple use of the kitchen to the culture of wine.
Covelinhas, Peso da Régua. Tel. 932 706 787
This is one of the most historic farms in the Douro, built in 1716 by Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira. The vineyards of Quinta do Vallado produce excellent wines, which are just one of the most visible aspects of the wine tourism offer. Beside the manor house, with five rooms, the hotel, with eight, surprises with its refinement. The setting is so fantastic that big international brands often choose it for advertising scenarios. Double room from €120. Visits to the vineyard, cellar and cellar, in a journey that tells the story of wine, and tasting of various nectars are part of the farm's offer, whose guided tours take place daily at 12:00 and 15:45 (in Portuguese); 11:00 am and 2:45 pm (in English).
Vilarinho dos Freires, Peso da Régua. Tel. 254 323 147
A building dating back to 1880 houses the Original Douro Hotel, in Peso da Régua. But before that, the Hotel do Douro, the oldest in the region, and the Pensão Douro, closed in 2002, had already lived there. Alice Carneiro, together with her mother and father, restored this accommodation and gave it a new face, which opened at the beginning of May 2018. All 18 rooms at this hotel are uniquely decorated. There are suites (from €100), double rooms (€80), superior rooms with balcony (€85) and singles (€65). Lined in light tones, with high beds and wooden floors, the rooms have a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. At the Original Douro Hotel, there are two showcases of regional products. There is a local shop and a restaurant serving the main Douro snacks, called Taberna and its doors are open to guests and beyond. The hotel provides monitoring and booking services for visits throughout the region.
Rua dos Camilos, 115 Peso da Régua. Tel. 254 001 181
A country house on the ruler, taking a long look at the vineyard terraces of this region. This is the exterior setting of Quinta da Pitarrela, aided by the outdoor pool where you don't feel like going out on the hottest days that abound in an area where it is said that there are “nine months of winter and three of hell”. Inside, the country house embraces its agricultural and traditional origins. It is divided into a larger house, with six bedrooms, and two other apartments, with one bedroom each, all with the same incredible landscape. In the large communal kitchen with a traditional setting, there is never a shortage of regional wine to try.
Travessa da Pitarrela, Vilarinho dos Freires. Tel. 916 154 938
Dedicated to the culture and history of wine in this region, the Douro Museum is the guardian of the legacy that is still present throughout this territory today, but whose origin dates back many centuries. Installed in a manor house, formerly the headquarters of the Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro, it is divided into several spaces, from the exhibition area itself, which hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions, a documentation centre, an archive, a library , a reading room, a conservation and restoration workshop, and even a restaurant, a shop and a wine bar so you can experience in practice everything you've learned about the region. There are several modalities: the visit to the Douro Museum, passing by the Permanent Exhibition “Douro, Matéria e Espírito”, offer of Port Wine Goblet, accompanied by dry fruits costs €7.5 per person. You can also opt for documentary tastings of five wines or more (from €5), routes, workshops and even harvest programs in the season.
Rua Marquês de Pombal, Peso da Régua. Tel. 254 310 190
From the top of its 640 meters high, the Miradouro de São Leonardo de Galafura has a privileged view over the Douro River and the surrounding landscape. It is located near Covelinhas, in the parish of Galafura, and it is well worth the detour to this place to enjoy one of the most breathtaking views over this always inspiring territory. Next to the Viewpoint there is a chapel and a picnic park, with stone benches and shade, where you can have a picnic or just rest for a while. Because this is the highest point in the area, there is also a geodesic marker here.
It is from this pleasant and wide quay, on the warm banks of the Douro, that boats depart daily to show outsiders the beauty of this special river. Towards Porto or Barca d’Alva, there are several companies that operate shorter trips – just a few hours – or longer ones, such as cruises that take two nights along the waters of the Douro. In between, there are day trips, with lunch included, which give an overview of the river, traditions, customs and particularities of Port wine, its history and production. For these routes, prices start at €60. Before boarding, or after the trip, buy at least one package of the famous Régua sweets, handcrafted by the skilled hands of ladies who have always made this recipe this way.
The elegance and refinement of the space are not noticeable from the outside, not least because this is a restaurant located in an old warehouse at the Régua train station. The Castas e Pratos restaurant is divided into two floors with different atmospheres. One serves as a wine bar and shop and is also a good option for an aperitif or a drink at the end of a meal, for example. The top floor presents itself as a modern and comfortable dining room, where author proposals are served, which start right there on the banks of the Douro, but which cross the world. Also count on an excellent service of wine by the glass.
Average price: €30.
Rua José Vasques Osório, Peso da Régua. Tel. 254 323 290
It brings together two ingredients that, if until a few years ago they would be symbols of a single region, today they are already part of the whole country. Sparkling wine and suckling pig take center stage here, albeit with one detail. in the Sus Douro, pork is of the bísara breed, served only at the weekend, but already a business card, as well as the drink with bubbles, which in the 200 references on the menu occupies half. There is also codfish with Avintes bread, potatoes, crispy ham and turnip greens.
Average price: €30.
Rua José Vasques Osório, Loja C1, Peso da Régua. Tel. 254 336 052
This is the case of Tasca da Quinta, located in Quinta de Tourais, which enhances its Douro character. The stone walls with typical objects, shawls and lace serve as a tablecloth. The menu reveals new approaches to snacks: "escabeche de codorniz", Mushroom or octopus "feijoada", "rojões" and "costeletinhas em vinha-d’alhos".
Average price: €15
Rua Marquês de Pombal, 42, Peso da Régua. Tel. 918 754 102
In a city that has lived around the region's wine for centuries, a house could not be missing where the best that is produced here can be shown. The wines of Douro identity, fortified or table, are naturally the stars of the Wine House Garrafeira Gato Preto. Located next to the Douro Museum, it serves as a showcase for its products, through partnerships with local producers. A space where you can either drink a good glass of wine or have a snack and still take home what you liked the most.
Avenida João Franco, 308, Peso da Régua Tel. 913 663 235
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.
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We work with some of the finest operators, wine estates and institutions in the Douro region to guarantee authentic, high-quality experiences.
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