Best time to travel to Portugal

Exploring Douro Valley in Portugal

One of the most beautiful places in Portugal

Best time: April–October

Exploring Douro Valley
Exploring Douro Valley
Exploring Douro Valley

Douro valley is often called magical due to its serene beauty. Visit it during spring to see vast green vineyards and colorful wildflowers​. In the fall, it offers warm golden, bronze and purple tones. During the grape harvest, some vineyards invite visitor​s to participate in picking grapes and crushing them by feet, just like in the old times.

Practical info

When can visitors participate in grape-picking in Douro Valley and what traditional grape processing techniques are they exposed to?

Typically, grape harvest season is between August and September in Douro Valley. Visitors can participate in grape-picking and grape harvest-related activities with some vineyards. This can provide them with the opportunity to experience traditional grape processing techniques such as stomping on grapes with feet to extract juice and pulp. Show more

Which vineyards in Douro Valley offer grape-picking activities and what are some common features of these activities?

Several vineyards offer grape-picking activities in Douro Valley. Quinta da Pacheca, Quinta do Bomfim, and Quinta do Seixo are some examples. Each vineyard usually provides a guided tour, wine tasting, and snacks at the end-of-session to visitors. Visitors can choose the vineyards that suit them most based on the available activity styles. Show more

Apart from visiting vineyards, what are some of the outdoor activities that visitors can enjoy in Douro Valley and what are some points of interest in the area?

Douro Valley provides an array of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the adventures that visitors can venture into include kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and biking tours, and hot air balloon rides. Additionally, visitors can explore cultural points of interest such as Casa de Mateus and Castelo de Numão while in the area. Show more

What are some of the best accommodations available in Douro Valley and what amenities do they offer?

There are some top accommodation options in Douro Valley, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury spa retreats. Six Senses Douro Valley is a five-star hotel that offers a spa, an outdoor pool, and scenic views of the valley. Others include Quinta da Pacheca, where visitors can book a wine barrel room for a unique experience, and Casa da Bela Vista, which offers captivating views of the Douro River and has a cozy atmosphere. Show more

What are some ideal places to indulge in Portuguese cuisine in Douro Valley, and what makes them stand out?

DOC is an ideal spot for enjoying traditional Portuguese cuisine located near the river in Folgosa. River views and outdoor seating make it a perfect location for enjoying locally sourced elements cooked in-house with recommended wines. Rui Paula DOP at Hotel Vintage House and Cantina da Estação in Pinhão are other restaurants visitors can visit to experience traditional Portuguese food surrounded by awe-inspiring tiled murals and local fare, respectively. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin