A Scenic Road Trip from Porto to the Douro Valley

Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon, and it has so much to offer. Don't miss the Ribeira district in Porto's historic center. This riverside promenade is colorful, picturesque and vibrant with life, shops and restaurants. Explore the mercado do Bolhão, a market where you'll find fresh produce, meat, fish and flowers. Stop at São Bento train station for beautiful azulejo tiles. Have a look at the Porto Cathedral (Se do Porto), located in the heart of the historic center of the city of Porto. This is one of the main and oldest monuments in Portugal. As well as the Church of São Francisco for its Baroque interior and impressive woodwork.

Stay at:

• The Yeatman Hotel: There are so many great boutique hotels in Porto, as a wine lover, I decided to stay at the Yeatman. I was amazed by its breathtaking views of Porto and its great spa. Both restaurants, the gastronomic 2-Michelin-starred and the more casual l'Orangerie, are excellent!

• Port Tasting: Head to Vila Nova de Gaia and visit the traditional Port houses like Graham's.

• Castro: Stop for their pastéis de nata — these legendary Portuguese custard tarts can't be missed!

• Prova Wine Bar: Get cozy and enjoy their wine tastings and light bites in this friendly and welcoming wine bar! Fabulous wines to taste, from Port to the full-bodied reds from the Douro Valley wine region.

Where to eat:

• Culto ao Bacalhau: In a minimalistic decor, as its name reveals, a tribute to codfish, the menu is almost completely focused on the world of cod. This is a must-try restaurant in Porto.

• Patio 44: Behind a simple façade, a cuisine centered around traditional Portuguese cuisine enhanced by modern techniques and unique flavors, highly recommend!

Shopping:

• Coracao Alecrim: A cool concept store with a range of sustainable products from clothing, wellness, jewelry and home goods.

• Costa Nova: Produces innovative and sustainable dinnerware made from the best natural resources in Portugal.

• Rua das Flores at Benamor: Shop here for natural Portuguese cosmetic and beauty products.

Head inland, just a 1.5-hour drive from Porto, and step into the heart of Portugal’s most picturesque wine region — the Douro Valley.

As you leave the city behind, the landscape transforms from coastal plains to rolling hills covered in beautiful rows of vineyards. The views curve into dramatic terraces that follow the curves of the Douro River.

Along the way, stop in Peso da Régua or Lamego, a charming town known for its Baroque Church Nossa Senhora dos Remédios.

Stay at:

• Six Senses Douro Valley on the outskirts of Lamego, a beautifully restored 19th-century manor house turned hotel, seamlessly blending contemporary design with a state-of-the-art spa.

Activities:

• Bicycle tour of the vineyards

• Wine tasting

• Boat rides

Places to eat:

• Situated on the banks of the River Douro, Bomfim 1896 with Pedro Lemos is a great option for a classic cuisine from the region with stunning views.

• DOC: Beautiful terrace overlooking the water and an excellent wine list!

• Douro Excellence: Located in Lamego with a beautiful terrace overlooking the water.

• Cais da Villa: Classic cuisine with a contemporary twist.

Within a two-hour drive from the Six Senses, journey deep into the heart of the Douro Valley, this breathtaking UNESCO-listed landscape, to discover the serene and secluded boutique hotel: Casa do Rio in Foz Coa. With less than 10 rooms, this hidden gem is nestled between rolling vineyards and the tranquil Douro River. This intimate retreat offers a truly immersive experience in one of Portugal’s most breathtaking landscapes. At Casa do Rio, you are welcomed by a beautifully designed wooden lodge perched above the river, blending seamlessly into its natural surroundings.

Spend the day enjoying an educational private wine tasting, strolling through the vineyards or relaxing by the infinity pool overlooking the valley.

Don't miss a boat experience on the Douro River. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Douro Valley with a boat journey along the winding Douro River. Here, vineyards cascade down terraced hillsides and traditional quintas dot the landscape. Sailing through the Douro is one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to experience Portugal’s renowned wine country. Take a traditional rabelo boat, the same type that once carried barrels of Port wine from the valley to Porto, and glide on the tranquil waters. Along the way, soak in panoramic views of rolling vineyards, charming villages like Pinhão.

Wine tastings are available on the terrace of the boutique hotel Casa do Rio. You can taste the range of Quinta do Vallado wines, one of the historical houses in the Douro. Visit other iconic wine estates such as Quinta do Crasto, Quinta da Pacheca, Quinta Nova.

Places to eat:

• A wonderful dining experience and wine pairings are offered at Casa do Rio for dinners.

• Casa de Arco by Douro Exclusive