Best Experiences in the Douro Valley for History, Food & Wine and Stunning Views

The world is a beautiful place and Portugal’s Douro Valley proves it. With sweeping landscapes nestled along the hillsides of the Douro River and beyond, vibrant regional and international food and wine offerings and genuine people with a rich cultural heritage, the Douro Valley is a must-visit spot on anyone’s (never-ending) travel list!

Having been invited to explore the Douro Valley with a group of wine writers and social media influencers, I’ve been inspired. I hope you will be, too – the Douro Valley awaits.

Discover the Rich History and Culture of the Douro

Douro Wine Museum (Museo do Douro)

A visit to the Douro Valley isn’t complete until you’ve strolled through the Douro Wine Museum located in Preso da Régua and devoted to promoting the legacy and heritage of the Douro Valley and its port wines. The museum itself is in the restored Casa da Companhia Velha initially designed in 1756 to accommodate administrative functions, winemaking and wine storage and a court to handle cases related to the Company’s jurisdiction. It also provided a temporary home for employees and winemakers from around the Douro that had to travel to Regua to negotiate the wines at the yearly fair. Clearly, the building is justly termed “one of the most emblematic buildings in the history of the Douro Region.”

In the permanent exhibit “Memory of the Wine Region.” I discovered artifacts that described and explained the history and process of winemaking in the Douro and took part in hands-on displays that demonstrated the sensory aspects of these unique wines. If you can break away from the thought-provoking exhibits, meander outside and gaze upon a reconstructed rabelos (the boats used for the transport of port wine from the Douro to Porto) and visit the wine bar overlooking the River Douro for a brilliant finale. A glass of Port, perhaps?

Côa Museum (Museu do Côa) and Côa Valley Archaeological Park

Intrigued by the Paleolithic art in the Côa Valley? You will be after a visit to one of the largest museums in Portugal, the Côa Museum. This stunning spot is found at the mouth of the Côa River and honors two world heritage sites in the region: the Prehistoric Art of the Côa Valley and the Douro Wine Landscape. A fascinating design, the museum is composed of mineral pigment in the composition of the concrete and the surface treatment reflects the authenticity of the metamorphic rocks in the region. Don’t forget to make a reservation in the museum’s restaurant for a luscious lunch featuring regional favorites, a glass of wine from the Upper Douro and magnificent views from the terrace.

Inside, the museum gives a thoughtful, multi-sensory overview of the Côa Valley Archeological Park considered the “greatest open-air collection of Paleolithic art in the world. The hypothesis is now being put forward that open air art was in fact the most common one but that, due to erosion, it would have been destroyed almost in its entirely.” Located in the northernmost part of Guarda district in the region known as Alto Douro, 80 sites with rock art and around 1200 engraved outcrops give a glimpse into the culture of our ancestors from 25,000 – 10,000 years ago.

Experience World Class Traditional and Modern Cuisine

DOC Restaurant

Lunch doesn’t get much better than tranquil views of the Douro River, exceptional food by a renown chef and outstanding wines. I found just the place at DOC Restaurant in Folgosa, Armamar on the road along the river between Régua and Pinhão. The restaurant sits on a base with a wooden deck extending over the river – two piers with a capacity for 15 boats, a wine cellar and parking area enhance the contemporary space.

Our group savored every moment of lunch during which foie gras terrine with a glass of Raposeira Super Reserva Blanc de Blancs Bruto, rice with freshly caught fish and crayfish with Mapa white wine and a finale of chocolate and mascarpone with Quinta da Corte Tawny Port showcased Chef Rui Paula’s creativity. Make your reservations now!

Aneto & Table Store/Restaurant

A perfect ending to a perfect day was had at Aneto & Table Store/Restaurant in Peso da Régua. Our group enjoyed almost everything on the menu! The restaurant was initially established to promote and sell the Aneto brand of wines. Now, the wines are paired with typical Portuguese fare that I found not only beautiful to look at on the plate but flavorful and innovative. Comfortable and cozy with impeccable service, Aneto & Table Store/Restaurant is next to the railway station and when outside, classic views of the Douro River can be enjoyed.

Ahhh, the wines – flavorful, food friendly and indicative of the wines of this region. Aneto produces white and red still wines from three unique vineyards in the Douro. The winery itself is found in Quinta do Estremadouro – Penajóia – Lamego and just recently, a new tasting room has opened to visitors. When you’re ready to book an appointment, check out the website here.

Be Amazed by the Jaw-Dropping Views

Sunset Sailboat ride along the Douro River

Many private operators offer small-group sailboat rides along the Douro River and it’s easy to book ahead, but don’t delay – it’s one of the more popular experiences. Our sailboat left from the docks in Pinhão and despite the torrential rain, our group enjoyed every minute of the 90-minute cruise… even without the sunset views! Fortunately, I had experienced the ride two years prior – visions of steep vineyard terraces and iconic Quintas and a glass of wine as we sailed along the Douro River as the sun set remain highlights.

Côa Archeological Park Boat Tours

Observe nature at its most authentic during the summer months as an electro solar boat skims down the Côa River and gives fortunate travelers access to sections of the Côa Valley Archeological Park never seen before. Our group admired the landscape and found nesting sites of migratory birds, native trees, plants and flowers, dovecotes and windmills and almond and olive trees. And, oh yes, a tasting of white, red, and Port wines paired with regional delicacies accompanied this relaxing and wow-worthy trip.