Snaking 200 miles through northern Portugal, Rio Douro (or "river of gold" in English) may be the world's most beautiful wine region.
River of gold —
Snaking 200 miles through northern Portugal, Rio Douro (or "river of gold" in English) may be the world's most beautiful wine region.
Douro Azul
The upper deck of Dom Luis I Bridge presents a stunning view of Porto, the biggest city in northern Portugal.
Dom Luis I Bridge —
The upper deck of Dom Luis I Bridge presents a stunning view of Porto, the biggest city in northern Portugal.
Município do Porto
Ribeira Square, flanked by colorful painted houses, is a highlight in Porto's UNESCO-designated historical city center.
Ribeira Square —
Ribeira Square, flanked by colorful painted houses, is a highlight in Porto's UNESCO-designated historical city center.
Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte
The Douro valley is also dotted by scenic small towns such as Lamego. The Shrine of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios is a church that sits atop a 686-step baroque staircase in the historic town.
Lamego —
The Douro valley is also dotted by scenic small towns such as Lamego. The Shrine of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios is a church that sits atop a 686-step baroque staircase in the historic town.
Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte
Whether it is a week-long cruise, a day ferry or a private yacht, sailing along the Douro offers unforgettable views of vine-covered terraces.
Riding the river —
Whether it is a week-long cruise, a day ferry or a private yacht, sailing along the Douro offers unforgettable views of vine-covered terraces.
photo by Jose Manuel
Douro valley has a different view according to seasons. While summer temperatures can broil over 40 C, one can expect snow-capped almond tree blossoms in winter.
Choose your season —
Douro valley has a different view according to seasons. While summer temperatures can broil over 40 C, one can expect snow-capped almond tree blossoms in winter.
courtesy Rui Morais de Sousa
From dry whites to vintages, Douro is the perfect wine region to get familiar with the complex tipple.
Port perfection —
From dry whites to vintages, Douro is the perfect wine region to get familiar with the complex tipple.
Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte
Palaces, quintas, manors or even luxuriously converted grain silos make great alternative places to stay.
Quintas (Portuguese vineyard estates) —
Palaces, quintas, manors or even luxuriously converted grain silos make great alternative places to stay.
Quinta da Pacheca
A three-hour train ride from Porto to the end of the Douro line provides breathtaking views at each curve.
Riverside track —
A three-hour train ride from Porto to the end of the Douro line provides breathtaking views at each curve.
Antonio Sacchetti/Turismo de Portugal
Travelers can watch out for special trains with historic carriages that run in summer.
Historic trains —
Travelers can watch out for special trains with historic carriages that run in summer.
Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte
Thousands of ancient carvings -- deer, goats, horses, horned aurochs (ancient cattle) -- dating back 30,000 years were discovered at the joint of Cao Valley and the Douro. It could be mankind's oldest graffiti.
First graffiti —
Thousands of ancient carvings -- deer, goats, horses, horned aurochs (ancient cattle) -- dating back 30,000 years were discovered at the joint of Cao Valley and the Douro. It could be mankind's oldest graffiti.
courtesy Jose Paulo Ruas
Porto lies on the outlet of the Douro river. In addition to the old stuff, it's got a lively nightlife and creative scene.
Cool Porto —
Porto lies on the outlet of the Douro river. In addition to the old stuff, it's got a lively nightlife and creative scene.
Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte
Much of the action in Porto centers around the galleries, boutiques and bars on rua Miguel Bombarda. Porto's iconic Casa da Musica (pictured) is also a a hit with architecture fans.
Casa da Musica, Porto —
Much of the action in Porto centers around the galleries, boutiques and bars on rua Miguel Bombarda. Porto's iconic Casa da Musica (pictured) is also a a hit with architecture fans.
Fundação Casa da Música
Lamprey (parasitic, eel-like river critters), papas de sarrabulho (pork innards in blood) and alheiras com grelos (wonderful smoked sausages served with broccoli raab) are some of the delicacies of the Douro region. In the picture is a tripe and white bean stew, a Porto specialty.
Douro delicacies —
Lamprey (parasitic, eel-like river critters), papas de sarrabulho (pork innards in blood) and alheiras com grelos (wonderful smoked sausages served with broccoli raab) are some of the delicacies of the Douro region. In the picture is a tripe and white bean stew, a Porto specialty.
Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte
Porto's favorite snack, francesinha -- or "little French girl"-- is bread filled with ham, sausages and steak, wrapped in cheese. The combo is then drenched in a spicy sauce.
World's best sandwich? —
Porto's favorite snack, francesinha -- or "little French girl"-- is bread filled with ham, sausages and steak, wrapped in cheese. The combo is then drenched in a spicy sauce.
Rui Borges
There are endless energetic options. Arouca Geopark is great for white-water rafting.
Biking, hiking, rafting —
There are endless energetic options. Arouca Geopark is great for white-water rafting.
Associação Geoparque Arouca