The Douro Valley is one of the most scenic trips in the North of Portugal. There are different ways to enjoy this beautiful region; by train, by car or by boat. I have done this trip by a rented car so here I am sharing the Douro Valley by car.
Certainly, a car allows you to discover and reach remote areas, far away from other tourists and take the trip at your own pace.
Places to visit at Douro Valley
Peso da Régua
Driving from Porto, Peso da Régua is the primary start of the Douro Valley trip. This village has a waterfront where one can take a nice short walk and meanwhile see the main scenic attraction of the 3 bridges crossing the valley.
Pinhão
Pinhão is my favourite destination from the Douro Valley trip. For instance, I met local people, and we spoke about the journey I was on, in Portugal and how Portugal is a very peaceful, calm and full of nature country.
This delightful town is surrounded by vineyards and has a relaxed atmosphere where one can enjoy a pleasant walk by the riverside.
Pinhão has a lot to offer; wine tasting, a boat trip, and an uphill hike. Since my trip to the Douro Valley by car was planned to be done in a day, I chose to sit down at the riverside eat my packed lunch and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Vale de Mendiz
North from Pinhão, passing from Vale de Mendiz, this has much to offer as a scenic route but unfortunately, there are not many places to stop along the road. I was lucky that I found a parking space to take a photo of this village, so I made it quick and continues driving.
São Mamede de Ribatua
This village was also a quiet place during the trip of Douro Valley. Above all, I recommend spending some time here walking around this beautiful town. I met a lot of local elderly people who made the village alive with their local culture.
After that, continue driving the N212 road, to Tua. During this scenic route, there will be some good spots to stop and overlook the magnificent view of the Tua river.
Tua
Firstly passing Barragem do Tua, a small village, where I stopped and walked along the riverside on the man-made footpath. From here the Linha do Douro railway crosses the Tua River as it joins the Duoro river.
Linhares
Finally, making the way to end the day as it was getting dark, from the N212 take the road to N214 passing, Parambos, where there is more beautiful scenery to observe. Arriving at Linhares very late and it was foggy, so I decided just to drive by and continue my journey.
Valeira Dam
It was pretty dark, the round trip of the Douro Valley by car ended at Barragem da Valeira. There is nothing special to see especially as it was at night. But there is quite a good space to park and stop before continuing the journey to the accommodation.
Tips for the Douro Valley trip
- Make sure the fuel tank is full
- Take packed lunch, drinking water and snacks for the road
- Dress comfortable and wear good walking shoes
- Take plenty of photos and enjoy the ride
Mapped out
The following map will guide you with pin points and which route you should follow when exploring the Douro Valley by car.
