Douro deserves a visit at any time of the year, but Spring has this charm, as the temperatures are warmer, the days longer, the colors brighter, and well, the region is not yet overcrowded. Here's a quick insider's view of the best places to visit in Douro during the springtime.
The Douro Valley is perhaps one of Portugal's most beautiful regions, famed for its stair-like terraced vineyards and the winding "river of gold", cutting across the steep hills. Worldly recognized for its wines and beautiful scenery, the Douro Valley is finally coming into its while remaining a surprisingly quiet and slow-living place, where warm hospitality is the norm.
Douro is a good destination all year round, with each season offering something different. In the Spring you'll catch the hills brightened with grape leaves, and temperatures are lovely and warm. In the harvest season, the feeling is just magical and there are not enough words to describe the grape picking, the traditional chants, the stomping of the grapes using ancient techniques, and the feast of food and wine.
Book now your 7-day wine tour for mid-September/October to feel and live the joy of the Harvest.
Roughly a two-hours drive away from Porto and boasting numerous wineries, the Douro Valley is also a wine connoisseur's paradise with grand wine-producing estates, picturesque towns, and elegant lodgings, as well as a wide selection of wines to choose from.
When it comes to wine, the Douro Valley doesn't need much of an introduction. After all, it is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, particularly famous for Port wine, as well as several other world-famous reds. Get to know the Top 5 tours to take in Douro Valley.
Not only is the taste of Douro Valley wine determined by its unique terroir and microclimate, but the landscape has been shaped by wine production. It is no surprise, then, that its wineries are an underlying part of the region's strong culture and identity.
Located near Port wine town and the cruise center of Peso da Régua, Quinta do Vallado is one of the oldest and most famous wine-producing estates in the Douro Valley. It has recently undergone several renovations, combining state-of-the-art technology with contemporary architecture. This wine estate has been in the same family for several generations, and it is now open for visitation and wine-tasting experiences.
Further upstream, near the picturesque wine town of Pinhão, you'll find Quinta das Carvalhas. This is one of the region's signature estates, with a breathtaking 360º view over the surrounding valley. You can take a vineyard tour here, enjoy a wine tasting, and, for the wine geeks, a tour with the in-house agricultural engineer.
The river is the region's defining feature, winding from the Spanish border to the sea, with wine-producing country estates and rows of terraced vineyards carved into the mountains, that have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
The journey upriver is one of the most scenic routes in the world. River cruises can last from an hour to one or more days, with or without meals and vineyard visits, and are a delightful way to enjoy the landscape some cruises will depart or take you to the winery you are willing to visit. Here are the best wineries to visit in Douro Valley.
As Spring sets in, more and more boats take to the water making up for the time spent away during the cold, tumultuous winter months. On board a private sailing boat with a picnic on board or simply a traditional boat, you'll have time to soak up the atmosphere and take in the sights without feeling rushed.
Read more about the Top 3 cruises to take in 2019.
Many of those who visit the Douro Valley do so on a day trip from Porto - the nearest big city. With a one-day tour in Douro, you can explore somewhere new while easily fitting it into your tight travel schedule.
Whether you travel along the river by train or drive in a car, a trip through the Douro Valley will not disappoint. Winding along the river, the scenery gets better. You'll have the opportunity to visit long-established wine estates, sample some wine, and, best yet, have a picnic in the vineyards, as spring sees the temperatures soar and the sun shines for hours each day.
For a longer and more comprehensive experience, you can choose our 3-day wine tour with a Douro River cruise - or a 5-day wine tour - which takes some local staples and bakes them together for an unforgettable vacation.
Now it's time to stop thinking about it and to finally put “Happy feeling” into your new year. Book now your dream vacation. Yes! We recommend you book it in advance while the best places are still with some availability. So you can enjoy the most of your 2019 spring break!
Content reviewed and updated in 2019