Douro River (Rio Douro)

Douro River cruises leave from Porto and cruise into the heart of the Douro Valley wine region. Set sail aboard a traditional Rabelo boat for a scenic cruise, stopping to visit historic waterfront towns such as Peso da Régua and Pinhão; discover the winemaking heritage of the Douro region; and sample authentic port wine during guided wine tastings. Full-day tours leave from Porto or Lisbon and typically include hotel pickup, wine tastings, and lunch at a local restaurant.

• The legal drinking age of 18 applies for all wine tasting in the Douro Valley.

• Douro cruises range from 1-hour wine-tasting cruises to multi-day sightseeing cruises.

• Some cruises are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check in advance.

Boat trips down the Douro River leave from the quays around Alfândega and Cais de Ribeira in Porto. Both quays can be reached on foot from central attractions such as the Clérigos Tower, Porto Cathedral, and São Bento train station, while tram Line 1, which runs along the river, stops at Alfândega and Infante near the quays.

It’s possible to explore the Douro River region at any time of year, but the busiest time is during the summer season (July–August), when it’s best to book tours and accommodation in advance. The area is at its most picturesque in spring, when the vines are lush and green, or in autumn, when the harvest is in full swing and the vines begin to drop their leaves.

Portugal’s world-renowned port wine is produced exclusively in the Douro Valley. With a history of winemaking dating back to the 12th century as well as 300 years of exporting port wines, it’s impossible to explore the region without sampling its legendary elixir. The sweet fortified drink is typically known as a red dessert wine, but tawny port (wood-aged red port), rosé port, white port, and vintage ports are also available.

The best times of year to visit the Douro River are in the spring, between April to early June, or the autumn months of late September to October. Both periods offer comfortable weather without the extreme summer heat, aren’t too busy, and benefit from seasonal colors.

The many vineyards and viewpoints that overlook the Douro River are considered to be the area’s main attractions. Other notable sites include the bridges that cross the river, including Porto’s Luís I Bridge, and the the Douro Museum in Peso da Régua.

The Douro Valley is famous for port wine, a sweet red fortified wine that originates in the region. It also produces a selection of still and table wines, of which Touriga Nacional is one of the most well regarded.

Yes, you can swim in many spots along the long course of the Douro River. Small sand beaches can be found at bends in the river—such as at Praia da Lomba and Praia Fluvial de Zebreiros—providing areas where it’s easy to enter the water for a dip.

Wine tasting is one of the most popular activities for tourists visiting the Douro Valley. Other options include kayaking along the river, boat cruises, the Douro Historical Train, and helicopter rides over the valley.

Most tours of the Douro River from Porto include driving, activities, and sightseeing. One-day tours are likely to explore a specific section of the river, generally no further than Peso da Régua or Pinhão. A more detailed itinerary, with multiple stops along the river, could easily fill several days.