What to Do in the Douro Valley
Written by Blue Water Holidays - Monday, 30th June 2025
Portugal's UNESCO-listed Douro Valley offers so much more than its world-famous port wine. This is a place that feels light-years away from our bustling 21st-century life, where terraced vineyards cascade down hillsides and the river creates some of Europe's most breathtaking scenery.
From historic railway stations adorned with traditional azulejo tiles to ancient archaeological sites, and from world-class wineries to remote hiking trails, there's something here for every type of traveller. Whether you're seeking cultural discoveries, outdoor adventures, or simply a peaceful escape from city life, the valley delivers experiences that stay with you long after you've returned home.
The region encompasses three distinct areas - the Baixo Corgo, Alto Corgo, and Douro Superior - each offering its own character and attractions. Running through the region is the River Douro, one of our favourite destinations for an incredible European cruise.
In this article, we share eight of the best things to do in the Douro Valley to inspire you to visit this incredible region.
Cruise the Douro River
Going on a Douro River cruise is one of the almost obligatory experiences here. While it's certainly a very touristy experience, some things are touristy for a reason!
A Douro Valley river cruise offers a unique perspective on the dramatic landscape, allowing you to appreciate the steep terraced vineyards from water level while traditional rabelo boats glide past centuries-old quintas. The beauty of cruising lies in its leisurely pace - you'll have time to absorb the changing landscape as the boat navigates the river's curves, passing through some of the most photographed scenery in Portugal.
At Cruising Holidays, we offer unforgettable luxury Douro River cruises throughout the iconic valley and beyond, so you can admire the scenery in style. Enjoy plenty of the best things to do in the region as part of your itinerary and explore places like Porto, Pocinho and Pinhão, as well as ticking off cities like Lisbon or Salamanca along the way.
Go Wine Tasting at Historic Wineries
The Douro Valley has been producing wine for over two millennia, making it one of the world's oldest demarcated wine regions. Douro Valley wineries, also known as Quintas, are the ultimate tourist experience in the region, ranging from intimate family-run estates to grand international operations with centuries of history behind them.
Many Douro Valley vineyards offer enotourism (wine tourism) experiences, ranging from simple vineyard tours or picnics to year-round bottling and blending master classes led by winemakers. Each quinta has its own personality; some focus on traditional port production, others showcase innovative table wines, and many offer both alongside spectacular valley views.
Quinta do Bomfim, part of the historic Symington estate, is one of the best wineries in the Douro Valley and provides one of the most accessible experiences for train travellers, being just a short walk from Pinhão station. For those seeking more intimate experiences, smaller quintas like Quinta da Portela offer authentic Portuguese hospitality.
Explore the Village of Pinhão
Pinhão may be small, but it punches well above its weight in terms of charm and cultural significance. As one of the most popular villages to visit on a Douro Valley trip, the marina here is pretty busy with river cruise departures, but the village's compact size means you can easily explore on foot.
The little village is beautiful and worth a visit no matter what, but the historic train station is the biggest draw. The railway station, dating from the 1930s, is completely covered in traditional azulejo tiles that depict the port wine production process and valley life from a bygone era.
Beyond the station, Pinhão serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding vineyards and offers some of the valley's most spectacular viewpoints. You can see the famous "L" that the riverbed makes as it passes Pinhão from several elevated positions around the village.
Visit the Archaeological Park of the Côa Valley
The Archaeological Park of Foz do Côa is well worth visiting if you want to learn more about the history of the Douro Valley. This UNESCO World Heritage site represents one of the most significant collections of open-air Palaeolithic rock art in the world, with some carvings dating back over 20,000 years.
The site is the largest open-air museum of the Palaeolithic and spans a total of 17 kilometres, with more than 2,000 years of history. The site showcases thousands of engravings depicting animals, human figures, and abstract symbols, providing fascinating insights into prehistoric life in the region.
Guided tours are essential here, as the rock art sites are protected and require expert interpretation to fully appreciate their significance. The archaeological park's visitor centre provides excellent context before you venture out to see the actual engravings, explaining the techniques used by ancient artists and the meaning behind various symbols and animal representations.
Guided tours are essential here, as the rock art sites are protected and require expert interpretation to fully appreciate their significance. The archaeological park's visitor centre provides excellent context before you venture out to see the actual engravings, explaining the techniques used by ancient artists and the meaning behind various symbols and animal representations.
Marvel at Views of the Valley
The Douro Valley's spectacular viewpoints are among its greatest treasures, offering panoramic vistas that have inspired poets, painters, and photographers for generations. The best approach is to visit several viewpoints throughout your stay, as the Douro Valley weather and the light and atmosphere can change dramatically throughout the day.
Multiple viewpoints dot the valley, each offering unique perspectives on the landscape. Douro Valley hiking is one of the best ways to admire the greatest scenery from all kinds of terrain, and offers a great opportunity to stretch your legs if you’re stopping off on a river cruise.
At Casal de Loivos, you can appreciate one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, where the river forms dramatic curves between vine-covered hillsides. At the Miradouro de São Leonardo, you can enjoy one of the best panoramic views in the entire Douro Valley while lounging in the shade of an olive tree.
Sample Plenty of Local Cuisine
Whilst Douro Valley wine tours are a speciality of the region, there are plenty more local delicacies to enjoy. The food here is also excellent, and you should make sure that you're well fed, if for no other reason than to make sure you don't get too tipsy from all the alcohol you'll be drinking!
The region's cuisine reflects its agricultural heritage and riverside location, offering dishes that perfectly complement the local wines. Traditional specialities include Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, which is salted codfish served with potatoes, onions, and eggs, and Cozido à Portuguesa, which is THE traditional Portuguese stew.
Many of the best restaurants in the Douro Valley pride themselves on using local ingredients, from olive oil produced in nearby groves to seasonal vegetables grown in the valley's fertile soils. The unhurried pace of dining here encourages long, leisurely meals where food, wine, and conversation flow naturally together, embodying the relaxed spirit of the region.
Hike in the Vale do Tua Regional Nature Park
If you're looking to go beyond just the viewpoints of the Douro Valley and really want to get out into nature, the Vale do Tua Regional Nature Park is perhaps your best option. This lesser-known natural area offers excellent hiking opportunities with trails suitable for various fitness levels and interests.
This little-known natural site has lots of great hiking, with trails ranging from 4 to 20 kilometres in length. The park encompasses diverse landscapes, from riverside paths to mountain trails, allowing hikers to experience the valley's natural beauty away from the more touristy areas.
The park's trail network connects small villages and provides access to viewpoints that few visitors discover. For those seeking more active things to do in the Douro Valley, the park offers an excellent alternative to the more wine-focused activities elsewhere in the region.
Ride the Scenic Train from Porto to Pocinho
The Porto to Pocinho train route is the lifeblood of the Douro Valley, both for commuters and the tourists visiting the small towns throughout the region. This railway line, completed in the late 19th century, represents one of Europe's most scenic train journeys, following the river through dramatic gorges and past terraced vineyards.
The train line from Porto through the valley and on to Spain was an engineering masterpiece when it opened over 130 years ago. It makes travelling around the region much easier, connecting plenty of the most popular places to stay in the Douro Valley.
The journey from Porto's São Bento station to Pocinho takes approximately three and a half hours, passing through more than 20 stations along the way. Following right along the path of the river, you'll have beautiful scenic views all throughout the journey, regardless of which towns you're travelling between.
Explore the Douro Valley with Cruising Holidays
The Douro Valley rewards those who take time to explore its many facets, from world-class wine experiences to ancient cultural sites, from peaceful river journeys to invigorating mountain hikes. This remarkable region demonstrates that Portugal's appeal extends far beyond its coastal attractions, offering sophisticated travellers a destination that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and genuine hospitality.
Whether you're drawn by the promise of exceptional wines, the allure of stunning landscapes, or the appeal of authentic Portuguese culture, the Douro Valley delivers experiences that feel both timeless and thoroughly rewarding. The key is allowing enough time to appreciate the valley's unhurried pace and diverse offerings - this isn't a destination to be rushed through, but rather one to be savoured like a fine vintage port.
At Cruising Holidays, we understand that the best way to experience the Douro Valley is by balancing must-see attractions with opportunities for personal discovery. Our Douro River cruise options provide the perfect introduction to this remarkable region, offering comfortable accommodation, expert guidance, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace while ensuring you don't miss any of the valley's best experiences.