How to Explore Portugal’s Douro Valley by Train

Why You Should Explore Douro Valley by Train

My trip to Portugal couldn’t have been more out of the blue. But in any case, I finally made it to this amazing land of wine, natural beauty, and delicious cuisine. I had heard many things about Portugal, and within moments of arrival, I was convinced this would be one of the best trips of my life.

After a week in the islands of the Azores and Madeira, I was now on the mainland. After the emptiness of the tiny Atlantic islands, stepping into the hustle and bustle of Porto’s main train station was quite the change in scenery. Porto, however, would have to wait because my journey was taking me further west—to the land of vineyards and along the river of gold, exploring Douro Valley by train.

It’s something every traveler should do at least once. 

No trip to Portugal would be complete without a trip through the Douro Valley to visit some of the worlds’ most famous makers of Port and Portuguese wine.   The Portuguese have been making wine for hundreds of years. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the English contracted with the Portuguese to produce and ship them wines—Port and Madeira wine were what the English noblemen drank during their business dealings. This partnership changed the way Portugal was developed and shaped its history and future.

This extensive wine-making history that you can still taste today is only part of the reason you should visit the Douro Valley. I’ll talk more about what makes this region so fascinating as we delve into how you can plan to explore Douro Valley by train!  

Venturing into the lush and lively Douro Valley, I can’t wait to introduce you to the sights, smells, landmarks, and cultural highlights I found along the way. I may include affiliate links in this post, so if you click and make a purchase, it helps me receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. 

What Is the Douro Valley in Portugal?

The Douro River stretches from Spain and travels through one of the most beautiful valleys in Portugal, where it meets the ocean in Porto. It is a place of deep valleys, high hillsides, and quiet villages with perfect rows of grapes that have been cut into the steep hillsides. From the hilltops, you can look down into the meandering and calm wide expanse of the river. This region is the first demarcated wine region in the world and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001.

This wine region is not as easily or closely knit as California’s Napa Valley, but don’t let that stop you from spending several days exploring. The traditional wineries are called Quintas and there are some fantastic ones to visit for wine tastings, picnic lunches, or even overnights in the Douro Valley. Whether making a side trip from Porto or planning to stay in the Douro for most of your time in Portugal, you won’t be disappointed—especially if you’re exploring Douro Valley by train.

Getting to the Douro Valley

Coming from Porto, you have several options to travel into the Douro Valley. Most people travel into the town of Peso da Regua, which is home to the largest harbor as well as a riverside town center. From Porto to Regua it is about 118 kilometers.

Traveling By Car

The fastest way into the valley is by car. The roads are narrow, winding and have many steep drop-offs along the way, so if you are brave, feel free to rent a car. But you will be better off hiring a taxi or Uber and then arranging for transportation when needed while in the valley.

Tip: An Uber from Porto Campanha Station in Porto to Mosteiro is about 58€ from Mostiero. I would recommend continuing by train for an additional 10€.

Traveling by Water

If you have flexible travel plans or more time take a boat from Porto upriver to Regua, or continue all the way to the border of Spain. You can also choose to head there via train and return via boat.

How to Explore Douro Valley by Train or Boat

By Train

From Porto, you can travel from Sao Bento train station or Porto Campanha station. Sao Bento is one of the most beautiful stations in the world with huge mosaics of Azulejo tile. Check the schedules and try to get on the Linha do Douro. It takes about 2.5 hours to get to Regua from Porto.

Tip: Make sure you sit on the right-hand side on the way up to see the river.

By Boat and Bus

1. Roteiro Do Douro 

This is a 1-day, one-way cruise. This cruise departs Porto at 8am travels through two dams upstream and drops you in Regua at 3pm. Lunch and wine are served onboard. This trip includes a return by bus.

Tip: I recommend staying in the Douro Valley for another day or so and returning by train.

2. Cruzeiros Douro

Take a 1-day cruise from Regua to Pocinho and back to Regua. This great day trip starts in the heart of the wine region and travels upstream by bus through some of the most beautiful and peaceful part of the Douro. Return to Regua by boat and enjoy the beautiful landscape by the water.

3. Viking River Cruises

This 10-day cruise travels from Lisbon to Porto, exploring the Douro Valley from $2,399. It’s an amazing option if you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of the river and Portugal. There are lots of shore excursions and you’ll get 5 full days in the Douro Valley.

Where to Stay in the Douro Valley

These are the best recommendations I have on places to stay in the Douro Valley, whether you choose to come and explore it on foot, by train, by boat, or by bus. 

• ​Douro Royal Valley Hotel & Spa: This fantastic hotel & spa is located downriver from Regua. They believe in connecting you with nature, all the rooms face the river, lots of amenities, pool, spa, tennis courts and eco friendly. Read my Douro Royal Valley Hotel & Spa review here.
• Quinta De La Rosa: This bed & breakfast just underwent a huge renovation. It sits perched above the river with remarkable views. The best part is getting private dining and inclusion in the workings of the vineyard. If you go in late September to early October, you may even be able to see the harvest.

Fun Things to Do in the Douro Valley

Looking for things to do while you’re exploring Douro Valley by train or another way? These were some of the highlights of my trip and I know you’ll enjoy checking out activities like taking a cruise, visiting vineyards and wine rooms, and more. 

Take a Rabelo Cruise

If you happened to make into the Douro Valley by train or car, you have to go on a Rabelo cruise while in the valley. These are the traditional Portuguese boats and seeing the valley from the water is a must-do. Departures leave from Pinhao and Regua multiple times a day.

Visit the Vineyards

Growing grapes on these steep hillsides isn’t easy and requires more manpower than most grape growing operations. The narrow and steep aisles make it close to impossible for machines to be of use. While many of the big Port companies also have tasting rooms in Porto, seeing them where they actually grow the grapes is amazing. Make sure you also visit some of the more mom-and-pop growers.

Check Out Local Quintas

• Quinta de La Rosa: This family-owned estate is set above the town of Regua. They have just finished a complete refurbishment, including their great bed and breakfast. Here you can enjoy a tasting, a guided tour, or a fully immersive wine and food experience by staying onsite.
• Quinta da Pacheca: One of the oldest estates in the Douro. They have guided tours, wine tastings, food tastings and classes
• Quinta do Seixo: Near the village of Pinhao upriver. This vineyard has breathtaking views over the river. Have a picnic in the vineyard, a guided tour, or a tasting.

Day Trips from Douro Valley

While you’re in the region, here are some side quests—okay, day trips—you can take to make the most of your experience in the valley.

Coa Valley

Near the town of Pinhao is the Coa Museum, which celebrates and highlights some of man’s oldest rock art drawings. It is in this valley where hundreds of rock art drawings were discovered. Now part of a World Heritage site, you can travel the historic road by car or join or daily tour from the northern region.

Things to Consider When Touring the Douro Valley

• Don’t forget Euros. There was nowhere to exchange money once I left Porto, and very few places (including the train stations) took credit cards.
• Pack what you’ll need. A raincoat, sun protection essentials, comfy shoes for walking or hiking, layers to shed or add, and a camera to capture photos are all musts for visiting the Douro Valley.
• Check out museums. The Lamego and Museo do Douro are all excellent museums where you can learn about the valley’s history as a hub of winemaking and religion. 
• Visit at the right time. The best time to visit the Douro Valley is between the mild, blooming months of April and June, or between September and October if you want to be here for the grape harvest. 

Get Ready to Explore Douro Valley by Train or Boat

The Douro was a highlight of my trip to Portugal, and the country as a whole is one of my favorite destinations I have had the pleasure of exploring. With so much jaw-dropping scenery, there are an abundance of destinations to visit. From its Southern surf towns to its historic cities, rugged island chains, and quaint villages, you won’t be disappointed with a visit to this fantastic country—no matter how you choose to explore.