When I was a college student, I backpacked through Europe and stopped in Lisbon. Fast forward twenty years, and I joined my parents and sister on a trip through Portugal, beginning in Lisbon, then visiting several small towns north of Lisbon, and eventually arriving in Porto. After Lisbon, we explored Porto and the Douro Valley for three days, and it was nothing short of spectacular. I know now that no trip to Portugal is complete without a stop in Porto and Douro Valley.
Where to Stay in Porto and Douro Valley
We stayed in the Portobay Teatro Hotel, an upscale, recently renovated building covered in a glass facade. It is conveniently located in the center of Porto; we did a walking tour of the city that kicked off just outside our hotel! We got ready for the day over a luxurious breakfast with fresh juices, a spread of fresh fruits, eggs made to order, granola and yogurt bowls, and freshly made loaves of bread served with jams, butter, and cheeses. Plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants are also within walking distance, and you are within 90 minutes of Douro Valley, so you can do multiple days of wine-tasting day trips to the vineyards.
What to Do
Walking tour of Porto: A walking tour of Porto is a great way to get an orientation of the city. Walk along the many alleys that showcase its stunning architectural treasures. From the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge to the colorful Ribeira district, you’ll discover hidden gems and historical narratives that bus tours simply miss.
Visit the wineries in Douro Valley! Since we were staying in Porto proper, we took a tour of local wineries starting at 9:00 am because it takes over an hour to get to the wineries in the valley. Here’s where we went:
- D’Origem: We kicked off our tour with a visit to this winery, where we were treated to a tour of the facility and learned about the Portuguese grapes and wine-making process. From there, we went to the deck where we sampled a series of wines, olive oils, honey, and bread, all while admiring the breathtaking views of the Douro Valley. We were enamored with the rose and ordered a case for delivery back to the United States.
- Quinta do Bomfim: Next, we visited this vineyard, which specializes in Ports – the sweet, fortified wines that the Douro Vally and Porto are famous for. Dating back to the 1800s, this is one of the oldest port houses in the world. We enjoyed an informative tour, and then a fun tasting.
Douro Valley Picnic + Boat Cruise: A great way to see Porto and Douro Valley is by water! The tour company arranged a picnic after the wine tasting for us, complete with stunning vantage points of the Douro Valley and plenty of wine, followed by a boat ride on the water, of course with more wine. It was unreal. Being surrounded by the water and the mountains and the rows and rows of grapevines – it doesn’t get much more beautiful than this.
Where to Eat
After each day of activities, we enjoyed dinner in the city at one of the following spots:
Jardineiro: As the name implies, this garden-inspired restaurant offers an idyllic green space for dining on exquisite fare. The cuisine is local and seasonal, and offers gems like mushroom skewers served with a bold garlic sauce, mushroom risotto, cannelloni with a tomato ragu, and, for dessert, crepes suzette with a super cool mint ice cream. Don’t skip the cocktails – the tropical gin and passion fruit concoction is perfection, and the colada punch will make sure you know you’re on vacation.
Esencia: With dishes like Caesar salad croquettes, portobello carpaccio, and pasta in a sundried tomato pesto, we loved the innovative approach of this restaurant that serves vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Porto and Douro Valley: The Verdict
Porto and the Douro Valley offer an exceptional, immersive journey to those who love food and wine. The vibrant city of Porto, with its historic charm, seamlessly blends into the stunning, vineyard-laden landscapes of the Douro Valley. Here, world-class Port and local flavors combine with breathtaking views, creating a truly memorable Portuguese adventure. Whether you’re a wine lover or simply seeking a picturesque getaway, Porto and the Douro Valley promise a magical experience.
