10 Favorite Ports on the Douro River

Favorite ports on the Douro River include the thriving city of Porto, Ferradosa, and Pinhao in the wine region, and Régua-where one of Portugal’s finest 18th-century palaces brings the history of the region into clear focus. 
Porto
Wine shops that offer Port flights on the banks of the Douro River, historic markets that opened a century ago, pedestrian streets where cafes and restaurants bring a hip crowd, and a mix of old and new architecture make exploring Porto an active endeavor. For art lovers, the Rua de Miguel Bombarda and the São Bento train station offer both modern and formal works of the city’s artists.
Régua
Regua is one of the largest towns on the Douro River that has traditionally been a transfer point between the region’s wineries and Porto. Today, the Museu do the Douro tells the story of the wine and the people who made it for centuries.  The nearby Palacio de Mateus brings history to life and is considered one of the most beautiful 18th-century palaces in the country with a chapel, winery, and exquisitely manicured gardens around the main house.  
Vega de Terron and Salamanca
Vega de Terron is a sleepy city on the border of Spain and Portugal that takes travelers away from the hustle and bustle of other ports on the Douro River. It is a rural port where wandering quiet streets and exploring the countryside is a breath of fresh air.
Salamanca is the main reason that cruises stop here. Located two hours away from the port, the city is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in the 13th century. Architecture with the borders ranges from Romanesque to Renaissance, with the Castilian sun adding a glow to the skyline that enchants those who visit. 
Ferradosa and Pinhao
Ferradosa and Pinhao are ports of calls that are based in the rural wine country of Portugal. Cruises drop guests off at Ferradosa for a journey through the winding roads that pass vineyards and small villages, stopping for tastings, before ending the trip and being picked up at Pinhao. 
Lamego
Full of history including a cathedral that was built by the first King of Portugal, Lamego in the wine country is a cultural beacon where museums in an 18th-century bishop’s palace house 500-year old works of art and 17th century azulejos-painted tiles-open new doors to the art and history of the country. The city’s shining star is the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, a Baroque church standing at the top of hundreds of elaborately decorated stairs.
Barca D'alva
A favorite of wine and country lovers, Barca D’alva is a town where nature is in charge. Rolling hills of olive farms and wineries make the area a fun retreat into the rural life of Portugal that has held its traditions for centuries. 
Folgosa and Leverinho
Overlooking the Douro River and one of the lesser-known ports of call on cruises, Folgosa is part of the region’s wine route and boasts some out of the way eateries that bring people in search of good food and wine. Leverinho also has something to offer for those who want to experience traditional Portugal, offering stunning views and a thriving culture. 
For more information about a Douro River cruise that is far away from the ordinary, contact one of our travel experts.