The Douro's refinement
"In the Douro, men have broken up the stone, built walls, built thousands of kilometres of terraces, up mountains, down valleys, jumped rivers, looked for water and marked out places to live. They planted, grafted, pruned the vines, harvested the grapes, trodden the grapes, transported them, made the wine (...) And the wine made a region, made the manor houses, the farms and the huts. It made the wine presses and the cardenhos; the barrels and the rabelos (...)
António Barreto
This description by the Portuguese politician and chronicler António Barreto mirrors the soul of this region.
The Douro River winds its way from northern Spain along the Portuguese border towards Porto, where it meets the sea.
Approximately halfway through its course in Portugal, its waters flank a dramatic valley covered in rows of vineyards, green in summer, fire-coloured in autumn.
This is the Alto Douro Vinhateiro where wine has been produced for around 2,000 years, becoming the first wine region in the world to be formally demarcated in 1756, and it is an entire landscape protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discovering the estates where this nectar is produced and savouring the regional gastronomy will put your five senses to the test.
Here you'll find historic towns and fantastic villages that are well worth a visit: Favaios, Salzedas, Provesende, Ucanha, Trevões and Barcos.
Nature walks are also a highlight in this region, while the rugged mountains to the east are home to the prehistoric rock art of the Côa Valley, artistic expressions dating back some 25,000 years that embellish the banks of the Douro and the Côa.
There are countless activities on offer: boat trips, bird watching, mountain biking, etc.
You can count on our advice for a full experience.
Where to stay:
Six Senses Douro Valley
Lamego
This 19th-century manor house is perched high on a hill overlooking terraced vineyards that run down to the river Douro flowing gently at its feet. This house has been beautifully restored, with contemporary interiors that reflect the traditions and heritage of the region as well as the values of Six Senses. Spacious and comfortable rooms, suites and villas, set amidst flowering gardens and vineyards, seasonal cuisine and the region's top wines, as well as a stunning Six Senses Spa, await you to energise and brighten your soul.
Everything with the Six Senses label is synonymous with luxury and unrivalled beauty, and when you add to that a world-class wine region, you know it's paradise on earth!
Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta
Ervedosa do Douro
Ventozelo is more than a hotel...
It is a typical Douro estate that seeks to warmly welcome all who come here.
The offer ranges from one-off activities for short visits to the Quinta to full stays for those wishing to stay longer.
The Quinta's various buildings have been renovated while respecting the surrounding landscape and their original setting, maintaining the architectural features that defined them.
We would like to highlight the restaurant, a place where the Quinta de Ventozelo workers used to be served their meals. Today, this renovated space has given way to a special restaurant that maintains its role of bringing local cuisine and recipes to life.
QUINTA NOVA DE NOSSA SENHORA DO CARMO
Winery House - Relais & Châteaux
Covas do Douro
A stay at the Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo manor house allows guests to feel the atmosphere of a large Portuguese family home, surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the valley along 1.5 kilometres of the River Douro, in one of the most emblematic areas of the region.
The real luxury here is the ambience of the manor house, situated next to the original winery, built in 1764. It offers a unique setting, defined by the historic vineyard terraces that cross the different buildings, including a small chapel. The sophisticated and cosy comfort of the communal areas has been carefully thought out to make guests feel like the main protagonists, offering the ideal place to relax and enjoy life, taste some exquisite wines and savour the genuinely delicious food in Terraçu's restaurant, which guarantees excellent service from an attentive and experienced team.
With a unique setting overlooking the River Douro, the 11 rooms offer spectacular views over the centuries-old vineyard terraces - a breathtaking landscape.
Quinta de São Bernardo
Mesão Frio
The Quinta, located in the Baixo Corgo sub-region of the Douro region, is a family-run winery founded in 1912. It covers 15 hectares of vineyards and is situated on the banks of the River Douro and has a private pier.
The main building is a century-old family home from 1912. It has been completely restored, keeping the family spirit in the decor and details. With a total of nine rooms, there are seven doubles and two suites with private pools.
For those who want a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience, you can enjoy a delicious 8-course menu with a breathtaking view of the river under the stars. Whether you prefer to share the experience with others at our communal table or book a private table for a special occasion, we can provide the perfect setting for your evening.
HOTEL QUINTA DO VALLADDO
Peso da Régua
Since 2005, Quinta do Vallado has been ready to welcome guests to its comfortable Wine Hotel. Initially it opened its doors to the Traditional House, built in the 18th century and once belonging to the family of Mrs Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, where there are five recently renovated suites.
The growing success of the project led to the construction of a second building in 2012, made almost entirely of schist, the dominant material in the region's soil. This new eight-bedroom building was designed by architect Francisco Vieira de Campos, who was also responsible for the winery renovation project. In 2023, Casa da Eira was completed, with five more suites, using wood as the main construction element
HOTEL CASA DO RIO - VALLADO
Foz Côa
With only 10 rooms, strategically located between the vineyards and the river, with a marvellous view of the Douro.
Guests will have a unique experience in the middle of nature, with meals, wine tasting and various activities on land and on the river.
QUINTA DE LA ROSA
Sabrosa
This is a family-run wine estate that offers its guests the opportunity to enjoy and relax in a unique setting.
Quinta de La Rosa offers an eclectic range of accommodation to suit your needs during your visit to the Douro. All of its 23 rooms are spread across the property and give you the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy.
Guests can stay in the traditional family home or in the new, more modern building, all with views of the Douro.
The property's restaurant, Cozinha da Clara, is named after the owner's British grandmother and is inspired by her homemade dishes, featuring a menu of regional meals.
THE WINE HOUSE HOTEL QUINTA DA PACHECA
Cambres, Lamego
Quinta da Pacheca is located in the heart of the Douro region, near the town of Peso da Régua.
The typical 18th century house has been restored respecting the traditional architecture and original features, combining modern design with historic ambience, surrounded by centuries-old vineyards.
The new building, adjacent to the main house, has 24 rooms, most of which face the Douro River, offering breathtaking views,
For those who want a special stay, at the highest part of the property between the vineyards we find 10 giant barrels where you can stay.
An original circular glass door gives access to the outdoor deck from where you can admire the monumentality of the Douro Valley.
In the restaurant, with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside, guests can enjoy gourmet cuisine made with local produce.
The varied and tempting menu respects the concept of traditional Portuguese cuisine and uses typical Douro products that virtuoso Chef Carlos Pires works with almost divine inspiration.
QUINTA DA CÔRTE
Valencia do Douro
Located in the golden triangle of the world's most renowned estates, Quinta da Côrte cultivates its uniqueness. Based on respect for its beautiful land and ancestral gestures revisited with the latest knowledge, it produces truly remarkable wines.
The house has been welcoming passing guests since the 19th century. It has 8 rooms that offer the luxury of an elaborate simplicity. Bed linen in embroidered linen, designer carpets, bathrooms with handmade Portuguese earthenware in delicate colours, paintings, lithographs and artists' pastels.
Quinta da Côrte: between luxury, tradition and modernity
THE VINTAGE HOUSE
Pinhão
Classified as a World Heritage Site, and in the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, we find The Vintage House. This magnificent hotel, which once housed a winery, is characterised by an idyllic setting, surrounded by hills and mountains covered in vineyards that stretch down to the river.
The style is classic and the interiors are elegant, comfortable and sophisticated.
MONVERDE WINE EXPERIENCE HOTEL
Amarante
In Quinta de Sanguinhedo, located in the north of Portugal, between the cities of Felgueiras and Amarante, stands the Monverde Wine Experience hotel, the first wine hotel on the Vinho Verde Route.
Owned by Quinta da Lixa, one of the country's largest Vinho Verde producers, the new hotel is set in 30 hectares, 22 of which are vineyards.
An architectural project by Fernando Coelho, it blends in with the surrounding nature, including the blanket of vineyards that unites the different buildings on the property. The main structure, restored from an old manor house, houses the reception, restaurant, wine bar, spa and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
It has 29 rooms, some of which have a terrace, private gardens and a swimming pool.
The minimalist decor by designer Paulo Lobo is a common feature of all the accommodation spaces.
Chef Carlos Silva has tried to fit in with the culture of the region, one of Portugal's richest in terms of gastronomy, and has given it a new look, presenting light and colourful dishes, always combining the fresh produce of Quinta da Lixa with the usual flavours.
