Douro Valley, Portugal
Porto and the Douro Valley by motorhome, campervan or caravan: 3, 7 or 15-day route
The port wine city on the river and the terraced vineyards of the Douro, with riverside villages, baroque churches, viewpoints and wine estates.
Porto and the Douro Valley in 3 days
The essentials in three days: Porto and the port wine lodges of Gaia, then Peso da Régua and Lamego, and the vineyards of Pinhão in the heart of the valley.
Porto and the Douro Valley in 7 days
From the city to the upper valley: Porto and Gaia, Amarante, Vila Real and the Galafura viewpoint, Régua and Lamego, Pinhão and Favaios, São João da Pesqueira, ending with the rock art of Foz Côa.
Porto and the Douro Valley in 15 days
The whole Douro at an easy pace, from the Atlantic to the Spanish border: Porto, Gaia, Foz do Douro, Amarante, Vila Real, Galafura, Régua, Lamego, Ucanha and Salzedas, Pinhão, Favaios, São João da Pesqueira, Foz Côa, Castelo Rodrigo and Miranda do Douro.
Where is it?
About this route
Porto, a World Heritage city of tiled churches and colourful houses tumbling down to the river, is where port wine has been aged and shipped for centuries. Upstream, the Douro winds through one of the oldest wine regions in the world, also a World Heritage site: steep hills carved into thousands of vineyard terraces, white wine estates (quintas), and riverside towns linked by the N222, often called one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Further east the valley turns wild, with prehistoric rock art in the Côa valley and the deep granite canyon of the Douro International on the Spanish border. The 3-day version covers Porto and Gaia, Peso da Régua, Lamego and Pinhão, the 7-day one adds Amarante, Vila Real, the Galafura viewpoint, Favaios, São João da Pesqueira and Foz Côa, and the 15-day one adds the coast at Foz do Douro, Ucanha and Salzedas, Castelo Rodrigo and Miranda do Douro.
Good motorways (A4, A24) up to the valley, then winding roads with many bends along the river and up to the viewpoints. Roads to some wine estates are narrow and steep. Porto's centre is not suitable for motorhomes: stay at a campsite and use the metro.
Updated
Weather and temperatures
Averages for Vila Real
- SpringMar–May 8° / 18° Some rain
- SummerJun–Aug 14° / 28° Little rain
- AutumnSep–Nov 10° / 20° Rainy
- WinterDec–Feb 4° / 11° Rainy
The valley has its own climate, sheltered from the Atlantic by the mountains: hot, dry summers (often above 35 °C at the bottom of the valley in Pinhão and Régua) and cold, damp winters, with fog over the river. Porto, on the coast, is milder and wetter all year, rarely hot in summer. Spring brings green vineyards and wild flowers; the grape harvest, from mid-September to early October, is the most beautiful time, with the vines turning red and gold in October and November.
Typical lows and highs (average night and afternoon temperatures). They change from year to year, so check the forecast before you go.
Route map
Campsites, areas and parking come from OpenStreetMap. They can be incomplete or out of date: check before you go and always follow local signs.
Take this route with you
Porto and the Douro Valley in 3 days
Porto and the Douro Valley in 7 days
Porto and the Douro Valley in 15 days
The TXT file needs an internet connection to collect the campsites and motorhome areas. Google Maps opens the stops in order (long routes are split into parts, because Google Maps allows 10 points per route). Waze only navigates to one place at a time, so each day also has its own Waze button. Routes are a guide, not a fixed plan: in most cases you can also drive them in a different direction and skip stops.
No vehicle? Rent one for this route
Flying in? These companies rent motorhomes and campervans near the route or near the airports.
Nearest airports
- OPOPorto Airport≈ 15 km to Foz do Douro and Matosinhos
- VGOVigo Airport≈ 155 km to Amarante
Rental companies
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Roadsurfer PortoModivas (Vila do Conde)
About 10 minutes by taxi from Porto airport, or by metro to Modivas Centro and a 20-minute walk. No parking on site.
Website Roadsurfer Porto
A free list for information, checked in October 2026. We are not associated with these companies: check prices, insurance and conditions with them before booking. Do you rent motorhomes or campervans in this area? Contact us to appear here.
Day by day
Routes are a guide, not a fixed plan: in most cases you can also drive them in a different direction and skip stops.
Porto and the Douro Valley in 3 days
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Day1 Porto and Gaia≈ 5 km · ≈ 10 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Vila Nova de Gaia
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 2.3 km · freeDirections: Motorhome area
- CIstas GardenCampsite · 4.2 km · electricityDirections: Istas Garden
- CParque de Campismo de SalgueirosCampsite · 4.4 km · electricityDirections: Parque de Campismo de Salgueiros
- COrbitur CanideloCampsite · 4.6 kmDirections: Orbitur Canidelo
- CParque de Campismo MarisolCampsite · 5 kmDirections: Parque de Campismo Marisol
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Porto
Portugal's second city, a World Heritage site of granite churches, blue-and-white tiles and colourful houses stacked above the river. Walk down from the Clérigos tower and São Bento station, with its huge tiled hall, to the Ribeira quarter on the waterfront, and cross the iron Dom Luís I bridge on its upper deck.
What to see (4)
- Ribeira The riverside quarter of colourful houses, cafés and narrow lanes.
- Dom Luís I bridge Walk across the upper deck for views over the river and the city.
- São Bento station A hall covered with 20,000 blue-and-white tiles.
- Clérigos tower Climb the baroque tower for a view over the rooftops.
With a motorhome or caravan: The centre is steep, busy and not suitable for motorhomes. Stay at a campsite on the edge of the city, such as Angeiras or Madalena, and take the metro or bus.
Vila Nova de Gaia
Across the river from Porto, Gaia is where port wine has been aged for centuries. Dozens of lodges line the riverbank, from famous names to small family houses, with tours and tastings. Traditional rabelo boats are moored in front, and a cable car rises to the Serra do Pilar monastery and the best view of Porto.
What to see (4)
- Port wine lodges Tours and tastings in the cellars where port is aged.
- Serra do Pilar The monastery viewpoint over the bridge and Porto.
- Gaia cable car A short ride above the lodges along the riverbank.
- Six-bridge cruise A boat trip on the river under Porto's bridges.
With a motorhome or caravan: Same as Porto: leave the vehicle at the campsite and come by metro, or walk across the bridge.
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Day2 Peso da Régua and Lamego≈ 105 km · ≈ 2 h 20 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (4)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Lamego
- CCamping LamegoCampsite · 1.2 kmDirections: Camping Lamego
- CParque de Campismo do Monte de São DomingosCampsite · 5.9 kmDirections: Parque de Campismo do Monte de São Domingos
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 7 km · paid · electricityDirections: Motorhome area
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 7 km · paid · electricityDirections: Motorhome area
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Peso da Régua
The gateway to the Douro wine region, demarcated in 1756. The Douro Museum tells the story of the river and its wine, and boats leave from the quay for river cruises. From here the N222 follows the river east to Pinhão, a road with views of terraces at every bend.
What to see (4)
- Douro Museum The history of the river, the wine and the people of the valley.
- River cruise A boat trip from Régua to Pinhão through the vineyards.
- N222 The riverside road to Pinhão, with views at every bend.
- Riverside promenade A walk along the quay and the old railway bridge.
With a motorhome or caravan: Motorhome area and car parks by the river. Busy with tour buses at midday.
Lamego
An elegant episcopal town in the hills south of Régua, famous for the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, reached by a monumental baroque staircase of 686 steps decorated with tiles and fountains. It also has a cathedral, a castle and sparkling wine cellars.
What to see (4)
- Nossa Senhora dos Remédios A baroque sanctuary at the top of 686 decorated steps.
- Cathedral A cathedral with a Romanesque tower and a baroque interior.
- Castle A small medieval castle above the town.
- Sparkling wine cellars Tours and tastings in cellars cut into the rock.
With a motorhome or caravan: Park at the top of the sanctuary and walk down the stairs, or park in the lower town and walk up.
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Day3 Pinhão≈ 35 km · ≈ 45 min driving
Pinhão
A small village at the heart of the Douro wine region, surrounded by the most famous wine estates. Its railway station is decorated with tile panels of the harvest. Visit a quinta for a tasting, take a boat trip in a rabelo, or drive up to the Casal de Loivos viewpoint above a great bend in the river.
What to see (4)
- Railway station Tile panels of the grape harvest on the station walls.
- Wine estates Tours and tastings at the quintas around the village.
- Rabelo boat trip A short cruise on the river in a traditional boat.
- Casal de Loivos A viewpoint above a great bend of the river.
With a motorhome or caravan: Parking in the village is limited, especially in harvest season. Use the motorhome area or arrive early.
Porto and the Douro Valley in 7 days
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Day1 Porto and Gaia≈ 5 km · ≈ 10 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Vila Nova de Gaia
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 2.3 km · freeDirections: Motorhome area
- CIstas GardenCampsite · 4.2 km · electricityDirections: Istas Garden
- CParque de Campismo de SalgueirosCampsite · 4.4 km · electricityDirections: Parque de Campismo de Salgueiros
- COrbitur CanideloCampsite · 4.6 kmDirections: Orbitur Canidelo
- CParque de Campismo MarisolCampsite · 5 kmDirections: Parque de Campismo Marisol
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Porto
Portugal's second city, a World Heritage site of granite churches, blue-and-white tiles and colourful houses stacked above the river. Walk down from the Clérigos tower and São Bento station, with its huge tiled hall, to the Ribeira quarter on the waterfront, and cross the iron Dom Luís I bridge on its upper deck.
What to see (4)
- Ribeira The riverside quarter of colourful houses, cafés and narrow lanes.
- Dom Luís I bridge Walk across the upper deck for views over the river and the city.
- São Bento station A hall covered with 20,000 blue-and-white tiles.
- Clérigos tower Climb the baroque tower for a view over the rooftops.
With a motorhome or caravan: The centre is steep, busy and not suitable for motorhomes. Stay at a campsite on the edge of the city, such as Angeiras or Madalena, and take the metro or bus.
Vila Nova de Gaia
Across the river from Porto, Gaia is where port wine has been aged for centuries. Dozens of lodges line the riverbank, from famous names to small family houses, with tours and tastings. Traditional rabelo boats are moored in front, and a cable car rises to the Serra do Pilar monastery and the best view of Porto.
What to see (4)
- Port wine lodges Tours and tastings in the cellars where port is aged.
- Serra do Pilar The monastery viewpoint over the bridge and Porto.
- Gaia cable car A short ride above the lodges along the riverbank.
- Six-bridge cruise A boat trip on the river under Porto's bridges.
With a motorhome or caravan: Same as Porto: leave the vehicle at the campsite and come by metro, or walk across the bridge.
-
Day2 Amarante≈ 65 km · ≈ 1 h 25 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (1)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Amarante
- CAmarante CampingCampsite · 1.7 km · paid · electricityDirections: Amarante Camping
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Amarante
A riverside town on the Tâmega, with a granite bridge and the church and monastery of São Gonçalo reflected in the water. Its pastry shops sell conventual sweets made with eggs and sugar, and a museum shows the work of the modernist painter Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso.
What to see (4)
- São Gonçalo bridge A granite bridge over the Tâmega, with the church behind.
- Church of São Gonçalo A Renaissance church and monastery on the river.
- Conventual sweets Pastries made with eggs and sugar in the old pastry shops.
- Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso museum Modern art in the old monastery.
With a motorhome or caravan: Car parks along the river on the edge of the centre.
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Day3 Vila Real and São Leonardo de Galafura≈ 60 km · ≈ 1 h 20 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (4)Campsites and areas within 10 km of São Leonardo de Galafura
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 4.9 km · paid · electricityDirections: Motorhome area
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 5 km · paid · electricityDirections: Motorhome area
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 5.2 kmDirections: Motorhome area
- CParque de Campismo do Monte de São DomingosCampsite · 7 kmDirections: Parque de Campismo do Monte de São Domingos
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Vila Real and the Mateus Palace
A town on the edge of a deep gorge, gateway to the upper Douro. Just outside it stands the Mateus Palace, a baroque manor house in front of a long pool, famous as the picture on the Mateus Rosé wine label, with formal gardens and a tunnel of cedar trees.
What to see (4)
- Mateus Palace A baroque manor house with a mirror pool.
- Palace gardens Box hedges and a tunnel of cedar trees.
- Corgo gorge Viewpoints over the river canyon in the town.
- Alvão natural park Waterfalls and granite villages in the mountains nearby.
With a motorhome or caravan: Large car park at the Mateus Palace. The Alvão natural park, with waterfalls and granite villages, is close by.
São Leonardo de Galafura
One of the great viewpoints of the Douro, a rocky hilltop with a small chapel 640 m above the river. The poet Miguel Torga described the view of the endless vineyard terraces as "a geological poem". Come at sunset.
What to see (4)
- Viewpoint A sweeping view over the river and the vineyard terraces.
- Chapel of São Leonardo A small chapel on the rocks at the top.
- Miguel Torga poem The poet's words about the view, written on a stone.
- Sunset The best light on the terraces at the end of the day.
With a motorhome or caravan: The road up is narrow but paved, with a small car park at the top. Not recommended for very large vehicles.
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Day4 Peso da Régua and Lamego≈ 15 km · ≈ 20 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (4)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Lamego
- CCamping LamegoCampsite · 1.2 kmDirections: Camping Lamego
- CParque de Campismo do Monte de São DomingosCampsite · 5.9 kmDirections: Parque de Campismo do Monte de São Domingos
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 7 km · paid · electricityDirections: Motorhome area
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 7 km · paid · electricityDirections: Motorhome area
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Peso da Régua
The gateway to the Douro wine region, demarcated in 1756. The Douro Museum tells the story of the river and its wine, and boats leave from the quay for river cruises. From here the N222 follows the river east to Pinhão, a road with views of terraces at every bend.
What to see (4)
- Douro Museum The history of the river, the wine and the people of the valley.
- River cruise A boat trip from Régua to Pinhão through the vineyards.
- N222 The riverside road to Pinhão, with views at every bend.
- Riverside promenade A walk along the quay and the old railway bridge.
With a motorhome or caravan: Motorhome area and car parks by the river. Busy with tour buses at midday.
Lamego
An elegant episcopal town in the hills south of Régua, famous for the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, reached by a monumental baroque staircase of 686 steps decorated with tiles and fountains. It also has a cathedral, a castle and sparkling wine cellars.
What to see (4)
- Nossa Senhora dos Remédios A baroque sanctuary at the top of 686 decorated steps.
- Cathedral A cathedral with a Romanesque tower and a baroque interior.
- Castle A small medieval castle above the town.
- Sparkling wine cellars Tours and tastings in cellars cut into the rock.
With a motorhome or caravan: Park at the top of the sanctuary and walk down the stairs, or park in the lower town and walk up.
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Day5 Pinhão and Favaios≈ 45 km · ≈ 1 h driving
Where to sleep tonightCampsites and areas within 10 km of Favaios and Alijó
No campsites or motorhome areas within 10 km on OpenStreetMap. Check the route map for options a little further away.
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Pinhão
A small village at the heart of the Douro wine region, surrounded by the most famous wine estates. Its railway station is decorated with tile panels of the harvest. Visit a quinta for a tasting, take a boat trip in a rabelo, or drive up to the Casal de Loivos viewpoint above a great bend in the river.
What to see (4)
- Railway station Tile panels of the grape harvest on the station walls.
- Wine estates Tours and tastings at the quintas around the village.
- Rabelo boat trip A short cruise on the river in a traditional boat.
- Casal de Loivos A viewpoint above a great bend of the river.
With a motorhome or caravan: Parking in the village is limited, especially in harvest season. Use the motorhome area or arrive early.
Favaios and Alijó
A village on the plateau above Pinhão, famous for its round loaves baked in wood-fired ovens and its sweet Moscatel wine. The Bread and Wine Museum explains both, and the cooperative winery offers tastings.
What to see (4)
- Bread and Wine Museum How the village's bread and Moscatel are made.
- Wood-fired bakeries Round loaves fresh from the ovens.
- Moscatel tasting Sweet Moscatel wine at the cooperative winery.
- Alijó A small town on the plateau with a large plane tree in the square.
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Day6 São João da Pesqueira≈ 20 km · ≈ 25 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (1)Campsites and areas within 10 km of São João da Pesqueira
- CParque do CaboCampsite · 0.2 km · paidDirections: Parque do Cabo
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.São João da Pesqueira
A wine town on the south bank with a fine main square. Nearby, the São Salvador do Mundo viewpoint, with small chapels on a rocky hillside, looks down on the river where it once flowed through dangerous rapids.
What to see (4)
- São Salvador do Mundo A hillside of chapels and a viewpoint over the river.
- Main square An elegant square with arcades and a town hall.
- Wine estates Quintas on the south bank of the river.
- Ervedosa do Douro A village among vineyards with views over the valley.
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Day7 Vila Nova de Foz Côa≈ 30 km · ≈ 40 min driving
Vila Nova de Foz Côa
The base for visiting the Côa Valley Archaeological Park, a World Heritage site with thousands of rock engravings of horses, aurochs and goats made more than 20,000 years ago. The Côa Museum, built into the hillside, introduces the sites, which you visit with a guide. In February and March the almond trees blossom all around.
What to see (4)
- Côa Museum A modern museum built into the hillside above the river.
- Rock art sites Guided visits to Palaeolithic engravings at Canada do Inferno, Penascosa and Ribeira de Piscos.
- Almond blossom White and pink flowers on the hills in February and March.
- Pocinho The end of the Douro railway line, by the river.
With a motorhome or caravan: Motorhome area in the town. Guided visits to the rock art sites leave by 4x4 from the reception centres: book ahead.
Porto and the Douro Valley in 15 days
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Day1 PortoArrival day
Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Porto
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 2.5 km · freeDirections: Motorhome area
- CIstas GardenCampsite · 4.7 km · electricityDirections: Istas Garden
- CParque de Campismo de SalgueirosCampsite · 4.8 km · electricityDirections: Parque de Campismo de Salgueiros
- COrbitur CanideloCampsite · 4.9 kmDirections: Orbitur Canidelo
- CParque de Campismo MarisolCampsite · 5.4 kmDirections: Parque de Campismo Marisol
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Porto
Portugal's second city, a World Heritage site of granite churches, blue-and-white tiles and colourful houses stacked above the river. Walk down from the Clérigos tower and São Bento station, with its huge tiled hall, to the Ribeira quarter on the waterfront, and cross the iron Dom Luís I bridge on its upper deck.
What to see (4)
- Ribeira The riverside quarter of colourful houses, cafés and narrow lanes.
- Dom Luís I bridge Walk across the upper deck for views over the river and the city.
- São Bento station A hall covered with 20,000 blue-and-white tiles.
- Clérigos tower Climb the baroque tower for a view over the rooftops.
With a motorhome or caravan: The centre is steep, busy and not suitable for motorhomes. Stay at a campsite on the edge of the city, such as Angeiras or Madalena, and take the metro or bus.
-
Day2 Vila Nova de Gaia≈ 5 km · ≈ 10 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Vila Nova de Gaia
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 2.3 km · freeDirections: Motorhome area
- CIstas GardenCampsite · 4.2 km · electricityDirections: Istas Garden
- CParque de Campismo de SalgueirosCampsite · 4.4 km · electricityDirections: Parque de Campismo de Salgueiros
- COrbitur CanideloCampsite · 4.6 kmDirections: Orbitur Canidelo
- CParque de Campismo MarisolCampsite · 5 kmDirections: Parque de Campismo Marisol
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Vila Nova de Gaia
Across the river from Porto, Gaia is where port wine has been aged for centuries. Dozens of lodges line the riverbank, from famous names to small family houses, with tours and tastings. Traditional rabelo boats are moored in front, and a cable car rises to the Serra do Pilar monastery and the best view of Porto.
What to see (4)
- Port wine lodges Tours and tastings in the cellars where port is aged.
- Serra do Pilar The monastery viewpoint over the bridge and Porto.
- Gaia cable car A short ride above the lodges along the riverbank.
- Six-bridge cruise A boat trip on the river under Porto's bridges.
With a motorhome or caravan: Same as Porto: leave the vehicle at the campsite and come by metro, or walk across the bridge.
-
Day3 Foz do Douro and Matosinhos≈ 5 km · ≈ 10 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Foz do Douro and Matosinhos
- COrbitur CanideloCampsite · 2.9 kmDirections: Orbitur Canidelo
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 3.2 km · freeDirections: Motorhome area
- CParque de Campismo de SalgueirosCampsite · 3.5 km · electricityDirections: Parque de Campismo de Salgueiros
- CParque de Campismo MarisolCampsite · 4.6 kmDirections: Parque de Campismo Marisol
- CIstas GardenCampsite · 5.2 km · electricityDirections: Istas Garden
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Foz do Douro and Matosinhos
Where the Douro meets the Atlantic: a seaside promenade with a lighthouse, gardens and old fishermen's houses. Just north, Matosinhos is famous for its fish restaurants with grills on the street, and Leça da Palmeira for the tidal swimming pools designed by the architect Álvaro Siza.
What to see (4)
- Felgueiras lighthouse A small lighthouse at the end of a breakwater, where the waves crash.
- Seafront promenade Gardens, cafés and rocky beaches from Foz to Matosinhos.
- Matosinhos fish grills Fresh fish grilled in the street outside the restaurants.
- Leça tidal pools Seawater pools among the rocks, designed by Álvaro Siza.
With a motorhome or caravan: Easier than central Porto: there are car parks along the seafront and near the Matosinhos beach.
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Day4 Amarante≈ 70 km · ≈ 1 h 35 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (1)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Amarante
- CAmarante CampingCampsite · 1.7 km · paid · electricityDirections: Amarante Camping
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Amarante
A riverside town on the Tâmega, with a granite bridge and the church and monastery of São Gonçalo reflected in the water. Its pastry shops sell conventual sweets made with eggs and sugar, and a museum shows the work of the modernist painter Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso.
What to see (4)
- São Gonçalo bridge A granite bridge over the Tâmega, with the church behind.
- Church of São Gonçalo A Renaissance church and monastery on the river.
- Conventual sweets Pastries made with eggs and sugar in the old pastry shops.
- Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso museum Modern art in the old monastery.
With a motorhome or caravan: Car parks along the river on the edge of the centre.
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Day5 Vila Real and the Mateus Palace≈ 40 km · ≈ 55 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (3)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Vila Real and the Mateus Palace
- CParque de Campismo de Vila RealCampsite · 1.7 km · paid · electricityDirections: Parque de Campismo de Vila Real
- AZona de Caravanas do Parque de Campismo de Vila RealMotorhome area · 1.8 km · paid · electricityDirections: Zona de Caravanas do Parque de Campismo de Vila Real
- CParque de Campismo NaturWaterParkCampsite · 6.9 kmDirections: Parque de Campismo NaturWaterPark
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Vila Real and the Mateus Palace
A town on the edge of a deep gorge, gateway to the upper Douro. Just outside it stands the Mateus Palace, a baroque manor house in front of a long pool, famous as the picture on the Mateus Rosé wine label, with formal gardens and a tunnel of cedar trees.
What to see (4)
- Mateus Palace A baroque manor house with a mirror pool.
- Palace gardens Box hedges and a tunnel of cedar trees.
- Corgo gorge Viewpoints over the river canyon in the town.
- Alvão natural park Waterfalls and granite villages in the mountains nearby.
With a motorhome or caravan: Large car park at the Mateus Palace. The Alvão natural park, with waterfalls and granite villages, is close by.
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Day6 São Leonardo de Galafura≈ 15 km · ≈ 20 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (4)Campsites and areas within 10 km of São Leonardo de Galafura
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 4.9 km · paid · electricityDirections: Motorhome area
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 5 km · paid · electricityDirections: Motorhome area
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 5.2 kmDirections: Motorhome area
- CParque de Campismo do Monte de São DomingosCampsite · 7 kmDirections: Parque de Campismo do Monte de São Domingos
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.São Leonardo de Galafura
One of the great viewpoints of the Douro, a rocky hilltop with a small chapel 640 m above the river. The poet Miguel Torga described the view of the endless vineyard terraces as "a geological poem". Come at sunset.
What to see (4)
- Viewpoint A sweeping view over the river and the vineyard terraces.
- Chapel of São Leonardo A small chapel on the rocks at the top.
- Miguel Torga poem The poet's words about the view, written on a stone.
- Sunset The best light on the terraces at the end of the day.
With a motorhome or caravan: The road up is narrow but paved, with a small car park at the top. Not recommended for very large vehicles.
-
Day7 Peso da Régua≈ 5 km · ≈ 10 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Peso da Régua
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 1 km · paid · electricityDirections: Motorhome area
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 1.1 km · paid · electricityDirections: Motorhome area
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 4.7 kmDirections: Motorhome area
- CParque de Campismo do Monte de São DomingosCampsite · 5.9 kmDirections: Parque de Campismo do Monte de São Domingos
- CCamping LamegoCampsite · 8.5 kmDirections: Camping Lamego
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Peso da Régua
The gateway to the Douro wine region, demarcated in 1756. The Douro Museum tells the story of the river and its wine, and boats leave from the quay for river cruises. From here the N222 follows the river east to Pinhão, a road with views of terraces at every bend.
What to see (4)
- Douro Museum The history of the river, the wine and the people of the valley.
- River cruise A boat trip from Régua to Pinhão through the vineyards.
- N222 The riverside road to Pinhão, with views at every bend.
- Riverside promenade A walk along the quay and the old railway bridge.
With a motorhome or caravan: Motorhome area and car parks by the river. Busy with tour buses at midday.
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Day8 Lamego≈ 10 km · ≈ 15 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (4)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Lamego
- CCamping LamegoCampsite · 1.2 kmDirections: Camping Lamego
- CParque de Campismo do Monte de São DomingosCampsite · 5.9 kmDirections: Parque de Campismo do Monte de São Domingos
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 7 km · paid · electricityDirections: Motorhome area
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 7 km · paid · electricityDirections: Motorhome area
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Lamego
An elegant episcopal town in the hills south of Régua, famous for the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, reached by a monumental baroque staircase of 686 steps decorated with tiles and fountains. It also has a cathedral, a castle and sparkling wine cellars.
What to see (4)
- Nossa Senhora dos Remédios A baroque sanctuary at the top of 686 decorated steps.
- Cathedral A cathedral with a Romanesque tower and a baroque interior.
- Castle A small medieval castle above the town.
- Sparkling wine cellars Tours and tastings in cellars cut into the rock.
With a motorhome or caravan: Park at the top of the sanctuary and walk down the stairs, or park in the lower town and walk up.
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Day9 Ucanha and Salzedas≈ 10 km · ≈ 15 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (2)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Ucanha and Salzedas
- CParque de Campismo do Monte de São DomingosCampsite · 7.3 kmDirections: Parque de Campismo do Monte de São Domingos
- CCamping LamegoCampsite · 8.9 kmDirections: Camping Lamego
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Ucanha and Salzedas
Two quiet villages of the Varosa valley: Ucanha has a medieval bridge with a fortified tower where tolls were paid, and Salzedas a huge Cistercian monastery in a village of narrow lanes. The monastery of São João de Tarouca, the first Cistercian house in Portugal, is nearby.
What to see (4)
- Ucanha bridge A medieval bridge with a fortified toll tower.
- Salzedas monastery A huge Cistercian church and cloister in the village.
- São João de Tarouca The first Cistercian monastery in Portugal.
- Varosa valley Quiet roads among orchards and vineyards.
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Day10 Pinhão≈ 30 km · ≈ 40 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (2)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Pinhão
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 6.9 kmDirections: Motorhome area
- AQuinta da PadrelaMotorhome area · 7.4 km · freeDirections: Quinta da Padrela
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Pinhão
A small village at the heart of the Douro wine region, surrounded by the most famous wine estates. Its railway station is decorated with tile panels of the harvest. Visit a quinta for a tasting, take a boat trip in a rabelo, or drive up to the Casal de Loivos viewpoint above a great bend in the river.
What to see (4)
- Railway station Tile panels of the grape harvest on the station walls.
- Wine estates Tours and tastings at the quintas around the village.
- Rabelo boat trip A short cruise on the river in a traditional boat.
- Casal de Loivos A viewpoint above a great bend of the river.
With a motorhome or caravan: Parking in the village is limited, especially in harvest season. Use the motorhome area or arrive early.
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Day11 Favaios and Alijó≈ 15 km · ≈ 20 min driving
Where to sleep tonightCampsites and areas within 10 km of Favaios and Alijó
No campsites or motorhome areas within 10 km on OpenStreetMap. Check the route map for options a little further away.
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Favaios and Alijó
A village on the plateau above Pinhão, famous for its round loaves baked in wood-fired ovens and its sweet Moscatel wine. The Bread and Wine Museum explains both, and the cooperative winery offers tastings.
What to see (4)
- Bread and Wine Museum How the village's bread and Moscatel are made.
- Wood-fired bakeries Round loaves fresh from the ovens.
- Moscatel tasting Sweet Moscatel wine at the cooperative winery.
- Alijó A small town on the plateau with a large plane tree in the square.
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Day12 São João da Pesqueira≈ 20 km · ≈ 25 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (1)Campsites and areas within 10 km of São João da Pesqueira
- CParque do CaboCampsite · 0.2 km · paidDirections: Parque do Cabo
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.São João da Pesqueira
A wine town on the south bank with a fine main square. Nearby, the São Salvador do Mundo viewpoint, with small chapels on a rocky hillside, looks down on the river where it once flowed through dangerous rapids.
What to see (4)
- São Salvador do Mundo A hillside of chapels and a viewpoint over the river.
- Main square An elegant square with arcades and a town hall.
- Wine estates Quintas on the south bank of the river.
- Ervedosa do Douro A village among vineyards with views over the valley.
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Day13 Vila Nova de Foz Côa≈ 30 km · ≈ 40 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (2)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Vila Nova de Foz Côa
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 0.6 kmDirections: Motorhome area
- AÁrea de Autocaravanas Jean Pierre Rossi e Alberto Brochado TexeiraMotorhome area · 7.2 km · paid · electricityDirections: Área de Autocaravanas Jean Pierre Rossi e Alberto Brochado Texeira
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Vila Nova de Foz Côa
The base for visiting the Côa Valley Archaeological Park, a World Heritage site with thousands of rock engravings of horses, aurochs and goats made more than 20,000 years ago. The Côa Museum, built into the hillside, introduces the sites, which you visit with a guide. In February and March the almond trees blossom all around.
What to see (4)
- Côa Museum A modern museum built into the hillside above the river.
- Rock art sites Guided visits to Palaeolithic engravings at Canada do Inferno, Penascosa and Ribeira de Piscos.
- Almond blossom White and pink flowers on the hills in February and March.
- Pocinho The end of the Douro railway line, by the river.
With a motorhome or caravan: Motorhome area in the town. Guided visits to the rock art sites leave by 4x4 from the reception centres: book ahead.
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Day14 Castelo Rodrigo≈ 35 km · ≈ 45 min driving
Where to sleep tonight (1)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Castelo Rodrigo
- AMotorhome areaMotorhome area · 0.2 km · electricityDirections: Motorhome area
Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.Castelo Rodrigo
A walled hilltop village, one of Portugal's "historic villages", with the ruins of a 16th-century palace, a cistern, and views over the plateau to Spain. Below, the Douro reaches Barca d'Alva, where the river enters Portugal and the last river cruises turn round.
What to see (4)
- Walled village Granite houses and lanes inside medieval walls.
- Palace ruins The ruined palace of Cristóvão de Moura.
- Views to Spain A wide view over the plateau from the walls.
- Barca d'Alva The village where the Douro enters Portugal, with almond groves.
With a motorhome or caravan: Park outside the walls; the lanes inside are for pedestrians.
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Day15 Miranda do Douro≈ 120 km · ≈ 2 h 40 min driving
Miranda do Douro
A border town on the edge of the deep granite canyon of the Douro International natural park, where griffon vultures and eagles nest in the cliffs. It has a cathedral, a castle ruin and its own language, Mirandese. Take a boat trip into the canyon and try the local beef steak, posta mirandesa.
What to see (4)
- Douro International canyon A boat trip between granite cliffs with vultures and eagles.
- Cathedral A 16th-century cathedral in the old town.
- Old town Granite houses, the castle ruin and the Mirandese language.
- Posta mirandesa A thick grilled beef steak, the local speciality.
With a motorhome or caravan: Car parks near the dam and the old town. Overnight stays in the natural park are only allowed in authorised places.
Distances and driving times are approximate, measured between stops. Use the Directions links for the exact road route.
Tips for motorhomes, campervans and caravans
Overnight stays · Tolls · Wine estates · Train and boat · Grape harvest5
Overnight stays
Motorhomes may stay overnight for up to 48 hours in the same municipality, but not in natural parks or Natura 2000 sites, such as the Douro International, unless the place is authorised. Use campsites and motorhome areas, and ask at wine estates, some of which welcome motorhomes.
Tolls
The A4 from Porto has toll booths, but the A24, A41 and A42 have electronic tolls only. With a foreign vehicle, register your number plate and card with EasyToll or buy a toll card before you drive on them. Rental vehicles usually come with a device.
Wine estates
Many quintas offer tours and tastings, but most need a booking, especially at weekends and in harvest season. Do not drink and drive: Portugal's limit is 0.5 g/l, and 0.2 g/l for drivers with less than three years' experience.
Train and boat
The Douro railway line runs along the river from Porto to Régua, Pinhão and Pocinho, one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe. Combined with a river cruise, it is a good way to see the valley without driving the winding roads.
Grape harvest
From mid-September to early October the valley is at its liveliest. Some estates invite visitors to pick grapes or tread them in stone tanks. Book campsites and tastings ahead at this time.
Frequently asked questions
5
How many days do you need for Porto and the Douro Valley by motorhome, campervan or caravan?
Three days are enough for Porto and the port wine lodges of Gaia, then Peso da Régua, Lamego and Pinhão in the heart of the valley. With seven days you can add Amarante, Vila Real and the Mateus Palace, the Galafura viewpoint, Favaios and the Côa valley rock art. Fifteen days let you add the coast at Foz do Douro, the monasteries of Ucanha and Salzedas, the walled village of Castelo Rodrigo and the canyon of Miranda do Douro, with time for wine tastings and a river cruise.
Where can you sleep with a motorhome, campervan or caravan in the Douro Valley?
In campsites and in the motorhome areas (áreas de serviço para autocaravanas) of the towns and villages, several of them by the river in Régua, Pinhão and Foz Côa. Some wine estates also welcome motorhomes. Portuguese law allows motorhomes to stay overnight for up to 48 hours in the same municipality, but not in natural parks or Natura 2000 sites, such as the Douro International, unless the place is authorised. Caravans are only accepted in campsites. The route map shows the campsites, motorhome areas and parking places near every stop.
When is the best time to visit the Douro Valley?
Spring (April to June) for green vineyards and mild weather, and the grape harvest from mid-September to early October, when many estates offer harvest experiences. October and early November paint the terraces red and gold. July and August are very hot in the valley. In February and March the almond trees blossom around Foz Côa.
Can you drive the Porto and Douro route in reverse or skip stops?
Yes. The route is a guide, not a fixed plan: you can enter Portugal from Spain at Miranda do Douro or Barca d'Alva and drive west to Porto, begin at whichever stop is closest to you, or skip the stops that interest you less. Distances between stops stay the same in both directions.
Are the roads suitable for large motorhomes and caravans?
The motorways and the main roads, such as the N222 between Régua and Pinhão, are fine with care, but they have many bends and few places to stop. The roads up to the viewpoints and to some wine estates are narrow and steep, and the old centres of Porto, Amarante and Lamego are difficult. With a large vehicle, stay on the main roads, park on the edge of the towns, and consider the Douro train or a boat for part of the valley.