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Douro Valley ,( Blue Triangle Rating)

Posted by on

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone knew why the Duoro Valley is only given one star in the book?

Right now I have 6 days in Portugal and was thinking about doing 2 days in Lisbon, 1 day taking the train to Sintra, 2 days in Porto ( with one day being used as a base for Duoro Valley), and a few flex hours in Lisbon before leaving on our plane?

But if our time would be spent better going to a place with more Green Triangles like Coimbra, Bathala, Nazare, or Everoa I am all ears.

Also note I know the Algarve is listed as Red Triangles in the book but I think that Porto is a non- negotiable for my significant other. And I’ve heard it’s not even worth making it out as a day trip.

Posted by
32781 posts

I'm afraid that this can't answer your question, but thanks for posing it. It has been a few years since I've picked up a Rick Steves guidebook despite having two full shelves of them.

I never knew that RS had changed to coloured triangles. Last time I looked they were all black triangles - the books were all black ink on white paper with a couple of colour maps thrown in.

It sounds a much more complicated system. It used to be 3 triangles down to no triangles and always reflected Rick's preferences.

Posted by
2382 posts

The color of the triangles doesn't mean anything more the the number of triangles. I think it's just meant as another way to differentiate, and they are nothing more than RS's opinion. You are free to have your own. 😁

I was on the RS Portugal tour this past March/April. The Douro portion was pleasant, we had a nice visit to a vineyard that included a lunch. If that's the kind of thing you are planning, sure, go ahead. I think the 1 triangle just means it's something you can skip if that doesn't appeal.

Posted by
7562 posts

My opinion? The Douro Valley is scenic, and has wine, and...well, that is why you go. For many, it is just a nice valley. For a wine lover, it is probably a 5 star, or triangle, or some other color, and worthy of a two week stay.

Many of the other towns have a mix of sites and history, appealing to a wider range of people.

Don't take ratings too seriously. If something is highly rated in the book, then it is at least worth investigating to see if you have interest. A one star place, if the name or type of place does not resonate with you in a minute, then skip it unless you have the time.

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