Douro Valley questions

I recall this Trip Report had some information about the Duoro Valley in it:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/2-week-portugal-trip-report

The larger towns right on the river are Régua and Pinhão. I’ve stayed in Pinhão twice at Quinta de la Rosa. It’s close to town and there are a number of wineries within a short distance. You can also catch a boat up river but it’s mainly just a sightseeing boat. I did see people get off at one point during the hour long trip but can’t remember where.

Most of the wineries will require a car but, at least in Pinhão, taxis are available and not too expensive.

There are other good size towns but not on the river. During my last trip, I decided next time I will take the train to Régua and rent a car so I can travel further from the train stations and river. But, I have not checked out how feasible that will be. It’s not a great idea (IMO) to drive from Porto.

Thanks for the replies...very helpful.
Thanks again,
Scott

@Kathrynj,
Why is it not a good idea to drive from Porto. I will be with 4 adults in May 2023 and we plan to pick up a car in Porto, drive to the Duoro, and then continue touring the countryside for 2.5 weeks. I can't imagine its cheaper to take a boat from Porto to Duoro and pick up a rental car in Pinhao? Open to your advice.

We were in Porto at end of this Sept for 7 nights, and then rented a car (from Budget at Porto Campanha train station) for two days to Douro Valley and the area.

Day 1: Porto (11am)-> Espiunca Paiva Walkway trail head, did a beautiful 8km hike -> Lamego (overnight)
Day 2: Lamego -> Peso de Régua -> Pinhão, then took a train ride to Pocinho and back -> Amarante (overnight)
Day 3: Amarante -> Porto (11am, then took train to Lisbon)

The roads there were narrow and twisty which made driving more challenging than we would prefer, especially since the local drivers are in permanent fast and furious mode. But we were the only car on the hilly road through eucalyptus forests from Porto to Espiunca, so that was peaceful. BTW the view of road N222 from Peso de Régua to Pinhão is as beautiful as many have said, but N323 from Pinhão to Amarante is even more breath taken in my opinion.

Also I would highly recommend the return train trip between Pinhão and Pocinho (about one hour each way and cost just a few euro). The route is mostly along the Douro River shore with beautiful views that probably is better (and covers more ground) than a boat tour, and a nice break from driving, especially for the driver ;-)

Emily pretty much said what I think. The roads are small and the driver doesn’t get to enjoy the views. But, renting once you are further up the Douro then driving around seems like the way to go. As Régua is a bigger town, it’s the most likely to have a car rental agency. But, I haven’t checked.

Umm Douro has the most romantic rated road in the world. N222

We were just there in November. We were in our rental car, and the driver could perfectly see most of the breathtaking views in the mountains. We were very happy we drove instead of taking a boat cruise. We did not stay overnight ... we stayed in Porto for 4 nights. We booked a wine tasting up the windy roads at Quinta de Santa Eufemia, a quinta that has been in their family for generations. One of the 7 grown children gave us a wonderful tour and then left us mostly alone to enjoy their delicious wines and ports, paired with chocolate. HIGHLY recommend!

Working on my trip and thanks for all the input....Is Porto worth staying more than 4 nights or spend 5 nights in each Douro & Lisbon?

We found 4 nights in Porto enough. We spent two solid days in Porto and took trips the other two days (Guimares, Amarante and Douro Valley).

Length is a bit personal thing, but 4 nights means 3 full days only. I personally think you need 3 full days in Porto, not too long and not too rushed. We had 7 nights (6 days) there, one day for jet leg recovery, one day for daytrip to Guimaraes via train, one day to walk along the ocean side trails near Pérgola da Foz, and 3 days spent in Porto.

Thanks for all the replies.

I believe I will spend 4 nights in Porto which will give me 3 full days (flying in from Toledo). I will then go to Douro and thinking of 6 nights there before I head for Lisbon for 4 nights which will give me 3 full days there.

Being I am doing the train/boat coming or going to Douro for 6 nights. Do I want to spend 3 nights in Pinho and then take a train to another town/village that has winery's close by? If so suggestion on a town/village accessible to train that has Winery's close by? or spend the 6 nights in Pinho and do day trips via train/boat/taxi?

Again thanks for all the info so far!