The Douro River

About the Douro
UNESCO Heritage Sites
Douro River Cruise Portugal to Porto

Ports-of-Call on the Douro River

Here you can find a list of some of the more common river cruise ports along the Douro River as it flows through Europe.  These may be the most common, but there may be others that can be found on select river cruises.  Your River Cruise Artist can provide you with the full itinerary and all ports for any river cruise that you may be interested in, on any river cruise operator. Explore the Douro River further and learn more about it’s ports-of-call.

Bitetos

Portugal

One of the small but beautiful river cruise port towns on the Douro River is Bitetos, which lies very close to Pinhao, another Douro River Valley port town. Bitetos is a former Roman village evidenced through its rich architecture and regional importance. Although it is a perfect place from which to explore a local winery, Bitetos welcomes river cruise travelers from the Douro to its town of shops and restaurants and its most popular attraction, the Benedictine Monastery of Alpendurada from the 11th century. The monastery is open to visitors for tours. Douro River cruisers will find Bitetos to be a welcoming port on their journey through the valley.

Castelo Rodrigo

Portugal

Although not on the Douro River, the historical town of Castelo Rodrigo lies just south of the river valley and is a popular excursion destination for river cruisers. The tow of Castelo Rodrigo is home to monuments that illustrate its medieval heritage. The most notable of its ancient historical features are the old stone walls of the town, the ancient ruins of Cristóvão de Moura Palace, the 16th century pillory, the medieval church, the parish church and the medieval cistern. With its rich ancient history and architectural artifacts, it is no wonder Castelo Rodrigo will be a memorable stop on your journey.

Entre-Os-Rios

Portugal

Where the smaller Tamega River flows into the Douro River lies the popular river cruise port town of Entre-os-Rios, which means ‘between the rivers’. This small Portuguese village traces its roots back to the 12th century when the confluence of the rivers formed a useful trading port. Entre-os-Rios has a wonderful architectural heritage and is home to sites to visit like the lovely Santo António Chapel, the Santa Maria de Eja Church and the impressive São Miguel de Entre-os-Rios Romanesque Church. The surrounding landscape offers a tranquil visit or cruise through on the Douro River.

Guimarães

Portugal

Guimarães is a city and municipality located in northern Portugal, in the district of Braga, an hour’s drive from Porto. The city was first settled in the 9th century when it was chosen as the main government seat for the County of Portugal, a part of the Kingdom of Galicia. Guimarães has significant historical importance due to the role it played in the foundation of Portugal. The city is often referred to as the “birthplace of the Portuguese nationality” because it is believed that Portugal’s first King, Afonso Henriques, was born there. The city of Guimarães offers numerous museums, parks, shops and galleries to explore on your excursion from Porto.

Lamego

Portugal

Located a short drive south from central Douro River cruise ports, Lamego is a popular excursion for travelers. Founded before the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, Lamego is well known for its bustling and historic city center. The Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies is the most popular and picturesque historical monument in Lamego, but you will find other places to explore that are equally as rich in history and culture like the Lamego Museum, Our Lady of Consumption Cathedral, and the Monastery de Sao Joao de Tarouca.

Oporto (Porto)

Portugal

Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon and one of the major urban areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Its more than 2.5 million inhabitants reside on either side of the Douro River as it meets the Atlantic Ocean. One of Portugal’s internationally famous exports, port wine, is named after the city and lends to a popular pastime for visitors – enjoying Port making (and tasting) sites throughout. Don’t miss the Dom Luis I Bridge, the Clerigos Church, the unique Sao Bento Railway Station, and of course a port wine tasting.

Pinhão

Portugal

Pinhão is located in the heart of Portugal’s Douro River Valley and is known for local port wine production. This area of the Douro River is becoming one of the most popular river cruise ports thanks to its multitude of vineyards, wineries, and historic towns and sites. Tiny Pinhão is surrounded by terraced vineyard hillsides that produce some of the best port and wines in the world. The town sits on a picturesque bend of the Douro River. The attraction of quaint Pinhão is not the town itself, but the surrounding landscape of vineyards and wineries that are available for excursions.

Quinto de Seixo

Portugal

One of the most popular winery ports for Douro River cruisers is Quinta do Seixo, an ancient winery property with vast vineyards and a modern wine-making facility. Quinto Do Seixo is a beautiful estate located in the heart of the Douro River Valley. The winery surprises travelers with different wine experiences throughout the year. Enjoy wine tastings, guided visits and vineyard activities that are available to tell the story of Porto Wine and the Douro River Region.

Régua

Portugal

Formally Peso da Régua, this Douro River Valley port town got its name from a Roman house that once stood there – the “Villa Reguela”. Situated on the banks of the River Douro, Peso da Régua played a fundamental role in the production and sale of Port wine. It was from Régua that wine barrels were transported in the special boats known as barcos rabelos to Vila Nova de Gaia, where the wine was left to age. The local grape vines are grown on terraced slopes that lead to the river, providing cruisers with spectacular views.

Salamanca

Spain

The Spanish city of Salamanca is a short drive from the terminus of your Douro River cruise before you turn around and head back to Porto. Salamanca is home to countless parks and squares, museums, religious buildings, palaces and palatial homes, and historic university buildings. You will find a vibrant and friendly welcome to Salamanca on your Douro River Cruise excursion to this lovely and historic university city.

Your Douro River Cruise Awaits!

Are you ready to start planning your Douro River Cruise Vacation Your Way? A River Cruise Artist at River Cruise Your Way is ready to be your vacation concierge. Contact us today at 1-800-259-7612 or use the form below and let us know when it is most convenient to call you, we will confirm via e-mail, and then reach out at the agreed upon time and date.