The Douro (Duero in Spanish) is a river that rises in Spain and winds through the Iberian Peninsula for almost 900 kilometres until it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. A beautiful river landscape that invites you to linger.
At an altitude of over 2000 metres in northern Spain, the Douro rises in the Picos de Urbión. From there, it first flows through Castile and León until it forms the Spanish-Portuguese border after about 120 kilometres.
On both sides of the border, which is about 112 kilometres long, are the protected nature parks Arribes del Duero and Douro Internacional. After leaving the border region, the river continues to flow through the Região Norte in Portugal until it finally flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Porto.
Winegrowing in the Douro Valley
From the Spanish-Portuguese border to Mesão Frio, wine is grown in the Douro Valley. The grapes for the famous port wine grow in the Alto Douro wine-growing region. Alto Douro has been the world’s first protected wine-growing region since 1756 and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
The wine merchants used to transport the barrels by ship to the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto. From there they delivered the wonderful wine all over the world.
There is also a famous wine-growing region on the Spanish side of the river. In the Ribera del Duero, mainly the Tempranillo red wine is produced.
The wine-growing areas in the valley are the most popular destinations for holidaymakers. Here, people visit wineries, hike along signposted routes or go on a voyage of discovery by boat. While doing so, one can enjoy a wonderful view of the river landscape – this is pure relaxation!
Excursions in the Douro Valley
Our hike along the Douro begins below the Ponte D. Luis I directly on the banks of the river. The weather is just too nice for a city tour - we want to get to the sea!
A stay in Porto without a port wine tour in the Douro Valley, the region where the inimitable port wine is produced, is unimaginable. Here, one producer follows the next, you stop off and enjoy.
Travel information
On the way in…
By train
The Linha do Douro runs between Porto and Pocinho. The route runs picturesquely along the river almost the entire time.
By boat
The river is navigable only in Portuguese territory. On a stretch of about 210 kilometres, the ships pass 5 locks. These have a size limit for vessels and so only ships up to 83 metres long, 11.40 metres wide and a draught of 3.80 metres can navigate the Douro.
The river cruises that sail from the Spanish-Portuguese border to the mouth are particularly popular.
On foot
The GR14 Senda del Duero international long-distance footpath runs from the source to the mouth.