Pedro DominguesDouro International Natural Park is undoubtedly the most spectacular region of Douro in Portugal, at least for me. It’s where you’ll find the most impressive viewpoints, and cliffs that leave no one indifferent. If you haven’t visited this part of north-eastern Portugal yet, do it quickly!
I recommend an itinerary to visit Douro International Natural Park in 5 to 7 days, which will be fast-paced, as you have 4 municipalities to discover, all of which are incredible! I’m talking about Miranda do Douro, Mogadouro, Freixo de Espada à Cinta and Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo.
MORE ARTICLES FROM THE NORTH OF PORTUGAL: - Porto Itinerary - Things to do in Porto - Best Museums in Porto - Best Churches and Cathedrals in Porto - Best Parks and Gardens in Porto - Best Port Wine Cellars in Porto - Best Beaches in Porto - Best Day Trips from Porto - Best Matosinhos Beaches - Things to do in Matosinhos - Things to do in Póvoa de Varzim - Things to do in Vila do Conde - Things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia - Things to do in Espinho - Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary - Things to do in Viana do Castelo - Things to do in Ponte de Lima - Things to do in Monção - Things to do in Valença - Things to do in Caminha - Things to do in Braga - Things to do in Guimarães - Things to do in Barcelos - Things to do in Esposende - Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez - Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary - Best Hikes and Trails in Peneda Gerês National Park - Best Peneda Gerês National Park Waterfalls and Lagoons - Douro Valley Itinerary - Douro Valley Wineries - Best Douro Viewpoints - Things to do in Peso da Régua - Things to do in Lamego - Things to do in Pinhão - Best beaches in Northern Portugal - Trás-os-Montes Itinerary - Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary - Things to do in Bragança
Where is Douro International Natural Park located, in Portugal?
Douro International Natural Park is located in the north-east of Trás-os-Montes in Portugal. It borders Spain, namely the provinces of Zamora and Salamanca, where you can visit the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. Check my article about the 60 best Douro Viewpoints for some tips on locations to visit there.
Three of Douro International Natural Park municipalities are in the district of Bragança, and one in the district of Guarda (Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo). Adjacent municipalities include Vimioso, Macedo de Cavaleiros, Alfândega da Fé, Torre de Moncorvo, Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Pinhel and Almeida.
Because of its proximity, there are many routes you can take after visiting Douro International. I’d like to highlight the following:
- A tour of Portugal’s 12 Historic Villages, including Castelo Rodrigo!
- A tour of the Sabor Lakes.
- A route along National Road 222 to discover more of Douro River in Portugal, all the way to its mouth.
Useful tips for visiting Douro International Natural Park
My top tip for the Douro International Natural Park itinerary is to have a car. A car makes the whole trip easier and gives you the flexibility to get to all the places I’m going to mention quickly. Rent a car with Discover Cars if you don’t have your own.
Then bear in mind that there are a lot of dirt roads in Douro International Natural Park, especially to get to many of the viewpoints in this region. Not all roads are passable by car, so you’ll have to walk a bit on several occasions. Be prepared for that! 😉
I also recommend that you take out travel insurance with World Nomads to get to know this region. Stay safe!
When to visit Douro International Natural Park?
As for when to do this itinerary of Douro International Natural Park, any time of the year is excellent. However, bear in mind that:
- Faia de Água Alta waterfall is a winter waterfall, so it has no water in summer! Visit it in spring, for example, to see it in all its splendor! 😉
- Summer is the best time for river activities, such as boat trips and to have fun at the Congida river beach.
- If you want to watch shows of the Pauliteiros de Miranda, visit the city on the last Saturday of every month, or simply on any Saturday in August.
- It can also be beautiful to visit during the almond blossom season.
Gastronomy and Restaurants in Douro International Natural Park
To eat, you must try the Mirandese Veal Steak. But there’s also roasted kid, lamb and wild boar. In Castelo Rodrigo, taste the typical covered almonds.
- Restaurants in Miranda do Douro: Restaurant São Pedro and Restaurant O Mirandês.
- Restaurants in Mogadouro: O Lagar do Nicolau, A Tasquinha, A Lareira, or Restaurant Primavera.
- Restaurants in Freixo de Espada à Cinta: Cinta D’ouro.
- Restaurants in Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo: Saborearia or A Cerca.
Accommodation tips to visit Douro International Natural Park
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Cabeço do Forte | 8.9 | Miranda do Douro |
| Flor do Douro | 8.6 | Miranda do Douro |
| Douro Camping | 8.9 | Miranda do Douro |
| Puial de I Douro | 9.5 | Miranda do Douro |
| Casa d’Augusta | 9.6 | Miranda do Douro |
| Curral de I Tiu Pino | 9.4 | Miranda do Douro |
| Casa das Águas Ferreas | 9.4 | Mogadouro |
| Casa das Quintas | 9.4 | Mogadouro |
| Hotel Freixo Douro Superior | 8.4 | Freixo de Espada à Cinta |
| Casa de Alpajares | 9.0 | Freixo de Espada à Cinta |
| Quinta do Salgueiro | 8.5 | Freixo de Espada à Cinta |
| Casa da Amendoeira | 9.5 | Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo |
| Casa da Cisterna | 9.1 | Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo |
Douro International Natural Park Itinerary | Things to do
And finally, what matters most: what to do in this 5-7 day itinerary to visit Douro International Natural Park. I’m going to be as direct as possible, showing you everything there is to do and visit, structured almost like a checklist. 😉 First of all, a map with all the points to mention.
Map with Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
Stage 1 | Visit Miranda do Douro
The first stage concerns Miranda do Douro, the northernmost municipality in Douro International Natural Park. 1 day is enough for the essentials, 2 days is ideal for discovering everything in more detail.
1. Historical Center of Miranda do Douro
- Walk on the Pre-Romanesque walls of Miranda do Douro.
- Discover the main gates of the walled city.
- Visit the churches of Miranda do Douro, especially the Cathedral of Miranda do Douro, Church of Misericórdia, Chapel of Santa Cruz and Church of the Convent of Friars Trines.
- Explore every nook and cranny of Rua Mouzinho de Albuquerque, Miranda do Douro’s main street, where the Mirandese Culture House is located. This may be the starting point for a possible tour on a tourist train.
- Visit Miranda do Douro Castle, which dates back to the 13th century.
- Visit Terra de Miranda Museum, housed in the old 17th century Town Hall. Take the opportunity to learn more about the Mirandese language, Portugal’s second official language.
- Admire the Monument to the Mirandese People, in the center of Square D. João III.
- Stroll through the Urban Park of River Fresno.
2. Douro Cliffs Environmental Cruise
This cruise is a must. Don’t miss out on discovering number 2 on the cliffs of Miranda do Douro region, which will certainly be pointed out to you by the cruise guide. To book in advance, follow the link to the Civitatis website.
3. Douro International Viewpoints in Miranda do Douro
Below you’ll find a list of all the viewpoints I visited. If you have to choose, skip the 4th, 5th and 7th. The rest are unmissable! 😉
- Penha das Torres Viewpoint (Paradela)
- São João das Arribas Viewpoint (Aldeia Nova)
- Castrilhouço Viewpoint (Vale d’Águia)
- Freixiosa Viewpoint
- Fraga Amarela Viewpoint (Vila Chã e Picote)
- Fraga do Puio Viewpoint (Picote)
- Carreirão das Arribas Viewpoint (Sendim)
4. Miranda’s donkeys from AEPGA
Finally, the best thing you can do, especially if you’re traveling with children, is to visit AEPGA and their Miranda donkeys at the Atenor Centre. Follow the link to the association’s official website to find out how to book a visit.
Stage 2 | Visit Mogadouro
The second stage of this itinerary to visit Douro International Natural Park is Mogadouro. As with Miranda do Douro, one day is enough for the essentials, and two days will be ideal for getting to know everything more calmly.
1. Historic Center of Mogadouro
- Visit the House of Associations and the Mogadouro Archaeology Museum. Both are close to Square Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco.
- Pass by the Church and Convent of São Francisco, which has been converted into Mogadouro Town Hall.
- Explore the grounds of Mogadouro Castle to see the Mother Church, the Clock Tower, the Pillory and Misericórdia Church.
2. The outskirts of Mogadouro
If you have less time available, focus on the best viewpoints and on the Faia da Água Alta waterfall, namely points 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 13. The latter is not easy to reach, but for me it’s one of the best viewpoints you’ll find, and therefore, not to be missed.
- São Cristóvão Viewpoint
- Romanesque Church of Azinhoso
- Castle of Penas Róias
- Viewpoint of Serra da Castanheira
- Monopter of São Gonçalo
- Cerca Viewpoint (Urrós)
- Faia da Água Alta Waterfall (Bemposta)
- Romanesque Church of Algosinho
- Picões Viewpoint (Peredo da Bemposta)
- Contrabando Viewpoint
- Vilarinho dos Galegos Hillfort and Fraga do Calço Viewpoint
- Caminho do Rio Viewpoint
- Viewpoint for the Aldeadávila Dam (approximate coordinates: 41.21037, -6.69623)
Stage 3 | Visit Freixo de Espada à Cinta
The third stage is Freixo de Espada à Cinta, always heading south on a route through Douro International Natural Park. Again, 1 or 2 days will be enough time to get to know everything.
1. Historical Center of Freixo de Espada à Cinta
- Visit Freixo de Espada à Cinta Castle and Galo Tower.
- Admire Freixo Duarte D’Armas, a tree of public interest with more than 500 years of existence, and the reason for the town’s name.
- Visit the Mother Church of Freixo de Espada à Cinta and Misericórdia Church.
- Visit the main museums in Freixo de Espada à Cinta: Poet Guerra Junqueiro House, Junqueiro House Museum, Silk and Territory Museum, and the Convent of São Filipe de Nery.
- Discover the Manueline heritage in Freixo de Espada à Cinta. There are lots of windows and shutters in this style throughout the town.
- Pass by the pillory, in the Town Hall square.
2. Mazouco Rock Engravings
It’s not just Vila Nova de Foz Côa that has rock engravings. The first outdoor rock engravings in Portugal were discovered in Mazouco. Go down to the village of Mazouco and discover the figure of a horse carved into the rocks by the river Douro.
3. Douro International Viewpoints in Freixo de Espada à Cinta
Of the viewpoints I’ve mentioned below, skip the first one if you don’t have much time. Penedo Durão is the best on this itinerary through Douro International Natural Park.
- Cruzinha Viewpoint (Lagoaça)
- Carrascalinho Viewpoint (Fornos)
- Colado Viewpoint (Mazouco)
- Penedo Durão Viewpoint (Poiares)
- Assumadouro Viewpoint (Poiares)
4. Congida River Beach
You can also take a boat trip from Congida river beach, but I recommend the one I mentioned for Miranda do Douro. Here I suggest a good swim, especially in summer. I’m sure you’ll love this beach!
Stage 4 | Visit Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo
Finally comes Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo stage. 1 day is enough, as the main things I recommend are a visit to Barca d’Alva, Alto da Sapinha viewpoint, village of Castelo Rodrigo and Cristo Rei da Marofa.
Of course, there are other interesting places to visit if you have more time, such as the historic center of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, with its beautiful gardens, the ruins of the Tower of Almofala, the Roman Bridge of Ribeira de Aguiar, and Santo André das Arribas viewpoint.
Consider walking the Camino de Hierro Trail, which starts in La Fregeneda (Arribes del Duero Natural Park) and ends near the border with Portugal, close to Barca d’Alva. An excellent end to this itinerary, with incredible landscapes. 😉 The trail runs along the old Douro line, crossing several bridges and tunnels through which the train used to pass.
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
- Faial Itinerary in Azores
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do In Braga (Minho)
- Things to do in Guimarães (Minho)
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Things to do in Bragança
- Things to do in Aveiro
- Things to do in Coimbra
- Things to do in Leiria
- Things to do in Fatima
- Things to do in Nazaré
- Things to do in Peniche
- Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
- Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to do in Lagos (Algarve)
- Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
- Things to do in Faro (Algarve)
- Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)
I hope you enjoyed this article on a possible itinerary to visit Douro International Natural Park. 😉 Feel free to share your comments in the section below, and I wish you have a nice stay in my country! 😀
