Douro Valley Road Trip Itinerary from Porto | N222 Portugal

Paisagem do Douro - Miradouro da Abelheira
Paisagem do Douro

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National Road 222 (N222) is one of the mythical roads in Portugal, with impressive and beautiful vineyard landscapes in Douro Valley region.

It is a road that crosses Portugal “from side to side”, from the Atlantic Ocean to the border with Spain, from Vila Nova de Gaia to Vila Nova de Foz Côa, ending in Almendra.

It is over 200 km long and crosses several municipalities on Douro River, such as Castelo de Paiva, Cinfães, Resende, Lamego, Peso da Régua, Armamar, Tabuaço and São João da Pesqueira.

A section of National Road 222 has already been internationally considered as the best and most beautiful in the world: the one between Peso da Régua and Pinhão.

This is a road with fantastic viewpoints, an excellent way to travel the Douro Valley from Porto on a road trip itinerary, discovering the best Douro Wineries and tasting good Port wines.

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- Things to do in Pinhão

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Bridges at Peso da Régua | Douro Valley Itinerary
Bridges at Peso da Régua | Douro Valley Itinerary

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Travel Tips for your Douro Valley Itinerary

I did this Douro Valley Itinerary in June 2021, and it took me about 8 days to complete it, however in this article I will just point out the best I have seen so that you can do it in less days, for example, in 4 to 7 days.

As far as useful tips are concerned, I’ll start with the most important one: the time I propose is merely indicative. You will likely travel at a different pace than I do, so please adjust this itinerary to your needs and schedule.

1. Rent a car for your road trip in Douro Valley

I also highlight the fact that I did this Douro Valley Itinerary by car, but I know that it can also be done by motorcycle, bicycle or even on foot, if you are looking for a challenge. If you don’t have a car and want to rent one, do it through Discover Cars.

miradouro das carvalhas
Carvalhas Viewpoint | Douro Valley Itinerary

2. How to get to Douro Valley?

If you haven’t bought tickets to Portugal yet, and if you need to, I recommend that you use Skyscanner or Google Flights to do a search before buying them, comparing prices and flight conditions. You have many connections with Porto from abroad.

As for public transports, there are trains from Porto to Peso da Régua or Pinhão, in the heart of Douro Valley. In any case, you should always check Rome2Rio website to find out all possible ways to get to a specific destination. Check also the trains website: CP – Comboios de Portugal.

Folgosa Walkway in Armamar | Douro Valley Itinerary
Folgosa Walkway in Armamar | Douro Valley Itinerary

3. Guided Tours to visit Douro Valley from Porto

I always use Get Your Guide, Viator and Civitatis on my own trips, so this is what I recommend you do. They have a rating and review system that lets you see how other travelers have rated each tour, so you can always choose with some idea if they’re really worth it.

In the case of day trips to Douro Valley from Porto, these are usually based on boat trips on Douro River, or visits to wineries and vineyards where the grapes are picked and port wine is produced. Check the ones below.

Day trips from Porto with Get Your Guide:
1 - Douro Valley Tour from Porto
2 - Vineyards Tour from Porto with Lunch
Day trips from Porto with Viator:
1 - Authentic Douro Wine Tour including lunch
2 - Wine Venture and Boat Trip in Douro Valley
3 - Douro Valley Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting, Lunch and Cruise
4 - Douro Valley Wine Tour with a Visit to Three Vineyards
Day trips from Porto with Civitatis:
1 - Douro Valley Wine Tasting and Tour
2 - Douro Region Full day Tour
3 - Régua Day Cruise from Porto
4 - 1 Day Cruise to Pinhão

4. Take out Travel Insurance when visiting Portugal

To be protected against several types of travel hazards, I also recommend that you take out travel insurance for your stay in Portugal, and I recommend to do it with World Nomads.

Aldeia Vinhateira de Provesende
Provesende Wine Village | Douro Valley Itinerary

5. National Road 222 passport to visit Douro Valley

On the official website of National Road 222 you will find an online shop selling passports to stamp during your trip, and other products related to the tourist route. This may be a cool way to visit the road, and a nice souvenir to bring back home. 😉

As I didn’t have that experience, I can’t tell you much more than this, but you will certainly get more information at tourist offices anywhere in Douro region, for example in Vila Nova de Gaia or Castelo de Paiva, where your itinerary starts.

6. When to visit Douro Valley?

The best time to go on a Douro Valley Itinerary is clearly during the harvest season: September or October. In addition to the ripe grapes to eat, you will have at your disposal a wider range of activities to do in the several Douro Wineries and Vineyards available.

Douro Valley is beautiful at any time of the year, but it is after the harvest season that the colors of the vines become warmer and more colorful, with the arrival of autumn. And the weather is still pleasant for driving and even enjoying some of the river beaches.

Aldeia Vinhateira de Barcos
Wine Village of Barcos | Douro Valley Itinerary

7. Accommodations tips to visit Douro Valley

As for the places to sleep along National Road 222, it will be a question of rhythm on your Douro Valley Itinerary. Below I leave you accommodation tips for all the municipalities that you will cross. 😉

AccommodationScoreLocation
The House of Sandeman9.5Vila Nova de Gaia
Reis de Gaia9.3Vila Nova de Gaia
7 Gaia Roaster Apartments9.3Vila Nova de Gaia
Vincci Ponte de Ferro9.3Vila Nova de Gaia
ClipHotel8.6Vila Nova de Gaia
Solar Guesthouse9.0Castelo de Paiva
Quinta Vilar e Almarde9.2Castelo de Paiva
Casa da Ilha9.4Castelo de Paiva
Hotel Porto Antigo8.6Cinfães
A Padaria Farmhouse9.8Cinfães
Quinta da Ventuzela9.4Cinfães
Quinta de CasalMato9.3Resende
Casas do Monte9.0Resende
Casa das Castanheiras8.8Resende
Delfim Douro Hotel9.0Lamego
Six Senses Douro Hotel9.5Lamego
Cantinho do Colégio9.5Lamego
Casa do Salgueiral9.4Peso da Régua
Casa de São Domingos9.5Peso da Régua
Hotel Folgosa Douro8.8Armamar
Palácio Nova Seara9.5Armamar
Hotel Rural Quinta do Pego9.5Tabuaço
Casa dos Ruis9.3Tabuaço
Quinta do Tedo9.3Tabuaço
The Vintage House9.1Pinhão
LBV House Hotel8.8Pinhão
Quinta de la Rosa8.8Pinhão
Casas do Prior9.6São João da Pesqueira
Casa do Rio Wine Hotel9.7Vila Nova de Foz Côa
Casa do Tablado9.6Vila Nova de Foz Côa
Casa dos Primos9.6Vila Nova de Foz Côa
Douro River in São João da Pesqueira | Douro Valley Itinerary
Douro River in São João da Pesqueira | Douro Valley Itinerary

Things to do in a Douro Valley Itinerary

For each of the municipalities I have already mentioned, I will indicate everything that cannot be missing, the essentials in summary form. I will also inform you of all the detours on National Road 222 that I consider mandatory along the route. This is a very detailed Douro Valley Itinerary, don’t worry, National Road 222 will only serve as a connection between the sites.

For example, in the north of Douro River there is another incredible panoramic road: N108. If you follow my tips, you will also go visit some sections of it. 😉 This article is intended to be simple and straightforward, a step-by-step guide.

Note that the km shown below are just approximate.
Frende Viewpoint on Nacional 108 (Baião | Mesão Frio)
Frende Viewpoint on N108 (Baião | Mesão Frio)

Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto (Km 0 N222)

Km 0 of National Road 222 is in Vila Nova de Gaia. Do not visit Douro Valley without first getting to know the center of Porto, crossing Luís I Bridge, strolling along Ribeira do Porto and admiring its best viewpoints, such as the one next to the Monastery of Serra do Pilar. If possible, celebrate the beginning of this itinerary with a Port Wine tasting at one of the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.

There are many things to do in Porto and in Vila Nova de Gaia. In addition to those mentioned, do not forget about the following tourist attractions:

  • Aliados Avenue
  • Porto Cathedral, Clérigos Tower, São Francisco Church, and Carmo Church
  • Bolsa Palace
  • São Bento Station
  • Bolhão Market
  • Lello Bookstore
  • And also the Botanical Garden of Porto, the Crystal Palace Gardens, the City Park and Serralves!
Gaia Castle Viewpoint | Douro Valley Itinerary
Gaia Castle Viewpoint | Douro Valley Itinerary

Right at the beginning of National Road 222, on Vila Nova de Gaia side, there are also interesting places to visit, such as Lavandeira Municipal Park, Gaia Biological Park and even Santo Inácio Zoo.

Francesinha at Restaurant Brasão
Francesinha at Restaurant Brasão in Porto

Castelo de Paiva and surroundings (Km 47 N222)

Before reaching Castelo de Paiva, you will find the first viewpoint over Douro River, right on National Road 222: it is Lomba Viewpoint. You can stop there for a few minutes, however you will find better views next.

The best viewpoint in Castelo de Paiva is undoubtedly the viewpoint of São Domingos, but I also loved the one at Monte de São Gens, with a tourist swing, and also Catapeixe viewpoint. There are many more lookouts to visit along this Douro Valley Itinerary, we are just getting started! 😀

São Gens Viewpoint and Swing | Douro Valley Itinerary
São Gens Viewpoint and Swing | Douro Valley Itinerary

As far as other must-see attractions in Castelo de Paiva, don’t forget:

  • The river beach of Pedorido, and the schist villages of Gondarém and Midões. These places are all part of a pedestrian route in the region, called Viver o Douro (“live douro”), but you can visit them without having to walk. They have good accesses by car.
  • The Center of Castelo de Paiva, with emphasis on the main church, its adjacent square, and the Marmoiral do Sobrado monument.
  • Castelo River Beach and Love Island, the best spot in this municipality for a kayak experience in Douro river, or just for a swim.
  • The Hintze Ribeiro Bridge and the Angel of Portugal, in honor of the victims of the well-known disaster in Entre-os-Rios (2001).
Schist Village of Midões
Schist Village of Midões

From Hintze Ribeiro Bridge, I recommend a short detour to the north bank of Douro River, in the municipality of Penafiel. Here you will have to take one of the sections of N108 road that I already mentioned, going to the extraordinary Boneca Viewpoint and also Sebolido Viewpoint.

Cinfães do Douro and surroundings (Km 72 N222)

The Municipality of Cinfães is one of my favorites on National Road 222 and even in the entire Douro region. It is super complete in my opinion, if you also go up to Serra do Montemuro. In this Douro Valley Itinerary, however, I will only indicate the must-see places not far from the river.

  • In Cinfães, you will find the dam with the greatest difference in level (35 meters) on Douro River: Carrapatelo Dam.
  • You will also find the most beautiful waterfalls in the entire route: Enxidrô Waterfall (difficult to access, unfortunately), the one found in Ribeiro de Sampaio Leisure Park, and the ones next to the mouth of Bestança river and trout ponds.
Teixeirô Viewpoint | Douro Valley Itinerary
Teixeirô Viewpoint | Douro Valley Itinerary
  • Some Romanesque Churches: the Church of Santa Maria Maior de Tarouquela and the Church of São Cristóvão de Nogueira.
  • And also some nature of excellence next to the River Cabrum. I recommend that you go for a swim in a lagoon there, right next to a stop along N222 road.

Be sure to visit the center of Cinfães, stopping at Serpa Pinto Museum. Then go up to Teixeirô Viewpoint with an excellent panoramic view over the mouth of Bestança river and Porto Antigo.

After going down to Porto Antigo pier, you can take a detour to the opposite side of Douro river, visiting some incredible places in Baião: Cais da Pala, the railway bridges of Baião and the Church of Santo Antonio de Ribadouro.

Baião and Cais da Pala | Douro Valley Itinerary
Baião and Cais da Pala | Douro Valley Itinerary

Optionally, head to the monastery of Santo André de Ancede, and if you have the time, to the Viewpoint of Abelhal.

Resende and surroundings (Km 94 N222)

Resende is a land of many cherry trees in Portugal. When I did this Douro Valley Itinerary in June, I found cherries for sale in the center of Resende, however, as I recommend that you do this route during the vineyards harvest season, you won’t be so lucky if you follow my tip. Resende is an example of how Douro river has so much to discover and can be visited at various times of the year!

Church of São Martinho dos Mouros
Church of São Martinho dos Mouros

In Resende you have 3 Romanesque churches to discover. On the outside, the Church of Cárquere is the prettiest, but inside I found the Church of São Martinho dos Mouros much more impressive, and you can also visit the Church of Santa Maria de Barrô.

The center of Resende is quick to visit. You have the 25th of April garden, Feira Square, and the Municipal Museum. Don’t forget to go up to the Viewpoint of Penedo de São João and pass by Caldas de Aregos port.

Viewpoint of Penedo de São João | Douro Valley Itinerary
Viewpoint of Penedo de São João | Douro Valley Itinerary

Porto de Rei river beach is one of the most fascinating in the region, so a stop is a must. On the other side of the river, in Mesão Frio, you will find a stunning lookout over this river beach: Frende Viewpoint! Still in Mesão Frio, as a detour from N222, you should visit the viewpoint of São Silvestre and its swing, as well as the fantastic viewpoint of Donsumil.

Viewpoint of São Silvestre | Douro Valley Itinerary
Viewpoint of São Silvestre | Douro Valley Itinerary

Peso da Régua and Lamego (Km 124 N222)

After Resende comes Peso da Régua and Lamego. As a curiosity, here the National Road 222 meets the even more mythical National Road 2, which crosses Portugal from north to south.

Peso da Régua

I already knew Peso da Régua before doing this Douro Valley Itinerary, so my visit was quick there. Nearby is one of the most popular views of Douro River, São Leonardo de Galafura viewpoint, which is worth the detour from N222. Along the way to São Leonardo, pass by Covelinhas Viewpoint, following the scenic N313 road.

Another viewpoint that you should look for is Santo António viewpoint. In the city, I highlight the old pedestrian bridge of Régua, and of course, Douro river. How about staying longer for a boat trip starting in Peso da Régua? Check out this Douro Valley boat tour with Civitatis.

Covelinhas Viewpoint | Douro Valley Itinerary
Covelinhas Viewpoint | Douro Valley Itinerary

Peso da Régua is the capital city of Douro Valley, so you can’t miss visiting Douro museum and strolling along the riverside promenade.

At the train station, at certain times of the year, you can take the historic Douro train that connects Régua to Tua, passing through Pinhão. This is a tour I haven’t done yet, but I really want to do it in the near future.

Peso da Régua Dam | Douro Valley Itinerary
Peso da Régua Dam | Douro Valley Itinerary

Lamego

Lamego is one of my favorite cities on this Douro Valley Itinerary. It is totally outstanding and you should save at least a morning or an afternoon to get to know it in detail.

In Lamego, the fabulous Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios stands out, at the top of Monte de Santo Estevão. In addition to the Sanctuary, which reminds me of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Braga, a visit to the castle and the Cathedral of Lamego is a must.

Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in Lamego
Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in Lamego

Walk around Doutor Alfredo Sousa Avenue, right in front of the Sanctuary’s big staircase, and then visit the next following important places in the city:

  • Desterro Church, the most beautiful of the city, inside. Its gilded carving is something extraordinary.
  • Lamego Museum, one of the most incredible in Portugal. Totally mandatory, also.
  • The impressive Varosa Dam, in a small detour from N222 road.
  • Accommodation tips in Lamego: Delfim Douro Hotel, Six Senses Douro Hotel, Cantinho do Colégio
Desterro Church in Lamego
Desterro Church in Lamego
Lamego Museum
Lamego Museum

Armamar and surroundings (Km 133 N222)

As far as Armamar is concerned, the highlight goes to the region of Folgosa and the mouth of Tedo river. You can also go up to the Viewpoint of São Domingos, and pass through the center of the town, visiting the main Church or Misarela Viewpoint.

If you don’t want to make long detours from National Road 222, the aforementioned points are sufficient, but I would not fail to suggest a visit to the small and typical wine villages of Tarouca, south of Armamar, namely Salzedas, Ucanha and São João de Tarouca.

Ucanha Bridge and Tower
Ucanha Bridge and Tower

Tabuaço (Km 144 N222)

On the border between Tabuaço and Armamar is Quinta do Tedo. They organize several tours and activities there throughout the year, so be sure to check that out with Get Your Guide. Sometimes they even organize panoramic picnics in the vineyards. 😉

There are many places to visit in Tabuaço, but on this route along National Road 222 the highlights are the Adorigo viewpoint, the wine village of Barcos and Alto da Escrita viewpoint. The center of Tabuaço is optional, but I can mention the church, the MIDU Museum and the Rijomax, an impressive clock that you can find at the tourist office.

Adorigo Viewpoint | Douro Valley Itinerary
Adorigo Viewpoint | Douro Valley Itinerary

Pinhão and surroundings (Km 150 N222)

Despite having good Douro wineries in other locations, it is close to Pinhão that I recommend that you select one or two to visit. If you decide to do this Douro Valley Itinerary during the grape harvests, take guided tours to participate in them and also on the treading of the grapes in the wineries. In other seasons, just visit the wineries and taste some port wine there.

I have an article dedicated to the Best Wineries in Douro Valley on this blog, where you can find out more about the wine tourism activities they promote. In Pinhão area, I highlight the following:

  • Quinta de la Rosa
  • Quinta do Bonfim – see guided tour in Get Your Guide.
  • Quinta da Roêda
  • Quinta das Carvalhas
  • Quinta do Seixo
  • And Quinta do Ventozelo
Landscape in Pinhão | Douro Valley Itinerary
Landscape in Pinhão | Douro Valley Itinerary

In addition to the wineries, it is from Pinhão that I most recommend boat trips. The landscape is even better here than it is in Peso da Régua. Be sure to check what is available in Get Your Guide, by the time of your visit. 😉 There are usually several boat trips available from Pinhão and also kayak rentals to enjoy Douro River as you wish.

As for the main sights in town and surroundings, you cannot miss visiting the wine villages of Provesende and Favaios. The latter is the capital of Moscatel wine. You can also check out the Iron Bridge, the pier and finally the extraordinary viewpoints over the town: São Cristóvão do Douro viewpoint, Casal de Loivos viewpoint and Carvalhas viewpoint.

Passeio de Barco no Pinhão
Boa trip in Pinhão | Douro Valley Itinerary

São João da Pesqueira (Km 171 N222)

Looking for more viewpoints? In São João da Pesqueira you have a lot of them to discover, and all of them are magnificent:

  • The Viewpoint of Abelheira, also called Frei-Estêvão
  • The Viewpoint of Nossa Senhora das Neves
  • The Viewpoint of Nossa Senhora de Lurdes
  • The Viewpoint of São Salvador do Mundo
  • The Viewpoint of Santa Bárbara
  • And to finish, the Viewpoint of Vargelas
Abelheira Viewpoint | Douro Valley Itinerary
Abelheira Viewpoint | Douro Valley Itinerary

You can’t miss visiting the beautiful village of São Xisto and passing by Ferradosa Railway Bridge, which allows for so many instagrammable photos. The historic center of São João da Pesqueira is one of the most beautiful in Douro Valley Itinerary and is crossed by National Road 222: at least visit Republic Square, Cats Road, and the Wine Museum.

With time, you can still make a detour to the wine village of Trevões, and why not also visit Paredes da Beira?

Village of Paredes da Beira
Village of Paredes da Beira

Vila Nova de Foz Côa and Almendra (End of N222)

At last, you finally reach the last town on this Douro Valley Itinerary via National Road 222: Vila Nova de Foz Côa. You’ll find the final milestone nearby, in Almendra. Celebrate it!

In Vila Nova de Foz Côa you will find a region very different from the previous ones. More mountain scenery than before, and less of Douro River, as the road moves inland. You will also find more historical monuments of great value, with total emphasis on the Castle of Numão and the Archaeological Station of Prazo.

Archaeological Station of Prazo
Archaeological Station of Prazo

Also noteworthy are the Prehistoric Rock Art Sites of the Côa Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to visit Côa Museum, where you can learn more about the engravings. Also visit the center of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, with the church standing out.

For the most curious, it is possible to observe the authentic prehistoric rock engravings in various areas of the Côa Valley. I recommend Penascosa, whose guided tour starts in Castelo Melhor, by appointment. During the visit you will have access to one of the best viewpoints in Vila Nova de Foz Côa, overlooking the vineyards of Quinta de Ervamoira.

Numão Castle
Numão Castle

Other lookouts not to be missed are São Gabriel Viewpoint, Caminho da Costa Viewpoint, Arnozelo Viewpoint and Santa Bárbara Viewpoint. Don’t forget a quick visit to Freixo de Numão.

São Gabriel Viewpoint
São Gabriel Viewpoint

Extra activities after visiting Douro Valley

After finishing National Road 222 you can extend your itinerary for a few more days. Castelo Rodrigo is very close to Almendra, and is a wonder village of Portugal that is also part of the 12 historic villages of Portugal. Why don’t you go visit all those 12 pictoresque and old villages? 😉

I also recommend going to visit the border with Spain, in Barca de Alva. Nearby there is a fabulous pedestrian route, passing by the old bridges and tunnels of the Douro Railway line in that region. This trail is one of the best I’ve ever done, starting in La Fregeneda (Spain) and ending next to the International Bridge that crosses the border to Barca de Alva. 😉

Camino de Hierro
Camino de Hierro

Map | Douro Valley Itinerary

With so much to see along National Road 222, a map is essential. I’ve tried to point out all the points throughout the article, marking them in bold, but here’s a good tool to follow as you travel Douro Valley from Porto. Save it, I’m sure it will be useful for you!

Douro Valley Itinerary | Top 13 places

It was difficult to make my top 13 of this Douro Valley Itinerary, because there are so many incredible places that you cannot miss. I hope I managed to capture the essence of the route in the images that follow. As is too obvious, I didn’t include Ribeira do Porto in the top 13. I also left out the wine villages of Tarouca because they are far from National Road 222, but Ucanha deserved a spot.

1. Viewpoint of São Domingos (Castelo de Paiva)

Viewpoint of São Domingos | Douro Valley Itinerary
Viewpoint of São Domingos | Douro Valley Itinerary

2. Ribeiro de Sampaio Leisure Park (Cinfães)

Waterfall at Ribeiro de Sampaio Leisure Park
Waterfall at Ribeiro de Sampaio Leisure Park

3. Enxidrô Waterfall (Cinfães)

Enxidrô Waterfall in Cinfães
Enxidrô Waterfall in Cinfães

4. Porto de Rei River Beach (Resende)

Porto de Rei River Beach | Douro Valley Itinerary
Porto de Rei River Beach | Douro Valley Itinerary

5. City of Lamego

In general, but with emphasis on the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, Museum of Lamego and Desterro Church.

Nossa Senhora dos Remédios | Douro Valley Itinerary
Nossa Senhora dos Remédios | Douro Valley Itinerary

6. São Leonardo de Galafura Viewpoint (Régua)

São Leonardo da Galafura | Douro Valley Itinerary
São Leonardo da Galafura | Douro Valley Itinerary

7. The Mouth of Tedo River (Armamar / Tabuaço)

The Mouth of Tedo River | Douro Valley Itinerary
The Mouth of Tedo River | Douro Valley Itinerary

8. Pinhão

Pinhão | Douro Valley Itinerary
Pinhão | Douro Valley Itinerary

9. Viewpoint of Nossa Senhora de Lurdes (São João da Pesqueira)

Nossa Senhora de Lurdes | Douro Valley Itinerary
Nossa Senhora de Lurdes | Douro Valley Itinerary

10. Viewpoint of São Salvador do Mundo (São João da Pesqueira)

São Salvador do Mundo | Douro Valley Itinerary
São Salvador do Mundo | Douro Valley Itinerary

11. Historic Center of São João da Pesqueira

São João da Pesqueira | Douro Valley Itinerary
São João da Pesqueira | Douro Valley Itinerary

12. Numão Castle (Vila Nova de Foz Côa)

Numão Castle
Numão Castle

13. Viewpoint of Quinta de Ervamoira (Foz Côa)

Quinta de Ervamoira | Douro Valley Itinerary
Quinta de Ervamoira | Douro Valley Itinerary

Douro Valley Itinerary Suggestions from Porto

I will now present you with some suggestions for Douro Valley Itineraries following National Road 222: in 4, 5, 6 or 7 days. Everything you have to see, you can find above, municipality by municipality, so I’ll be brief here. It is possible to drive all National Road 222 in 2 days or even in 1 day, if you want, but it will be so rushed that you will not enjoy it properly. I leave it to your consideration.

Douro Valley Itinerary from Porto in 4 days

  • Day 1 – Ignore Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Do the essentials of Castelo de Paiva, Cinfães and Resende.
  • Day 2 – Morning in Lamego. In the afternoon, pass through the essentials of Peso da Régua and drive the beautiful section of N222 from Régua to Pinhão, passing through Armamar and Tabuaço.
  • Day 3 – Visit Pinhão with a quick boat trip on Douro river, and start visiting São João da Pesqueira (select the best viewpoints and get to know the historic center).
  • Day 4 – Finish São João da Pesqueira and head to Vila Nova de Foz Côa, with a visit to Numão Castle, Prazo Archaeological Station, São Gabriel Viewpoint and Côa Museum.
Replica of Rock Engravings at the Côa Museum
Replica of Rock Engravings at the Côa Museum

Douro Valley Itinerary from Porto in 5 days

  • Days 1 and 2 – Same as for 4 days.
  • Day 3 – Dedicated to visiting Douro Valley Wineries in Pinhão area.
  • Day 4 – Visit Pinhão with a quick boat trip on Douro river, and start visiting São João da Pesqueira (select the best viewpoints and get to know the historic center).
  • Day 5 – Finish São João da Pesqueira and head to Vila Nova de Foz Côa, with a visit to Numão Castle, Prazo Archaeological Station, São Gabriel Viewpoint and Côa Museum.
Carvalhas Wineries
Carvalhas Wineries

Douro Valley Itinerary from Porto in 6 days

  • Day 1 – In the morning stroll through Vila Nova de Gaia and Ribeira do Porto. In the afternoon, visit the essentials of Castelo de Paiva.
  • Day 2 – Cinfães, Resende and the main sights of Peso da Régua.
  • Day 3 – Morning in Lamego and afternoon taking the N222 to Pinhão, passing through Armamar and Tabuaço.
  • Day 4 – Douro Valley Wineries.
  • Day 5 – Visit Pinhão with a quick Douro boat trip, and start São João da Pesqueira (select the best viewpoints and visit the historic center).
  • Day 6 – Finish São João da Pesqueira and go to Vila Nova de Foz Côa, with a visit to Numão Castle, Prazo Archaeological Station, São Gabriel Viewpoint and Côa Museum.
Cats Road in São João da Pesqueira
Cats Road in São João da Pesqueira

Douro Valley Itinerary from Porto in 7 days

  • Day 1 – Vila Nova de Gaia and Castelo de Paiva
  • Day 2 – Cinfães and Resende
  • Day 3 – Lamego and Peso da Régua
  • Day 4 – Road section between Peso da Régua and Pinhão. Discover Pinhão and the wine villages of Provesende and Favaios.
  • Day 5 – Douro Valley Wineries
  • Day 6 – São João da Pesqueira
  • Day 7 – Vila Nova de Foz Côa
Cais de Porto Antigo
Porto Antigo pier | Douro Valley Itinerary

Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal

I hope you enjoy visiting Douro Valley, a very nice place of my own country. 😉 Please send me your feedback below regarding this article, in the comment section. Have a nice Douro Valley Itinerary!

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