Pedro DominguesThere are 3 indisputable reasons for wanting to visit Douro Valley: Port Wine, Douro Wineries, and also the beautiful riverside landscape. It was the third reason that led me to write this article, and I am sure that here you will find an extra motivation to get in the car and take a panoramic tour of the region.
I am going to present you with an extensive list of the 60 best viewpoints in Douro, so there will be viewpoints for all tastes, both in Douro Valley and in International Douro.
To help you navigate this article, I’ve organized it by Douro municipality, and I leave you a complete index below. Tell me your favorite Douro viewpoint in the comment section, and if I forgot an important one, please add it there also. 😉
Useful tips to visit the Best Douro Viewpoints
If you intend to take a panoramic trip through Douro region, I want you to know that I already have some articles on this blog dedicated to it and also to the rest of the North of Portugal.
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 Vila do Conde - Things to do in Póvoa de Varzim - 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 - 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 - Things to do in Bragança - Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary - Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
Likewise, I leave useful links to help you with car reservations, accommodation or travel insurance. The best time to visit Douro is during the harvest season, or after that, when the leaves on the vines start to change color to something warmer before falling. In autumn, Douro viewpoints will be even more extraordinary and beautiful!
- If you don’t have a car and want to rent one, do it through Discover Cars.
- I recommend that you use Skyscanner or Google Flights to do a search before buying your plane tickets, comparing prices and flight conditions.
- You should always check Rome2Rio website to find out all possible transport ways to get to a specific destination.
- 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.
Guided Tours to visit Douro Region
You can also visit Douro region in Guided Tours with Get Your Guide, Viator or Civitatis. Some of them are from Porto, others are directly from Peso da Régua or Pinhão. Don’t forget to do your own research, as other possibilities may arise at different times of the year.
Douro Valley with Get Your Guide: 1 - Douro Valley Tour from Porto 2 - Vineyards Tour from Porto with Lunch 3 - From Porto: Régua and Douro Valley Scenic Cruise 4 - Douro Valley: Winery Tour at Quinta do Tedo and Tastings 5 - Lamego: Quinta da Portela de Baixo Winery Tour and Tasting 6 - Pinhão: Quinta do Bomfim Visit and Tasting 7 - Pinhão: 2-Hour Rabelo Boat Tour with Audio Guide 8 - From Pinhão: Private Yacht Cruise along the Douro River
Douro Valley 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
Douro Valley with Civitatis: 1 - Douro Valley Wine Tasting and Tour from Porto 2 - Douro Region Full day Tour from Porto 3 - Régua Day Cruise from Porto 4 - 1 Day Cruise to Pinhão from Porto
60 Best Douro Viewpoints
Finally, the list of the 60 best Douro Viewpoints. I’ll start in the municipality of Castelo de Paiva, and then go through Douro Valley to International Douro where the river borders Spain. I will also present to you the best Douro viewpoints on the Spanish side with a view of the Portuguese cliffs of that region. Let’s start?
1. Viewpoint of São Domingos (Castelo de Paiva)
São Domingos Viewpoint is 400 meters above sea level, next to the chapel with the same name. Here, every year, on the 4th of August, one of the biggest pilgrimages in Castelo de Paiva takes place. It has a very clear view of a wide meander of Douro river, and also to the mouth of Arda river. From there you can see Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia and Penafiel.
2. Viewpoint of Teixeirô (Cinfães do Douro)
Teixeirô Viewpoint is of excellence over the mouth of Bestança River, with an exceptional panoramic view over Porto Antigo, with the Mosteirô Bridge crossing Douro to Baião.
3. Viewpoint of Penedo de São João (Resende)
Viewpoint of Penedo de São João is in a privileged position at the highest point of the parish of Freigil, in Resende. Baião can be seen on the other side of the river, and the view of Caldas de Aregos also stands out.
4. Viewpoint of Abelhal (Baião)
Abelhal Viewpoint is very close to Douro River, allowing you to see in some detail Portelinha railway bridge and the port of Caldas de Aregos.
5. Viewpoint of Frende (Baião)
The viewpoint of Frende is located exactly on the border between Baião and Mesão Frio, with a breathtaking view over the River Beach of Porto Rei, which I definitely recommend visiting in Resende.
6. Viewpoint of São Silvestre (Mesão Frio)
The Viewpoint of São Silvestre is now accompanied by a swing. It is located on the hill of São Silvestre, next to the chapel with the same name, and has a privileged view over the village of Mesão Frio, and further down over the Douro valley.
7. Imaginary Viewpoint (Mesão Frio)
From the Imaginary Viewpoint stands out the wooden balcony overlooking Douro river. It was built to look like the front of a boat, so you can go there and take some “Titanic” photos.
8. Viewpoint of Donsumil (Mesão Frio)
The Viewpoint of Donsumil is located in Vila Marim, in the village of Donsumil, next to a gigantic cross of Christ. It allows you to see a huge stretch of Douro River, although it does not allow you to have an unobstructed view of the village of Mesão Frio, as is the case of São Silvestre.
9. Viewpoint of Santo António (Peso da Régua)
From the viewpoint of Santo António, you’ll find the best view of Peso da Régua: to the 3 bridges, the city, and the curve of Douro River in front of it.
10. Viewpoint of Covelinhas (Peso da Régua)
Covelinhas Viewpoint offers a wonderful view of Folgosa region, located in the municipality of Armamar. It is a viewpoint close to the river, so at a low altitude, but with enormous scenic value.
11. Viewpoint of São Leonardo de Galafura (Peso da Régua)
São Leonardo de Galafura Viewpoint allows you to reach a landscape that is an “excess of nature”, as Miguel Torga (a famous Portuguese writer) used to say. I also consider it an “excess of beauty”. It is certainly one of the most beautiful viewpoints of Douro Valley, and also one of the most visited.
12. Viewpoint of São Domingos (Armamar)
The Viewpoint of São Domingos gives you a breathtaking view of the city of Peso da Régua, with Douro River flowing alongside it, and Serra do Marão in the background. It is next to a chapel in honor of São Domingos, whose legend says it was visited by couples in search of a miracle of fertility.
13. Viewpoint at the Mouth of Tedo River (Armamar)
The mouth of Tedo river develops in a small and beautiful meander, with Douro river next to it. Although not as spectacular as in the drone image below, there is a good viewpoint from the road on the opposite side of Quinta do Tedo. This region is beautiful!
14. Viewpoint of Adorigo (Tabuaço)
Adorigo Viewpoint is not far from the mouth of Tedo River, on the access road to the village of Tabuaço. It’s like a balcony overlooking Douro Valley.
15. Viewpoint of São Cristóvão do Douro (Sabrosa)
São Cristóvão do Douro Viewpoint is located on the side of the road between Sabrosa and Pinhão, offering a magnificent view of the terraced vineyards of the region, and also to the mouth of Pinhão river.
16. Viewpoint of Casal de Loivos (Alijó)
Casal de Loivos Viewpoint is very close to Pinhão, and is perhaps one of the best known in the entire Douro region. From there, you can see the village of Pinhão, with its bridge crossing Douro River, and the vineyards of Quinta das Carvalhas, on the side of São João da Pesqueira.
17. Viewpoint of Santa Marinha (Alijó)
Santa Marinha Viewpoint is located in Castedo. It was recently renovated, now allowing a clearer view of Douro River, close to a chapel in honor of Santa Marinha. On the left bank, the mouth of Tua river stands out.
18. Carvalhas Viewpoint (São João da Pesqueira)
Carvalhas Viewpoint is located on the hill with the same name, at an altitude of 487 meters. You will have Douro river at your feet, being able to observe one of its curves from there. In the distance, you can see Pinhão.
19. Viewpoint of Abelheira (São João da Pesqueira)
Abelheira Viewpoint is also called Frei-Estêvão Viewpoint. It is very easy to access, as it is next to a picnic area on the well-known National Road 222. For me, it is the one that allows the best view of Douro terraces when visiting São João da Pesqueira. It is undoubtedly the viewpoint to return to in different seasons of the year to admire the change in color that can be observed.
20. Viewpoint of Nossa Senhora da Lurdes (São João da Pesqueira)
The Viewpoint of Nossa Senhora de Lurdes is located in Nagoselo do Douro. From there you can see the mouth of Tua River and the Railway Station, far in the distance.
21. Viewpoint of São Salvador do Mundo (São João da Pesqueira)
São Salvador do Mundo Viewpoint is the most famous in São João da Pesqueira. It is 403 meters above sea level, on Monte do Ermo, not far from the town. It is a 2 in 1 viewpoint, as on one side of the hill you also have a view to Valeira dam. It is a peaceful place that is considered as the greatest sanctuary in Douro Valley.
22. Viewpoint of Santa Bárbara (São João da Pesqueira)
The Viewpoint of Santa Bárbara is located in Vale de Figueira at around 348 meters above sea level. From there, you can see Ferradosa Railway Bridge and the train line, on one side, and the village of Vale de Figueira on the other.
23. Viewpoint of Vargelas (São João da Pesqueira)
Vargelas Viewpoint is on the side of EM541 road, at an altitude of 450 meters. Like the previous one, it is located in Vale de Figueira, and also has a view to Ferradosa Railway Bridge. It is accompanied by a poem by Francisco Moita Flores.
24. Viewpoint of Arnozelo (Vila Nova de Foz Côa)
Arnozelo Viewpoint is located in Numão region and overlooks the train line that goes to Vesúvio. It’s very close to the river.
25. Viewpoint of Santa Bárbara (Vila Nova de Foz Côa)
The Viewpoint of Santa Bárbara is located in the village of Mós, next to a chapel dedicated to Santa Bárbara. The viewpoint has a wide view of Douro River and the village itself.
26. Douro Route Viewpoint (Carrazeda de Ansiães)
From Douro Route Viewpoint you can see the vineyards up close, and on the other side of the river, Vargelas train station.
27. Viewpoint of Fraga da Coleja (Carrazeda de Ansiães)
The viewpoint of Fraga da Coleja is close to a winter waterfall in Carrazeda de Ansiães: the waterfall of Fraga do Ola.
28. Viewpoint of Barca Velha (Torre de Moncorvo)
Barca Velha Viewpoint is located in Açoreira and has a stunning view of the region’s wine landscape. In the distance you can see the mouth of river Sabor, where you can discover a brutal river beach.
29. Viewpoint of Senhora do Castelo (Torre de Moncorvo)
The Viewpoint of Senhora do Castelo is located near the village of Urros, in Torre de Moncorvo. In addition to the view over Douro river, the viewpoint over the village itself also stands out. Excellent spot for sunset.
30. Assumadouro Viewpoint (Freixo de Espada à Cinta)
Assumadouro Viewpoint is the one located further south in the municipality of Freixo de Espada à Cinta. It allows an incredible view to Barca d’Alva.
31. Viewpoint of Penedo Durão (Freixo de Espada à Cinta)
The Viewpoint of Penedo Durão is the best of all, in my opinion. It is an immense view, which cannot be captured in a single photograph, unless it is in panorama mode. From there you can see the Saucelle Dam and the mouth of Huebra River, for example.
32. Colado Viewpoint (Freixo de Espada à Cinta)
Colado viewpoint offers an unobstructed view over the village of Mazouco and beyond to a bend in Douro river. Access is also super easy, on the side of a tarred road.
33. Carrascalinho Viewpoint (Freixo de Espada à Cinta)
Carrascalinho Viewpoint is also extraordinary. On the other side of Douro River is Mieza, and the Arribes del Duero Natural Park.
34. Cruzinha Viewpoint (Freixo de Espada à Cinta)
Cruzinha Viewpoint is located in Lagoaça and has good access. I particularly highlight the meander in front of the pier of Lagoaça. If you want, go down there, as the view from the pier is equally superb, right next to Douro river.
35. Viewpoint of Aldeadávila Dam (Mogadouro)
Aldeadávila Dam viewpoint is the most wonderful viewpoint in Mogadouro, but it is not easily accessible. Coordinates: 41.21037, -6.69623.
36. River Path Viewpoint (Mogadouro)
The River Path Viewpoint is located in Bruçó. As the name implies, it is on the way to the river, with a small river pier at the end of the road on which it is located. Nearby you will also find the Viewpoint of Abicheiros.
37. Viewpoint of Fraga do Calço (Mogadouro)
The Viewpoint of Fraga do Calço is next to an old fortified settlement (“castro”) in Vilarinho dos Galegos. Its name comes from the boulder you see in the image below.
38. Viewpoint of Contrabando (Mogadouro)
To get to the Contrabando viewpoint, I recommend a trail starting from the previous viewpoint: this one, in particular.
39. Viewpoint of Picões (Mogadouro)
The Viewpoint of Picões is located in Peredo de Bemposta at 600 meters above sea level. Gigantic balcony overlooking Douro river!
40. Cerca Viewpoint (Mogadouro)
Cerca viewpoint is a few kilometers from Urrós. Allows you to observe a beautiful curve of Douro river in the region. One of my favorites.
41. Viewpoint of Fraga do Puio (Miranda do Douro)
Fraga do Puio Viewpoint is very easy to access, as it is located in the village of Picote. That is why it is one of the best known and most famous viewpoints in Douro Internacional. Also visit the village. 😉
42. Viewpoint of Fraga Amarela (Miranda do Douro)
Viewpoint of Fraga Amarela is not easily accessible, but the view made the trip there worth it. It is next to Castro da Cigaduenha, which dates back to the 1st millennium BC.
43. Viewpoint of Freixiosa (Miranda do Douro)
Freixiosa viewpoint is one of the monstrous viewpoints of International Douro in Miranda do Douro. Impressive cliffs!
44. Castrilhouço Viewpoint (Miranda do Douro)
Castrilhouço Viewpoint is located in Vale d’Águia and offers an excellent view of a brutal meander in Douro River.
45. Viewpoint of São João das Arribas (Miranda do Douro)
The Viewpoint of São João das Arribas is located in Aldeia Nova, next to a chapel with the same name, and a castro that dates back to the Iron Age.
46. Viewpoint of Penha das Torres (Miranda do Douro)
Penha das Torres viewpoint is located in Paradela, in the most eastern part of Portugal, where the sun rises first. It is an excellent observatory for the Castro dam, and for the entry of Douro River into Portuguese territory, becoming an international river.
47. Viewpoint of Requejo Bridge (Arribes del Duero)
The Viewpoint of Requejo Bridge is part of this list of the best Douro Viewpoints, but it belongs to Arribes del Duero Natural Park, in Spain. The bridge is made of metal and is located along a beautiful meander of Douro River, before it enters Portuguese territory.
48. Viewpoint of las Barrancas (Arribes del Duero)
The Viewpoint of las Barrancas is next to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Castelo, in the Fariza region of Arribes del Duero Natural Park.
49. Viewpoint of Falla de Ribas Altas (Arribes del Duero)
The Viewpoint of Falla de Ribas Altas is located next to Mámoles, requiring a short walk to get there. Great view!
50. Viewpoint of the Meander of Douro River (Arribes del Duero)
Viewpoint of the Meander of Douro River allows you to observe a monstrous curve of Douro from the front. It’s a brutal sight, but you’ll have to walk a bit to get there from Pinilla de Fermoselle.
51. Viewpoint of las Escaleras (Arribes del Duero)
The viewpoint of las Escaleras is located close to the capital of Arribes del Duero Natural Park, the town of Fermoselle. Don’t forget to visit it also.
52. Viewpoint of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Castelo (Arribes del Duero)
The viewpoint of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Castelo is located not far from Pereña de la Ribera, next to an isolated hermitage with excellent views over Douro river and cliffs.
53. Rupurupay Viewpoint (Arribes del Duero)
In parallel with the visit to the Rupurupay Viewpoint, you can also take a short trail to a waterfall with the same name, located in the natural park of Arribes del Duero. 😉 It’s about 2km from the viewpoint.
54. Viewpoint of Picón de Filipe (Arribes del Duero)
There are 3 viewpoints next to Picón de Filipe, for a similar view. This one is the best of the three, which is why I mention it here. From here you can see the Aldeadávila dam.
55. Viewpoint of Aldeadávila Dam (Arribes del Duero)
This dam is stupendous, having several viewpoints for it. 😉 My favorite, however, is on the Portuguese side, and I’ve mentioned it before in this article on the best Douro viewpoints.
56. Viewpoint of la Code (Arribes del Duero)
Next to the Viewpoint of la Code is another similar one called the Viewpoint of Colágon del Tío Paco. In addition to the landscape obtained from these two viewpoints, I would like to highlight the small chapel of the Virgem de la Code, hidden in the rock.
57. Viewpoint of Peña del Águila (Arribes del Duero)
Peña del Águila Viewpoint is located in Mieza. Yet another overwhelming viewpoint!
58. Viewpoint of Picón del Moro (Arribes del Duero)
I could also mention the Viewpoint of Saucelle Dam or Salto Viewpoint. They are all in the same region as Viewpoint of Picón del Moro, and all are worthy of this list of the best Douro viewpoints. The latter is the best of the 3.
59. Viewpoint of Peña de la Vela (Arribes del Duero)
The Viewpoint of Peña de la Vela is located next to the ruins of former lookout posts for smuggling control. In the background you can see the Saucelle dam.
60. Viewpoint of Alto da Sapinha (Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo)
Again in Portugal, and to finish the list of Best Douro Viewpoints, I share with you the Viewpoint of Alto da Sapinha. It is 20km north of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, overlooking Barca d’Alva.
Map with the Best Douro Viewpoints
Finally, the map with the location of the 60 best Douro viewpoints. What are your favorites? What are, in your opinion, the most beautiful Douro viewpoints? 😉 Tell me everything in the comments below.
For more photos of each of the best Douro Viewpoints presented in this article, check other articles present in this blog related with the municipalities mentioned.
Have a good trip alongo Douro River!
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 Vila do Conde - Things to do in Póvoa de Varzim - 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 - 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 - Things to do in Bragança - Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary - Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
