The Douro region, with its stunning landscapes and centuries-old vineyards, is a destination that enchants any visitor. Although the Douro Valley is globally known for its wines, this region is a perfect place for those seeking outdoor adventures and moments of relaxation amidst nature.
In this article, Feel Discovery will present some options for outdoor activities you can enjoy in the Douro.
Boat Rides on the Douro River
The Douro River, with its enchanting landscapes and vineyards stretching across the slopes, reflects the perfect setting for unforgettable boat rides. Thus, Feel Discovery presents two companies capable of providing unique experiences: Pipadouro and Douro Criativo.
Pipadouro: Luxury and Exclusivity
Pipadouro is synonymous with luxury and sophistication, with a touch of vintage, offering exclusive and personalized boat rides that do justice to the beauty of the Douro River. Pipadouro stands out for its vintage charm, with a fleet of classic boats such as "Pipadouro II" and "Friendship I" from the 1950s and 60s, which are restored, combining historical elegance with modern comfort. It's a true journey back in time! The rides range from hours to several days and can be tailored to the clients' interests, including wine tastings on board, personalized breakfast on board, unforgettable evenings, and visits to exclusive estates to learn about the production process of the famous Douro wines. While sailing the Douro with Pipadouro, passengers will be treated to spectacular views of vineyard-covered slopes, picturesque villages, and impressive terraces, creating the perfect environment to relax and enjoy the journey.
Location: Marina de Afurada and Marina do Pinhão.
Contacts: +351 939 196 262 or +351 917 510 000
Email: info@pipadouro.pt
Douro Criativo: Culture and Tradition
Douro Criativo proposes a more cultural project, allowing visitors to deeply understand the Douro's culture and history, presenting a unique and educational experience. The company organizes itineraries that highlight the most fascinating aspects of the region, from Port wine production to art, architecture, and local village life. During these tours, visitors have the opportunity to connect with locals, learn about their traditions and customs, including visits to family estates, craft workshops, and local markets. The experiences offered vary in duration and type, ranging from hours to days.
Douro Criativo offers an authentic culinary experience, with tastings of local products and traditional meals, allowing visitors to discover the rich Douro cuisine, richly seasoned with local wines.
Contacts: (+351) 259 336 164 or (+351) 935 184 454
Email: reservas@dourocriativo.pt
Hiking and Trails with Panoramic Views
The Douro Valley, with its stunning landscapes, is a paradise for hiking and trail enthusiasts. The region offers various options for those who wish to explore its natural beauty on foot, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views! Among the most popular trails are the Foz do Côa Walkways, the Tua Walkways, and the trail to Ermo de São Salvador do Mundo. Let's discover more about each of these trails.
Foz Côa Walkways
The Foz do Côa Walkways offer a unique experience of walking along the banks of the Côa River, where you can appreciate the harmonious integration between nature and human intervention. These walkways were inaugurated in September 2022, with a length of 930 meters. This trail connects the Côa Museum and the (deactivated) Côa railway station, near the mouth of the Côa River but facing the Douro River. The walkways have 890 steps that provide panoramic views over the river and the terraced vineyards surrounding it, as well as access to historical and cultural sites, such as the rock carvings of the Côa Valley Archaeological Park. The walk requires some physical preparation and offers several observation platforms and rest areas along the route.
Location: Côa Valley Archaeological Park, R. do Museu, 5150-610 Vila Nova de Foz Côa
Tua Walkways
The Tua Walkways are an excellent option for hikers who want to explore the Tua River valley, a tributary of the Douro. The linear pedestrian trail follows the old route of the Tua railway line, offering a combination of history and nature. Along the way, visitors can enjoy stunning views over the Tua and Douro Rivers, vineyards, and surrounding mountains. The trail is well-signposted, starting at the PNRVT Entrance Gate and ending at the Tua Valley Interpretive Center (CIVT), passing by the Foz-Tua Dam Viewpoint. Additionally, the route is punctuated by several bridges and tunnels that add a touch of adventure to the walk. The walk is easy, offering several rest areas and viewpoints, making it ideal for a relaxing nature walk.
Location: 5140, Carrazeda de Ansiães
Ermo de São Salvador do Mundo
The trail to Ermo de São Salvador do Mundo is one of the most scenic in the Douro region. In the heart of São João da Pesqueira, this hike takes visitors to an old hermitage located on top of a hill, offering an impressive panoramic view over the Douro River and the terraced vineyards. Along the hike, you will find nine chapels, symbolizing some stations of the Way of the Cross with sculptures representing the scenes of Christ's Passion. Near the sixth chapel, there is a rock called "Fraga do Diabo" where six concavities are visible. According to local tradition, these marks are interpreted as the "knees, elbows, and horns of the Devil." The story goes that the Devil, hastily escaping from Saint Peter, fell at this spot and left these visible marks, revealing the physical structure of the evil entity. This local legend gave name to a wine from the region, known as “Fraga do Diabo.” Additionally, you can find records from the pre-Roman, Roman, medieval periods, Douro history, and a lot of diverse fauna and flora. The hike is moderately difficult, with some steep climbs, but the reward at the top is worth all the effort. The hermitage itself is a place of great tranquility and spirituality, ideal for moments of reflection and contemplation.
Location: (starting point: Largo das Covinhas, São João da Pesqueira)
Adventure Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, and More
The Douro region has much to offer beyond its famous wineries, being the ideal place for adventurers with activities like canoeing and cycling, as well as more relaxing activities like municipal pools.
Feel Discovery presents some of the best adventure options that the Douro has to offer:
Go On Bike
For cycling enthusiasts, Go On Bike is the perfect choice in the Douro region. This company stands out for renting bicycles and e-bikes (electric bikes), as well as offering guided tours that explore the region actively and sustainably. The routes are adjusted to satisfy all skill levels of cyclists, including beginners and more experienced riders, in terms of difficulty and time. The opportunity to cycle along the Douro River, enjoying the vineyards, charming villages, and beautiful landscapes becomes a memorable experience with Go On Bike! Additionally, this business provides logistical support, such as luggage transfer, for cyclists interested in covering longer and more challenging routes.
Location: Rua Dr. José Mesquita 203, 5050-023 Fontelas - Peso da Régua
Contacts: +351 254249467 or +351 932642512 (WhatsApp)
Email: geral@goonbike.com
Naturimont
Naturimont is an ideal company for the most adventurous, as it offers a wide range of activities in the Douro region, catering to all tastes and ages. Options include Canoeing, Jet Skiing, Canyoning, Stand Up Paddle, Boat Rides, White Water Rafting, Climbing, Hiking and Trails, 4x4 Tours, Paintball, and Archery.
Location: Avenida da Galiza, Galerias do Hotel Regua Douro, Loja 2, 5050-222 Peso da Régua
Contacts: (+351) 968933608 or (+351) 254613918
Email: info@naturimont.com
Municipal Pools
For those looking for a more relaxing activity, there is always the option of the municipal pools in the Douro region. Many cities in the region have well-equipped pools with panoramic views, and most importantly, they are accessible! These pools are perfect for a day of rest, especially during the hot summer months. They offer an opportunity to cool off and relax after a day of exploration. Feel Discovery suggests a few municipal pools:
- Carrazeda de Ansiães Municipal Pools
- Mesão Frio Municipal Pools
- Outdoor Municipal Pool
- São João da Pesqueira Municipal Pool
- Armamar Outdoor Municipal Pool
- Resende Outdoor Municipal Pool
Douro Aquafun
Douro Aquafun is a water park located on the banks of the Douro, more precisely in Torre de Moncorvo. This park offers a variety of attractions, such as slides, pools, and recreation areas for children. Additionally, Douro Aquafun provides picnic areas and organizes activities like water aerobics classes and themed events, ensuring fun and entertainment for all ages. Finally, the space offers free parking.
Location: Rua de Lameirão, Nº 255, 5160-031, Cabeça Boa Torre de Moncorvo
Contacts: +351 279 034 850
Email: geral@douroaquafun.pt
Kartódromo de Vila Real
For speed enthusiasts and more, the Kartódromo de Vila Real is a must-stop. This circuit offers high-performance karts and a challenging track where you can test your driving skills. The karting track is suitable for both beginners and more experienced drivers. Additionally, this space also offers the experience of Lasergame and Sumo Wrestling for groups.
Location: Aeródromo Oeste, 5000-102 Vila Real
Contacts: 920 268 289 (Preferred WhatsApp Message)
Email: kartodromovilareal@gmail.com
Info: Open every day (10:00 – 12:30; 14:00 – 19:00) (Race reservations - 48 hours in advance)
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