Discover Portugal's port wine region
The Douro River winds its way from the north of Spain, along the Portuguese border and eastward to Porto where it meets the sea. Roughly midway on its course across Portugal, a stretch of its waters is flanked by a dramatic valley covered in bright green rows of grape vines. This is the Alto Douro, where wine has been produced for some 2000 years. Becoming the first wine growing region in the world to be formally demarcated in 1756, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage protected landscape.
It is most famous for its port, a sweet brandy fortified wine that must originate in this valley to be considered the genuine article. Naturally, your luxury Douro Valley experience wouldn’t be complete without a tasting or two. There are a wonderful array of traditional and boutique growers to discover on tours and tastings, where you’ll get a first-hand look into the process of growing and making the famous drink.
There are also some incredible vineyard stays in the area, putting you right at the heart of the action. Our favourites include Six Senses Douro Valley, part of Jacada’s Positive Impact Collection and perfectly situated for indulging in the region’s splendid grape harvest.
For Douro Valley family travel, the region’s sprinkling of historic towns and rustic villages are also wonderful to wander around, while the rugged mountains to east are home to the Côa Valley’s prehistoric rock art and some great hikes. Other popular activities in the area include challenging mountain biking, laid back river cruises and bird watching.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
Luxury accommodation in Portugal
There are many incredible places to stay in Portugal. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
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Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
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Trip Inspiration
Get inspired with our Portugal example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
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Explore more of Portugal
Alentejo
Alentejo is a vast region of cork plantation, wheat fields, vineyards and clusters of historic hilltop towns.
Algarve
Striking rock formations extend skywards from azure waters as the sun warms the sandy coastline. The southernmost part of Portugal, Algarve is most known for these Mediterranean beaches, quaint coves, fishing villages and luxurious hotels and eateries.
The Azores
The Azores, an enchanting archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, is a hidden gem of natural beauty and cultural diversity. Comprised of nine volcanic islands, the Azores belongs to Portugal and holds a distinct identity that sets it apart from the mainland.
Lisbon
Europe’s second oldest capital, Lisbon is an effortlessly elegant city, full of old-world charm. Lisbon has plenty to offer, with a plethora of museums and galleries as well as beautiful buildings covered in iconic azelujo tiles.
Porto
Built on a steep riverbank, a jumble of colourful medieval houses hug the calm waters of the Douro River where wooden boats bob on the surface and people spill out of its cafes and bars, more often than not with a glass of the wine that gave the city its name.
Sintra
The Sintra municipality is one of the most picturesque and charming regions in Portugal, peppered with hilltop towns, pine forests, rolling hills and majestic historic architecture.
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When to visit
To experience the grape harvest, the best time to visit the Douro Valley is in October. Not only will you get to watch the harvest in full swing – and sample its bountiful produce, you’ll also get to witness the region’s picturesque hills cloaked in a tapestry of rich orange, red and golden hues.
You can expect temperatures between 13°C–22°C (55°F–71°F), and generally pleasant weather during this time.
Wine harvest
October
Summer
June–August
Winter
December–February
Plan your trip to Douro Valley
Whatever you want from your adventure in Douro Valley, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Behind the scenes in Portugal
Through the Positive Impact Collection, we celebrate the truly remarkable properties that make a meaningful difference in the world. Six Senses Douro Valley, a 19th-century manor, provides an unrivalled welcome into the Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Join us as we journey behind the scenes and explore the deep-rooted traditions of wine that have shaped this land for generations.
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
