Douro Valley bursts with alluring views, which are so fascinating, particularly in autumn. If you’re looking for an amazing day trip from Porto, Douro Valley will fulfill your emotions admiring this mighty river. Pinhao is a lovely village to fuel up your Portuguese adventure and enjoy the views. In opposite to the popular Algarve and its hiking views, Douro Valley bursts with gorgeous river views full of serenity.
Through the traditional set of vineyards and olive groves, you will discover the Portuguese spirit beyond the famous landmarks. After 2h of train ride from Porto, Pinhao will offer you an incredible mosaic of views and trails.
Douro Valley and Pinhao will fascinate you as an autumn destination in Europe if you’re traveling in Portugal in November.
Though some tour companies offer visiting several viewpoints, your hiking spirit will be grateful for your unique discoveries. Let me take you to journey in Pinhao and inspire you to visit the fabulous views.
Pinhao is also an awesome choice to enjoy the rabelo boat trip, being the prettiest town in the Douro Valley.
This post contains links which could help me to earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you for reading and supporting Under Flowery Sky.
Taking a day trip from Porto
Surprisingly, you can take a cruise all the way from Porto to the source of Douro Valley in Pinhao. However, most people will go on a day trip by train. It was funny that I met people all over the world waiting for the train back. Seeing everyone speaking in English curious about everyone else made Pinhao more than a lovely river village.
The return ticket will cost you around 26€, but if you buy in advance the single ticket would be already 3€. Looking quite vintage, riding a train in Portugal will let you immerse in the stunning scenery.
Peso da Regua is the capital of Douro Valley with many fascinating activities and accomodation options. Here you can explore the history of the region in Douro Valley Museum.
Amazing viewpoints in Pinhao
Casal de Loivos viewpoint is the most popular, which is a little village on the hill. Through the serpentine road you’ll arive to the Casal de Loivos village surrounded by olive groves and incredible views. Visiting an Olive oil museum is an excellent opportunity to learn about region in its natural ambiance. There’s also a little caffe in this hilly village.
Beyond the official viewpoint, you’ll find better photo opportunities a little below.
It’s about 40-minute walk from central Pinhao.
Across the train station, you’ll find a board with all the informations about the hiking routes. It’s a circular route taking 9,8 km and covering about 3,30 hours.
A longer route leading to Valle de Mendiz passes by Vitarinho de Cotas.
Except the fascinating Casal de Loivos viewpoint, it’s worth checking also Carvalhas Viewpoint on the other side of the ride.
Pedregal viewpoint near Tabuaco village
The lovely Tabuaco, enchanting for almond blossoms and autumn colours, offers the stunning Pedregal viewpoint. Seeing the entire vineyard landscape in its rolling hills is simply fantastic. Adorigo viewpoint offers a stunning balcony close to Tabuaco.
Mount of river Tedo
Probably the most gorgeous viewpoint in the Douro Valley scatters where river Tedo blends with the Douro River. In this beautiful meander you can admire the surrounding vineyard hills.
Known as Quinta do Tedo, it’s a family-owned estate offering several guiding tours. Lying in the heart of Douro Valley near the Folgosa town, this impressive beauty speaks by itself. Enjoying the river promenade in Folgosa is an excellent opportunity on the wooden walkway.
Other charming villages in Douro Valley to enjoy the hiking trails
Ervedosa do Douro offers several lovely hiking trails along the river, some of them focusing on observing the local fauna. You can affordably book it here and enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of Douro Valley.
The wine village of Provesende is a treasure to the eye with pretty streets full of colourful flowers on every step. With its delightful organs, the tiny church is so marvelous. It’s also worth visiting the famous bakery in Provesende Padaria Fatima where you can try the traditional bread since 1940.
Sao Joao de Pesquiera has an adorable historical center and you should stop in Republic Square, Cats Street and Wine Museum. Admiring its numerous viewpoints will lead you to the world of wonders.
Lamego, a city full of treasures
Lamego with its beautiful historical center surrounded by greenery is simply fascinating. Full of incredible monuments, it’s especially worth mentioning the Cathedral and Museum of Lamego. Ribeiro Conceisao Theatre will also delight you with its marvelous facade. Visiting the Desterro Church will let you admire its golden interior. Don’t miss to visit the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios with its gorgeous park, caves and fountains.
As the sugar on the end, visit the lovely Lamego Castle.
Now researching the beautiful Lamego, I wish to have known it before and stayed even overnight. Anyhow, it’s a reason to come back being close to Peso de Regua, the capital of Douro Valley.
8 tips for hiking in Pinhao and admire Douro Valley
- The views are fascinating- if you didn’t hear for Douro Valley before
2. Don’t visit only Pinhao
3. Take the boat tour
4. Except Loivos viewpoint, visit the others- if you have time
5. Regarding the Loivos viewpoints, the best views are below it
6. Stay overnight anywhere in Douro Valley to enjoy hotel views
7. Make a picnic with a river view
8. The autumn is particularly beautiful in Douro Valley
Bonus- Pinhao is a cozy way to spend your day trip from Porto if you’re looking for hiking in Portugal.
What else to do in Pinhao
Pinhao is a small town, having few mini shops, caffe bars and restaurants. The traditional Portuguese tiles are present in its lovely train station. Enjoying a boat trip in Pinhao is a perfect choice in Douro Valley, With spectacular views, you’ll pay a 10€ for a one-hour trip and 20€ for two hours. Experiencing the traditional rabelo boats might not be something you cannot see elsewhere, but brings lot of fun.
After a lovely hike maybe you’ll be in the mood to spice up your journey with the classical Portuguese wine. Except the few shops where you can try wine, take the most of your day and visit some wineries in Pinhao.
If you’re not taking a boat trip, stroll down by the river and observe the fantastic bridge from 1906.
Where to eat in Pinhao
Be ready for the picnic in Pinhao with some exquisite views. Being like me and forgot to bring your picnic food? In Caffe Imperial across the train station is the best option to take a burger, even a veggie burger. Unfortunatelly, they serve it only till 17h so I missed and bought only a sandwich. Several other snack bars will give you a quick solution to eat around.
Along the river you’ll find some restaurants to enjoy the local food and river ambiance, try Veladouro.
Where to stay in Pinhao and the surroundings
The Vintage House Douro– offers amazing pool just along the river shore and elegant Rabelo restaurant;
Dois Lagares House– amazing terrace views, little pool and cozy ambiance;
Lamego Hotel & Life– features a stunning pool, its own orchard and vineyard and amazing location;
Douro Castelo Signature Hotel & Spa– located in Lamego, it’s an elegant hotel with fantastic spa facilities;
Host’olaria– a budget-friendly hostel in Lamego with a lovely garden;
Final thoughts
Let’s admit that Douro Valley isn’t touristically famous, but attracts visitors from all over the world. The breathtaking views are why Pinhao is your ideal day trip from Porto.
I would strongly advise to explore even more than Pinhao if your time allows. Douro Valley brings an incredible opportunity to enjoy the Portugal’s golden trails and hiking allure.
PIN IT FOR LATER:
I love the Douro Valley. last time I just drink wine. Maybe I should make time for hiking next time!
Another place I’d love to visit!
very informative. thank you for sharing
Porto is definitely on my “must see” list and your post has just elevated it until the top 5! Lots of amazing places to visit and I can’t wait to get there! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Wow!!! Douro Valley looks beautiful, serene, and breathtaking. You make me want to visit this place. I’ve visited Portugal once. But only been to Lisbon and Algarve.