Follow the Douro across Portugal by motorhome!

Portugal is the land of explorers, who crossed the sea mainly in the 15th century to learn more about the unseen world. In the northern region of Portugal, you can embark on your own journey of exploration and get off the beaten track, as the Alto Douro region lends itself perfectly to it. Along the gorge of the River Douro, you will drive from east to west, through romantic villages, hilly vineyards and vast nature. A wonderful expedition! Boa viagem!

The Alto Douro region crowns northeastern Portugal and translates to ‘High Douro’. Not surprising, as the river lies in a deep gorge between vineyard-covered hills. Originating in Spain, the Douro partially forms the border with Portugal from the town of Miranda do Douro, after which the river crosses Portugal westwards and flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Porto.

If you want to follow the Douro along its current, it is best to start your motorhome trip in Miranda do Douro, where you will stay overnight at the Miranda do Douro motorhome stopover. Are you coming from the north, and do you prefer to drive in the other direction? Then spend the night further inland, such as at Camping Vila Real, in Peso da Régua at Parque de pernoita de autocaravanas or at motorhome stopover Quinta dos Lagares in Alijó. You can also choose to extend or start your motorhome trip along the Douro with a city visit to vibrant Porto.

- Get into your motorhome and follow the flow of Alto Douro!

Scattered throughout the area that lines the Alto Douro are multiple viewpoints. Besides the fact that in many places it is not possible to follow the river at water level, you will also have far more beautiful views of the water from the higher points! So keep your eyes open along the way, because the magical views will certainly not disappoint! 

At some so-called miradouros it is possible to park your motorhome close by, from where you only have to walk a short distance to the viewpoint. Are you not afraid of heights? Then make sure to drive to the town of Picote, because at the Fraga do Puio viewpoint you can admire the panoramic views from a glass plateau! You can see the rocks sticking out right under your feet, which is a very special but also exciting experience! The Miradouro de Santo António is also highly recommended, as from this point you can see the postcard of the Alto Douro: hilly vineyards surrounding the town of Peso da Régua, with the Douro meandering in the background. 

For the real explorer's scenery, you step off the beaten track. The ruins of the Moorish castle Castro de Vilarinho dos Galegos lie on a high hill and offer stunning views over the Douro. Because of the unpaved roads, it is not recommended to drive your motorhome to this point, but from the village of Vilarinho dos Galegos you can walk there in half an hour. From the Miradouro Rota do Douro, you walk through the hilly vineyards to a height from where you can admire one of the Douro's horseshoe bends in all its glory. Are you a bird lover? The Parque Natural do Douro Internacional is home to protected eagles and vultures, and with a bit of luck you'll see them flying through the Douro valley!

- Enjoy the many magical views this region offers you!

Are you visiting northern Portugal with children? Then a water activity is recommended! In several places in the Alto Douro, you can take a boat out on the river, for example in Miranda do Douro, Pinhão or Porto. While the parents enjoy the wine that comes with the boat trip, the children can feast their eyes on the river! It is also possible to be active yourself! At the viewpoint Carreirão das Arribas and the 2 Aguas Arribes near the Bemposta Dam, among others, it is possible to rent pedal boats, canoes and kayaks for a nice trip on the Douro. The Praia Fluvial Foz do Rio Sabor beach is located at the point where the Douro and Sabor rivers meet, and here you can take a refreshing dip in the water!

- Take a boat out on the river and feast your eyes!

Although the Alto Douro undoubtedly has much more to offer, the region is best known for its wines as well as its centuries-long history of wine production. Wine has been produced in this region for some two thousand years, but since the 18th century, (port) wine has enjoyed world fame. So what better way to taste the flavour of the Alto Douro than in the region itself! 

A visit to the Alto Douro is not complete without enjoying a tasting at one of the quintas. Formerly used for farming, these traditional country houses and farms are now more often transformed into wineries and holiday accommodation. Surrounded by vineyards, you will therefore enjoy the flavour of the region and its vast nature. After a walk through the vineyards, you will be taken into the history of the Alto Douro and taste the most delicious wines rolling ‘fresh’ out of the barrels. Would you like to add an extra special experience to the tasting? Then make sure you attend a tasting during harvest season, usually from September onwards, as there is a good chance you will get to help mash the grapes! After all that walking, tasting and mashing, end the day with a wine among the hills, behind which you can watch the sun go down.

- Join a tasting at one of the quintas to complete your visit to Alto Douro!

Viagem a Portugal for stunning views, walks and wines! Would you like to discover even more of Portugal? You can cross this versatile country not only from east to west, but also from north to south and finish your motorhome trip in the Algarve! Enjoy! 

Did you stay at one or more of the motorhome stopovers in this article? Don't forget to share your experience with your fellow motorhome owners by writing a review via the Camperstop-App!