Douro River

If you are ready to experience some incredible river sailing in a picturesque scenery, you should check what Douro has to offer. This is one of the major rivers of the Iberian Peninsula, and it flows from Spain, through Northern Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean by the city of Porto. The Douro is simply magnificent and sailing there is a pure pleasure for anyone who appreciate amazing landscapes and the beauty of historical sites. Both the Douro Valley and Porto are attractive tourist spots, that will satisfy any sailor. The region is nothing but charming so you will not be disappointed with such journey.

What should sailors know about the Douro River?

The waterway here is 210 kilometers long and it is considered quite modern. It is open to any kind of leisure vessels, except those that have the masts longer than 7.20 meters. The whole Douro waterway is appropriately marked with red and green buoys, and motorized boats cannot sail outside that area. There are about 60 river quays and jetties which are suitable for any boat.

If you decide to sail in that area, you should always check the official information first, as some parts of Douro river are affected by tides. In the rainy season it may even lead to flooding, so every sailor should be serious about it.

The Douro River waters are perfect not only for sailing but also for practicing some of the water sports, like rowing, canoeing or powerboating.

What to do in the Douro River area?

Sailing through the Douro is a pure pleasure itself, as the whole area is beautiful and unspoiled by humans. The terraced hills along the river, where olives, almonds and wine grapes grow, and the charming small towns make the journey magical, but there a lot more to see in that area.

While travelling through that region you must visit at least one of the three world heritage sites. Alto Douro Wine Region, Historic Centre of Porto and Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in Côa Valley are definitely worth seeing, as well as the nature parks: Alvão and Douro International. The area will be perfect both for tourists looking for some sightseeing and those who enjoy the natural beauty the most. You can visit the monumental churches and castles or well preserved ancient wine cellars. However, you may also choose to drive to one of many viewpoints and admire the amazing scenery from the top of the hill.

Sailors who decide to spend their holidays in that region should also know that it is a birthplace of the famous Port wine. There are many wine-producing houses which traditions of winemaking dates back even to XVI century. If you are a fan of the Port wine you will definitely be delighted with the information that you may also observe the production of this delicious drink.

Of course, you cannot only drink Porto for the whole trip but you also have to eat something. Luckily the region is also famous for its rich cuisine and you will have no problem with finding a perfect place for lunch or dinner. Try some traditional dishes to feel how the Douro River area tastes like an it will be an unforgettable experience!