Here is your no bullshit guide about Where to stay in Douro Valley: top hotels, wineries and apartments in 2023, places where I actually stayed at, and of which I can give you an honest feedback. (And how do I know the region so well, you may ask? Well, I have been guiding private wine tours there since 2015!).
On this article you will discover:
- What are the main sub regions in Douro Valley and why it matters when choosing where to stay in the region.
- My top 12 rankings of the best hotels in Douro Valley, best wineries with accommodation and best apartments, classified according to the difficulty level to arrive there (from Great – walking distance from a train station to Not great at all – when it’s very difficult to access the place, even with a car and driving experience).
- A map with the location of not only my accommodation picks, but also the most important train stations in Douro Valley.
This article is all you need to book your stay in Douro Valley. It gave me a looooot of work, and I hope it proves useful to you 🙂
As it is a very detailed article, if you want you can use this table of contents to navigate it:
PS – If you are looking specifically for a hotel with a spa, check my article about the Best Spa Hotels in Douro.
How to choose where to stay in Douro Valley?
When it comes to deciding where to stay in Douro Valley, you can stay at one of the major cities in the region (Régua, Pinhão or Lamego), in tiny wine villages (such as Tabuaço) or in the middle of nowhere.
So before you book your stay in the region, it is important to understand the dynamics of the area. I’ll use this map to explain it to you:
The Douro Valley is divided in 3 subregions: Baixo Corgo, Cima Corgo and Douro Superior, moving from the West (the Atlantic coast) to the East (Spain).
- The main cities to stay in the first subregion, Baixo Corgo, are Régua and Lamego. Régua is not a beautiful city, but it has great restaurants and easy access from the highway, and it is just 1h30 driving distance from Porto. Lamego is adorable, with its cute little cathedral and its sanctuary on the top of the hill, but not as central as Régua.
- The main city in Cima Corgo is Pinhão, a tiny village with nothing to see except for the train station. The advantage of staying in Pinhão is that you will be close to several wineries such as Quinta do Bomfim. Moreover, the Douro river cruises departure from Pinhão. These are very good panoramic rides that are great for relaxing and taking photographs. If you would like to try one of these, get your ticket for a 1h Douro river cruise.
Around Pinhão there also some tiny villages such as Armamar and Provesende, that are close enough to the vineyards but still far enough to fully appreciate the “normal” life of the region.
If you don’t have a car, I strongly suggest you to stay either in Régua or in Pinhão, as both have train stations. Otherwise, your stay is going to be a world of pain 😀
If you want to stay further away, I suggest you to rent a car on AutoEurope, or you will have to rely on taxis (there are no Ubers in Douro Valley) to move around.
Another option is to hire a private guide like us to conduct a personalise wine tour with a pick up in Porto and drop off at your accommodation in Douro Valley. Just fill in this form and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible with a personalised itinerary 🙂
Where to stay in Douro Valley: Hotels, Wineries with accommodation and Apartments
For the purpose of this article, I divided the accommodation options in:
- Best hotels, for those who value comfort and luxury.
- Best wineries with accommodation, for those looking for a unique and authentic stay.
- Best independent apartments, for independent and budget friendly travellers.
Best hotels to stay in Douro Valley
Original Douro Hotel
If you are traveling to Douro Valley without a car and without booking a private wine tour then you DEFINITELY need to book a hotel with a very central location. And one of the best hotels in Régua, the most central city in the region, is the Original Douro Hotel.
It is a big hotel with a very friendly atmosphere, and efficient staff – and it is where I chose to stay in Douro Valley when I get premium, longer tours 🙂
Location: Great – walking distance from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Régua, then walk for 4 minutes. As simple as that!
The Vintage House Hotel
If you’re looking for an upscale experience go for The Vintage House Hotel, one of the best luxury hotels in Douro Valley.
The bedrooms combine traditional elements with all the amenities of a luxury hotel. There, you will be able to enjoy beautiful common areas, like a bar with an English style decor and comfortable leather sofas. Moreover, the Vintage House Hotel has a pool with its own bar, and several gardened spaces with terraces overlooking the Douro river.
Located at the heart of the Douro Valley, in Pinhão, the Vintage House Hotel is perfect for those who want to go for a boat ride or visit several vineyards in the Douro Valley without having to drive.
Location: Great – walking distance from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Pinhão. The Vintage House Hotel is a 3 minutes walking distance.
Six Senses Douro Valley
The Six Senses Douro Valley is a castle-like 5-star hotel that prides itself on being one of the best luxury hotels in Europe.
The bedrooms are contemporary with neutral colours, each more stunning than the other. But if one room is not enough, the Six Senses Douro Valley provides 2-3 bedroom apartments, perfect for families.
After a long day of travel, you can head out to the Six Senses Douro Valley lavish spa, the heated indoor pool with water jets or the outdoor pool and refreshment bar. You can also hit the gym or join one of activities organized by the hotel, such as river cruises, yoga, canoeing, etc.
Don’t forget to visit the Wine Library at the Six Senses Douro Valley for some good wine and refreshments.
And the answer to your question is: yes, it is very expensive to stay at the Six Senses, but you shouldn’t miss an opportunity to stay at the best hotel in Douro Valley!
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Régua, then take an 10 minutes taxi ride to Six Senses Douro Valley.
Casa do Arco
If you want to disconnect from your daily life, I highly recommend Casa do Arco, the newest luxury guest house in Douro Valley. Located 10 minutes driving distance from Pinhão, it is a modern building with comfortable bedrooms and one of the most stunning view of the region.
Moreover, it has a restaurant where you can try organic, local ingredients and a wine tasting room. But if you want to remember your stay forever, ask them to set a picnic on the garden. It will be unforgettable!
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Pinhão, and then a 10 minutes taxi ride to Casa do Arco.
LBV House Hotel
LBV House Hotel is a modern hotel with an accessible location, incredible views and a cozy interior. All the bedrooms have a spectacular view and a featured wall covered with a large picture reminiscent of the Douro Valley.
In this hotel, there are fun activities you can participate in, like a wine tasting, or have a chill day enjoying the outdoor pool and hitting the Vintage Bar afterward.
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Pinhão then take a 4 minutes taxi ride to the LBV House Hotel.
Casa de São Domingos
I don’t normally gravitate towards places with traditional decor because they feel outdated and unwelcoming. However, I fell in love with Casa de São Domingos because it’s where a traditional decor is done right.
Thanks to the beautiful decor, great location, gardens and magnificent scenery, São Domingos is definitely one of the best hotels in Douro Valley!
It also has a swimming pool, making it convenient for families with kids.
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Régua, then take a 5 minutes taxi ride to Casa de São Domingos.
MW Douro Wine & Spa
A luxury hotel in the Douro was recently renovated – and, of course, I had to take a look and tell you about my experience 🙂
I was delighted with MW Douro Wine & Spa: the rooms, in subtle tones, have a beautiful view of the region; the bathrooms are luxurious and discreet, with CastelBel products (for those who don’t know, it is the best Portuguese body products company).
It also has a spa (with indoor pool, Turkish bath and sauna), which is quite unusual in the best hotels in Douro. And best of all, the massage rooms have an incredible view of the region’s landscapes.
If you don’t feel like leaving the hotel… well, you don’t need to: MW Douro Wine & Spa has a fantastic restaurant that serves typical dishes from the region. The only problem with MW Douro Wine & Spa is that it is located 30 minutes driving distance from Régua – not a very central location 🙁
Location: Not great – more than 15 minutes drive from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
Octant Douro
The Octant Douro is a dream 5-stars hotel, with a minimalist yet intimate decor, which sought to maximize its guests’ exposure to the stunning landscape of the Douro. From the glass-enclosed rooms to the infinity pool, everything was designed to make the most of the view.
The only really annoying thing about Octant Douro is its location, more than 1 hour away from the demarcated Douro region (the wine production area). In this aspect, I would say that the ideal is to choose the Octant Douro if you want a few days of total relaxation and do not want to visit the region itself.
Location: Not great at all – more than 30 minutes drive from the Douro Valley wine region.
How to get there: by public transports it’s tricky – there is no nearby train station. The best thing to do is to hire a private guide like us (if you want to visit the region) or a driver.
Lamego Hotel & Life
Lamego Hotel & Life, one of the best hotels in Douro Valley in terms of design, location and activities.
Take a dip in the heated outdoor pool, but if that’s not cutting it, you can swim in their indoor pool, sit in a jacuzzi, a Turkish bath or a sauna. Also, they have an outdoor playground, perfect if you’re traveling with your kids. Moreover, Lamego Hotel & Life has an onsite restaurant which provides traditional Portuguese dishes accompanied by the best wines from the region, so it’s one of those hotels where you stay for a few days without a care in the world.
Besides wine tasting activities, this hotel organizes river cruises, canyoning, kayaking and riding a 4×4 around the Douro Valley.
Location: Not great – more than 15 minutes drive from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Régua, then take an 18 minutes taxi ride to Lamego Hotel.
Casa de Canilhas
Casa de Canilhas is perfect. Per-fect. It is an old manor house that combines, with great taste, the traditional decor of the past with the amenities of a modern hotel. The rooms are very comfortable and the common outdoor spaces are divine, not to mention the living room with bar and fireplace. Furthermore, all the outdoor spaces invite you to rest and enjoy the view of the Douro River, from the infinity pool to the immense breakfast terrace. It really is an unforgettable hotel.
Location: Not great – more than 15 minutes drive from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Régua, then take a 20 minutes taxi ride to Casa de Canilhas.
Casa dos Viscondes da Várzea
Casa dos Viscondes de Várzea is a pearl among the best hotels in Douro Valley because, you see… it is a magnificent manor house with the most beautiful gardens in the region. Yes, it also has a swimming pool and great views but honestly who cares about that when you can sit by the the beautiful lake, surrounded by fruit trees. Oh, they also serve a delicious homemade cake for breakfast (that part is important too!).
Location: Not great – more than 15 minutes drive from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Régua, then take an 20 minutes taxi ride to Casa dos Viscondes de Várzea.
Imaginário D’El Rei Guest House
Imaginário D’El Rei is an absolute gem, and one of the best hotels in Douro Valley close to Porto – just 1h10 driving distance. What I LOVE about this place is the outdoor hot tub, right next to the swimming pool, with a breathtaking view of the Douro river. It is a unique feature that you simply don’t find in the other hotels in the region, and that my boyfriend enjoyed a lot when we stayed at Imaginário D’El Rei 🙂
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Rede’s station and then call a taxi.
Hotel da Quinta do Pego
I was unsure whether to place the Hotel da Quinta do Pego in the section of the best hotels to stay in Douro Valley or in the section of the best wineries in the region, but the truth is that the hotel dimension of this property is much stronger than the wine production one. So, here I am writing about a beautiful property with a strategic location, just 10 minutes by car from Pinhão 🙂
Hotel da Quinta do Pego is very comfortable, well decorated and spacious, with a small wine shop on the ground floor (it’s worth trying the property’s wines, as they have won several awards). It also has a restaurant with a fantastic view, only available with 12h notice.
It only has 10 rooms, so I recommend you make your reservation as soon as possible.
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Pinhão, then an 8 minutes taxi ride to Hotel da Quinta do Pego.
Morgadio da Calçada
In a little village called Provesende, you can take a trip back in time by staying at this 17th century manor house. The bedrooms are all in different buildings, giving Morgadio da Calçada a village-like atmosphere.
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a bottle of Port wine. Soon after, you should get to know the property, the gardens, the chapel and the cool outdoor swimming pool.
Location: Not great – more than 15 minutes drive from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Pinhão and then a 20 minutes taxi ride to Morgadio da Calçada.
Delfim Douro Hotel
Delfim Douro Hotel is exactly what you would expect from a corporate hotel (aseptic environment, impeccable staff) with the advantage of having a huuuge terrace overlooking the Douro river, where you can sunbath or enjoy the pool. Breakfast is very good as well. So, to sum it up: it is impersonal, it is efficient, and it delivers on its value proposition 🙂
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Régua, then take a 10 minutes taxi ride to Delfim Douro Hotel.
Douro Castelo Hotel & Spa
Douro Castelo Hotel & Spa is a modern urban hotel with a fantastic location, near Lamego’s city centre, and hence close to several wineries that provide wine tastings. It is also one of the few hotels in Douro Valley with 24h reception service, which is great.
The one thing I don’t like about Douro Castelo Hotel & Spa is that some of its areas are quite small, like the outdoor pool.
Location: Not great – more than 15 minutes drive from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Régua, then take a 20 minutes taxi ride to Douro Castelo Hotel & Spa, located in Lamego.
Douro Scala
Douro Scala is a very cozy and calm hotel, with a rustic decor (the vaulted ceiling is extraordinary), and great facilities like an outdoor pool, a jacuzzi, Turkish bath and sauna. But, if none of these options fancy you, you can simply take a walk towards the Douro river.
The bedrooms look and feel very corporate (in my opinion), but that is largely compensated by the common areas and a fantastic breakfast.
Location: Not great – more than 15 minutes drive from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Régua, then take a 20 minutes taxi ride to Douro Scala.
Casa da Quinta de Santa Cruz
Casa da Quinta de Santa Cruz is a beautiful rural hotel, where you can see that a good architect took an old house and restored it with good taste and functionality.
It also has a great location, close to many wineries and also to Régua, where you will find great restaurants.
The only drawback of Casa da Quinta de Santa Cruz is that it only has 5 rooms, so make your reservation in advance.
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Régua, then take a taxi ride to Douro Scala.
Best Wineries with accommodation to stay in Douro Valley
Quinta do Vallado
Near Régua train station you’ll find Quinta do Vallado, a 4-star wine hotel surrounded by beautiful vineyards where we regularly take our clients for wine tastings because their reds are fantastic.
Quinta do Vallado has two wings, a traditional 1733 renovated manor house and a 2012 modern building. The bedrooms in the manor house are large, cozy with light or neutral colors. The bedrooms in the new modern wings are romantic, designed with dark wood and concrete ceiling. I know choosing where to stay is not easy because both living quarters are awesome, but you can have a great experience in both.
It is an expensive hotel but the price includes a visit to the cellar, a wine tasting, breakfast, bicycles, fishing gear, fruit and wine in the room so make sure you take advantage of everything offered. And if that’s not convincing, Quinta do Vallado provides more activities such as river cruises, jeep tours, picnics, snooker, spa and canoeing.
How to get there: take the train to Régua, then take a 7 minutes taxi ride to Quinta do Vallado.
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
Quinta da Pacheca
With a great outdoor area, a stunning interior, a high-quality restaurant and a perfect location, the The Wine House Hotel at Quinta da Pacheca has earned its place as one of the best hotels in Douro Valley.
When you go to the The Wine House Hotel make sure to hit its restaurant to try out some delicious traditional Portuguese meals paired with Quinta da Pacheca’s wines.
Some activities on this perfect hotel in Douro Valley include wine tasting, wine courses, walking or biking tours, cooking classes and boat rides. During the harvest season (mid August to mid September), this winery also organises pretty cool harvest programs.
The only thing I don’t like about Quinta da Pacheca is that it is very popular among tourists, particularly for destination weddings, and hence it is always full of people. But, naturally, the hotel guest have access to facilities that are restricted to guests.
Location: Great – walking distance from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Régua, then take a 9 minutes taxi ride to the Wine House Hotel in Quinta da Pacheca.
Quinta de São Bernardo
When it comes to making your stay in the region truly special, nothing quite compares to Quinta de São Bernardo. It is a lovely boutique hotel in Douro Valley that belongs to a wine producer (superb wines, by the way) where you can see the love and care of its owners, from the impeccable decoration to the organic fruits and vegetables that are grown in the farm and served for breakfast.
At Quinta de São Bernardo you will not only find a luxurious lodging but also a great restaurant (only for guests) and, equally important, some of the best wine tours in Douro Valley.
Although expensive, this boutique hotel in Douro Valley gets booked very quickly so I recommend you to book it with months in advance.
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train from Campanhã to Marco de Canavezes and from there take another train to Barqueiros. The property is within 5 minutes walking distance.
Quinta de La Rosa
Quinta de La Rosa is a small scale producer just 5 minutes driving distance from Pinhão, which makes it great in terms of accessibility.
The bedrooms are very comfortable, but this property lacks the existence of common living rooms, where I usually spend most of my time.
Therefore it is not the kind of vineyard where you go to stay a long time – on the other hand, and given its privileged location, it’s the perfect hotel in Douro Valley if you’re planning to visit several wineries.
Moreover, give it a try at the restaurant at Quinta de La Rosa, called Cozinha da Clara – for me, it is definitely one of the best restaurants in Douro Valley! The chef, Pedro Cardoso, has a deep respect for the Portuguese flavours, and provides for an authentic yet refined gastronomic experience.
Location: Great – walking distance from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: the easiest way is to take the train to Pinhão, and then a taxi to Quinta de La Rosa.
Quinta da Côrte
I have only been to Quinta da Côrte this year and I regret my delay, as it is one of the most stunning places to stay in Douro Valley. The old buildings was renovated by the famous French architect Pierre Yovanovitch, and I just love the decor, in light wood and white tones.
It has the most loving swimming pool, overlooking the Douro Valley, where you can sip wine at the end of the day. Quinta da Côrte also has a restaurant with delicious food that changes daily (how rare is this?), and the cherry on top is that the meals can all be taken in a few outdoor areas, with tables overlooking the region – it is the perfect setting for a romantic meal at sunset. It is, in my opinion, one of the most romantic hotels in Douro Valley!
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Pinhão and then a 12 minutes taxi ride to Quinta da Côrte.
Quinta da Marka
Quinta da Marka is an old fashioned manor house in Douro Valley, so it might be particularly interesting for those of you who prefer to have an authentic experience. It is a bit hard to get there (because of the narrow roads), but definitely worth it – and usually the clients of our private tours enjoyed their stay there!
Location: Not great – more than 15 minutes drive from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Pinhão and then a 30 minutes taxi ride to Quinta da Marka. Yes, it is a pain to get there.
Quinta de São Luiz – The Vine House
Quinta de São Luiz belongs to one of the largest wine production groups in the Douro (Sogevinus), and this is reflected in the size of its hotel. I particularly like the young decor, in pastel and aqua green tones, which is unusual in the region.
I also like the fact that they have an excellent wine cellar, recently restored. Furthermore, the visit to the winery (with wine tasting) is included in the price of the stay, as well as a 10% discount on the purchase of any wine bottles. It’s really worth it to stay there!
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Pinhão and then a 10 minutes taxi ride to Quinta de São Luiz.
Quinta Nova – Luxury Winery House
Quinta Nova (de Nossa Senhora do Carmo) is simply stunning – there is no other way to put it.
Among the wineries from which some of the best wines in Douro Valley come from, you’ll find a boutique hotel covered in schist and cork, two traditional Portuguese materials. You’ll be welcomed by some of the nicest staff I’ve met in my life, and taken to your traditional Portuguese room.
It’s time for you to relax; you’re at home.
Quinta Nova – Luxury Winery House is the ideal place if you are looking for slow tourism in Douro Valley. As it is far away from everything else, it is fantastic to enjoy some off days from the rest of the world.
Once there, you can enjoy a glass of wine at the swimming pool facing the mountains, or read a book at its delicate winter garden. You’ll also be able to find some very interesting books about the Douro Valley and the production of Port wines, which I found fascinating.
If the weather allows it, venture into the property, on the vineyards, on the woods and inside the small chapel. Just make sure to ask for a map at the reception.
Location: Not great at all – more than 15 minutes drive from a train station, restaurants and wineries. Not easy roads to navigate!
How to get there: I have to be honest – it’s not that easy to get there. From Pinhão it’s around 20 minutes drive, from Porto around 1h45.
Quinta do Portal
Inside the wine estate of Quinta do Portal, you’ll find one of the most superb hotels in Douro Valley, with a beautiful living room facing the vineyards, and a cozy, smaller room with a fireplace that is perfect for colder days. A pity I couldn’t take a decent picture when I got there, I arrived super late!
Besides that, Quinta do Portal has a restaurant where you’ll be able to taste some beautiful traditional Portuguese dishes (guests from the hotel have discount on the restaurant).
Once there, visit the wine cellars – Quinta do Portal is unique as its warehouse was designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira, the famous architect from Porto. Moreover, this winery produces both wines, Port wines and muscats, and hence it’s perfect for a more comprehensive tasting of the wines from this region.
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: it’s very easy by car. Simply take A4 highway (direction Vila Real), then take A24 by leaving on the exit 13. From there, you’ll be following the national roads N322 and N323. Quinta do Portal will appear on your left hand side.
Quinta de Ventozelo
The facilities at Quinta de Ventozelo, a beautiful property close to Pinhão, were recently renovated, maintaining the welcoming spirit and its traditional roots, which is not always the case.
It is a very popular property for families with children in Douro, so it can be a little noisy for couples without kids.
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Pinhão and then a 15 minutes taxi ride to Quinta de Ventozelo.
Quinta da Gricha
Quinta da Gricha, which belongs to Churchill’s (one of the best wine cellars in Porto), is a little out of the way, as it is about 30 minutes by car east of the town of Pinhão. In this sense, I only recommend that those who enjoy driving to stay there.
But, for the daring, Quinta da Gricha is truly beautiful. In addition to the stunning views over the wine terraces of the Douro Valley, Quinta da Gricha has an infinity pool and a small garden in the middle of schist ruins. It’s very, very romantic 🙂
Location: Not great – more than 15 minutes drive from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Pinhão and then a 30 minutes taxi ride to Quinta da Gricha.
Quinta do Tedo
I saw Quinta do Tedo grow in parallel with my own career in wine tourism. It went from being a wineries with half a dozen visitors to being one of the most visited wineries in the Douro, and which has, since 2021, a fantastic tapas restaurant. However, it has kept the same team, which creates an intimate and comfortable environment that shines through when I stay there.
Quinta do Tedo is located on the N222 road, considered by many to be the most beautiful road in Europe. It has a fantastic view over the mouth of the Tedo River, which you can enjoy from the dining room. It only has 5 rooms, which greatly contributes to a comfortable and family-friendly stay, especially during the low season (as during the high season it is ALWAYS full of visitors!).
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Pinhão and then a 15 minutes taxi ride to Quinta do Tedo.
Best Apartments to stay in Douro Valley
I’ve been writing about the best hotels in Douro Valley but when I travel I usually stay in apartments, because I am a health freak that prefers to cook her own meals 😛 So if you are a like minded traveller or just looking for a more convenient, private and budget friendly option to stay in Douro Valley, this section of the article is for you.
Casa da Tia Douro
It’s no secret that I don’t like Régua (it’s really an ugly city!), but it’s one of the places I highly recommend you to stay in Douro Valley because it has a very central location, with lots of restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets and immediate access to the highway.
And this strategic location in Régua is, precisely, the greatest advantage of Casa da Tia Douro, an apartment for 4 people in the heart of the city. In addition to being very comfortable and well equipped, Casa da Tia Douro also provides a complete breakfast every day, which is excellent (and rare to find when renting an apartment in Douro!).
Location: Great – walking distance from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Régua.
DouroXisto Apartments
If you are looking for a more economical option in Régua that can accommodate anyone from a young couple without children to a group of 6 friends, look no further: the DouroXisto Apartments are for you! Located near Poiares, on one of the most beautiful roads in the region and just a 10-minute drive from Régua, the DouroXisto Apartments are small but well equipped, perfect for a short stay. They also have access to a small outdoor swimming pool and an internal car park.
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Régua and then a 10 minutes taxi ride to DouroXisto Apartments.
Quinta da Portelada
Quinta da Portelada consists of 4 fully equipped holiday homes, with access to an outdoor pool with plenty of surrounding space and a barbecue area. The houses have a simple but tasteful decor, and breakfast is served by the owners, who did not hesitate to answer all our questions about the region.
Location: Not great – more than 15 minutes drive from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Régua and then a 25 minutes taxi ride to Quinta da Portelada.
Quinta Vale das Papas
Quinta Vale das Papas is such an extraordinary place for a large group of friends to stay in Douro Valley! Its architecture project is not short of amazing, with a full glassed walls living room overlooking the region and an amazing infinity pool, too. If you want you can also go on some walking trails in the surrounding area but who in their right mind would even leave Quinta Vale das Papas when it provides, within the property, a spa with sauna, Turkish bath, jacuzzi? No one in their right mind 😛 My friends and I LOVED our stay and we will definitely return.
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Pinhão and then a 15 minutes taxi ride to Quinta Vale das Papas.
Quinta do Monte Travesso – Country Houses & Winery
Quinta do Monte Travesso is a wine producer that become known not only for its wine (which is not that great, to be honest) but also for its two magnificent houses with a private pool and extraordinary views. The rooms are beautiful, the decoration and furniture are restored (the table in the living room is, for example, an old marble bench, gorgeous). Furthermore, it has an infinity pool, private parking and even a traditional iron stove for colder days. It really is a charming place 🙂
The only problem is that it is located half way through Régua and Pinhão, around 25 minutes driving distance from each town.
Location: Not great – more than 15 minutes drive from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
Quinta da Salada
It is impossible not to fall in love with Quinta da Salada because it is one of the hotels in Douro Valley with the loveliest outdoors areas. My favourite area is definitely the gardens, where you will find several hidden corners perfect for “dating” or simply relaxing, including a hammock and a giant puff by the pool.
Breakfast is superb and the common areas are fantastic, too. The only thing I didn’t like about Quinta da Salada, one of the best hotels in Régua, is that the WC is an “open space” area in the bedroom (bye bye privacy :P).
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Régua, then take a 10 minutes taxi ride to Quinta da Salada.
The Homeboat Company Pinhão-Douro
If you are looking for a truly unique stay in the Douro Valley, look no further: The Homeboat Company Pinhão-Douro is, essentially, a small apartment built directly on a Douro River pier, above the water. Thus, it provides a fun experience for those who like to try different things. We really enjoyed it! 🙂
The apartments are small and optimized as much as possible, but even so, the kitchen has everything you need. You can even enjoy bicycles to explore the region, terrace and bar, WiFi internet and private parking, all free for The Homeboat Company Pinhão-Douro guests.
Moreover, the location is SUPERB, right in the heart of Pinhão.
The only downside to staying at The Homeboat Company Pinhão-Douro is that it doesn’t have a double bed, just single bunk beds – which some couples may not find very funny. For us it was OK, because we only stayed there one night.
Location: Great – walking distance from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Pinhão, then take a 5 minutes taxi ride to the apartment.
Cantinho do Colégio
Cantinho do Colégio can accommodate up to 4 people, so it is perfect for both solo travellers, couples or small groups of friends.
The location is superb, around the corner from the cathedral of Lamego. The kitchens are fully equipped and they even provided all the basics for you to cook with (olive oil, salt, etc). The bedrooms are super comfortable. It has air conditioner (I know it’s a thing for foreigners).
You can conveniently do a self check in at Cantinho do Colégio, but I recommend you to meet Cristina, the owner. She is a wonderful person and will answer all your questions about the region.
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Régua, then a 15 minutes taxi ride to the apartment.
Quinta Rainha Dona Mafalda
If you are traveling with a group of friends and don’t want to give up comfort, Quinta Rainha Dona Mafalda is for you. It stands out from the other options on this list of the best places to stay in Douro Valley because it is a large villa with a private pool and jacuzzi, a huge living room with a fireplace, snooker and huge sofas… in sum, a unique combination of luxury and privacy that is difficult to find in Douro.
Furthermore, Quinta Rainha Dona Mafalda has a strategic location, very close to Pinhão and near one of the best viewpoints in the region.
Location: Good – short drive (<10 minutes) from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Pinhão, then take a 5 minutes taxi ride to the apartment.
Quinta da Faísca
Quinta da Faísca is a property with 4 dream apartments, the kind of place that makes you want to pinch your face to check if we are just dreaming or not 🙂 The apartments are modern lodges in the middle of the vineyards, with a beautiful interior architecture, creating a very romantic and special atmosphere during our stay in the region.
In addition, there is an outdoor swimming pool (also built in the middle of the vineyards) and an outdoor fireplace, that is very cozy on cold Douro nights.
Finally, Quinta da Faísca is located just a 5-minute drive from a good supermarket, which is handy because the apartments, unfortunately, don’t have a very good kitchen.
Location: Not great – more than 15 minutes drive from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Pinhão, then take a 25 minutes taxi ride to the apartment.
Cantinho D’Os Reais
Cantinho D’Os Reais is a 2-bedroom apartment located in the center of Pinhão, on a very calm and safe street. The decor is sober, and what truly stands out about this apartment in Douro – besides its exceptional location – is the friendliness of its hosts, who, in addition to providing us with breakfast, left us food in the fridge. Tourism in Portugal is made up of people like this, and how good that is 🙂
Location: Great – walking distance from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Pinhão.
Casa da Encosta Douro Valley
If you ever find Casa da Encosta Douro Valley available on your travel dates, you should not hesitate to make your reservation. This villa with two bedrooms, a mini pool with a fantastic view, a barbecue area, a perfect terrace for a lazy breakfast (already included in the price of the stay) is truly a catch! Moreover, the location is spectacular, in the center of the village of Pinhão.
The only negative thing to point out about Casa da Encosta Douro Valley is that access is a little difficult, on a narrow street. Furthermore, there are spiral stairs inside the apartment, so I don’t recommend it for people with reduced mobility.
Location: Great – walking distance from a train station, restaurants and wineries.
How to get there: take the train to Pinhão.
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