Pinhão, the heart of Douro wine trail, is the perfect destination for wine lovers and scenic explorers. Located on a picturesque bend of the River Douro, this charming town is ideal for a day trip from Porto or as part of a leisurely road trip through the region. Once the starting point for the famous Rabelo boats carrying wine barrels downstream, Pinhão is now a popular stop for river cruises.
Beyond the stunning vineyards, you’ll find lovely accommodations, delicious restaurants, and friendly locals. Whether you prefer planning your own adventure or relaxing on a guided tour, Pinhão has something for everyone. Sip world-class wine, explore Douro’s breathtaking landscapes, and let the beauty of Pinhão captivate you.
| Pinhão riverside
Much of the draw of Pinhão to the visitor is the journey here. The road between Peso de Regua to Pinhão has been proclaimed as the best drive in the world. A Daily Mail article acclaimed the N222 as having "17 miles, 93 bends and breathtaking views of the Douro Valley". The train journey here too has been heralded as one of the most picturesque in the world. Both routes follow the course of the river as it winds its way through the terrace cut hills. Another popular way to arrive in Pinhão is by boat. Several tour operators depart from either the Ribeira in Porto or Vila Nova da Gaia. You can also take a boat trip once you're in Pinhão, various tour companies run 1 - 2 hour boat tours upstream.
If you have visited a Port lodge in Porto a day trip here is the next logical step to obtain a more immersive understanding of Port and Douro DOC wine. The soils and climate here are perfect for growing grapes. Many of the best-known producers have Quintas here and now have visitor centres.
Pinhão is a small place. The limited number of eateries can get busy at lunchtime, especially those on the riverfront. There are, however, picnic tables in a shaded area on the pier's edge.
Although not unique in Portugal, the tiled panels at Pinhão train station are certainly a fine example and the best on the Douro line. The 19th-century railway station received its azulejo panels in 1937. A total of 3047 individual tiles make up 24 panels which depict the various stages of Port production. From the grape harvest to the transport by Rabelo boats down the Douro River to the cellars in Vila Nova of Gaia.
The iron bridge crossing the Douro in Pinhão was completed in 1906. It is reputed to have been designed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel. The metal deck and three 69-metre spans is an awesome sight as it traverses the river. On the other side is the Quinta das Carvalhas where Real Companhia Velha has a shop and tasting room.
| Pinhão Train Station
Get picked up from Porto and go wine tasting amid the vineyard-clad hills of the Douro Valley, a World Heritage-listed region famous for its Port wine production. Feast on regional specialities with a traditional lunch in the scenic village of Pinhão and visit two wine estates for an introduction to award-winning local varietals. Upgrade your full-day tour from Porto with a sightseeing Rabelo boat cruise on the Douro River. This small-group tour is limited to eight people for more personalised attention from the guide.
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Groups up to twelve people can embark on a private yacht cruise on the Douro River. Be dazzled by the landscapes you will see along the route from Porto to Régua, stopping for a quiet lunch at Curva da Lomba. The tour can be adapted to suit the client's wishes. Departure from the Marina da Afurada in Vila Nova de Gaia early morning.
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Cruise through the scenic landscape of the Douro Valley by boat and train on this memorable tour to Régua. From your comfortable vessel, float along the placid waters of the Douro, gazing up at its terraced vineyards that cover the hillsides. Sweep past world-class wine estates and see quaint Portuguese villages, then stop for lunch. See why this region was demarcated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, return while watching it from a new perspective, by train. Breakfast, lunch and hotel pick-up included.
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| Linha do Douro
When the line first opened in 1887, it was an engineering marvel as it follows the course of the river. Up through the dramatic landscapes of the Alto Douro, where vineyards are carved into terraces from the living bedrock. Although the branch lines have closed, the Linha do Douro is still very impressive and a great way to spend a day. Regular trains leave São Bento and Campanhã and pass 20 tunnels, 30 bridges and 34 stations. The line becomes more dramatic after the town of Régua on to the pretty wine towns of Pinhão (one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal), Tua and terminating at Pocinho, (close to the Cão Valley rock art).
A picturesque steam train runs along the Linha do Douro from on Saturdays from June to October. The steam locomotive with five historical carriages runs the distance between Régua and Tua.
You can just buy the Douro Historical Train journey, or you can choose to buy a Combined Package.
Train Timetable | Comboios de Portugal Website
Moscatel do Douro is a style of sweet fortified wines which the area around Favaios is famed for. This Muscat variety (Moscatel Galego Branco) produces wonderful sweet wines with golden colours with typical notes of oranges and honey. Moscatel do Douro makes a wonderful aperitif and dessert wine. The Cooperativa de Favaios has been one of the most prestigious wineries in Portugal ever since 1952 and since its conception has grown into 550 associates. 14 km (8.5 miles) north of Pinhão the town itself is dedicated to wine production, whose origins might go as far back as the Roman occupation of the area. It's believed the town of Favaios acquired its name from Emperor Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus. Today the Cooperative has extended its range and produces table wines, Ports and sparkling wines. The winery offers custom-made and set visitor programmes and offers guided tours with wine tastings to the winery and the cellars.
Daily: 09h00 - 12h30/14h00 - 19h00
Adega Cooperativa de Favaios, Lugar dos Pousadas 5070-265, Favaios, Portugal.
41º 16' 13.5" N | 07º 30' 15.7" W
+351 913 288 994 | reservas@adegadefavaios.com.pt | Website
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For an authentic vineyard experience, visit Croft’s flagship vineyard estate, Quinta da Roêda, at Pinhão in the heart of the Douro Valley. The visitors’ centre is housed in Roêda’s old stables which have been carefully restored in the traditional Douro Valley style. These provide a spacious environment in which to taste Croft’s renowned port wines and browse the shop for unique local products, such as the estate’s own extra virgin olive oil.
Discover the secrets of the vineyards as you take a guided walking tour through the property, stopping at points of interest along the way and taking in the magnificent landscape and the stunning views across the Douro River. During the harvest, you can also enjoy the unforgettable experience of treading the grapes in the ‘lagares’, the granite treading tanks in which the wine is made (advance booking by email required).
April – October: Daily 10h00 - 18h30pm, November – March: Daily 10h00 - 18h00pm
Quinta da Roêda, 5085-016 Pinhão, Portugal.
41° 11' 09.2" N | 07° 31' 42.2" W
+351 220 109 830 | visit@croft.pt | Website
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Quinta das Carvalhas is one of the most emblematic and spectacular properties in the Douro Valley. Written references regarding this magnificent vineyard can be traced back to 1759. Enjoying a prominent position on the left bank of the Douro river, in Pinhão, the estate covers the entire hillside facing the Douro river and occupies part of the slopes of the right bank of the tributary Torto river. Carvalhas’ Old Vines, are a post-phylloxera plantation, which has reached the respectful age of a century old. At Quinta das Carvalhas it is possible to enjoy wine tastings at their wine shop, located right at the entry of the property. Visitors are welcome to appreciate the breathtaking views on a sightseeing bus, walking tours or even through a “birdwatching” programme. The tours provide the possibility of visiting the iconic Round House, located at 550 metres on the top of the mountain, with a panoramic 360º view.
10h00 - 19h30
Quinta das Carvalhas 5085-034 Pinhão, Portugal.
41° 11' 12.8" N | 07° 32' 32.9" W
+351 254 738 050 | turismorealcompanhiavelha@gmail.com | Website
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Quinta de la Rosa, situated a short walk from the village of Pinhão, is a working vineyard and winery and offers guests and visitors the opportunity to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Quinta. Quinta de la Rosa has been in the Bergqvist family since 1906, although they have been in the port trade as shippers under the family name, Feueheerd, since 1815. It currently has around 55 hectares under vine and produces around 80,000 litres of port and 300,000 litres of table wine each year. During the visit to the winery and the traditional port cellar, you will learn about the family estate and how port and wine is made. La Rosa is unusual as we can show the whole port and winemaking process from the vineyard to the final bottle. Most port houses make their port in the Douro but store and bottle it in Vila Nova da Gaia, in Porto. We do everything in the Douro. Not only that, but we can show both wine and port making processes side by side.
From May to October: 09h30 – 19h00, From November to March: 10h00 - 18h000
Quinta de la Rosa, 5085-215 Pinhão, Portugal.
41° 10' 56.5" N | 07° 33' 09.5" W
+ 351 254 732 254 | bookings@quintadelarosa.com | Website
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Get picked up from Porto and go wine tasting amid the vineyard-clad hills of the Douro Valley, a World Heritage-listed region famous for its Port wine production. Feast on regional specialities with a traditional lunch in the scenic village of Pinhão and visit two wine estates for an introduction to award-winning local varietals. Upgrade your full-day tour from Porto with a sightseeing Rabelo boat cruise on the Douro River. This small-group tour is limited to eight people for more personalised attention from the guide.
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Explore the Douro Valley on this small-group tour from Porto, limited to eight people, to ensure a personalised experience. Enjoy round-trip transport, a traditional Portuguese lunch, and visits to two renowned wineries for wine tasting. Take in breathtaking views of the valley on a scenic boat cruise. This tour is ideal for those without a car, offering an easy and enjoyable way to experience the region’s stunning landscapes, local wines, and authentic cuisine.
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Explore the stunning Douro Valley and its vineyards on a full-day tour, visiting charming villages like Pinhão, Régua, and Lamego. Sample delicious local wines at renowned cellars, along with regional treats such as olive oil, honey, grape juice, and almonds. Indulge in a traditional Portuguese lunch while soaking in the scenic beauty of the valley. This small-group tour offers a personalised experience, perfect for discovering the heart of Portugal’s wine country in an intimate setting.
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Quinta do Bomfim is located on the north bank of the Douro River adjoining the village of Pinhão and is owned by the Symington family who has worked here for five generations. Guests can enjoy the heritage of this famous estate while visiting the winery, the beautiful old wine cellar and the vineyard. The family-made ports and wines may be tasted on the terrace with wonderful views of the Douro River and surrounding vineyards. The tour begins in a small museum that tells the story of the property, the family and the wines. A collection of early 20th century photographs of the Douro and documents record the history of the Quinta and the region. Visitors may choose between three vineyard walks that afford excellent views of the surrounding mountain vineyards, some with dry stone terraces built by hand in the 18th and 19th centuries. The visit includes the old lodge built-in 1896, one of the most magnificent such structures in the Douro Valley.
High Season: Daily 10h30 – 19h00, Low Season: Tuesday – Sunday 09h30 – 17h30
Quinta do Bomfim, 5085-060 Pinhão, Alijó, Portugal.
41º 11' 21.6" N | 07º 32' 24.4" W
+351 254 730 370 | quintadobomfim@symington.com | Website
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The name of Quinta do Noval first appeared in 1715 and is one of the best family-run Port and wine producers the Douro has to offer. The wines produced in Quinta do Noval express the greatness of its terroir.
Quinta do Noval has opened a visitors centre following the success of their visitors centre in Vila Nova da Gaia. As well as offering fortified and unfortified wines, the new centre is meant to be a “place of discovery” and “exchange of information” where visitors can discover the region, its soils and grape varieties and, of course, Quinta do Noval itself. With several interactive tools, the visitor will be able to discover the terroir and the unique character of the vineyard of Quinta do Noval and to understand the traditional methods of production of great Port wines.(advance booking by email required).
Low Season: 10h30 - 13h00/14h00 - 19h30, Closed Sunday & Monday
High Season: 10h30 - 19h30 Daily
Vale de Mendiz, 5085-110 Pinhão, Portugal.
41° 12' 48.4" N | 07° 32' 21.3" W
+351 223 770 270 | noval@quintadonoval.pt | Website
Quinta do Crasto benefits from exceptional conditions for producing wines and olive oils of the highest possible quality. Located in Gouvinhas, in the municipality of Sabrosa. The standard Wine Tourism visit to Quinta do Crasto usually begins in the grape reception area, then continues through the newly renovated winemaking cellars. Move through the innovative barrel cellar, where the premium and super-premium wines make are aged. See the vinha Maria Teresa, one of the most emblematic vineyards of Quinta do Crasto, where is given a brief description of the viticulture methods. Visit the laboratory, where the strict quality controls of all our wines are performed; ending at the Century-Old House for a tasting of five wines and a Port. The tour lasts for about 90 minutes. (Advance booking by email required).
Quinta do Crasto, Gouvinhas, 5060-063 Sabrosa, Portugal.
41° 09' 50.8" N | 07° 37' 41.9" W
+351 254 920 020 | enoturismo@quintadocrasto.pt | Website
Quinta do Portal is a family fine winemaking company that embraced with passion the “Boutique Winery” concept. They're renowned for producing premium DOC wines and Ports a project which started in the early ’90s, utilising a century-old estate where Port has been produced since the end of the 19th century. Their passion for quality over quantity has earned them much respect in the wine community both nationally and internationally.
Visit Quinta do Portal and increase your knowledge about the wonderful Douro region and its unique wines, that combine history and tradition with modernity, elegance and exclusivity.
(Advance booking by email required).
Daily: 10h00 - 13h00/14h00 - 18h00
EN 323 Celeirós – 5060-909 Sabrosa, Portugal.
41° 14' 24.8" N | 07° 34' 09.9" W
+351 259 937 000 | reservas@quintadoportal.pt | Website
Modern yet spacious and welcoming with very friendly accommodating staff. Located in Pinhão, Casa Dona Eufémia provides a terrace and free WiFi. All units feature air conditioning and a satellite flat-screen TV. There is a fully equipped private bathroom with shower and free toiletries.
3 Rua da Romanzeira, Casais do Douro, 5130-053 Pinhão, Portugal.
41º 10' 14.8" N | 07º 32' 16.8" W |
+351 935 912 223
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The modern LBV House Hotel is inserted in the centre of the Alto Douro wine region. Enjoying a panoramic view over the Pinhão Village, the elegant hotel is designed to fit seamlessly into the surrounding countryside. The LBV House Hotel’s rooms are all modernly decorated and most of the rooms feature balconies overlooking the river or the vineyards. All air-conditioned rooms and suite include a mini-bar, cable TV, and a private bathroom.
Rua da Galeira, 5085-060 Pinhão, Portugal
41º 11' 34.2" N | 07º 32' 44.2" W | +351 254 738 320
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Get the celebrity treatment with world-class 5 star service at The Vintage House - Douro. Situated in a former 18th-century wine estate, this luxury hotel overlooks vineyards and the Douro Valley. It has an outdoor pool with panoramic river views and offers spacious guest rooms with furnished balconies. Rooms at the The Vintage House - Douro include luxury bedding and modern furnishings. They come equipped with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. In the morning the hotel serves a breakfast buffet. The elegant Rabelo Restaurant features vaulted ceilings and offers regional cuisine. There is also an intimate bar with chandeliers and a fireplace. Guests can relax on a poolside sun lounger. The House Hotel has a tennis court and an on-site shop with wine tasting rooms.
Rua António Manuel Saraiva, 5085-034, Pinhão, Douro, Portugal.
N 41º 11' 23.0" | W 07º 32' 36.9" | +351 254 730 230
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The philosophy of Cozinha da Clara is to serve local Portuguese cuisine at its best - simplicity is the key. Including a touch of the family's heritage, by adding some of Claire's favourite recipes. The executive chef, Pedro Cardoso, has worked in the Douro for over 10 years. Using locally sourced products and vegetables from Quinta de la Rosa's vegetable garden (named "Paradise" by Claire), Pedro has developed many of his recipes from the Trás-os-Montes region. The food will be matched with wines from la Rosa as well as other nearby Quintas chosen by Jorge Moreira (wine maker) on a rolling basis.
The restaurant boasts having one of the best views of the Douro River. Originally built as a warehouse (armazém) it has been cleverly adapted by leading architect, Belém Lima. Using local materials, schist for the floors and a wooden vaulted ceiling, Belém cleverly modernises the warehouse concept.
Daily: 12h30 - 15h00/19h00 - 22h00
Quinta de la Rosa, 5085-215 Pinhão, Portugal.
41° 10' 56.5" N | 07° 33' 09.5" W
+ 351 254 732 254 | bookings@quintadelarosa.com | Website
Ó-POR-CO in Pinhão was an idea of a group of friends who like wine and food. This cool Tapas (petiscos) bar has two things on their menu, a handful of substantial salads and sharing platters of cheeses, hams, olives and bread. Great for informal get-togethers where great company requires great food. Nice wines are served here by the glass and their own brand of beer.
Daily: 11h00 — 21h30
65a Rua António Manuel Saraiva, Pinhão, Vila Real, Portugal.
41º 11' 27.7" N | 07º 32' 51.6" W
+351 254 096 760
info@oporco.pt | Website
If when in Pinhão you desire a traditional Portuguese dining experience with regional and seasonal dishes, served by warm welcoming staff, cooked to perfection at very reasonable prices, with no pretensions - then this is the place for you. The dishes of the day are chalked up on a blackboard. This family run establishment is popular with locals and tourists alike, queues are not unheard of. Ideally located right opposite the train station.
Daily: 12h00 - 15h00/19h00 - 00h00,
Rua Antonio Manuel Saraiva no. 29/B, Pinhao 5085-037 Portugal.
41º 11' 26.2" N | 07º 32' 40.9" W
+351 916 586 691
Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport Porto is 129km (80 miles) West of Pinhão. GET A GREAT DEAL ON YOUR FLIGHT HERE:
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1.5 hours East of Porto, 129km (80 miles) along the A4. GET A GREAT DEAL ON YOUR CAR HIRE HERE:
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Regular trains to Pinhão from Porto São Bento, use the Regional train service (comboios regionais) Linha do Douro: Train Timetable | Comboios de Portugal Website |
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Rede Expressos run services across Portugal. Website |
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