Peso da Régua is a picturesque town located in the heart of the Douro Valley, famous for its vineyards and port wine. Walking through the charming streets of the town, you can feel the true atmosphere of Portugal. On the other side of the river, you can admire the terraced vineyards, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Peso da Régua is an ideal starting point for exploring the region, offering cruises on the Douro River, which provide unforgettable views of the surrounding hills and vineyards. This place will delight every lover of wine, nature and authentic Portuguese culture. Don’t be fooled by the fact that the town is located in the north of the country – the Douro Valley can be really hot, especially in summer, temperatures can reach up to 40 Celcius degrees. As an interesting fact, I will add that August is a great month to visit the north of Portugal, most cities have festivals and events then.
What to see in Peso da Régua
Peso da Régua is a wine town, so there’s no shortage of wine-related attractions. Each of these places/ attractions offers unique experiences connected to the rich culture, history and natural beauty of the Douro region. Here are five of the most interesting places to visit in Peso da Régua:
1. Douro Museum (Museu do Douro): This interactive museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Douro region, especially related to the production of port wine. It features exhibitions on winemaking, traditions and daily life in the Douro Valley.
2. Quinta do Vallado: One of the oldest wineries in the Douro region, founded in 1716. It offers winery tours, wine tastings and the opportunity to visit the historical buildings. On the winery premises is Quinta do Vallado – Douro Wine Hotel: a design hotel located on the banks of the Corgo River, surrounded by a vineyard with a picturesque garden with an outdoor pool and a sun terrace.
3. Azulejo tiles by Manuel Casal Aguiar – while walking through the streets of Peso da Régua, look at Rua Jose Vasques Osório 20, your eyes will catch sight of a wall with huge paintings made of ceramic azulejo tiles, depicting scenes from the Douro Valley, including the grape harvest.
4. Douro River Cruises: Peso da Régua is one of the main departure points for Douro River cruises. These cruises allow you to admire the beautiful landscapes of the Douro Valley from the perspective of the river, as well as visit the surrounding vineyards. We chose a one-hour cruise with the company Tomaz do Douro, we arrived at the dock at 10:00 in the morning and it was a bull’s eye: there were no other tourists, we had the boat all to ourselves. In summer, I recommend a cruise in the morning or late afternoon due to the high temperatures.
5. Miradouro do Imaginário: This fantastic viewpoint is located near Peso da Régua, and offers spectacular views of the Douro Valley and the vineyards. It’s the perfect place to admire this UNESCO-listed landscape. P.S. It great for some outstanding photos! 🙂
Trips to Peso da Régua and the Douro Valley
Peso da Régua is the perfect starting point to discover the region. If you happen to be in Porto and are considering a trip to the Douro Valley, I have the perfect suggestion for you: a wine tasting tour!
Are you looking for a touristic guide to Porto or a private trip to the Douro Valley? I rarely meet people who know what they are doing and even more rarely those who love their job. And yet such people exist and are worth their weight in gold. Dorota Woicka is the owner of a walking tour company and she is managing accommodation in Porto. She is passionate about local life, history, customs and gastronomy. If you are going to Porto, be sure to go sightseeing along her paths and get to know the picturesque nooks of the city and its inhabitants, with whom Dorota.
Dorota has in her offer also trips to the Douro Valley with a private driver António, to visit vineyards and do some wine tasting in great company and atmosphere!
Where to eat in Peso da Régua
Restaurante Dur Essência is a new restaurant with a family atmosphere. Here you will find Portuguese cuisine. I liked the francesinha the most – a sandwich in which ham is layered with bacon, sausage – beef steak, and all this is additionally covered with yellow cheese and half immersed in beer sauce.
Restaurante Churrasqueira Maleiro II – friendly atmosphere and Portuguese flavors. Low prices, delicious traditional dishes and local wines. It is worth coming early, the later we are the harder it is to get a table and you have to wait in line.
Where to sleep in Peso da Régua
Bugalha My Loft Douro 10 – we stayed in this fantastic large studio with private kitchen and bathroom and terrace. Breakfasts and dinners with views of the vineyards and the Douro River brought beautiful memories. The apartment is located in the very center so you can get everywhere on foot.
Feel Discovery Homes in Douro – this place offers a garden, an outdoor pool and various accommodation units with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. There is a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer, and a balcony with mountain views.
Wine House Hotel – The luxury property is located in Lamego, in the heart of the Douro region. It is set in a large estate with vineyards. The property is housed in a typical 18th-century building, which has been restored while maintaining the traditional architecture and original features. The interior of the hotel combines modern style with a historical atmosphere. The cottages made in wine barrels are especially beautiful and interesting.
