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Peso da Régua, the Gem of Douro
10 May, 2024 | Reading Time – 5 min
Welcome to Peso da Régua, the gem of Douro!
Get ready to embark on a journey of vibrant flavors, landscapes, and traditions.
So, sit back comfortably and join us for a read that will fly you straight to a hillside in the middle of the Douro River… Surrounded by vineyards, in a romantic setting, while you enjoy a delicious glass of wine, in Peso da Régua!
This town is located in northern Portugal, about an hour away from the city of Porto.
A place full of natural beauty and bathed by the Douro River, where the beautiful vineyards of the famous Port wine are born.
Peso da Régua is known as the oldest wine capital in the world.
It was created in 1756 by the Marquis of Pombal. He had the areas where the best wines were produced marked out with granite milestones, thus forming the world’s first demarcated wine region.
It is on the breathtaking slopes of the Alto Douro Wine Region that Port wine is produced, one of the most iconic symbols of national culture.
Why is it called the Gem of Douro?
The sunny town of Peso da Régua is enveloped in lush natural beauty, growing up on the banks of the Douro River. Its hills are surrounded by photogenic and marvelous wine-producing terraces.
A masterpiece of nature, it has been classified by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. With its stunning landscapes and romantic viewpoints, there’s a huge risk of thinking you’re in a movie set.
However, always leave room to fall in love with the real protagonist, the divine nectar that has been produced here for centuries: Port wine. Traditionally transported by rabelo boats to Vila Nova de Gaia, where it ages in the cellars.
For all these reasons and many more, believe us when we tell you that Peso da Régua is the gem of Douro!
How to get to Peso da Régua
If you’re planning to visit Portugal on your next vacation, Peso da Régua is a fantastic destination for exploring the best in the north region.
There are several options for getting to this gem of Douro. For those arriving by plane, it’s best to land at Porto airport. Once you arrive, you can take one of the many public transport services that run daily between Porto and Peso da Régua.
If you’re looking for something more eccentric, you can travel this route on a cruise or on the MiraDouro train, where you can take a trip in one of the vintage carriages. Whatever you choose, we guarantee you’ll have a memorable trip with breathtaking panoramic views.
Finally, you always have the option of renting a car and comfortably exploring the road to the city of Peso da Régua. You can make this journey along the famous 222 national road, known for being one of the most beautiful in Portugal.
There are around 100 km/h of memorable landscapes and magical corners, accompanied by the Douro River.
This city deserves your time and your attentive eye… There is a hidden charm in every street, which, if you give it the chance, will enchant you more than you expect.
When to go?
Peso da Régua is a destination that can be visited at any time of year. It’s a wine tourism destination of excellence, and you’ll always find breath-taking natural beauty, which changes color according to the seasons. However, there are times of year that are more suitable for certain activities.
If your vacation is in the summer, between May and September, this period is ideal for taking a cruise on the waters of the Douro River and enjoying the sun on the river beaches.
But don’t be discouraged if your trip is scheduled for spring, between March and April, because in this season you can enjoy the landscapes in all their splendor. Take the opportunity to go mountain biking, horseback riding or hiking on the green hillsides!
If you decide to visit this area in winter, between December and February, know that in addition to the natural beauty, there are cozy inns and good wine waiting for you. Whatever season you choose for your trip, Peso da Régua will always be unforgettable.
Peso da Régua and Port Wine
The Régua area has a rich architectural heritage where you can find several manor houses, palaces, and large wine-producing estates. Many of these houses are open to the public and are worth a visit. This place is the perfect destination for those who want to learn more about the art and tradition behind Port wine production.
You can start this adventure by booking a tour on one of the numerous farms, visit the cellars or wineries, understand all the processes the grapes go through until they reach their final form. These visits usually include a wine tasting, where you can savor the wonderful nectar of the Alto Douro Wine Region, surrounded by the magical vineyards. A truly unforgettable experience.
Visit Peso da Régua
When you arrive in this romantic city, you’ll immediately be drawn to a pleasant and extensive waterfront, accompanied by picturesque streets and historic houses. You never know when you might hear the shout, ‘Look at all the candy!”, and we advise you not to miss the opportunity to taste this traditional sweet.
Go for a walk along the Ecopista Ribeirinha and enjoy the flora and fauna of the Douro. Your next stop should be the Douro Museum, where you’ll find the permanent exhibition “Douro: Matter and Spirit”, a temporal and geographical overview of the demarcated Douro region.
We recommend that you also visit the Municipal Library, the old Town Hall building and the Pedestrian Bridge, a fantastic iron structure that is irresistible to any photography lover.
Finally, take some time to visit the Cruzeiro Chapel, where you’ll find a fantastic Portuguese tile panel depicting Douro vineyards and wine.
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