Douro River
Why Sail the Douro?
The Douro River flows through Portugal's breathtaking landscapes, including terraced vineyards, dramatic cliffs, and rolling hills. As you sail along the Douro, you'll be treated to stunning vistas and picturesque views that showcase the beauty of the region - dotted with charming towns and villages that have preserved their traditional character and architectural charm. Historic cities such as Porto and Lamego offer a glimpse into Portugal's past, with notable landmarks like Porto's Ribeira district and Lamego's Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies.
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The Douro River, also known as Rio Douro in Portuguese, is one of the major rivers in the Iberian Peninsula. It flows primarily through Spain and Portugal, with a total length of approximately 897 kilometers (557 miles). The Douro forms part of the border between Spain and Portugal for a significant portion of its course. The Douro River originates in the Sierra de Urbión mountains in northern Spain, near the province of Soria. Its source is at an elevation of about 2,160 meters (7,087 feet) above sea level.
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The Douro River Valley is renowned for its wine production, particularly the production of Port wine. The region's steep slopes along the riverbanks are adorned with terraced vineyards that produce high-quality grapes used in the production of Port and table wines. The terraced vineyards along the Douro River are a distinctive feature of the region. The carefully constructed stone walls that support the vineyards create a breathtaking landscape, blending natural beauty with human craftsmanship.​
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Most Douro River cruise itineraries travel roundtrip from Porto, though several one-way options exist between Porto and Vega de Terrón. If the itinerary doesn't already include it, pre- or post-cruise stays in Lisbon (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) are highly recommended.
Cruise Lines that Sail the Douro
When Should You Sail the Douro?
Sailing on the Douro can be enjoyable during any season of the year. Pricing will be lowest during low and shoulder seasons, and highest during peak seasons. Peak times to visit are late spring when vineyards are in bloom, and fall when you'll experience the harvest (along with beautiful autumn colors).
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Water level issues can crop up at at any time - read up on what causes issues and when they are most likely to occur on our Water Levels page. The Douro River tends to be less prone to high/low water issues than other rivers in Europe.
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In general, the Douro River cruise season falls into these categories:​
January/February
Typically no sailings during this time of year.
May/June
This period is considered peak season.
September/October
This period is considered peak season.
March/April
This period is considered shoulder season.
July/August
This period is considered shoulder season.
November/December
This period is considered low season.
Select Countries & Cities Along the Douro
Portugal
The birthplace of port wine, the Douro River is known for its dramatic cliffs, vineyards, and medieval villages. You can visit small villages surrounded by farmland, like Barca d'Alva, which is near the National Park of Douro International - or visit monuments to Portugal's Age of Discovery, such as the ancient universities in Coimbra and Salamanca.
Porto
Pinhão
Régua
Vega de Terrón
Spain
Technically not on the Douro itself, a visit to Salamanca is often an excursion when you have a port stop in Vega de Terrón. With remarkable Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, you'll enjoy the sights as you wander the cobbled streets of this beautiful World Heritage city.
Salamanca
Suggested Douro Itineraries
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​AmaWaterways' Enchanting Douro
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Tauck's Cruising the Douro River Valley
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Uniworld's Douro River Valley
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Avalon's Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro
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Viking's Portugal's River of Gold​