Porto has enough to keep you busy for several days, but it’s also one of the easiest cities in Portugal to use as a base. Within an hour or two you can be tasting wine in the Douro Valley, wandering medieval streets in Guimarães, swimming at Atlantic beaches or hikingRead More →
Private tours to the Douro Valley understandably cost more than small group tours, so they’re not the right choice for everyone. Having explored the Douro Valley independently, on small group tours and on a private tour, I’d say the extra cost is justified if you value flexibility, exclusive winery visitsRead More →
If you only have one day to explore the Douro Valley, you’ve essentially got three choices: join a small group tour, book a private tour or organise the day yourself. I’ve explored the Douro Valley all three ways over several visits and each has its advantages. The journey from Porto takesRead More →
A lot of people arrive in Porto thinking they’ll see everything in a day or two, then realise how many worthwhile places and experiences there are once they start exploring. Last update: May 2026 There are the obvious highlights like the Ribeira, São Bento station and the port wine lodgesRead More →
Lamego is one of the most interesting towns in Portugal’s Douro Valley, known for its monumental baroque staircase, historic centre, sparkling wine and cultural attractions. I often recommend it to people who want a break from vineyard visits and river cruises without losing the character and atmosphere of the Douro.Read More →
Guimarães is compact, so choosing where to stay is less about location and more about the kind of experience you want. Most visitors only stay one or two nights, and it’s easy to underestimate how much that affects your choice. If you’re deciding between staying right in the historic centreRead More →
There are plenty of reasons to stay overnight in Braga. Not only is the city itself packed with history, churches, gardens and good places to eat, it also works well as a base for exploring Bom Jesus do Monte, Guimarães and more of the Minho region. I’ve spent many, manyRead More →
Last updated March 2026 Trying to decide where to stay in the Douro Valley? Choosing the right base here makes a big difference to your experience, especially given how spread out the region is. My insider guide will help you with your choice. The breathtakingly beautiful Douro wine region hasRead More →
The Douro Valley is one of Portugal’s most beautiful wine regions, and one I return to regularly, both for its UNESCO World Heritage landscapes and to help travellers plan their time there wisely. Despite its popularity, it’s also one of the most misunderstood destinations when it comes to planning aRead More →
