PESO DA RÉGUA

The riverfront is where the action is in Régua, there are enough bars and restaurants along this strip to satisfy the needs of short term visitors and locals alike. Standing on the hill on the opposite bank of the river is a large Sandeman's "Don" cutout sign. The streets behind the quay are the oldest and narrowest in town, where you can find the most economic eateries. In a street uphill from the quayside is the Casa do Douro that is the headquarters of the port wine growers’ association. Step through the doors and marvel at the enormous medieval-style stained glass windows illustrating the port trade just inside the foyer.

At the far end of the riverfront, three bridges span the Douro, one is a disused railway bridge converted into a footbridge. Once on the other side, the Restaurante Torrão is at hand, along with a waterside garden, to serve you a great meal to accompany the views.

Housed within the former warehouse that belonged to Real Companhia Velha, the Museu do Douro first opened in 1997. This award-winning museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Douro region. It champions the links to the wine trade, the relationship with the river and surrounding environment that shaped peoples lives here for millennia. The warehouse itself has been cleverly and totally renovated to enhance the visitor's experience employing a range of different media and exhibits that are clearly labelled in Portuguese and English. The warehouse building also has a striking contemporary wing that hosts major exhibitions about the winemaking region, its history, and the leading figures who helped shape it.

In addition to the exhibition spaces, there's the fine A Companhia restaurant which showcases the best the region can offer. The adjoining wine bar has a splendid terrace that overlooks the river. Those who choose a combination ticket that includes a wine tasting can enjoy their drink here. The well-stocked gift shop sells a wide range of local crafts and produce, including a selection of wines and Ports.

Low season: 10h00 - 17h30, High season: 10h00 - 18h00
There are a range of ticket and tasting options starting from €7.50
Rua do Marquês de Pombal, 5050-282 Peso da Régua, Portugal. | 41º 09' 41.9" N | 07º 47' 24.5" W
+351 254 310 190 | geral@museudodouro.pt |  Website

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 run 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