The Douro Wine Region Valley, as far as the delightful village of Barca de Alva on Spain’s border, demarks the world’s oldest wine region. This is a truly extraordinary place with its dizzyingly deep river valleys, glittering schist mountains, rich earth and lush grapevines, vivid green in summer and flame-bright in autumn. It is infinitely Instagrammable, a delight for the senses at every turn.

Some visit the Douro Valley for wine-related activities during the grape harvest season in early autumn. But the valley’s spectacular views are yours at every time of year, along with a gorgeous climate that stays balmy throughout winter. Here’s where to go to see the most awe-inspiring views in the Duoro valley, places you’ll want to stop, relax into, picnic at, photograph, video, share, and never forget.

Breathtaking views from Miradouro de São Leonardo da Galafura

Astonishing views of the Douro Valley, revealing its sheer grandeur, unfold before you at the Miradouro de São Leonardo da Galafura viewpoint between Régua and Pinhão. This is the famously hair-raising N313-2 road, which z-bends its way through switchback after switchback to deliver you, breathless, at the overlook itself. At 640m above sea level, you can admire the full sweep of the valley. No wonder this is often called one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the region.  

Magnificent views at Miradouro de Casal de Loivos

Just as amazing as the viewpoint at Quinta das Carvalhas, on the other side of the river, the views from Casal de Loivos are simply spectacular. The winding river is a feast of beautiful blues, the sculptural vineyard terraces march down steep sloped hills folded and shadowed, it’s all laid out for you. Far below you can see the pretty village of Pinhão in miniature.

Mind… blown! Miradouro de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

Head to Lamego for the Miradouro de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios viewpoint, giving you sweeping views of the town itself, the surrounding countryside, and the region’s typical terraced vineyards reaching into the far distance. This place gives you another flavour, another way of seeing and experiencing the natural and human-made wonders of this extraordinary region. Located at the top of the Santo Estêvão hill, you’ll find it next to the Sanctuary of Senhora dos Remédios.

Miraculous Miradouro de São Salvador do Mundo

At Miradouro de São Salvador do Mundo, which translates as ‘St Saviour of the World’, you get yet another heavenly perspective on the valley, showcasing the great blue river, the vineyards, and the quaint villages from on high. You’ll find it between Pinhão and Foz Côa, and the tiny chapels dotting the steep hillside make it even more worthwhile. Enjoy the views from the stone slab tables and seats, relax as the birds sing and admire the nodding wildflowers. There’s a lovely chapel to visit right at the top if you’re feeling energetic.  

Visit Quinta do Crasto for gorgeous wines and views to match

The popular winery of Quinta do Crasto, in Sabrosa, comes with breathtaking views, yours to admire while you try their delicious red wines and ports. Set like an immaculate little jewel on a cone-shaped hill, the surroundings are a blend of deep green woodland, multi-coloured patchworks of fields, and the valley’s ever-present vine terraces. 

Gorgeous vistas at the Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo winery

 Great food awaits you at this lovely winery, which comes with stunning views of its own. Lying across the saddle-back of a steep rounded hill with wonderful near-distance views of the river, the winery is dwarfed by the high terraced hills surrounding it with their narrow, pale switchback-bent roads and pretty white terracotta-roofed buildings. The impact of this, and the other views we’ve recommended, is unforgettable. 

At sunrise the dramatic landscape unfolds gradually, eventually springing to life and vibrant colour. At sunset it’s just as scenic. The beginning and end of the day are excellent times to capture the golden light, the fascinating contours and shadows of the landscape, and the cool beauty of the mighty river that created this place over countless millennia. Check out our Duoro holiday packages, see what inspires you the most. Top of Form