If you’re thinking of (re)visiting Porto and exploring the Douro region, this combination offers a unique and memorable experience that mixes city life and the Douro Valley’s tranquillity and natural beauty.
When it comes to choosing where to stay, there’s no better place than the Pestana Douro Riverside, which is located just 10 minutes from Porto city centre. Whether it’s for a short break for two, or time spent with family and friends, it’s the perfect spot for a holiday and a great starting point for the many experiences the region has to offer.
Constructed on the site of an old soap and candle factory, the Pestana Douro Riverside has not only kept the large brick chimney opposite reception but also named the rooms and suites after the scent and colour of the flowers used to make the soaps: lavender, jasmine, orange blossom, rose, cherry blossom, chamomile, geranium and lily.
A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the hotel is home to the Aroma grill restaurant, the Great Daisy bar and a terrace with views of Porto’s river bridges. During the summer, the infinity-style outdoor swimming pool becomes a real favourite of this hotel in the Douro. Facilities include a gym, an indoor pool and massage rooms.
Pestana Douro Riverside Restaurant
Pestana Douro Riverside Outdoor Pool
Pestana Douro Riverside Lobby
Pestana Douro Riverside Deluxe River View Room
(Re)visiting Porto
Considered to be one of the trendiest destinations in Portugal, why not explore Porto’s rich history and culture, beginning at the riverside. Stroll through the narrow streets of the Ribeira neighbourhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while admiring the colourful old houses, not forgetting the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge and the town of Gaia on the other side of the river.
Be it by car, train or boat, here’s a list to explore the Douro at its purest.
If you go by car, you can marvel at the vineyards and explore the villages along the river. If trains are much more your thing, the Douro line boasts one of the most beautiful journeys in Europe, departing from Porto’s São Bento station. For those opting to float, cruises offer a relaxing way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the river.
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, the Alto Douro Wine Region is one of the most fascinating and varied destinations in the country. There are steep valleys, the terraces overlooking the river Douro, the metamorphosis of colours in the vineyards, the comfort of traditional cuisine, the sun and the Atlantic wind that seasons the terroir, the wine estates, many of them historic. All of this makes this region a favourite with travellers. Covering 25,000 hectares, divided into 13 municipalities – Mesão Frio, Peso da Régua, Santa Marta de Penaguião, Vila Real, Alijó, Sabrosa, Murça, Carrazeda de Ansiães, Torre de Moncorvo, Lamego, Armamar, Tabuaço, S. João da Pesqueira and Vila Nova de Foz Côa – there is much to explore.
Alighting at Pinhão
There’s a certain magic at Pinhão station. Setting off from Porto, on the way to Pocinho, it’s one of the most popular stops for those planning to visit the Douro. There’s a wonderful tile panel (3,047 tiles in total) depicting the region’s customs and landscapes, which was crafted by J. Oliveira at Aleluia Cerâmicas (Fábrica Aleluia).
Visiting the Côa Valley
Considered ‘the most remarkable open-air ensemble of Paleolithic art’ and classified a World Heritage Site in 1998, this breathtaking valley overlooks the river Côa, a tributary of the Douro. Stop by the Côa Museum for some historical context and interactive exhibitions, which will be popular with the kids. Visitors to the area can also see impressive prehistoric rock art throughout the region, primarily along the two main rivers: 30km along the Côa and 15km along the Douro.
Traditional soups
When it comes to Douro gastronomy, regional soups are a highlight. Often rich in meat and fat, these dishes were very nourishing for those who worked (and work) in the area. When cooked well, two in particular stand out: caldo de unto, made with pork lard, and sopa de castanhas picas, a chestnut soup from the town of Mesão Frio.
Wine tasting
An important part of getting to know the Douro involves visiting the different quintas (wine estates), where guided tours of the wineries and vineyards are followed by wine tastings. The white wines should be fresh, the reds refined and the famous port a must for any wine lover.
Back to the hotel
After a day spent discovering the Douro and Porto, returning to the Pestana Douro Riverside is a time to enjoy the quiet and comfort. The hotel offers the perfect environment to relax and relive the special moments experienced throughout the day.
