Renting the car

Pick the car up at Porto airport if you arrive by plane and return it there: this avoids drop-off fees at another branch. Compare companies on Booking.com Cars. Tolls, deposit and insurance are covered in our guide to renting at the airport. For leaving the airport and formalities, see also from the airport to the centre and formalities before you go.

The route in one day

  1. Porto → Amarante (A4). Leave Porto early. Amarante is on the way: its bridge and riverbanks are worth a coffee. See Amarante from Porto.
  2. Amarante → Peso da Régua (A4 then A24). Beyond Amarante, allow another 35 to 55 minutes depending on the road. Régua is the main town of the valley, handy for fuel and lunch.
  3. Peso da Régua → Pinhão (N222). The famous part: about 27 km along the river, between terraced vineyards and bends. Allow about 45 minutes with a stop at the São Leonardo da Galafura viewpoint, named by several guides as one of the finest.
  4. Pinhão. A village with a tiled station, riverside quays and nearby quintas.

Pinhão and its quintas

On the way back, take the same road or continue on the N222: do not leave Pinhão too late, as the bends are hard to drive at dusk. For a two-day loop, sleep in the valley: see where to stay in the Douro Valley.

Quintas: book ahead

Many quintas only receive visitors by reservation, especially at harvest time (September and October). Book visits before you leave and plan two estates at most: roads are slow and tastings take time. Confirm opening times directly with the estate.

Drink-driving

In Portugal the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l for an ordinary driver; it is lower, 0.2 g/l, for professional and novice drivers (source: ETSC, to check on the ANSR website). Checks are frequent. In the valley, choose a driver who does not taste, or spread your visits over two days with a night on site and a transfer from the hotel.

Car, train, tour or cruise?

  • Car: freedom, several quintas, viewpoints; you need a sober driver and must put up with the bends.
  • Train: the line follows the river to Pinhão (about 2 h 20 to 2 h 30 from Porto) with no driving; check times on cp.pt. See the Douro Valley page.
  • Organised tour: everything is planned, with a set pace; comparison in which day trip to choose.
  • Cruise: combine it with any of the three, from Pinhão or Régua.

If you have an accident

On the spot: get to safety, switch on the hazard lights, check for injuries and call emergency services (112 (emergencies)). Fill in the European accident statement with the other driver; call the police if anyone is hurt, if you disagree, if the other driver leaves, or if your rental contract requires it. Photograph the vehicles, the plate, the road and the damage, note the other driver's details, and call the rental company before any repair.

Who pays what: damage to the car is covered by the rental company's protection (CDW), subject to its excess (deductible), or by an excess cover bought with the rental; injuries and medical costs fall under your travel insurance. Travel insurance does not pay for the rental car or for damage to third parties.

SafetyWing covers medical costs after an accident abroad; check the policy's conditions for driving (a licence valid in the country, a helmet on a scooter).

FAQ

How long does it take by car? About 1 h 15 to 1 h 30 from Porto to Peso da Régua, then about 45 minutes from Régua to Pinhão on the N222, not counting stops. A full day is a minimum.

Is the N222 dangerous? It is a narrow, winding road: drive slowly, avoid overtaking and stop at viewpoints only in the designated areas.

Can I drive the valley without staying overnight? Yes, in one long day, but two days are more pleasant.

Do I need a car in the valley? Not for Pinhão or Régua, reachable by train. For isolated quintas, yes, or a transfer arranged by the hotel.

Going further

See also transport in Porto and Porto in 3 days.

The Porto Authority editorial team