The Douro, Portuguese for ‘golden’, is the third-longest river in the Iberian Peninsula, stretching 620 miles from Porto to the Spanish town of Duruelo de la Sierra.

Another new hotel on the Douro scene, this 19th-century manor house is set high above the river. It’s essentially a resort hotel, and facilities include a luxury spa and a wine “library”.

But the Douro Valley has slipped under the radar, for now at least. Named after the river Douro that snakes from Spain into Portugal, the verdant valley is the oldest demarcated wine region in the ...

Wine isn't the only way for people to refresh themselves in the Douro valley however, with natural beaches situated along the river. Although they're scenic places set between the hills, far fewer ...

In the sun drenched vineyards, the Douro’s grapes ripen fat and sweet. The extreme temperature swing from summer to winter is not good for port wines, however, so the barrels begin their journey ...

The vineyards are even more spectacular, steep terraces rising several hundred metres from the river studded whitewashed quintas and granite outcrops. A trip by train, boat or car will be ...

The Douro’s raging waters have since been tamed by a network of dams providing hydro-electric power and locks that are the highest in Europe, making them attractions in their own right. Sailing ...

River boats and trains from Porto to the winemaking region around Pinhao, about three hours away by rail, provide vistas of the Douro's vineyards, but a car is essential to tour the dozens of ...

River boats and trains from Porto to the winemaking region around Pinhao, about three hours away by rail, provide vistas of the Douro’s vineyards, but a car is essential to tour the dozens of ...