Where to stay in North Portugal and the Douro valley?

The North of Portugal is a captivating and diverse region that offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural riches. At the heart of this enchanting area lies the Douro region, famous for its terraced vineyards and exquisite Port wine production and for the picturesque landscape of the Douro River. The charming towns and villages dotted along the riverbanks, such as Pinhão and Peso da Régua, offer a glimpse into traditional Portuguese life and provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for travellers to explore. With its picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and warm hospitality, exploring the Douro Valley and the Northen Portugal promises an unforgettable experience filled with scenic delights and authentic Portuguese charm.

Our favourite places to stay, towns and villages:

  • Best places to stay in the Douro valley and the Northen Portugal
  • What to do in the Douro Valley and in the Northen Portugal: what to visit, activities and tips
  • The gastronomical delights of the Douro Valley and Northen Portugal

Embark on a delightful journey through the captivating beauty of the Douro Valley and Northern Portugal, where we have handpicked an exquisite selection of holiday accommodations. Experience the charm of small boutique hotels on the Douro river and Northern Portugal seamlessly blending modern design with timeless allure, as well as the elegance of luxurious manor houses and cozy B&Bs in the Douro Valley. Our carefully curated guide offers an authentic collection of places to stay in the Douro Valley and in Northen Portugal, allowing you to bask in the stunning vistas of the picturesque countryside or unwind amidst serene hills and valleys. Whether you choose a stylish luxury wine hotel or a luxury holiday villa, you are sure to savour the authentic ambiance of the Douro Valley and Northern Portugal at your own leisure.

Our favourite towns, villages and accommodations in North Portugal and the Douro valley

The North Portugal is not such a popular destination as the south of the country, but it is definitely worth a trip. Not only does it offer something for wine and nature lovers, but it is also home to a rich history and culture.

We would like to introduce you to the provinces of Minho, Douro and Trás os Montes.

Minho is the northernmost region of Portugal, right on the border with Spain. The region is particularly characterised by its naturalness and the authenticity of its landscape: Mountains, river valleys and a breathtaking coastline can be discovered here. The most important cities in Minho include Guimarães and Viana do Castelo. Find a selection of our unique accommodation in the province of Minho - whether it's a holiday flat, boutique hotel in Minho or a manor house, we have something for every taste and budget.

The Douro province is also a beautiful destination on a trip through northern Portugal. The Douro Valley has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. Along the Douro stretches a beautiful landscape as well as a number of interesting small towns. Stay at one of the wonderful wine hotels and estates along the river or a luxury hotel overlooking the Douro.

The province of Trás-os-Montes is located in the north-east of Portugal and also borders on Spain. It offers great nature reserves such as the Montesinho Nature Park, which is one of the largest nature parks in Portugal and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Trás-os-Montes is also known for its many traditional festivals, such as the "Festa dos Rapazes" in Bragança. Here you can experience unique music, dances and local cuisine at first hand. We have selected the best small hotels, magnificent manor houses and beautiful holiday flats in Trás-os-Montes for you.

Gastronomy - tradition and wine

Northern Portugal offers a range of culinary delights. The region is particularly known for its traditional cuisine and wines.

A delicacy of northern Portuguese cuisine is bacalhau, a dish of dried and salted cod. There are countless ways bacalhau can be prepared, including baked, grilled or deep-fried. One of the most famous variations is the "Bacalhau à Brás", where the cod is served with potatoes, onions and eggs.

Another traditional dish is "cozido à portugesa". It is considered one of the national dishes of Portugal. It is a stew consisting of different kinds of meat as well as various vegetables and potatoes. All the ingredients are cooked slowly in a pot, which gives the dish its special aroma.

But the region of Northern Portugal is also known for its wines. The wine region stretches along the Douro River and includes areas such as the Douro Valley and the Minho region. Especially the "Vinho Verde" is known for the region. With its light, fruity taste, it is an extremely popular choice among wine lovers. One of the best-known varieties of "Vinho Verde" is "Alvarinho", a wine with a rather intense taste. Another speciality of the northern Portuguese wine region is "Port". This is often served as a dessert wine and is known for its delicate taste.

To taste the best wines of Northern Portugal, it is recommended to visit a wine tasting in one of the many wineries in the region. Many of the wineries not only offer a wide selection of wines, but also a stylish ambience amidst the green hills and valleys of the region.