When was the last time you visited the Douro Valley?

[Roy Hersh]

Just curious for those forumites, old and new:


Many go annually, others a few times a decade, others have never been. No judgements made, just curious for the people who post here, when was the last time you visited and what was your overall impression?

[Moses Botbol]

2010 on a lovely FTLOP tour. Majestic and beautiful place to see. Would love to rent a sports car and drive around.

Would like to do another someday.

[Glenn E.]

Last May for me... with another trip planned for this May!

I don't go every year, but I've been more much regularly since 2018 than in the decade before that.

[Eric Menchen]

Last May for me... with another trip planned for this May!

Last May with Glenn! But then I went to Madeira in December, so I don't have anything planned for this year. Maybe 2026?

My overall impression? Well, I've been to Portugal eight times now and the Douro four times, so there must be something in the air. It is beautiful and relaxing, the people friendly, and the food tasty and regularly improving from my first visit in 2008. There was good food in 2008, but I would characterize it as largely "country" or "home" style. There is a greater variety and more elevated dining available today, but I still enjoy cabrito, arroz de pato, and simply prepared fish too.

[Frederick Blais]

last November, visited Maçanita and NIepoort. I want to go again very soon as almond tree blossom season is starting and it is beautiful!

[Mike J. W.]

My first and only trip ((so far) was last May with Glenn as well. It was beautiful and amazing and I'm hoping to score an invite to Glenn's 65th birthday event.

[Al B.]

Last time I was in the Douro Valley was less than two weeks ago when I made a very brief visit to see the new winery that Quevedo have (very nearly) completed.

It was literally a day trip. A car took us up to arrive about 11am and then took us back to Porto at 6pm.

I am extremely lucky. I live only 2 hours by plane from Porto and only an hour by train from the airport. That allows me the opportunity to visit Portugal frequently. Last year I managed 12 trips, but most are only for a day or two and are usually filled back-to-back with appointments.

[Andy Velebil]

Oct last year.

[Roy Hersh]

I was up there last week checking on several of the new 5* hotels that have opened in the past 12 months. Very impressive to say the least.

[Martin H]

First and only time so far May 2022. I loved it, the vineries, the views, mountainous terrain - it's all breathtaking.

[Roy Hersh]

You need to come back again, Mr. Peeters!

I am headed up to the Douro on Tuesday, for a day trip to meet with a fairly new group. It will likely provide me the impetus for a feature article in the next newsletter!

Praying for a sunny day. I never believe winter/spring weather forecasts for Porto or for Douro. Either way, I really need some fresh mountain air!