The Douro region in Northeast Portugal is near the border with Spain. Even with the advent of modern civilization, this area is characterized by a sort of frontier spirit that tenaciously preserves a traditional way of life handed down through many, many years.
Thinly populated and remote, the Douro is not unlike Galicia in Spain in that its people speak a dialect that is markedly different than the rest of the country; in the Douro, it is closer to Latin vulgate than Portuguese. Along with speaking a traditional language, pottery and weaving are still important cottage industries. Long-held folk practices include a dance with wooden staves called the Dance of the Pauliteiros, which takes place on the third Sunday of August, during the Feast of Saint Barbara. Curiously, this dance is less related to Saint Barbara than it is to Roman martial pomp – the Dance of the Pauliteiros is an outgrowth of the old Roman sword dances.
Notable ruins in the town of Miranda do Douro include the watchtower of the Miranda do Douro castle and the Baroque courtyard left behind from the long-since-destroyed Archbishop’s palace. The city’s cathedral is also of interest; it features a magnificent marble high altar as well as a 19th century ex-voto centered around a piece called “Infant Jesus in a Top Hat.”
Practical Info
About 17 kilometers (11 miles) northwest of the town is the village of Caçarelhos. Here are large marble and alabaster quarries and beautiful caves, making it a popular destination for professional and amateur spelunkers alike. Another village, Vimioso, has an old church, quaint town square, Roman bridges and its own ruined, 12th century castle.
Tours & Tickets
Day Trip from Porto to Régua by Train and Return by Boat
Explore the Douro Valleys a UNESCO Heritage site and discover all the fascinating landscapes in a day trip from Porto to Régua, returning by boat. ... Read more
Location: Porto, Portugal
Duration: 1 day (approx.)
Small Group Douro Wine Valley Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting
Enjoy a full day tour in the region of Douro, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Stop in the small villages of the Douro Region during the tour, and ... Read more
Location: Porto, Portugal
Duration: 8 hours (approx.)
Full-Day Tour: Douro Valley Trip from Porto
Surrender to the beauty of this Valley Heritage, one of the most beautiful in the world. Discover an icredible area of unique beauty full of history and ... Read more
Location: Porto, Portugal
Duration: 9 hours (approx.)
Boat Trip to Régua Through the Douro Valley with Breakfast and Lunch
Let yourself be amazed with the charms of the Douro River, one of the demarcated wine regions in the world, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO ... Read more
Location: Porto, Portugal
Duration: 1 day (approx.)
Sunday Trip from Porto to Régua by Train and Return by Boat
Explore the Douro Valleys a UNESCO Heritage site and discover all the fascinating landscapes in a day trip from Porto to Régua, returning by boat. Start ... Read more
Location: Porto, Portugal
Duration: 1 day (approx.)
Douro Valley Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting, Portuguese Lunch and Optional River Cruise
Visit Portugal’s prestigious Douro Valley on this full-day wine tour from Porto! Famous for its production of port wine, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed ... Read more
Location: Porto, Portugal
Duration: 10 hours (approx.)
Porto City Tour Including Cruise, Port Wine Tasting and Lunch
Experience Porto’s unique culture, standout sights and world-renowned wine on a small-group day tour. Accompanied by an enthusiastic guide, take a scenic drive ... Read more
Location: Porto, Portugal
Duration: 8 hours (approx.)
Private Tour: Porto Day Trip
Soak up Porto’s fascinating history and rich culture on a full-day private tour that includes port tasting. Accompanied by your own private guide, tour Porto ... Read more
Location: Porto, Portugal
Duration: 8 hours (approx.)
Porto Sightseeing Tour at Night with Fado Performance
Take a guided drive through Porto at night, and then enjoy dinner and a Fado show in a traditional Porto restaurant. See Porto’s avenues, churches and Douro ... Read more
Location: Porto, Portugal
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Douro Valley Full-Day Wine Tour
If wine is your passion, this tour is mandatory, led by a local expert guide to the first DOC region of the World. Let your self go on this trip to a wine ... Read more
Location: Porto, Portugal
Duration: 10 hours (approx.)
