Portugal – River Douro Resort and Spa break!

The river Douro in Portugal snakes some 200 miles from Spain towards Porto. The view from our apartment is of the mouth of the Douro, right where it spills out into the Atlantic. It’s a beautiful sight, and just a 30 minute walk further up the river past the fishermen who wait patiently for a catch come rain or shine, you see the river flowing in front of Porto, and the UNESCO World Heritage Riberia district. The river provides a stunning foreground to the wonderfully time-trapped city behind it. The most beautiful bridge in Portugal spans the river here, Dom Luis I. The views from the top of the bridge are magnificent, especially as the sun sets and that magic amber light touches the buildings and turns the river to liquid gold. Once a year the Formula One of air racing comes here – the Red Bull air race. Regattas are frequently held on this stretch of river from Porto / Gaia to the Atlantic. Fireworks illuminate the beautiful river during the spectacular Sao Joao festival in June. There is much here that celebrates the river, and celebrations that the river enriches. River beaches emerge during the dry summers along the verdant riverbanks of Gondomar and towards the Douro valley, and the locals flock to them, hosting BBQs, sunbathing, and swimming in the calm shallows. Jet skis, Power boats, sailing boats, fishing boats, luxurious river cruise boats….all comfortably share space on this vast waterway. One of Europe’s most spectacular railway journeys hugs the river as it chugs up towards Pinhao in the Alto Douro. The best wine in Europe comes from the oldest demarcated vineyards in the world – those that comb up from the Douro around and produce delicious, fruit-driven red, white and rose wines that are becoming internationally renowned….and of course the Porto wines and tawnys for which Portugal is most famous. The Douro is a remarkably underrated river, just as Portugal is a remarkably underrated travel destination. There is an advantage to this – complete peace, serenity and luxury can be found just an hour’s drive up the river from Porto, way before the more touristy towns of Regua or Pinhao. The green slopes gazing over the river offer that complete relaxation break you crave when you live in a city full of tourists like Porto. The place we stayed is one of a handful of luxury resorts that are dotted along the Douro. All offer escape. Because as well as the abundance of activities around it at different sections, the Douro knows the importance of just….chilling