Pinhão

Nestled against the riverbank, at the confluence of the Douro with the River Pinhão, this town is one of the highlights of the Upper Douro Wine Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its emblem is the railway station, clad in tile panels depicting the grape harvest, the treading of the grapes and the transport of wine downriver in rabelo boats, a remarkable set installed in 1937.

Pinhão is also the main embarkation quay for cruises on the Douro. Trips in traditional rabelo boats set off from here, including the route to the mouth of the Tua, which reveals vineyard landscapes invisible from the roads, often accompanied by a Port wine tasting.

Surrounded by historic estates and terraces that descend to the water, the town brings together wine tourism, dining and nearby viewpoints, making it a natural base from which to explore the whole region.

Visiting tips

• Don't miss the tile panels at Pinhão railway station
• Take a rabelo boat cruise, for example the Pinhão-Tua-Pinhão route
• Climb up to the neighbouring Casal de Loivos viewpoint for a dream view
• Visit a producing estate for a tasting of Port and Douro wine