Pinhão Guide River Duoro

Pinhão Guide

Boats on the River Douro in Pinhão. — Boats on the River Douro in Pinhão

A Pleasing Port of Call, Pinhão: Douro Region

Pinhão, in the Douro region of north east Portugal, is a pretty wine town located on a bend of the picturesque River Douro. Like nearby Régua, 25 km downstream the town is a center of the port wine industry.

The small town has a population of around 1,000 inhabitants swelled in the summer months by tourists arriving by train or on a river cruise from Porto.

The town is pleasantly reached on the Linha do Douro railway from Porto and Régua.

Once in Pinhão fun things to do include one or two-hour cruises in small boats with a glass of port on the River Douro. They are a great way to admire the vineyards on the banks of the river.

Wine terraces on the River Douro. — Wine terraces on the River Douro

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

On board a small cruiser on the River Douro, Pinhão, Portugal. — View from on board a small cruiser on the River Douro, Pinhão

Most visitors also try port and wine tastings and tours at the several quintas either in Pinhão or a short drive outside the town. Some recommended places to head for include Quinta do Bonfim, Quinta das Carvalhas and Quinta da Roêda. Visitors to the latter can sample Croft port and olive oil produced on the estate in the restored stables. You can also try your hand (or feet) in wine treading after the harvest.

The splendid iron bridge in Pinhão dates from 1906 and crosses the Duoro via three 69-meter spans.

There are several hiking trails radiating out from Pinhão taking in the superb landscape and with great views back to the River Douro. One of the most popular is the Trilho miradouro Casal de Loivos, a 6 km walk to the wine village of Casal de Loivos.

At D'Origem there are wine and olive oil tastings and a small olive oil museum (by appointment) showcasing the traditional method of producing olive oil. There are superb views from the miradouro (viewpoint) just south of the village. Follow the trail up from Quinta do Bomfim past vineyards and through groves of almond trees. The walk up is quite steep but the wonderful views and nature more than compensate for the effort.

17 km north of Pinhão on the N323 is Sabrosa, the birthplace of Ferdinand Magellan (Fernão de Magalhães; 1480-1521).

Sample some excellent local wines and ports with a view of the river. — Sample some excellent local wines and ports with a view of the river

Pinhão Tourist Office

Pinhão Tourist Office
R. António Manuel Saraiva 57
5085-038 Pinhão

Régua Station on the Douro Line. — Steam locomotive from Pinhão at Régua Station

Getting to Pinhão

Train Travel in Portugal

Trains leave São Bento and Estação de Campanhã in Porto for Peso da Régua at various times during the day. Regional, InterRegional and Servico Urbano (local) trains run on the line.

There is a departure from São Bento to Régua and Pocinho at 9.10 am. The train arrives in Régua at 11.09 am and in Pocinho at 12.36 pm. Trains depart from Campanhã Station for Régua and Pocinho at 1.14 pm and 5.15 pm.

Many services from Porto only go as far as Régua. The most scenic part of the journey along the banks of the Douro from Régua via Pinhão to Pocinho runs five times a day.

Arriving at Pinhão Station is a delight. It is adorned with over 3,000 tiles in 24 panels of azulejos. They depict various stages in the local wine production including grape harvesting and transport on traditional rabelo boats to the wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia. The tiles were installed in 1937.

Car Travel in Portugal

Vila Real is 40 km northwest of Pinhão on the N323. Amarante is 70 km west on the A4. The 26-km drive from Regua on the N222 is described as one of the most beautiful in the world with stunning views of the Duoro Valley.

Bus Travel in Portugal

Transdev's Citiexpress has limited (not daily) services from Vila Real to Régua (25 minutes), Lamego (45 minutes), Viseu (90 minutes), Guarda (2 hours, 30 minutes) and Covilhã (3 hours, 15 minutes).

The same company operates daily buses to Lisbon from Régua. The journey time is 5 hours and 20 minutes. The buses call at Lamego, Castro Daire, Viseu, Coimbra, Fatima and Lisbon.

See the timetables here.

Book hotels in Pinhao. — Book hotels in Pinhão

Portugal Hotel & Hostel Accommodation

Some recommended hotels include the reasonable Hostel Douro Backpackers, aimed at young travelers, the excellent Vintage House Hotel, the LBV House Hotel and the five star Quinta Nova Winery House, just a short way from the center.

Also out of town is the superb Pousada Palacete Alijó with vineyards, a garden, restaurant/bar and an outdoor swimming pool.

See here for a listing of hotels in Pinhão.

Featured Hotel

Quinta da Galeira
Rua da Galeira, 5085-034 Pinhão, Portugal.

There are superb views of the river, an outdoor swimming pool, barbecue facilities and an entertainment area.

Book this hotel

Book hotels in Pinhao, Quinta da Galeira. — Quinta da Galeira

Book Hotel Accommodation in Pinhão

Hotels in Portugal - Booking.com

Hostels in Portugal - Booking.com

Hotels in Portugal - Agoda

Eating

Pinhão has several recommended restaurants offering local cuisine close to the river. Try Bar Restaurante Veladouro, Rufete or Writer's Place near the bridge.

A short drive or taxi ride away is Casa do Arco in São Cristovão do Douro known for its terrific food, wines and customer service.