Dziennikarka - mój szósty artykuł

The Douro valley by train

The home of port wine, the Douro Valley is spectacular with the hills covered with terraces of vines falling steeply down to the river banks. Follow the course of the river by travelling along the Linha do Douro. Relive the early 20th Century past time of exploring the valley by train. The result is an unforgettable journey though scenery of great natural beauty.
The Douro valley can be visited by car, there is a road along the river between Peso da Régua and Pinhão, but the best scenery is from the hills driving up the winding roads. A better way to visit the area is either by train or by cruising up the river with one of the many boat rides on offer. The real stars of an historic train ride through the Douro valley are the carriages and the steam and diesel locomotives that pull them. Travelling at 30 km an hour, these trains evoke a time when they were the only connection between Port producing villages and the outside world. The railway line from Porto to Pocinho is a remarkable feat of engineering, overcoming the various natural obstacles with the help of 26 tunnels and 30 bridges. You can also travel along the Linha do Douro in regular trains from Porto, that leave from the São Bento station. The trains are available everyday with a main line and three minor routes. The most spectacular is the Tamega Line linking Livracao with Amarante. The other two are Linha da Corgo running between Régua and Vila Real and Linha Tua from Tua to Mirandela. Cruises are available from April to October. It takes 11 hours by ferry to go from Porto to Régua and 9 hours on the opposite direction. The station at Régua was the most important in the region. The other station at Pinhão, on the other hand, is one of the country’s most beautiful, with façades of decorative tiles depicting scenes of vine yard workers and views of the local countryside. So, follow the tips above and choose the best way for you to appreciate the region. Enjoy the World Heritage Douro Valley!


Ewelina Poleszak
ewelina.cultura.rum@gmail.com