With fantastic views, nice weather, excellent food and friendly locals - this is the place to visit if you want to discover traditional Portugal. With just over an hour drive from Porto airport, this is a place you can get to quite quickly. There are excellent rail networks from the City of Porto into the valley, but if you want to get the most of the Douro I would advise renting a car as the further in you go, the less public transport there is (especially if you want to see the high mountain views, which are spectacular). Plenty of Hotels are around (and bed and breakfasts) and there is plenty to see and do. A ride along the Douro River is a must, which will give you a river view of all the vineyards. Weather here can get very hot, especially June through to August.

Take advantage now of this beautiful European paradise as it is quickly becoming a tourist hot spot!