There’s something utterly special about sharing the joy of travel with your family, especially when the destination is as magical as Portugal’s Douro Valley. If you’re seeking an enchanting blend of natural beauty, rich history, and delectable cuisine, look no further! 🏞️
From rolling vineyards to dreamy river cruises, the Douro Valley offers experiences that enthrall travelers of all ages. Read on to discover the recipe for a perfect family-friendly trip to the Douro Valley adventure!
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A Taste of Douro: Food and Wine 🍽️
Though known worldwide for its wine, Douro Valley’s cuisine equally captivates the taste buds of its visitors. Treat your family to mouthwatering Portuguese dishes such as Arroz de Pato (Duck Rice) or delicious pastries like pasteis de nata.
While wine tasting is exclusively for the adults, most vineyards offer grape juice tasting for younger travelers. Some vineyards also feature farm animals, which are sure to please the little ones! 🦆
Every Winery (or Quinta/Estate) are Family-Friendly
Like most wineries around the world, the Douro valley is no different. If you arrive with children, of all ages, you will be greeted with nothing but kindness and understanding. Like most of us who drink wine, we understand that parents would still like to do things, like go wine tasting.
And if you are like me (which most of the world is) you can’t afford a travel nanny to just come with you and hang out in the room – so what do you do? Bring the kids! While we were wine tasting my 3-year-old was greeted with love, tender smiles, a place set just for her, snacks brought out (without being asked) and everyone made her the star of the show.
A Dive into the Douro’s Scenic Beauty 🍃
Considered one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world, the Douro Valley showcases Portugal’s stunning natural allure. Its terraced vineyards descending towards the sparkling Douro River create a landscape that will leave your family in awe.
For the little ones, bird watching or a picnic amidst the vineyards can be quite an adventure! Older children and adults might enjoy a serene hiking trail or capturing the mesmerizing view through their lenses. 📸
Cultural Expeditions: Castles, Museums and Historical Sites 🏰
The Douro Valley is steeped in rich history, waiting to be unveiled by your little explorers. A visit to the 12th-century castle of Penedono or the archaeological park of Vale do Coa, enriched with rock art, will make their imaginations soar.
The Douro Museum in Peso da Régua, with its vivid exhibitions of wine production and local culture, offers an educational yet entertaining experience for the entire family.
Practical Tips for Family Travel 👨👩👧👦
Prepare well to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey:
- The Douro Valley is hot during summer. Carry hydrating essentials and sunscreen.
- Book accommodations with family-centric amenities.
- Public transport in rural Douro can be sparse. Consider renting a car for convenience.
Bring a Toy or Two
Even with being shown such love and kindness at every winery or Quinta (meaning Estates) we visited, I am still a traveling mom of a toddler and I would still like to enjoy my tasting rather than answer “mom, mom, mom” every two minutes. I have a few toys that I use to help keep her entertained without hauling the entire toy chest with me when I’m traveling.
Stay Outdoors!
Portugal is a magnificent area to visit if you love being outdoors! There are countless activities for you and your family to enjoy, whether you are wine-tasting or not! Most of the activities we partook in were either hiking or drinking wine outside (for me, at least).
Enjoy the Food!
One of my favorite parts of traveling is when we are able to indulge in the food! I mean come one! And Portugal did not let us down either, when we were in Porto we ordered a sausage appetizer that came on a spike and cooked at the table! If you didn’t enjoy anything else about being outdoors, I highly recommend that you take at LEAST one meal outside. The Douro Valley is a very special place, giant terraces built by hand into the sides of the mountains just to see and experience that alone with a bottle of wine is an experience in and of itself.
Take it Slow
I very much so enjoyed the pace of life while we were in the Douro valley. I know we were on vacation but the entire atmosphere that we experienced while we were there was also very relaxed. It remined me how so many cultures don’t live to work but work to live. A lifestyle I strive to immolate as much as possible. However, I can see how the Portuguese take stock in family.
It was explained to me while on a wine tour here that so many people in the Douro valley take such amazing pride in where they live (rightfully so) and it is because of that pride and the dedication to love and family that they remain or return to the Douro Valley. So, while you are there, take life slow! Enjoy waking up late and strolling into breakfast, enjoy taking a pleasant walk outside just to take in the beautiful fresh air and the views, go to dinner at 6pm and stay until 10pm to sit and savor every moment and every sip of wine.
There are just a few tips to help ease your mind when you are traveling to wine country with your family or even by yourself with small children. It is really easy. Don’t be worried about how you will be welcomed—it will be with open arms!