N222: Peso da Régua to Pinhão, Douro Valley

About this drive

The N222 between Peso da Régua and Pinhão was declared the best road in the world by Condé Nast Traveller in 2015. The road follows the Douro River through the heart of the Port wine country — past terraced vineyards cut into the schist hillsides in narrow steps since Roman times, through small quintas whose signs invite stopping, and alongside the river itself where the afternoon light turns the water and stone a particular shade of golden amber. The drive covers only about 26 kilometres, which at any normal pace takes less than 30 minutes. It should take at least two hours. Stop at Quinta da Pacheca, watch the rabelo boats on the river, and eat lunch in Pinhão at one of the restaurants that have grown up around the train station — the azulejo tile panels at the station illustrating Douro Valley scenes are worth a stop on their own. Harvest season (late September through October) is the best time to visit — the vineyards are busy with pickers, the quintas are pressing grapes, and the whole valley smells of fermenting must. Book accommodation in the valley in advance if visiting in October; it fills up early. The drive pairs perfectly with the river cruise between Régua and Pinhão, which covers the same stretch from the water.