Douro
River Douro. Douro Wine Region
Douro Litoral, Alto Douro, Douro Superior
Spanish and Portuguese river. The third most important in the Iberian Peninsula, after the Tagus (Center of Portugal) and the
Ebro (Navarra, Spain). In the northwest region of this same peninsula, it is the most important.
Its source is in
Fuentes del Duero, south side of the peak
Urbión (Duruelo de la Sierra, province of Soria)
in Spain, about 2160 meters above sea level. Of its almost 900 km long (897 km, to be exact), more than half (572 km) run in
Spanish territory. In other words, it is a river that is more Spanish than Portuguese. 112 km are considered international territory,
as they accompany stretch of the border between the two countries. And, in Portuguese territory, it is exactly 213 km until it flows
into the Atlantic Ocean, between the cities of Porto (right bank) and Vila Nova de Gaia (left bank).
Heritage of Humanity
Despite crossing regions of great beauty in Spanish territory, the great wonder of the Douro, however, is in Portuguese territory.
Nature's gift, undoubtedly. However, it was the work of man, for centuries, that shaped this beautiful valley, making it a true
treasure in terms of natural beauty. Which is why, with great justice, Unesco classified part of this magnificent valley - the
Douro Vinhateiro -
Heritage of Humanity.
Douro Valley Landscape © / CC
Mountains and Valleys
In Spanish territory, the
Duero crosses the provinces of Soria, Burgos, Valladolid, Zamora and Salamanca. After the 112 km border between
the two countries, with Miranda do Douro on its right bank, the Douro enters Portugal just before the town of Barca d'Alva.
From Barca d'Alva to Porto, it is 210 km, passing through the cities of
Vila Nova de Foz Côa,
São João da Pesqueira,
Lamego,
Peso da Régua,
Pinhão,
Gondomar,
Vila Nova de Gaia
(left bank) and, finally,
Porto (right bank).
When speaking of Douro, reference is made to:
1. Douro River
2. Douro River Valley
3. Alto Douro or Douro Wine Region
4. Douro Superior
5. Douro wine
Northern region of Portugal. Capital:
Porto
The region
Douro Litoral is formed by 23
municipalities, most of them in the district of Porto.
The territory of this former region comprises the following districts and municipalities:
District of Porto
•
Amarante
•
Baião
•
Felgueiras
•
Gondomar
•
Lousada
•
Maia
•
Marco de Canaveses
•
Matosinhos
•
Paços de Ferreira
•
Peredes
•
Penafiel
•
Porto
•
Póvoa de Varzim
•
Santo Tirso
•
Valongo
•
Vila do Conde
•
Vila Nova de Gaia
District of Aveiro
•
Arouca
•
Castelo de Paiva
•
Thorn
•
Santa Maria da Feira
District of Viseu
•
Cinfães
•
Resende