Douro Valley, Portugal
- Ranked the #8 Best Place to Travel in 2016 by Travel + Leisure.
- Take a tour of the Archeological Park of Coa Valley and view Paleolithic art.
- Named one of the most beautiful wine destinations by Wine Enthusiast.
- Pay a visit to one of many award-winning, family-owned wineries in the region.
Portugal's Romantic Valley
Despite its proximity to Spain, Portugal has a lively culture and wine tradition that is uniquely its own. With diverse land that ranges from the dry western shore of the Iberian Peninsula to rugged mountains and all the vineyards in between, the Douro Valley is a European landscape for the ages. During your stay at Six Senses, sign up for a wine course or let a resident sommelier guide you through a wine library that brims with local vintages. You can also dine at one of the resort's five on-site restaurants and bars, which feature ingredients from the on-site garden, relax at the beautiful Six Senses Spa or simply wander your historic surroundings.
Quick Facts
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Airport
Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) -
Languages
Portuguese, Mirandese -
Climate
Mediterranean -
Signature Wine
Port and vinho verde -
Currency
Euro
Fresh Things to Do
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Bird Watching and Helicopter Tour
Ever bird watched from the air? Bird watching is a treasured pastime in the Douro Valley and guests to the Six Senses can take advantage of a helicopter tour to get on the same level as the creatures in flight.
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Canyoning the Cabrum
If you're physically fit and up for a challenge, ask your butler to make arrangements for an adventure to rappel or zip line down into the River Cabrum Falls. Once at the bottom, you can hike the wet trails and sightsee.
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Mountain Biking
A guided mountain bike ride through the neighboring rural paths can be arranged by the resort and tailored to your specific level of fitness. This activity is highly recommended for wine lovers looking to cruise to a vineyard.
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Tree Climbing
Are you still young at heart? Six Senses has a team of tree climbing specialists who will encourage you to scale the nearest cherry or apple tree for a scenic view of the valley surrounding the estate.
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In-Room Dining
Sometimes you just want to stay indoors. Order in-room dining from breakfast through late evening to indulge in traditional Portuguese dishes from the comfort of your private accommodations.
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Six Senses Spa
A heated indoor pool with water jets, 10 treatment rooms and state-of-the-art fitness equipment are just a few of the benefits of the on-site spa. Book a grape, papaya or wine-based massage.
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Featured Activity
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Wineries and Wine Tasting
Best known for its specialty in port and vinho verde varietals, Portugal is a top destination for wine in Europe.
Wine Library & Terrace. If you don't want to venture away from the resort, look no further than on-site at Six Senses. The Wine Library & Terrace features dozens of local vintages and pairs them with thoughtful tapas.
Harvest time. In the Douro Valley, September and October are the peak times for grape harvesting. Many wineries offer guests the once-in-a-lifetime chance to stomp the grapes with the locals.
Quinta de Ervamoira. The average age of the vines at this estate is 30 years at this vineyard, which has specialized in port wines since 1974. After your tasting, be sure to check out the on-site museum. Six Senses can arrange a 45-minute helicopter ride directly to the vineyard.
Quinta do Crasto. This winery has been family owned for more than a century and is located in the heart of the valley. They produce red, white, rose and fortified wines. Six Senses can arrange a 15-minute helicopter ride to the estate.
For more information about vacationing in this destination, contact your Care team.
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Travel Tips
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Trusted Six Senses Brand
As with every Six Senses resort, you'll find a commitment to a crafted guest experience during your stay here. This includes personalized butler service, award-winning spa treatments and keen attention to detail.
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Credit Cards
It's quite common when shopping or dining in Portugal to be given a keypad to type in a your pin number when you use a debit card to make a purchase. This practice actually keeps your financial information more secure.
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High Season
The months of June and July are known as the high season in the Douro Valley but mild weather, generous availability of outdoor activities and wineries that remain open year-round make Portugal an ideal destination regardless of the time of year.
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Award-Winning Winemakers
In April of 2015, the resort announced the additions of Sandra Tavares da Silva and Francisca van Zeller as wine directors. These two winemakers are award-winning and will bring their expertise and skill to guests dining at Six Senses.
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Weather
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Forecasting Your Douro Valley Vacation
The mountains and river of Douro Valley help it maintain its own microclimate with distinct seasons. Summer is hot and sunny, spring and fall are ideally mild and winter cools off considerably. Rainfall is sporadic throughout the year but is rarely excessive. This perfect storm of conditions, location and fertile soil help the valley produce its fabulous, world-renowned wines.
