The tiny town of Pinhao, lying at the heart of Douro's wine country, reminds you of a cross between California's Napa Valley and Italy's Tuscany (only far less touristy). This usually involves putting guests up in hotels on the cruise lines dime and arranging for coach transportation and guides that werent originally needed. Tel. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Speaking of water in the Douro, here is a question I've been meaning to ask someone from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This makes for a relaxing, easygoing vibe onboard, and the scenery is magnificent, including an intriguing series of locks. Since the 1930s the Douro has been harnessed extensively for hydroelectric power and irrigation. If things are bad enough (like during the once-in-a-century flooding that occurred along the Danube in 2013), your river cruise might turn into a bus trip as the cruise line attempts to do its best to hit all the major sights and attractions along the way. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Maythrough October have the best months for outdoor activities during a Douro cruise. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. River cruise lines will typically attempt to keep your itinerary as operational as possible. Report inappropriate content. These events are inconvenient, but it is important to remember that they arent all that likely to happen, and certainly not all the time. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-68897250', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Douro River. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. We additionally point out in the chart the periods of greatest activity during the year with a big blue fish on the period bar + info, Arcozelo | Barra do Douro | Crestuma (Rio Douro) | Labruge | Lavra | Lea da Palmeira | Leixes | Mindelo | Porto (Rio Douro) | Pvoa de Varzim | So Flix da Marinha | Valadares | Vila Ch | Vila do Conde | Vila Nova de Gaia, Barra do Douro (4.1 km) | Vila Nova de Gaia (4.5 km) | Valadares (7 km) | Leixes (8 km) | Arcozelo (11 km) | Lea da Palmeira (11 km) | So Flix da Marinha (12 km) | Crestuma (Rio Douro) (13 km) | Lavra (15 km) | Espinho (15 km) | Labruge (18 km) | Vila Ch (20 km) | Esmoriz (21 km) | Mindelo (22 km) | Vila do Conde (25 km) | Pvoa de Varzim (29 km) | Furadouro (30 km) | Carregal (31 km) | Ovar (33 km) | Puxadouro (34 km), Changes in pressure have a considerable influence on the activity of fish, Rapidly fluctuating either way is indication of good fishing, TIDES4FISHING | WEATHER CONDITIONS IN PORTO (RIO DOURO) | 4 MARCH 2023, 9:33, TIDES4FISHING | WEATHER FORECAST FOR PORTO (RIO DOURO) | 4 MARCH 2023, TIDES4FISHING | ULTRAVIOLET INDEX IN PORTO (RIO DOURO) | 4 MARCH 2023, DAILY EVOLUTION OF WATER TEMPERATURE IN PORTO (RIO DOURO). The Dom Luis Bridge, which you can cross by tram, car or on foot on either upper or lower levels, was designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. Wondering if any locals can provide insight into the extreme water levels of the Duoro River that are causing river cruises to be cancelled. Other major houses include Taylor's, Ferreira, Sandeman and Calem. Shipowners and Captain, have full authority to make decisions about changes in sailing times and itineraries. CITAB published an approach for prioritizing dam removal for river connectivity improvement based on a cost-benefit analysis. Be Prepared for a Ride to Reach Off-ship Douro River Attractions. Bookended by two genuinely intriguing cities -- Spain's Salamanca and Portugal's Porto -- a fair portion of the weeklong itinerary is actually pastoral and laid-back. We can sympathize; after all, if we liked coach tours, wed call our site. Got through the first dam and then halted. For the rest of the trip, you'll be stopping at places like Bitetos, Regua, Pinhao, Barca d'Alva and Vega de Terron -- small rural villages that you've likely never heard of. Scientists uncover new information on the Douro river ecosystem, Small hydropower plants as a threat to the endangered pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera, Reviving Douro Basin Identification of Biodiversity Hotspots, Georeferencing and characterization of the Douro River Basin obstacles, Contra barragens, pelos santurios do Douro: o SOS dos investigadores, Investigadores e ambientalistas defendem que no se faam novas barragens, Associaes ambientalistas no querem mais barragens no Douro, Assessment of terrestrial protected areas for the conservation of freshwater biodiversity (CIBIO). We came to Porto (having made our own flight and hotel arrangements in September) with the specific of doing a day cruise to Pinhao and the train back. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Douro-River. The river mouth is silted, and the artificial port of Leixes (erected in 1892 and further developed in 1916) has grown up to the north of the estuary. WWF Portugal (ANP / WWF), the Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (CIBIO), the Mountain Research Center (CIMO) and the Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB) presented their reports which portray the various habitats of the Douro basin, identify existing barriers and map the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of hydropower plants. How do tides form? In Portugal, the Douro flows through the districts of Bragana, Guarda, Viseu, Vila Real, Aveiro and Porto. The studies have increased the level of understanding of the Douro basin ecosystem and will be used to inform decision-makers, especially feeding the current drafting process of the third River Basin Management Plan for the Douro. The next five downstream are along the Portuguese-Spanish border; the first three are owned and operated by Portugal: (Miranda, Picote and Bemposta Dams), while the next two belong to Spain: (Aldeadvila and Saucelle Dams). +31 (0) 318 660 910, [emailprotected] This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. the water level in Douro river is controlled, so between winter and summer time there's no much difference, but of course winter months the level is slightly over the year average. Viking had known about this condition for at least two prior weeks but did not notify their customers. However (after booking the trip with our helpful receptionist) we were called the night before to be told the trip would not be happening. m stands for meter (water level) Edited: 8 years ago. On Saturday, the water level at the German town of Kaub - a critical juncture - slipped to just 36 centimeters, or 14 inches, according to official figures. This usually involves putting guests up in hotels on the cruise lines dime and arranging for coach transportation and guides that werent originally needed. Its Latinized form Durius derives from a hydronymic root *dur-, which is Pre-Indo-European or Pre-Celtic. When I last visited, in October 2012, there were many fish visible from the quay along the Ribera. Floods upriver meant that it was too dangerous to proceed so our day trip became a coach trip back to Porto after lunch on board. Re: River water levels. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. About 14% of waves will be higher than the significant wave height (about 1 in every 7 waves). Answer 1 of 7: Wondering if any locals can provide insight into the extreme water levels of the Duoro River that are causing river cruises to be cancelled. Some of the places in which you'll dock are actually nothing much but piers with access to a place to board the motorcoaches. Speaking of water in the Douro, here is a question I've been meaning to ask someone from Porto . Furthermore, the creation of Fluvial Nature Reserves should strengthen the legal protection of the Douros biodiverse natural sanctuaries. Douro_eng. Save. But bear in mind that this tidal amplitude may be greatly affected by the weather and you should also consult the weather forecast in Porto, the wind in Porto and the surf forecast in Porto before you go fishing. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We safeguard and restore wetlands for people and nature. Considering Tagging Extra Days onto Your Vacation to Explore Porto, Madrid or Lisbon. These reaches of the Douro have a microclimate[specify] allowing for cultivation of olives, almonds, and especially grapes, which are important for making port. The contents of this website are the sole responsibility of Wetlands International-European Association and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Commission. Onone memorable sailing down the Danube, we only found out halfway through our voyage that the passage from Nuremberg to Passau was impossible; wed have to swap-ships (more on that later) to complete our journey. Beyond Zamora the river narrows again, and when it reaches the border with Portugal (which it follows for 70 miles [113 km]), it plunges about 1,250 feet (380 m) within 30 miles (50 km) in a series of gorges and rapids. Can highly recommend Barracouda Tours at the quayside at Gaia, bookable at Tourist offices for a wonderful day cruise, returning to Porto by train. Vila Nova de Gaia: This city lies across the Douro from Porto, and it's where ships dock. Douro River, Latin Durius, Spanish Ro Duero, Portuguese Rio Douro, third longest river of the Iberian Peninsula, draining a catchment area of 30,539 square miles (79,096 square km). Yes, the river levels are a bit low, but I never heard on the news that the Douro river can't be used by boats. This means at this moment you need to be prepared for a wave of, TIDES4FISHING | SWELL FORECAST IN PORTO (RIO DOURO) | 4 MARCH 2023, Remember that you can check the tides at your fishing point from your smartphone with Nautide, the. It sounds cheesy, but the best thing you can do should the unexpected arise is to go with the flow. Booked an all-day cruise up to the wine estates and then back by train - started well, average continental breakfast. (These include shoes, soaps, pretty notebooks, hand-painted tiles, etc.). On August 5, authorities reported that water levels on the river have fallen to just 56 centimetres (22 inches) -- so low that cargo ships plying the Rhine are being forced to sail nearly. Douro (Duero) basin. The Douro has a long cruise season, typically beginning in late March and running into November, though Viking has sailings into December. At a press conference on July 23 rd, the Douro Vivo Network launched seven studies providing new information on the Douro river basin ecosystem. water level made us too high to clear a bridge. In general, this behavior varies for each species and place, so we can not specify an ideal water temperature, however as a general rule we will try to avoid the temperatures abnormally cold in summer and too warm in winter. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Explore more travel destination possibilities and experience the world first hand. Best Time for Douro River Cruise: Weather, Seasons, Temperature & Water Levels Best Time to Take a Douro River Cruise (Portugal & Spain) Portugal All Trips Cruises Land Tours River Cruises Ships Deals Info Talk with an expert Build your ideal Portugal trip. We left at 8am, breakfasted on board the boat, cruised along the beautiful Douro Valley, passing through amazing locks, and had an excellent 3 course lunch before arriving in Regua at 3pm. Re: Duoro River Water Levels 9 years ago Save Things will be normal in June, the dams are at their maximum capacity and may be still discharging a lot of water, but that's going to stop pretty soon, we need as much water as we can get. Alternate titles: Durius River, Ro Duero, Rio Douro. You'll also likely visit Mateus Palace, known for its gorgeous gardens. The city of Porto and the Douro River Sherry boats on the Douro River, Porto Portrait of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and Cruising the Douro River Aboard the 132-guest Amalia Rodriguez 12 days from $5,490 Delve into the Age of Discovery on our exciting river and land journey to Portugal. The Douro railway line (Linha do Douro) was completed in 1887; it connects Porto, Rio Tinto, Ermesinde, Valongo, Paredes, Penafiel, Livrao, Marco de Canaveses, Rgua, Tua and Pocinho. The Douro Vivo Network is a multidisciplinary partnership of Portuguese and international academics, legal experts and conservationists with the aim to promote the protection of free-flowing and clean rivers, with a special focus on the Douro river. We went on the Viking Torguil cruise in April 2016. Recently, a prosperous tourist industry has developed based on river excursions from Porto to points along the Upper Douro valley. We came to Porto (having made our own flight and hotel arrangements in September) with the specific of doing a day cruise to Pinhao and the train back. On the Douro, this option is really only open to companies like CroisiEurope and Viking River Cruises that operate more than one vessel in the region. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Its a bit like experiencing a flight delay at the airport: you can fly dozens of times successfully, but the one that was horrifically delayed or cancelled is the one that sticks out in most peoples minds. The ancient city, one of the most historic in Europe, dates back to the Roman Empire and also has influences from periods such as Gothic and Baroque, tucked within Romanesque city walls. TIDES4FISHING | RISING AND SETTING OF THE MOON IN PORTO (RIO DOURO) | 4 MARCH 2023, The effects of the sun and the moon influence the activity of all living creatures on earth, TIDES4FISHING | SOLUNAR CHARTS FOR PORTO (RIO DOURO) | 4 MARCH 2023, TIDES4FISHING | MOON PHASE | 4 MARCH 2023, 9:33, Calendar of Lunar Phases and Eclipses for the next 2000 years, TIDES4FISHING | UPCOMING MOON PHASES | MARCH 2023, TIDES4FISHING | ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATION | 4 MARCH 2023, TIDES4FISHING | LIGHTING THE EARTH IN THIS MOMENT | 4 MARCH 2023, 9:33, TIDES4FISHING | FISHING SITES CLOSE TO PORTO (RIO DOURO), Plan now and enjoy your activities at sea with the tides4fishing app, Enjoy to the max a well-planned fishing expedition in Porto (Rio Douro). Header image: View on So Domingos Mountain and Douro river Paulo Cardoso on Unsplash, Share this post: Sheep rearing is also still important. Try to put yourself in their shoes as much as possible. However (after booking the trip with our helpful receptionist) we were called the night before to be told the trip would not be happening. The drainage basin was depopulated in the 8th century. "It's hard to say that [what happened in 2018] had to do with global warming," said AmaWaterways' Schreiner, who has followed river water levels in Europe closely for nearly three decades. Omissions? The wine was taken downriver in flat-bottom boats called rabelos, to be stored in barrels in cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto. Tributaries here are small, merging into the Douro along the canyons; the most important are Ca, Tua, Sabor, Corgo, Tavora, Paiva, Tmega, and Sousa. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. While there's plenty to do, one oddity of the Douro experience is that there's no night navigation, so ships must cruise from sunrise to sunset. The Douro's last five dams are in Portugal, and allow for navigation: Pocinho, Valeira, Rgua, Carrapatelo, and CrestumaLever dams. Its a huge logistical nightmare, and one that is guaranteed to displease some. Remember, look for the comfort zones and you will find the fish. Low bridges, power lines, and other navigational obstacles restrict the height of a vessel. Generally, when high/low water levels hit the Douro, three options are available to cruise lines: Continue the affected itinerary by having guests 'swap ships' - typically, being bussed from one town to the next, where you will embark a sister . Enclose phrases in quotes. "My feeling is this was a unique year. Once you leave Porto, everything changes. This was a big disappointment and was preventable on their part by honest and better communication. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. You'll pass must-sees like the Clrigos Church, the wooden rabelo boats which used to carry wine barrels across the river and the Nature Reserve Douro Estuary Site, a protected area with . (She was teaching English in Porto and spent a lot of time there.) Climate varies; Porto can be cool, due to its location right off the Atlantic, but the further inland you travel, the warmer it gets. (Look for Kopke, which matches chocolates to its ports.). If you own rights to any of the images and they are not credited, or you do not wish them to appear on our site, please contact us at [emailprotected]. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The 750 sq. For the municipality in the Philippines, see, The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, "The Esla River Basin: From the Cantabrian Mountain to the Duero", "Spanish-Portuguese Albufeira Convention", "Hydrological response of Mediterranean headwaters to climate oscillations and land-cover changes: The mountains of Duero River basin (Central Spain)", IPTM Instituto Porturio e dos Transportes Martimos, Delegao do Norte e Douro, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Douro&oldid=1142166763, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Articles containing Portuguese-language text, Articles containing Proto-Celtic-language text, Articles needing more detailed references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 21:54. There are five locks positioned along its length that help ships transit to other levels and control the flow of the water downstream, aided by the regions climate that tends to be dry and hot for the summer months. For those who love being "at sea" on the river, there's plenty of time spent cruising. Unlike you, they dont get to leave instead, theyre treated to greeting busloads of unhappy guests week after week. Rue de l'Industrie 10, 1000 Brussels, Analysis of impacts and definition of minimizing measures in a reservoir located in a KBA (Key Biodiversity Area). We are fully committed to low impact travel that not only preserves but gives back to the amazing places we visit. While it's best known for the production of port wine (wine that's fortified with the addition of brandy), it's also a bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis. If there's a problem on one side of the river, guests can transfer to the other ship. It flows W across N Spain, then southwest to form part of the Spanish-Portuguese border before flowing W across N Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean at Prto. It was like purchasing a BMW and then when they car company dilivered the car it was a VW-- and then they say it is not our fault, the BMW you ordered was not available. On sounding boards like TripAdvisor, many disgruntled river cruisers wonder publicly why they werent informed prior to their international flights, suggesting that, given the choice, theyd opt to cancel and take a refund or another sailing date. Considered one of the most untamed rivers of Europe, the, The grape harvest season is the best time to visit the Douro Valley when the region is at its most beautiful. The old town of Porto, which is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Ribeira, and it's home to the gold-laden Sao Francisco Church, its most elaborate. None of these small, fast-flowing rivers is navigable. The good news is the scenery is just gorgeous and varies throughout the region, so there's a lot to look at. These peak periods are reflected in green. Lines sailing this Portuguese-Spanish waterway include AmaWaterways, APT, A-ROSA, CroisiEurope, Scenic, Uniworld, Viking River Cruises and Emerald Waterways. We are booked to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In the last decade, Douro River cruises have become increasingly popular. Its a huge logistical nightmare, and one that is guaranteed to displease some. We did not check out this time of year on the WEB (Our fault) so we were not aware that each year in April the River gets the snow melt from the mountains in Spain and the authorities control the water flow and for the most part close the river in April. Get to Known Basic Spanish and/or Portuguese or Pack a Phrase Book. Pinhao: Most of your time docked in Pinhao, part of the gorgeous Vila Real district, will be spent on excursions to places like Quintana do Seixo (part of the mighty Sandemans conglomerate) to taste port and learn how it was made. You will find most of the itinerary highlights on all the lines. In the 1960s and 1970s, dams with locks were built along the river, allowing river traffic into the upper regions in Spain and along the border. If things are bad enough (like during the once-in-a-century flooding that occurred along the Danube in 2013), your river cruise might turn into a bus trip as the cruise line attempts to do its best to hit all the major sights and attractions along the way. Visits to a range of quintas, the Portuguese term for wineries, mostly focus on the region's famed port wines, but the winemakers in the Douro region also produce beautiful reds and whites. While we havent been delayed or inconvenienced on the Douro (other than one very wet, damp mid-March sailing), but we have experienced both high and low water events on all stretches of the Danube, the Rhine, the Main, and even the Mekong, which was swollen to an unbelievable height during a cruise a few years back that resulted in messy disembarkations at every port of call. I can't locate any news regarding these issues. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. That's devastatingly low - at 40 centimeters, commercial shipping becomes unprofitable. While the 2017 season was abnormally large, hot and dry summers create all the necessary conditions for potentially devastating wildfires. On the Douro, this option is really only open to companies like CroisiEurope and Viking River Cruises that operate more than one vessel in the region. Teeming River Cruises and our offered cruises do not give full or partial refunds for cancellations due to water levels or other bad weather issues. Answer 1 of 7: Wondering if any locals can provide insight into the extreme water levels of the Duoro River that are causing river cruises to be cancelled. and in Italy Dora, etc. On another instance, on a Christmas Markets river cruise through Germany, thewater level made us too high to clear a bridgeblocking our path by mere inches. Large coefficients indicate important high and low tides; major currents and movements usually take place on the sea bed. Our personal expertise & experience, local partners in our destinations, & access to over 150 small ships are all invaluable to designing your unique journey. Not their fault - blame it on the Spanish up stream! [9], It is the third-longest river in the Iberian Peninsula after the Tagus and Ebro. At this moment the current water temperature in Porto (Rio Douro) is -. Because of the high levels of humidity, the winter months are frigid, but the rest of the year is pleasant, with a reasonable probability of rain. If the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? And they have input to a degree into their own ships; AmaWaterways, for instance, has incorporated its popular balcony/picture window suite design. Douro River cruises offer travelers the perfect opportunity to segue from buzzy Porto on the Atlantic coast to Portugals pastoral wine region. Whether a river has high or low water levels is something youre unlikely to consider when planning your river cruise. The moon set at 6:00 h at 302 northwest. The Netherlands The old travel adage, forewarned is forearmed, is very appropriate. Douro River Douro River 7,503 Reviews #6 of 369 things to do in Porto Nature & Parks, Bodies of Water Porto, Portugal Save Authentic Douro Wine Tour Including Lunch and River Cruise 1,150 Book in advance from C$172.81 per adult Check availability View full product details keith47 Westcliff-on-Sea, United Kingdom 600 254 Report inappropriate content NewJerseyCyclist New Jersey Level Contributor 154 posts 2. It formed a historical barrier to invasions, creating a cultural/linguistic divide. This article is about the river. On the other hand, you run the risk of a modified itinerary because your riverboat may not be able to get under a low bridge due to the high water caused by snowmelt and rains. Report inappropriate content Diva Porto, Portugal Level Contributor 11 posts 2 reviews 2. MLS # 40383059 The waves you will find on the shore can be slightly affected by the orientation of the coastline and the seabed of the beaches, although in most cases they are usually equivalent. The good news? I believe the choice should be based on weather and the views, considering that I suggest: May to July - warm weather not too much and the landscapes are colorful. My Bookings. Alternatively, you may use. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. The Douro River is the third longest river in the Iberian Peninsula and has the largest river basin. If youre curious about Douro River cruises, heres everything you need to know. At a press conference on July 23rd, the Douro Vivo Network launched seven studies providing new information on the Douro river basin ecosystem. The Douro vinhateiro (vine-land) of the Douro Valley in Portugal, long devoted to vineyards, has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. On a somewhat smaller but no less enchanting scale, the city's Clerigos district is home to one of the world's most famous bookstores. The cruise-ship tours, while good overviews of the making of port and the history of the area, are by no means satisfying enough. One of the longest rivers of the Iberian . All this while temperatures soared past 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit). The only motorcoaches you may see on the twisting winding roads are those from your own ship, though the river is getting busier as more river lines add ships. Observation Decks & Towers, Churches & Cathedrals, Historic Sites, Civic Centres, Architectural Buildings. The convention superseded an agreement on the Douro, signed in 1927, that was expanded in 1964 and 1968 to include tributaries. www.europe.wetlands.org. Douro River cruises are from Porto, Portugal to Vega de Terron, Spain. The length of time the moon will be visible is 14 hours and 32 minutes. New for 2023 - Zurich & the Rhine River Valley 10 days from Nuremberg to Zurich Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental Porto - Palacio Das Cardosas, an IHG Hotel. I believe the choice should be based on weather and the views, considering that I suggest: May to July - warm weather not too much and the landscapes are colorful. Don't miss the train station at Sao Bento for its lively tile murals depicting the Portuguese people working, playing, living. See ourfeatured river cruise sailings >>, Talk with Teresa Skeim who has over 30 years experience for more ideas planning your trip >>. There are lots of options for tasting port in Gaia. To improve the knowledge on the impacts of existing dams (including the Portuguese Large Dam Program) and projected new dams, the Douro Vivo Network studied the cumulative impacts of hydropower on ecosystems and livelihoods. Nothing in the information given us by Viking indicated that all river traffic on the Douro in April is "ify" at best. Douro River, Latin Durius, Spanish Ro Duero, Portuguese Rio Douro, third longest river of the Iberian Peninsula, draining a catchment area of 30,539 square miles (79,096 square km). The Douro fully enters Portuguese territory just after the confluence with the gueda River; once the Douro enters Portugal, major population centres are less frequent along the river.