I traveled around the world, to different continents, I saw incredible places, stunning landscapes, I met incredible people, I tried delicious food, wonderful wines, I bring with me beautiful memories of all these experiences.
While many places around the world are beautiful and offer delightful culinary experiences, only a few achieve the status of "Wow!" destinations. These places connect with us on a deeper level, offering cultural richness, unique experiences, and personal connections that transform a trip into a life-changing journey.
Douro Valley is for sure one of the WOW places in the world!
The Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a destination that captures the heart and soul of those who visit it. Its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, world-class wines, and unique experiences combine to create an indelible impression. Whether you are exploring its terraced vineyards, savoring its wines, or simply soaking in the serene beauty of the river, the Douro Valley offers a sense of wonder and enchantment that makes it a true "Wow!" destination in the world. Whether to visit, live or invest, the Douro is and will always be WOW!
Douro: Location, History and Transportation
DOURO
Location, History and Transportation
The Douro Valley located in the north of Portugal, is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world, with stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Here are some highlights that make the Douro Valley so special:
1. World Heritage Status: The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural landscape shaped by wine production over the centuries.
2. Port Wine: The region is famously known as the birthplace of Port Wine.
3. Rich History: The region is steeped in history with historic villages, ancient monasteries, and charming stone houses that offer a glimpse into its past.
4. Culinary Delights: The local cuisine is another highlight, with traditional Portuguese dishes that complement the region's wines.
5. Outdoor Activities: the Douro Valley offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and boat tours, presenting you with spectacular views.
6. Accessibility: Despite its remote and tranquil feel, the Douro Valley, is easily accessible from Oporto, which is only 70 km away, making it a convenient destination for day trips or longer stays. The scenic train ride from Oporto to the Douro Valley is particularly popular as well as the boat trips. Whether by road, by train, by cruise ship or even by helicopter, nothing will leave you indifferent.
Port Wine History
Port wine, a fortified wine, has its origins in the Douro Valley of Portugal, a region with a rich winemaking history dating back to Roman times. The development of Port wine as we know it began in the 17th century. English merchants played a crucial role in its creation, seeking a robust wine that could survive long sea voyages. They discovered that adding brandy during fermentation preserved the wine's sweetness and alcohol content, leading to the distinctive style of Port.
The Treaty of Methuen in 1703 between England and Portugal bolstered the Port trade, reducing tariffs on Portuguese wines. This led to an increased demand and the formal establishment of the Douro Demarcated Region in 1756, making it one of the world's oldest protected wine regions. The Marques de Pombal, a key figure in Portuguese history, spearheaded the regulation of production and trade, ensuring quality and authenticity.
Over the centuries, the Douro Valley became synonymous with Port wine, known for its terraced vineyards and unique microclimates. Traditional methods, like foot-treading grapes in stone lagares, continue alongside modern techniques.
Today, Port wine remains a symbol of Portuguese heritage and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Douro Valley's winemaking tradition.
Douro: Port Wine History
Why invest in Douro?
DOURO
Why Invest in Douro?
- Property Value Appreciation: The increasing popularity of the region leads to rising property values, providing strong capital appreciation potential.
- Diversity of Properties: Options range from vineyards and wine estates to luxury homes and commercial properties, allowing for varied investment portfolios.
- Government Support, Incentives, Funding and Grants: The Portuguese government and the European Union offer various grants and subsidies to support agricultural and tourism projects in the Douro Valley.
- Infrastructure Development: Ongoing investments in infrastructure, such as improved roads, railways, and river transport, enhance the region's accessibility and attractiveness.
- Economic Stability and Growth
- Resilient Sector: The wine industry, particularly in renowned regions like the Douro Valley, has shown resilience even during economic downturns, providing a stable investment environment.
- Lifestyle and Personal Enjoyment
- Quality of Life: Investors can enjoy the high quality of life in the Douro Valley, with its beautiful landscapes, pleasant climate, and rich cultural heritage.
Douro Valley - Modern House
500.000 €
Wonderful Views Over Douro Valley
Modern house with 4 bedrooms and office, 2 floors (240 sqm each), very spacious and with immense privacy and refinement. Located on a plot of land measuring 2.000 sqm.
The outdoor space with several gardens, independent entrance and paved areas flanked by flowerbeds and trees will immediately set the mood and make you feel like you're entering your private paradise.
Each element was designed so that you can delight your senses and feel comfortable, combining the surroundings and the wonderful views over the Douro Valley.
The plot of land has a garage for several cars and pre-installation of a swimming pool so you can relax, invigorate and enjoy the surrounding tranquility.
This property has a solid construction, excellent stability and thermal insulation. The frames are of high quality and there are electric blinds, ensuring a comfortable environment in any season of the year. In the interior wood is widely used. Living in this luxurious home guarantees you proximity to all essential services, just a few minutes from the center of Baião and less than an hour from Porto! We highlight: The modern and high quality architecture, brightness, privacy and proximity to services and neighboring cities.
Douro - 3 Bedroom House
3 Bedroom House (Baião - Gove)
Excellent Areas and Privacy
3 bedroom house, move-in ready, with an area of 135 sqm and total area of land of 8.750 sqm. Enjoy the comfort the good construction and large areas provide!
Let your creativity flow and take advantage of the outdoor space to have a swimming pool, gardens and fruit trees. Relax and appreciate the characteristic tranquility of this beautiful area, indulge in the breathtaking natural beauty, listen to the birds chirping and feel the gentle breeze. This property allows for immense privacy, has annexes to support the main house, good sun exposure and benefits from plenty of water that will be at your disposal.
A property with easy access and a privileged location, placing it just a few minutes from the center of Baião and about 5 minutes away from the fast lane connecting to the highway which puts you approximately 1 hour away from Porto and other urban centers, such as Vila Real, Amarante, Braga, Guimarães,... In this property we highlight the excellent location and access, immense privacy, excellent areas and construction and the fact that it is ready to live in.
This captivating opportunity awaits your visit! The peace and comfort you need!
109.500 €
sqm
Image Simulation
Image Simulation
Douro - Approved Project for Hotel
Image Simulation
Land w/ Approved Project
For 5* Hotel in the Douro Region
Project Characteristics:
QUARTZO Resort & Spa will consist of a main building, and 18 bungalows, 4 of which are doubles. Reception will be located at the main building, there will be also 8 suite accommodations and a restaurant. Inspired by Modern Architecture, this space strives for privacy and through contact with nature. There are 3 types of bungalows:
STANDARD - with 1 bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette
FAMILY - with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and kitchenette
DELUXE - with 1 bedroom, bathroom, jaccuzi and kitchenette
Accessibilities:
3 km from the highway that connects the main cities
52 min from Sá Carneiro airport (Porto)
13 min from Pala train station (Baião)
16 min from Marco Canaveses train station
15 minutes from the Douro River
This land, with over 4 hectares, has the project approved including by Turismo de Portugal, and all necessary licenses have already been approved. This avoids wasting time and money. Additionally, this Hotel & Spa has a 5-Star License, something quite difficult to achieve in the hospitality industry.
Image Simulation
Douro - Historic House in Stone
Wonderful Views over Douro Valley
Have you ever imagined living in a historic house, in a parish with one of the best green wines in Portugal?
A house with 200sqm and a total land area of 5200sqm make the project you have been dreaming of a reality.
A property with easy access and a privileged location, placing it at just a few minutes from all essential services, from the various access points to the highway and about 1h away from Porto and other major urban centers, such as Vila Real, Amarante, Marco de Canaveses, Braga, Guimarães.
Let your creativity flow and take advantage of the outdoor space to have a swimming pool, gardens or fruit trees. The plot of land allows construction so you can explore various options! We have partners to advise you and even help you with your project all the way through.
Relax and enjoy the wonderful views over the Douro Valley and a peaceful aura provided by the natural surroundings. For nature and adventure lovers, this region is a paradise. Explore trails, walking or cycling routes that extend to the mountains or alternate between the various nautical activities if you feel at home by the water!
We highlight: historic house with excellent areas, good access and location, wonderful views and tranquility. Price: 5.200 sqm Land Area:
200.000 €
Several Buildings for Reconstruction
Have you ever thought about having your own little village?
With a total area of over 21 hectares and a privileged location, this is a rare product in the area, with immense land to explore, houses, outbuildings and a chapel in ruins, all in stone, which you can restore!
Would you like to build a project focused on tourism? When you start building you can explore various options and we have partners that can help you with your project, start to finish!
Approximately 2km from the connection to the highway, it guarantees you proximity to all essential services and places you just a few minutes from the center of Marco de Canaveses and about 1 hour from Porto and other urban centers. The land has lots of water, located in a quiet area, with breathtaking natural beauty and wonderful views. The connection to Serra da Aboboreira allows you to explore the historical richness of the region, with traces of human activity since the Neolithic. Let yourself be captivated with great biodiversity, rich fauna and flora and a charming environment that inspires tranquility. We highlight: potential for tourism, good access, connection to Serra da Aboboreira, breathtaking natural beauty.
Douro - Land
Land - Tourism
Wonderful Views over the Douro River
Do you want a quiet place with wonderful views?
Proximity to nature while enjoying the convenience and comfort?
With a total area of 6.145 sqm, an excellent location, sun exposure and wonderful views over the Douro River, the project you have been dreaming of can now be a reality.
Have you ever imagined living intimately connected with nature and enjoying what the mountains and the river can offer you? When building your property, you can explore various options and leave all your creativity flow.
We have excellent partners to advise you during the process.
This plot of land guarantees you proximity to all essential services, it's close to Cinfães, Baião, Marco de Canaveses and about an hour away from major urban centers, such as Viseu, Arouca or São João da Madeira.
We highlight: the wonderful views over the Douro River, excellent location and proximity to all types of services, river beaches and connection with nature and the surrounding environment.
More than a fantastic property, it is an opportunity to live and/or invest in a truly stunning setting, where the river meets the mountains and the possibilities are endless!
100.000 €
Price: 6.145 sqm
Land Area:
Douro - Land with Approved Project
Land with Approved Project
Wonderful Views over the Douro River
Are you looking for a plot of land with an approved project? In a privileged location with wonderful views over the Douro River?
With a total area of 1129 sqm, walled, this property guarantees you proximity to all essential services, just a few minutes away from the center of Marco de Canaveses and less than an hour from Porto and other urban centers.
Building your home is very simple since there is a project approved in which the house will have an area of 182.5 sqm, basement, ground floor, private area and a garage.
The project being approved equals saving on costs and time. There is, however, the possibility of making changes to the current project. When building your dream home you can explore various options, let your creativity flow and if necessary we have expert partners to advise you.
For nature and adventure lovers, this region is a paradise! Explore trails and walking or cycling routes that extend to the mountains, providing great experiences for hiking, cycling and off-road or if you wish there is the possibility to try out several nautical activities.
Douro - House for Reconstruction
Wonderful Views over the Douro River
An amazing house with 216sqm and around 6 hectares of land featuring wonderful views over the Douro River make for an excellent investment opportunity.
Surrounded by nature and yet very well located, nearby all kinds of services and with good access to the highway connection to major urban centers, you will have lots of options to explore and immerse yourself in a rich diversity of cultural experiences and leisure.
Explore trails and routes on foot or by bike that extend to the mountains, providing incredible experiences for hiking, cycling and off-road activities or try out the various nautical activities available around the Douro area.
We highlight: the wonderful views over the Douro River, a vast plot of land, excellent location and proximity to all types of services, the river beaches nearby and the intimate connection with nature
More than a fantastic property, it is an opportunity to live and/or invest in an amazing setting. Don't miss the opportunity to own this piece of paradise with the Douro River as a background.
A Truly International Brokerage
eXp is breaking down barriers across the globe, empowering over 85,000+ agents around 24 countries through the metaverse.
Promote your property on the International Market
eXp Realty can be an excellent platform for promoting Portuguese real estate globally, due to its presence in US and 24 Countries and specially for its Innovative Technology: eXp Realty uses cutting-edge technology, including a Metaverse, a virtual reality platform called eXp World. This technology allows agents to conduct virtual property tours, host international meetings in big virtual auditorium for thousands of people, and provide detailed, immersive experiences to potential buyers without needing to be physically present in Portugal.
eXp Realty provides robust training and support for its agents, ensuring they are well-equipped with the latest market trends and marketing strategies. This includes specific training on how to market international properties effectively, making them better prepared to sell Portuguese real estate.
The collaborative culture at eXp Realty encourages agents to work together across borders. This culture can help in sharing leads and insights about Portuguese real estate, increasing the chances of connecting with interested buyers in the United States and across the globe, specially through the Metaverse and on the new Global Agent Referral Platform that can easily bolster networking prospects for eXp agents worldwide.
If you are considering promoting your property on the international market, contact an eXp agent and learn more about the solutions we offer to promote your property around the world.
Fernando
eXp
Know our team
Investing in real estate in the Douro Valley is a rewarding venture made easy by our expert team. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures a seamless experience, offering local knowledge, prime opportunities, and full support for your investment. Our realtors possess deep insights into the Douro Valley market, presenting the best properties at the right prices. Whether you're interested in a vineyard, countryside estate, or touristic property, we help you find a sound investment that meets your needs.
Beyond property selection, we provide comprehensive support for development projects. Our partners includes skilled architects, project managers, and construction supervisors who oversee every phase, ensuring your project is planned and executed flawlessly.
Navigating legal complexities is simplified with our legal experts. We manage all legal aspects, from property acquisition to compliance, guaranteeing a secure and hassle-free investment.
By partnering with us, you gain a dedicated team focused on your success. With our thorough approach, you can confidently invest in the Douro Valley, knowing every detail is expertly managed.
Our Partners
Tiago Pinto
Credit Manager
Bússola Financeira
geral@bussolafinanceira.pt
+351 964 486 100
Bussola Financeira
WHAT WE DO? We promote Financial Literacy; We help real estate investors looking to build a portfolio that allows them to achieve financial independence, with safe and optimized leverage. We help families optimize their financing, at the time of contracting or throughout the credit contract.
HOW WE DO?
Assessment of the current situation and future goals; Identification and study of the most appropriate financing options; Defending the client before the bank; Presentation and comparison of available solutions; Processing the process efficiently and accurately;
RESULT
More optimized financing to boost future investments, increasing your portfolio growth and cash flow. More accessible and personalized credit for your needs. Improve your current loans by saving and adjusting them to your preferences.
Hélder Pereira
Owner and Engenieer
nZEBuilding Solutions
geral@nzebs.com
+351 255 166 668
NZEBS
NZEBS, as the name suggests, specializes in new or rehabilitation building projects that aim to achieve buildings with energy needs close to zero.
It was founded on June 7, 2016 by Engineer Hélder Pereira and is still active today. Based in Baião, we operate from north to south of Portugal, islands and we also have some work abroad.
Our main objective as a company is, and has always been, to present a quality service to our customers with a great sense of responsibility, rigor and commitment.
Watch the interview via this QRCODE link
Pereira Cardoso
With fantasy you tell me the truth! Or, this incomparable and unique Douro, in Eça's praise.
It is common, in the overwhelming whirlwind of our days, to hastily confuse literary work, be it poetry or the novel itself – with the exception of the “historical novel” – with the mere exercise of fiction, of imagination, of pure invention, where the genius of the author falsifies reality with “beautiful words”. Just to stimulate our pleasure.In the case in question, of “A Cidade e as Serras”, it is the signatory of the work himself who, in advance, warns us, in a letter dated November 18, 1893, addressed to the editor Mathieu de Lugan – one of the predecessors of the current Lello & Brother – explaining his plan to write, in small installments, “une nouvelle phantaisiste qui s’apelle A Cidade e as Serras”.And yet… If already one of the greatest authorities on the subject, Fernando Pessoa, in theory and practice, made the perfect synthesis of the most complete literary theory, in the verses that remained forever, when he proclaimed that “the poet is a pretender / and pretends so completely / that even pretends that it is pain / the pain that you really feel.”It applies to poetry, and it applies to literary prose.What can we say, then, about these two or three excerpts, from this novel that Augusto Abelaira considered the true “ecologists’ bible”:“– Wake up, man, you’re on your own land![…]- So it's Portugal, huh?... It smells good.- Of course it smells good, animal![…]- The Douro, huh?... It's interesting, it's grand.[…]And soon our evils were forgotten by the incomparable beauty of that blessed mountain!With what brilliance and copious inspiration had the divine artist who created the mountains, and who cared for them so much, and so richly endowed them, composed it, in this well-loved Portugal of his! Greatness equaled grace. Groups of trees descended into the powerfully dug valleys, so bushy and round, with such a young green that they were like soft moss where you wanted to fall and roll.[…]Jacinto ahead, on his Russian mare, murmured:- How beautiful!And I was behind, on Sancho's donkey, murmuring:How beautiful!Cool branches brushed our shoulders with familiarity and affection. Behind the hedges, loaded with blackberries, the outstretched apple trees offered their green apples, because they were not ripe. All the windows of an old house, with its cross on top, glittered hospitably as we passed. For a long time a blackbird followed us, from holm oak to elm tree, whistling our praises. Thank you, brother, blackbird! Apple tree branches, thank you! Here we see, here we see! And let us always remain with you, such a welcoming mountain, a mountain of plenty and peace, a blessed mountain among the mountains! “We could thus continue multiplying the abundant citations about the best description of a landscape. Beautiful, dazzling, lively and humanized with the speech of blackbirds and apple trees or riverside “smarts”.As smart as the wine that the caretakers served was “smart”, accompanying the famous broad bean rice, which could refer to so many other quotes - there are no less than three hundred! - about gastronomy. It could be left for another note, but it goes without saying that this is a much more important element for the overall meaning of the work, than a simple collection of references from curious circumstances.Arriving here, and going back to the beginning, everyone can think whatever they want about what could be considered an excess of the author's imagination.No one, however, can change a line to the coincidence of the words that, upon arriving in this beautiful sub-region of “Ribadouro”,Without worries about “romancing”, and trying to choose his share of the inheritance, as head of the couple, on May 28, 1892, Eça, immediately, wrote “more prosaically”, to his wife, who had stayed in Paris taking care of the boys:“St. Cruz is extremely different in nature. It is extremely beautiful. The steep, alpine path from the station to the farm is simply wonderful.Beautiful valleys, oak groves and centuries-old chestnut groves, waterfalls, orchards, flowers, everything is there on that blessed mountain!”And, yes, it is true that fiction often shows us, with greater and more complete completeness, reality itself.Even more so, if we are facing someone who, through his critical monocle, possessed this sublime art of painting, or even filming, with words.
Pereira Cardoso
Graduated in Romance Philology, from F.L.U.P., President of the Porto de Baião Association and former Vice-President and Councilor of the Department of Education and Culture of C.M. Baião. Member of the Cultural Council of the Eça de Queiroz Foundation, and of the Jury of the Eça de Queiroz National Prize of the F.E.Q. / Millennium Foundation.
Watch interview with Daniel Guedes, President of the Parish Council of Ancede and Ribadouro, Access via the link on QRCode
