Douro, Faina Fluvial Filming Locations

A hub of the port wine industry, Vila Nova de Gaia is peppered with cellars offering tours and tastings. It’s also known for sandy beaches like Praia da Madalena, and the scenic riverside road Cais de Gaia, with its cafe terraces and expansive views across the Douro. Small restaurants serve grilled fish and seafood in the old fishing village of Afurada, where picturesque tiled houses line narrow streets.

The narrow, cobbled streets of Ribeira are dotted with small bars and eateries serving classic Portuguese fare like grilled sardines. Beside the Douro River, Praça da Ribeira square is lined with colorful 18th-century townhouses, while the neoclassical landmark, Palácio da Bolsa, is known for its ornate interiors. Hard Club hosts rock gigs and club nights in a restored market building.

Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal known for its stately bridges and port wine production. In the medieval Ribeira (riverside) district, narrow cobbled streets wind past merchants’ houses and cafes. São Francisco Church is known for its lavish baroque interior with ornate gilded carvings. The palatial 19th-century Palácio de Bolsa, formerly a stock market, was built to impress potential European investors.