Douro River
written by paper_doll
on January 5th, 2009
, 8 submissions
, 3 comments
(3 votes)
The Douro River is the third longest and largest river in the Iberian Peninsula, flowing from its source near Duruelo de la Sierra across northern-central Spain and Portugal to its outlet at Porto (on one side of the river) and Vila Nova de Gaia (on the other side).
The grapes for one of the World’s most extraordinary wines (Port Wine) are cultivated up river, in the northeastern part of Portugal. But traditionally, Port Wine was matured in Vila Nova de Gaia, the town facing Porto on the southern bank of the river. For that, the wine had to travel west, and the Douro River was the best way. A special kind of boat was developed for that purpose, called “rabelo”! The rabelos are long and beautiful, with only one sail. Presently, the wine no longer sails down the river, the rabelos being only a symbol of the old times and a touristy attraction.
The Douro changed a lot due to the construction of several electrical dams. The river now no longer provokes catastrophes during winter time, when its enraged waters gained the banks and destroyed villages, bridges and houses. In Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia some of the most terrific floods are still present in the memories of the inhabitants and engraved on the walls of the houses near the river.
Now, the Douro is a “civilized” river, navigable in all its Portuguese extension. The views are magnificent and it’s worthwhile to sail up or down the river. In fact, a river cruise on the lovely Douro River combines delightful scenery with rural, unspoiled villages and towns and it’s a perfect opportunity to visit the great city of Porto!
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