THE BOAT OF THE DOURO
What is a rabelo boat? A ride from Pinhão
The rabelo is a traditional Portuguese boat of the Douro, once used to carry wine barrels from the vineyards down to the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. In Pinhão you can take it today for a ride of one or two hours.
The trip to book
1 to 2 hoursDouro River Rabelo Boat Ride
A one- or two-hour ride on a rabelo, with an audio guide and, on the 2-hour option, a glass of wine.
From€15
Check availabilityCommercial data as of . Indicative prices, ratings and reviews.
Practical sources checked on . Route, language and access.
Information from Civitatis. Indicative prices; languages and availability to be confirmed for your date.
How the day unfolds
Meeting point
At the Rua da Praia dock in Pinhão, fifteen minutes early.
On board
A quiet sail east, with an audio guide.
Return
The ride ends at the departure point.
What the rabelo tells you
According to the listing, the rabelo is an emblematic boat of Portugal, a familiar sight in the villages along the Douro, with a history going back to the 18th century. For the story of the river and the wine, the Pinhão page goes further.
The ride
When you book you choose a ride of one hour or two. It heads upriver to the east, passes under several bridges and past wine estates. The listing adds that, with luck, you may spot a peregrine falcon or a golden eagle.
One hour or two?
The two-hour option adds a glass of wine on board. The one-hour option suits those with little time between a train and a meal.
By Rabelo Day Edition of