The N222 is one of the most scenic roads in Portugal and follows the majestic Douro River as it meanders through the beautiful scenery of the region. The majority of tourists explore the Douro Valley by river cruise; these boat tours may be relaxing, but they only show a tiny portion of this wonderful region.

Yes, driving along the Douro River in Portugal is considered one of the most scenic road trips in Europe. The legendary N222 road is the highlight, often cited as one of the best driving roads in the world; it follows the south bank of the river from Porto toward the Spanish border. The most spectacular section lies between Peso da Régua and Pinhão, where the road meanders through terraced vineyards and past historic wine estates (quintas). In 2026, while the roads are fully paved, they are notoriously winding and narrow, featuring hundreds of curves and steep drops that require a focused driver. A "pro-tip" for 2026 travelers: start early to avoid the tourist buses and tractors during the September harvest, and ensure you use a Via Verde transponder for the toll roads (A4) that lead you from Porto into the heart of the valley before you hit the scenic national routes.