Rio Douro, Portugal

  Rio Douro

  Rio Guadiana

  Rio Lima

  Rio Nabão

  Rio Mondego

  Rio Tejo

  Rio Zêzere

The Rio Douro (River Douro) is one of the largest rivers in Portugal. It's source is in high in the Duruelo de la Sierra in Spain  flows into the Atlantic ocean at Porto in Portugal. The river is 897 kilometres in length.

The Rio Douro forms a natural border between Portugal and Spain stretching nearly 112 kilometres. This steep, sloped area formed a natural battle ground between the two Iberian countries for many years.

Tributaries of the Rio Douro in Portugal are small and are not navigable. The area surrounding, the Douro Vinhateiro has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to the microclimate surrounding the Rio Douro, these have become renowned for growing olives, almonds and vines. The grapes grown in this region of Portugal are of special importance for the production of Port (Porto).

Whereas once boats from Porto would have navigated upstream to collect the abundant supply of grapes, due to the erection of five, large dams on the Rio Douro to equalise the flow and harness the power of water, the river not the main transport route. Grapes destined for the famous Port wine are now transported via trucks.

However the Rio Douro still has many boats navigating it's waters, full of tourists enjoying the scenic beauty of the gorges the waters created over millions of years. Only vessels with a maximum length of 83 metres and a width of less than 12 metres can navigate through the five locks.