The National Road 222, or EN222, which links Vila Nova de Gaia and Vila Nova de Foz Côa, is widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful roads.
Among the factors that contribute to this northern road’s appeal are its layout and beautiful surroundings, especially along the Douro River.
The route is situated in northern Portugal’s wine area. The route is 27 kilometres long and passes through beautiful scenery.
The road’s most well-known stretch runs between Peso da Regua, commonly known as Regua (a municipality in the Vila Real region) and Pinho, a municipality in Alijo.
Its breathtaking bends entice a large number of cars, motorcycle riders, and cyclists for scenic and memorable journeys.
You may visit the following attractions in the area:
Régua Peso
The name of the town is said to have come from the name of a Roman mansion that formerly existed here—the “Villa Reguela.” Its remarkable development, however, began only after 1756, with the establishment of the Real Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro (Royal Company of Vine-Growers from the Alto Douro Region), which established the world’s first-ever delimited wine-producing region. Peso da Régua, located on the banks of the River Douro, was crucial in the manufacture and sale of Port wine since it was from here that the barrels were brought in special boats known as barcos rabelos to Vila Nova de Gaia, where the wine was allowed to mature in the local wine lodges. The wines are planted on terraced hills descending to the river in this region, presenting tourists with a succession of breathtaking vistas, best viewed from the area’s various overlooks, such as those of São Leonardo at Galafura and Santo António do Loureiro. In the surrounding region, the spa of Caldas de Moledo, located on the right bank of the River Douro, has its own mooring spots and is a very beautiful destination to spend a quiet vacation.
Train Station of Pinhão
The station is well-known for its 19th-century tiles depicting regional life.
Pinhão resembles a scenario from an old film: the Douro River and the Pinho River crossing in the lovely river region, as well as the station where the antique train sometimes stops, are all linked, producing a lovely environment that was previously designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You may visit the Wine Museum in São João da Pesqueira, which is dedicated to documenting and preserving Douro’s wine history.
Casal de Loivos Viewpoint
Casal de Loivos viewpoint is an observation point in Alijó. Casal de Loivos viewpoint is situated near Igreja de São Bartolomeu, and close to Quinta do Jalloto.
São Salvador do Mundo Viewpoint
This is one of the region’s most magnificent views, where the Sanctuary of São Salvador do Mundo, with its tiny chapels, also stands out. Along with the lovely sight created by the vineyards around the river, there is a view of the Valeira Dam and, in the distance, the Douro Railway.
