Behind the handsome yellow façade of this historic building lies a stylish hotel, the friendly owners of which pride themselves on the high levels of comfort and service. We include bedrooms at the front so that you can appreciate the superb views across the River Douro to the city's famous port lodges, and provide you with recommendations to help you decide on a restaurant for dinner (pay locally).

A real find with impressive views which will whet your appetite for what is to come, this simple inn enjoys a wonderfully tranquil setting close to the river. The country cooking here is a good introduction to the regional cuisine.

Manuel, the latest generation of the Sampayo family to own the house (it has belonged to them since 1658), places great emphasis on attentive, courteous service, but the hotel's best feature is the view of the River Douro afforded by the terraces and swimming pool (it was once named one of the best in the world on a television travel programme). You dine with other guests in the formal dining room.

This is another hotel of great character and comfort, and boasts an outdoor pool. As your stay is on a bed and breakfast basis, you can choose to dine at the pousada's restaurant if you wish, or at one of our recommendations in the village (pay locally in both cases).

A warm welcome from charming host Cristina Van Zeller, large comfortable bedrooms, a swimming pool and a dinner of tasty country cooking await you at this recently renovated manor house.

This lovingly restored nobleman's house is a delightful and relaxing base, managed by irrepressible Adelaide, who prides herself on her hospitality. The bedrooms are in separate buildings throughout the grounds and cluster around charming terraces and the swimming pool. The food here is excellent, and our dinner arrangements include white port, wine and liqueurs. A wonderful choice for extra nights.