The N222, between Peso da Régua and Pinhão, owes its worldwide reputation to a route that follows the bends of the Douro beneath UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards — a road voted the world’s best by Top Gear magazine in 2015.
A road that follows the river’s bends
From Peso da Régua, the road hugs the bank of the Douro for about 27 km toward Pinhão, through a landscape of terraced vineyards rising in tiers on the valley’s schist slopes. The profile, generally rolling with a few moderate kicks near the villages, stays noticeably less demanding than the catalogue’s mountain climbs, while offering one of the most spectacular settings in Europe.
Getting the ride right
The main challenge here is less about elevation than heat, the Douro Valley ranking among Portugal’s hottest regions in summer: extra bottle cages are recommended, especially outside the milder months.
When to go
April to June and September to October, as summer makes the ride gruelling with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C in the enclosed valley. The grape harvest, usually in September, brings a special atmosphere with wine-making activity visible from the road.
Good to know
Pinhão, a small station decorated with azulejo tiles depicting vineyard work, and Peso da Régua offer a decent choice of accommodation, with the option to combine the ride with a river cruise or a tasting at one of the valley’s many wineries.
