Know Before You Go | Portugal
Whether you're preparing for your upcoming Portugal adventure or want to learn more about the nature, culture and cuisine of the Douro Valley, we've got you covered. We've rounded up an array of useful resources, from packing tips to travel stories to inspire your wanderlust.
Travel Tips
Places We Visit
Places We Visit
From the UNESCO World Heritage Site Porto to the International Douro Natural Park, learn about the places you'll paddle to on this kayaking adventure.
Kayaking the Douro
Kayaking the Douro
Kayaking is an exhilarating way to experience the sights of Portugal. Here are some tips to stay safe while having fun out on the water.
Portuguese Wine & Dining
Portuguese Wine & Dining
Portugal has been producing delicious, fortified port wines dating as far back as the Roman Empire. Prepare to savor fine wines on this Dionysian paddling odyssey.
Natural & Cultural History
Natural & Cultural History
Working with the land, preserving the soil and managing water resources in the Douro Valley ensures future generations all over the world will be able to raise a glass of port wine and be intricately tied to the preservation of this cultural landscape.
WWF Conservation
WWF Conservation
World Wildlife Fund launched a remarkable campaign to save Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean. WWF's involvement focused on three particular areas: bringing parties together, science and advocacy.
Reading List
Reading List
From birdwatching guides to epic histories, browse our helpful list of reading recommendations to fuel your excitement for a Portugal adventure.
Adventure Details
Adventure Details
Our travel advice will leave you feeling prepared for a trip to Portugal, with tips on currency, electricity and language.
Weather & Climate
Weather & Climate
Find out the typical weather conditions in Portugal in this month by month breakdown of average temperatures and rainfall.
Packing List
Packing List
We’ve made a comprehensive list of all the clothing and gear you’ll want to pack so you'll be well prepared for Paddling Portugal's River of Wine.
Travel Stories & Articles
The Wild Upper Douro: An International Treasure
The Wild Upper Douro: An International Treasure
—By Wendy Redal
Portugal’s Douro Valley is best known as a cradle of European winemaking. For more than 2,000 years grapes have been planted in terraced vineyards along the steep mountainsides that line the Douro River...
Portugal’s Douro Valley is best known as a cradle of European winemaking. For more than 2,000 years grapes have been planted in terraced vineyards along the steep mountainsides that line the Douro River...
Guiding on Portugal’s River of Wine: A First-Time Nat Hab Expedition Leader’s Story
Guiding on Portugal’s River of Wine: A First-Time Nat Hab Expedition Leader’s Story
—By Daniel Blankenheim
Porto is a fascinating city, but a city, nonetheless. And then, when we finally hit the Douro River: Silence. Just the wind, some bird calls and the gentle strokes of our paddles. I found...
Porto is a fascinating city, but a city, nonetheless. And then, when we finally hit the Douro River: Silence. Just the wind, some bird calls and the gentle strokes of our paddles. I found...
Culinary Wonders of Portugal: 7 Recipes to Try at Home
Culinary Wonders of Portugal: 7 Recipes to Try at Home
—By Natural Habitat Adventures
We know most of our guests don’t choose our nature adventures for the food, although it’s generally excellent. On our Portugal kayaking adventure, however, the food is a hallmark...
We know most of our guests don’t choose our nature adventures for the food, although it’s generally excellent. On our Portugal kayaking adventure, however, the food is a hallmark...
Seven Summer Nature Adventures in Europe
Seven Summer Nature Adventures in Europe
—By Rebecca Self
From kayaking in Portugal to exploring Croatia and Slovenia’s wild sides, there’s something for everyone on a Nat Hab trip to Europe in the summertime!
From kayaking in Portugal to exploring Croatia and Slovenia’s wild sides, there’s something for everyone on a Nat Hab trip to Europe in the summertime!
7 Romantic Getaways for Nature Lovers
7 Romantic Getaways for Nature Lovers
—By Cathy Brown
Whether your idea of romance is an African river cruise among hippos and crocodiles, kayaking the Douro River through Portugal’s Old World wine country or wandering among fluttering orange butterflies in Mexico, our trips have you covered!
Whether your idea of romance is an African river cruise among hippos and crocodiles, kayaking the Douro River through Portugal’s Old World wine country or wandering among fluttering orange butterflies in Mexico, our trips have you covered!
Know Before You Go
