PORTO, DOURO RIVER, ENTRE OS RIOS, SERRA MONTEMURO and VISEU

After just two busy weeks in Malta, emotionally busy too worrying about the condition of Anita’s mother, and who in the family is willing to spend time caring for her over the next few weeks, we took an early flight back to Porto, Portugal’s second city, famous for the Port wine. Living in a tiny islands like Malta it is not unusual to meet friends at the airport or on the flight. I had seen Fritz post photos of Porto a few weeks ago, and he was sitting just a row behind Anita. I was of course in a different row, the policy of Ryanair to blackmail passengers to pay extra to sit together.

We walked from the airport to the Parking and collected the keys for our “home”. After just two weeks the battery state of the vehicle and caravan batteries should be good, but I had forgotten to switch off the caravan system, and it was making a worrying noise, meaning the battery was low. The vehicle started, and I reset the system, knowing that driving would restore the charge.

Our goal for the first day was to drive along part of the Douro River Valley, described as one of the top 10 things to do in Portugal. 

We were not disappointed and after 59 kilometres we parked alongside the water at Entre Os Rios, where the Paiva river meets the Douro. It was the location of a bad accident In April 2001 when the Hintze Ribeiro bridge collapsed taking 59 people to their deaths in a bus and cars. The collapse was found to be the result of extracting sand from near the supports of the bridge, weakening it, despite warnings from experts.

All was calm for us, and the damp air brought fog to the rivers.

Next day we crossed the river by a newer bridge and followed a slow and winding road with amazing views of the river and hill sides where many grapes grow. 

From Cinfães we came inland and started climbing up to 1262m on the road pass of Serra de Montemuro, the peak being at 1382m (4534 ft). To each side was a wonderful view. 

From there we came down through different terrain to Viseu, and enjoyed a walk around the historic centre as darkness fell. Christmas lights and Christmas Market brought life to this vibrant place.

We are always happy to find a town which welcomes visitors by motor caravan and provides a few parking places and facilities to drop off grey and black water, thank you Viseu. May other towns follow your good example.