New Youth Hostel in Alijó opened in July

Alijó Youth Hostel, which opened its doors on 27th July 2008, it is a brand new purpose-build hostel offering modern, comfortable and well-equipped facilities. Located in the old village of Alijó, this YH accommodates 68 guests in a choice of 14 twin en-suite rooms (one suitable for wheelchair users), and 10 four-bedded rooms.

  

Placed in the heart of the Douro demarcated wine region, Alijó’s importance is closely linked to the production of wine, for many of the “quintas” (small estates) that produce the famous Port Wine, known worldwide for its quality and taste, and many other excellent wines are to be found in this municipality.

This landscape of remarkable beauty, classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO, is product of a perfect harmony among nature and the hand of man by transforming the schist slopes, first shaped by the river Douro itself, into large terraced vineyards forming natural amphitheatres angled to best catch the sun and ripen the grapes to produce great wines.

There are many ways to tour the Douro Valley region, be it by car, train or boat. For those wishing to take in the river by car, this is a wonderful way to view all that the Douro has to offer. Visiting the nearby towns is mandatory - Peso da Régua, Pinhão, Carrazeda de Ansiães and Vila Flor – as well as a visit to some wine estates for sampling the wines and many other sites that are well worth stopping off at for a gentle stroll to take in the wonderful panoramas.

One of the most original ways to discover the Alto Douro region is to travel by steam train on lines laid over 100 years ago. From the windows of the small train, the traveller will spot a landscape of rugged beauty composed of enormous gorges, between which the river squeezes hundreds of feet below. The older train stations are of particular interest, particularly Régua and Pinhão, the latter being one of the country’s most beautiful, with façades of decorative tiles depicting scenes of vineyard workers and views of the local countryside. Another great option is to go on a river cruise and take in the beautiful Douro Valley scenery.

This is, in fact, a region worth to explore due to its diversified, rich and unique natural, architectural and historic heritage.