ROL Cruise recommends…
A community developed by railway
Pocinho, located in northern Portugal is a community that developed with the arrival of the railway in 1887. Costing just €4.80 for a one-way ticket the famous train trip will take you along the Douro River from Pinhao to Pocinho five times a day, the ideal setting for a spot of sightseeing. The ride is the perfect opportunity to see the sites of the Portuguese countryside from a whole new perspective or take a photograph or two for the photo albums.
Birthplace of Francisco José Viega
Pocinho was the birthplace of the journalist, novelist and Portuguese politician Francisco José Viega. Born in the village in 1962, those familiar with Portuguese culture can explore the hometown of this country’s famous figure and keep an eye out for any clues of his familiarity in the village, you might even be able to spot the place in which he was born.
Wine, wine and more wine
Another location similar to Pinhao, Pocinho is home to some of Portugal’s best grapevine varieties, producing thousands of litres of Port wine every year. A visit to the village should be accompanied by a local’s wine tour before tasting some of the products yourself. Pick up a bottle or two in the local wine shop as a memento of your trip to the heart of wine in Portugal.
Ancient history come to life
Just a 10-minute drive from Pocinho is the Vale de Coa Archaeological Park, home to some of the great Ice Age open-air engravings known to man. The collection was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998. Take a short car or bus journey to the site and walk around in awe as you spectate some of the best-preserved carvings and archaeological discoveries for centuries.
