Barca d'Alva sits quietly along the Douro River, right at Portugal’s eastern border with Spain. Once the final stop on the historic Douro railway line, this riverside village remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. The surrounding landscape filled with terraced vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees form part of the UNESCO-listed Alto Douro Wine Region. Spring is especially striking when the almond blossoms cover the hillsides in pale pink and white, drawing local festivals and visitors from neighboring towns.

The village is best known among river cruise passengers, as it serves as a key stop for Douro cruises heading inland. For those exploring on land, the old train station still stands, complete with decorative tiles and ironwork. Though the railway line no longer runs to Barca d'Alva, the route is popular with cyclists and hikers, offering scenic views of the Douro Valley and glimpses of abandoned stations along the way. The surrounding natural parkland, part of the Douro International Natural Park, provides opportunities to spot eagles, vultures, and rare cliff-dwelling species.

Nearby, the village of Castelo Rodrigo offers a different side of the region’s heritage. Just a 25-minute drive from Barca d'Alva, it is one of Portugal’s historical villages, complete with medieval walls, a 16th-century pillory, and cobbled lanes. Visitors often combine a visit with a walk to the ruins of the Cristóvão de Moura palace and views that stretch into Spain. The area’s strategic position once made it a site of frequent battles, and the history is still visible in the architecture and preserved fortifications.