Travel Guide to Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar

Getting There

• Car

  If you are traveling by car, start from the main town of Peso da Régua in the Douro Valley. Take the N-222 road towards Vila Nova de Gaia. This scenic route will take you through beautiful vineyards and along the Douro River. Continue on N-222 for approximately 25 km until you reach the roundabout near the city of Vila Nova de Gaia. Take the exit towards the A1 highway, then merge onto the A1. After about 2 km, take the exit towards N-108. Follow the signs for 'Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar.' You will need to park at available public parking areas nearby, as the monastery itself does not have a dedicated parking lot. Walking from the parking area to the monastery is approximately 10 minutes.

• Public Transportation

  If you prefer public transportation, begin your journey at the Peso da Régua train station. Take a train towards Porto. Get off at the 'Vila Nova de Gaia' station. From there, you can catch a bus (line 901 or 902) that goes directly to the Largo Aviz stop. The bus ride takes about 20 minutes. Once you arrive at Largo Aviz, you will see signs directing you to Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, which is just a short 5-minute walk from the bus stop. Ensure you check the bus schedule ahead of time, as frequencies may vary.

• Taxi or Ride-Sharing

  For a more direct route, consider using a taxi or a ride-sharing service like Uber. Simply request a ride from your location in the Douro Valley to Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, located at Largo Aviz, 4430-329 Vila Nova de Gaia. The fare will vary depending on your pickup location but expect to pay around €20-€30 for the trip from Peso da Régua. This option provides a convenient way to reach the monastery without the hassle of public transportation.