The apartment was smaller than expected, the website photos are deceptive. But that was nothing compared to the noise.
On our first night my partner was unable to sleep until after 10 due to the frequent trucks passing directly below the property and subsequently, especially at the weekend, the noise from motorbikes screaming by was like attending a motorcycle grand prix.
But worse was to come on Sunday night. There was an event at what we assume is the local community centre just across the road which sounded like a rock concert and went on from 9 until midnight. It was so bad we had to stay up out of bed reading until thankfully it finally stopped. Then on Monday night what we presume was the local rock band practicing, produced the same volume of noise - about 120 decibels - until 11.30. Our resident neighbours said these were common occurrences. It was so bad that my partner proposed moving out into a hotel for our last night on the Tuesday so we could get a decent night's sleep before flying home.
We booked this property expecting a tranquil, relaxing week in the Douro - what we got was the worst week we’ve ever spent in Portugal.