Rabelos moored at Pinhão.

These traditional boats were used a long time ago to carry barrels of Port wine downstream to the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, in front of Porto. That was before dams were constructed along Douro River. The stream was very strong and the epic journey included overcoming sections of rapids, loaded with tons of wine. Some times a tragedy occurred when a boat capsized or broke against rocks.

HFW!