Rabelo boat

Its history is closely linked to the production and trade of port wine.

Before the arrival of the Linha do Douro railway, the rabelo was the fastest and the most efficient means of transport between the Douro Valley, where port wine is produced, and the city of Porto, where it was traded and exported worldwide.

[1] The name rabelo means 'little tail', on account of the long timber projection from the rear of the boat which is used to steer the vessel.

Although not in commercial use anymore, these vessels may still be seen, belonging to port wine companies, along the river in Porto and Gaia.

Every year on June 24, St John's Day, a race of rabelo boats is held, an important and popular part of the festivities of Porto, the Festa de São João do Porto.