Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro Travel Guide

Discover the cultural and natural attractions of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro region in Northern Portugal with our comprehensive travel guide. Plan your trip with our top recommendations on what to see, do, eat, and where to stay.


Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro is a hidden gem in the northernmost part of Portugal, bordering Spain. This charming region is named after its two subregions: Trás-os-Montes (meaning “behind the mountains”) and Alto Douro (meaning “upper Douro”). It is a land of rich culture, historic towns, vineyards, olive groves, and mountainous landscapes.

Introduction to Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

The region is known for producing port wine, almonds, chestnuts, and olive oil. It is also steeped in history, with ancient castles and fortified towns dotting the landscape. Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural treasures, and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for independent travelers and nature lovers alike.

List of Places to Visit in Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re a history buff, you’ll love exploring the many museums and historical sites in this region. Stroll through the charming medieval town of Chaves, with its impressive castle and thermal waters. Visit the historic city of Bragança, with its beautiful walls and castle. Don’t miss the village of Torre de Moncorvo, known for its well-preserved Jewish Quarter. Other cultural attractions include the Lamego Museum, the Mateus Palace, and the Archaeological Museum of Vila Real.

Natural Attractions of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For nature lovers, Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro offers a wealth of outdoor activities and scenic views. Explore the stunning Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its rolling hills, vineyards, and terraced landscape. Take a scenic drive along the winding roads of the Montesinho Natural Park, the largest natural park in Portugal. Go hiking in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, where you’ll find waterfalls, lagoons, and wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

The region boasts many well-marked and scenic hiking and biking routes. Check out the Schist Villages Trail, a 200-kilometer route that connects twelve villages. Follow the trails in the Alvão Natural Park, which vary in difficulty and offer breathtaking views. For more challenging adventures, hike to the peak of Montesinho or explore the Gran Rota do Vale do Côa, a 200-kilometer long-distance trail that passes through historic villages, vineyards, and natural wonders.

Best Things to Do in Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of things to do in Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro. Take a river cruise along the Douro River, passing vineyards and towns. Go wine tasting at one of the many wineries in the region, including the famous Port wine cellars. Visit the traditional villages of Barca d’Alva or Pinhão, where time seems to stand still. Join a guided tour to see the region’s attractions, or take a cooking class and learn to make the local dishes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

A week in Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro would give you ample time to explore the region’s top attractions, including Chaves, Bragança, and the Douro Valley. Day 1 could start with a visit to the Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro Museum in Vila Real, followed by wine tasting in Pinhão. Day 2 could be spent exploring the historic town of Chaves and its castle, while day 3 could be a scenic drive through the Montesinho Natural Park. On day 4, visit the medieval town of Bragança and its castle. Day 5 could be spent hiking in the Peneda-Gerês National Park. On day 6, take a river cruise along the Douro River, passing the vineyards. Finish your week off with a visit to the Mateus Palace on day 7.

Food and Drink Scene of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro has a rich culinary heritage, with influences from Portuguese, Spanish, and Jewish cuisine. Must-try dishes include ‘cozido’, a hearty stew of meat and vegetables, often cooked with cabbage and beans; ‘tripas’, a popular tripe dish; and ‘rojões’ or fried pork cubes. Sample the local cheeses and olive oils, and don’t miss the famous port wine, which is produced exclusively in this region.

Where to Stay in Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

You’ll find a variety of accommodations in Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. In Bragança, stay at the charming Hotel Sao Lazaro or the Pousada de Bragança. In Chaves, the Aquae Flaviae Hotel is a popular choice. For a unique experience, stay in a traditional country house or ‘quinta’, which are often converted into guesthouses.

What to Buy in Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bring home a taste of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro with some of the region’s unique products. Try the famous ‘folar’, a sweet bread with a boiled egg in the middle, or the ‘bola de carne’, a savory meat and bread dish. Look for artisanal tiles, traditional wool blankets, and hand-woven baskets made by the local craftsmen. Purchase a bottle of port wine or olive oil to remember your visit.

Local Culture and Customs of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro is known for its strong sense of community and traditional way of life. The locals are proud of their heritage and customs, and celebrations such as the ‘Feira dos Santos’ or ‘Festa dos Rapazes’ are a testament to this. Take part in these festivals to get a glimpse of the region’s cultural traditions.

Best Time to Visit Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

The best time to visit Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro depends on what you want to do. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking, and the weather is mild. Summer (June to August) is the busiest season, with crowds at the beaches and attractions. Winter (December to February) can be cold and rainy, but the region’s winter landscapes are also stunning, and ski resorts in the area are open.

Do’s and Don’ts of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

Do:

  • Learn a few Portuguese phrases to communicate with the locals.
  • Take a guided tour to learn about the region’s history and culture.
  • Sample the local cuisine, including the famous port wine.
  • Respect the environment and follow the Leave No Trace principles when exploring the natural areas.

Don’t:

  • Expect to find many English speakers in the more rural areas.
  • Leave your trash behind when hiking or biking in natural areas.
  • Disrespect the local traditions and customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro is a safe region to travel to, with low levels of crime. However, take usual precautions when traveling, such as not leaving valuables unattended.

Health in Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

The healthcare system in Portugal is of high quality, and there are several hospitals and clinics throughout the region. If you need medical attention, seek assistance from one of these facilities.

Getting to Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

There are two main airports near Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro: Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, and Vigo-Peinador Airport in Spain. From there, you can rent a car or take public transportation to reach the region.

Bus Stations Near Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

There are several bus stations throughout the region, with connections to Porto, Braga, and Vila Real.

Other Options

Renting a car is a great way to explore this region, as it gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. However, if you don’t want to drive, you can also take a train from Porto to Pocinho, or hire a private driver.

How to Get Around in Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

Public transportation is available in the larger towns and cities, such as Bragança, Vila Real, and Chaves. However, if you want to explore the countryside and smaller villages, renting a car is the most practical option.

Where to Go Next from Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro is an excellent starting point to explore other destinations in northern Portugal and Spain. Visit Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, with its colorful streets, historic buildings, and famous cellars. Experience the Basque Country in Spain, with its delicious pintxos, stunning coastline, and vibrant cities like Bilbao and San Sebastián.

Conclusion

Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro might not be as well-known as some of the other destinations in Portugal, but it’s a beautiful region that’s worth discovering. With its unique blend of culture, nature, and outdoor activities, Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro is a true gem that will leave you with unforgettable memories.



    Chaves
    Freixo de Espada à Cinta
    Lamego
    Miranda do Douro
    Mirandela
    Peso da Régua
    São João da Pesqueira
    Vila Real