Pedro DominguesWelcome to the captivating region of Trás-os-Montes, nestled in the breathtaking northeast Portugal. In this enchanting corner of the country, nature’s wonders merge seamlessly with rich history and authentic culture, offering an unforgettable journey for every adventurous soul. In this article I’m going to recommend you a road trip itinerary through Trás-os-Montes, where picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and mouthwatering gastronomy await at every turn.
Trás-os-Montes is a Portuguese word that means “Beyond the Mountains” in English, and as it implies, prepare yourself for a road trip through a rugged terrain with many majestic peaks, verdant valleys, and meandering rivers of great natural beauty.
You will have the opportunity to visit 3 natural parks of Portugal along this itinerary, namely the Natural Parks of Montesinho, Tua Valley and Douro International. You will visit history rich cities, such as Bragança, a district capital of Portugal. And don’t forget the UNESCO classified heritages of the region, that you will want to explore. 😉
Of course, no journey through Trás-os-Montes would be complete without savoring the region’s delectable cuisine. Prepare your taste buds for a gastronomic adventure as you indulge in hearty mountain dishes, such as the famous “Posta à Mirandesa” or the “Alheira de Mirandela“, known as one of the gastronomic wonders of Portugal.
Ready to explore the Northeast region of Portugal by visiting Trás-os-Montes? Keep reading, then, and prepare to be amazed by the landscapes.
Note that this itinerary does not consider the whole province of Portugal with the name of "Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro", but only the part I consider being the heart of it, related with the district of Bragança. For the other locations of Trás-os-Montes, I recommend another road trip itineraries, such as the following two: 1 - N2 Portugal's Route 66 - starting at the city of Chaves 2 - N222 Road Trip - Douro Valley Itinerary from Porto to Vila Nova de Foz Côa
MORE ARTICLES FROM THE NORTH OF PORTUGAL: - Porto Itinerary - Things to do in Porto - Best Museums in Porto - Best Churches and Cathedrals in Porto - Best Parks and Gardens in Porto - Best Port Wine Cellars in Porto - Best Beaches in Porto - Best Day Trips from Porto - Best Matosinhos Beaches - Things to do in Matosinhos - Things to do in Vila do Conde - Things to do in Póvoa de Varzim - Things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia - Things to do in Espinho - Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary - Things to do in Viana do Castelo - Things to do in Ponte de Lima - Things to do in Monção - Things to do in Valença - Things to do in Caminha - Things to do in Braga - Things to do in Guimarães - Things to do in Barcelos - Things to do in Esposende - Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez - Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary - Best Hikes and Trails in Peneda Gerês National Park - Best Peneda Gerês National Park Waterfalls and Lagoons - Douro Valley Itinerary - Douro Valley Wineries - Best Douro Viewpoints - Things to do in Peso da Régua - Things to do in Lamego - Things to do in Pinhão - Best beaches in Northern Portugal - Things to do in Bragança - Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary - Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
Car and Travel Insurance to visit Trás-os-Montes, in Northeast Portugal
- Having a car is essential as you’ll be covering many kilometers in this road trip itinerary! You can rent a car with Discover Cars if you don’t have one. Just forget visiting this region without a car, that’s my advice!
- Travel insurance is recommended to cover any unexpected incidents during your trip. I recommend World Nomads.
When to visit Trás-os-Montes, in Northeast Portugal?
Answering this question is quite challenging since you’ll be visiting a big area of the country in this itinerary, and therefore many municipalities of Portugal, each with its own specific events during the year. Consider Carnival to go party with Podence’s Caretos, classified as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2019.
Otherwise, focus on late Spring or early Autumn for the best weather to visit Trás-os-Montes. Usually it is already hot enough to go enjoy the best river beaches in the region, such as the ones in Azibo Reservoir or Sabor Lakes.
Gastronomy in Trás-os-Montes
The gastronomy in Trás-os-Montes is incredibly diverse, but meat-based dishes definitely stand out.
- Vinhais is known as the capital of “fumeiro”, for example. This is a typical Smoked Sausage of the region you should try.
- Mirandela is famous for its “alheira” sausage. I already mentioned it in the beginning of the article, as it is considered a wonder of Portugal in terms of food / gastronomy.
- Don’t miss the Mirandese Veal Steak, named in portuguese “Posta Mirandesa”. 😉
- Add roasted kid (young goat) to this list, or any meat from hunting, such as wild boar, and you’ll be well served.
Accommodation tips to visit Trás-os-Montes
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Baixa Hotel | 8.6 | Bragança |
| Parque Biológico de Vinhais | 8.8 | Vinhais |
| Apimonte – Casa da Serra | 9.7 | Montesinho Natural Park |
| Hotel Rural O Abel | 9.2 | Montesinho Natural Park |
| Hotel Muchacho | 8.9 | Macedo de Cavaleiros |
| Casa do Azibo | 8.5 | Santa Combinha – Azibo |
| Monte do Azibo Glamping | 8.0 | Podence – Azibo |
| Taska Vila Velha | 9.0 | Mirandela |
| Ribeira House | 9.5 | Mirandela |
| Quinta do Palame | 9.0 | Vila Flor |
| Hotel Rural Villa Julia | 8.4 | Vila Flor |
| Hotel Casa do Tua | 9.1 | Carrazeda de Ansiães |
| Quinta da Terrincha | 8.9 | Torre de Moncorvo |
| Casa de Santa Cruz | 8.9 | Torre de Moncorvo |
| Hotel Cabeço do Forte | 8.9 | Miranda do Douro |
| Flor do Douro | 8.6 | Miranda do Douro |
| Casa das Águas Ferreas | 9.4 | Mogadouro |
| Casa das Quintas | 9.4 | Mogadouro |
| Hotel Freixo Douro Superior | 8.6 | Freixo de Espada à Cinta |
| Casa de Alpajares | 8.8 | Freixo de Espada à Cinta |
Trás-os-Montes Itinerary in Northeast Portugal
And now, let’s get to the actual itinerary. It will be a simple and straightforward itinerary, topic and location based, similar to a travel checklist to visit Trás-os-Montes and the Northeast region of Portugal.
Map | Trás-os-Montes Itinerary in Northeast Portugal
Project “9 Steps of Trás-os-Montes”
The 9 Steps Project emerged from a joint initiative of 9 municipalities in Trás-os-Montes region: Vinhais, Bragança, Vimioso, Miranda do Douro, Mogadouro, Alfândega da Fé, Vila Flor, Mirandela, and Macedo de Cavaleiros.
At the tourist information centers of these locations, you can request a booklet like the one you see in the photo below, with descriptions of 9 trails to explore in the 9 municipalities, along with a passport to collect stamps along the way. 😉 This is an excellent opportunity to have direct contact with the nature of the Trás-os-Montes region, and the passport serves as a great travel souvenir! Check the official website!
The trails of the 9 Steps Project are:
- Trail of Sabor in Alfândega da Fé: 8.3km, linear.
- Carvalho Trail in Bragança: 6.8km, circular.
- Quercus Trail in Macedo de Cavaleiros: 8.1km, linear.
- São João da Arribas Trail in Miranda do Douro: 3.2km, linear.
- Vale de Lobo Trail in Mirandela: 4.2km, linear.
- Faia da Água Alta Waterfall Trail in Mogadouro: 2.2km, linear.
- Vilarinho das Azenhas to Ribeirinha Trail in Vila Flor: 3.1km, linear.
- Algoso Castle Trail in Vimioso: 6.8km, circular.
- Biospots Trail in Vinhais: 1.6km, linear.
Visit Montesinho Natural Park (at least 3 days)
The first stage of this itinerary will be to explore Bragança, Vinhais, and the picturesque villages of Montesinho Natural Park. The starting point is Vinhais.
1. Best of Vinhais and surroundings
- Visit the Interpretation Center of Montesinho Natural Park in Vinhais, and then explore the rest of Vinhais Castle, including its North and South Gates, Pillory, and Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção.
- Stroll through the main squares of Vinhais: Town Square (Praça do Municipio) and Arrabalde Square.
- Visit the Interpretation Center of Pig and Smoked Meats.
- Marvel at the Chestnut Roaster, which is supposedly a Guinness World Record holder.
- Take a walk in the Green Park of Arts and Crafts.
- Explore the extraordinary Biological Park of Vinhais.
- Head to Ciradelha Viewpoint and enjoy the Sausage Swing. For this, you should walk the biospots trail of Vinhais, part of the 9 steps of Trás-os-Montes already mentioned.
2. Best Villages of Montesinho Natural Park
In the following order, make sure to visit at least the following villages in Montesinho Natural Park: Pinheiro Novo, Moimenta da Raia, Dine, Gondesende, Vilarinho, Montesinho, Aveleda, Rio de Onor, Guadramil, and Gimonde. In these villages, you should go explore, letting yourself to discover their charm while walking through their narrow and picturesque small roads.
- In the village of Dine, be sure to search for the cave called “Lorga de Dine”.
- In Vilarinho, taste some delicious honey from Apimonte.
- In my opinion, the most beautiful village is Montesinho, followed by Aveleda, and then Rio de Onor. Rio de Onor is officially one of the 7 villages classified as wonders of Portugal, and as a curiosity, you will cross the frontier with Spain on the village, being part of it Spanish. 😉
3. Best of Bragança and surroundings
- Visit the Citadel of Bragança Castle, making sure not to miss the Iberian Museum of Masks and Costumes, the Church of Santa Maria, the Domus Municipalis, the Pillory, the Keep Tower, and the Military Museum of Bragança.
- Walk along the Museums Street in Bragança, entering the Abade de Baçal Museum, the Sephardic Culture Interpretation Center, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Explore the main churches in downtown Bragança: the Old Cathedral of Bragança, the Church of Mercy, and the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora das Graças.
- Make a stop at Camões Square and descend to the Fervença Green Corridor to visit the Silk Museum and the Science Center.
- Take a walk through the Fervença Urban Park and the Polis Area.
- Admire the urban art by Bordallo II in the city of Bragança (the chameleon, the genet, and the wild boar).
- Visit the railway museum located near the old train station in Bragança.
- Climb up to São Bartolomeu Viewpoint for a privileged view of the city and Bragança Castle.
Visit Azibo Reservoir (at least 1 day)
The second part of this itinerary in Trás-os-Montes is the Azibo Reservoir, located in the municipality of Macedo de Cavaleiros. It is approximately 40km away from Bragança. I really recommend spending a relaxing day here, enjoying the landscape and swimming in the river beaches:
- Ribeira River Beach, one of the 7 river beaches of the country classified as wonder of Portugal.
- Fraga da Pegada River Beach.
- It’s also a must to visit Santa Combinha and Podence, the last one being the land of the Caretos, even if it’s not during Carnival. The village is adorned with incredible urban art murals, and you can visit the House and Museum of the Caretos.
Visit Tua Valley Natural Park (at least 2 days)
The next destination will be the Tua Valley Natural Park in the Lands of Trás-os-Montes. You will start the itinerary in Mirandela, where the Tua River begins its course with the confluence of the Tuela and Rabaçal rivers.
1. Best of the city of Mirandela
- Start by visiting the Door of Santo António, the only remaining gate of the Mirandela Castle’s 13th-century walls.
- Visit Távoras Manor and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação.
- Visit the main museums of Mirandela: the Armindo Teixeira Lopes Municipal Museum, the Museum of Sacred Art, and the Olives and Olive Oil Museum.
- Explore the 5th of October Square, the Misericórdia Church, and the Manor of the Counts of Vinhais (Solar dos Condes de Vinhais, in Portuguese).
- Stop by the Mirandela Municipal Market and admire the “Monument to Mothers“.
- Visit the Interpretive Center of the Territory and the Entrance Gate to the Tua Valley in Mirandela.
- Take a stroll in Carvalhais Riverside Park.
- Take a refreshing dip in the inviting Mirandela river beach, if it’s summer!
- Proceed to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Amparo.
- Climb up to the viewpoint near the Church of São Bento for a panoramic view of the city.
- Cross the pedestrian Medieval Bridge of Mirandela over the Tua River, the main tourist attraction of the entire city!
- Stroll along the riverbank in the Empire Park.
- Don’t forget to pass by the Old Mirandela Railway Station.
2. Best of Vila Flor
In Vila Flor, there are two places that, in my opinion, are a must-visit on this itinerary: the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Assunção and the Viewpoint of Nossa Senhora da Lapa, the latter overlooking the village and featuring an extraordinary swing.
The village itself is optional, in my opinion, but since you’ll be so close, at least pass by the Arch of King D. Dinis, Roman Fountain, and Main Church.
3. Best Viewpoints in Tua Valley Natural Park
The best viewpoints of the Tua Valley, which you shouldn’t miss, are located on the municipalities of Alijó and Carrazeda de Ansiães. Make sure to visit also the Tua Dam and the Interpretation Center of the Tua Valley not far from it.
- Viewpoint of São Lourenço
- Amieiro Viewpoint
- Ujo Viewpoint
- Tua Island Viewpoint
- Tua Eyes Viewpoint (Olhos do Tua, in Portuguese).
4. The Castle and Walled Town of Ansiães
The center of Carrazeda de Ansiães is optional, in my opinion. Visit it only if you have much more time to spend. What you can’t miss is the Castle and Walled Town of Ansiães in the surroundings. Pay special attention to the Romanesque Church of São Salvador inside the enclosure.
Visit the Sabor Lakes (at least 2 days)
The 4th part of this Itinerary visiting Trás-os-Montes and Northeast Portugal will start near Torre de Moncorvo and take you to Vimioso, imagine that! 😉 Get ready for more extraordinary viewpoints and a lot of kms roadtripping.
1. Best of the Sabor Lakes
There are several possible panoramic car circuits available to explore the Lakes of Sabor. Instead of recommending one in specific, however, I’m recommending a mix of all of them, following this sequence:
- Visit the Talegre Viewpoint and enjoy the view next to the Swing of the Cork Oak.
- Discover São Gregório Viewpoint and the Viewpoint of Sabor Valley.
- Take a dip in the Mouth of Sabor River Beach.
- Admire Barca Velha Viewpoint.
- Explore the main attractions of Serra do Reboredo: Santa Leocádia Viewpoint, Fraga do Facho Viewpoint, and Fraga do Cão (this last one consists in a big rock with the shape of a dog).
- Visit Torre de Moncorvo, with highlights including the Old Quarter near the ruins of the Castle, Francisco Meireles Square, the Parish Church, and the Iron Museum.
- “Feel Moncorvo” at the São Lourenço Viewpoint.
- Cross the Dam of Baixo Sabor.
- Admire both Póvoa and Cabreira Viewpoints.
- End in Santo Antão da Barca, with another excellent panoramic view of the Lakes of Sabor.
2. Best of Mogadouro and surroundings
- Visit the Historic Center of Mogadouro, with highlights including the Church and Convent of São Francisco, Mogadouro Castle, the Parish Church, and the Clock Tower.
- Go all the way up to São Cristóvão Viewpoint for a magnificent view of Mogadouro. There are several swings there to enjoy!
- Continue on to visit Penas Róias Castle.
3. Castle of Algoso
The final destination of this part of the itinerary, on the way to Douro Internacional Natural Park, will be Algoso Castle, for its outstanding view of that region of Trás-os-Montes. Visiting the center of Vimioso, further north, is optional. Instead, choose to continue to Miranda do Douro.
Visit Douro International Natural Park (at least 2 days)
Douro International Natural Park will be the final part of this itinerary to visit the Lands of Trás-os-Montes in Northeast Portugal. It is as scenic as the other parts of the itinerary.
1. Best of the City of Miranda do Douro
- Walk along the Pre-Romanesque Walls of Miranda do Douro.
- Discover the main gates of the walled city.
- Visit the Churches of Miranda do Douro, and I highlight the Cathedral, the Church of Mercy, the Chapel of Santa Cruz, and Church of the Trinos Friars’ Convent.
- Explore every corner of Rua Mouzinho de Albuquerque, the main street of Miranda do Douro, where you’ll find the House of Mirandese Culture.
- Visit the Citadel of Miranda do Douro Castle, dating back to the 13th century.
- Enter the Museum of the Land of Miranda, housed in the former Municipal Palace from the 17th century.
- Admire the Monument to the Mirandese People, located in the center of D. João III Square.
- Take a stroll through the Urban Park of River Fresno.
2. Take a Cruise on Douro River
This cruise departs from Miranda do Douro and is superb. Be sure to discover the number 2 in the cliffs of the Miranda do Douro region, which will surely be indicated by the cruise guide. For advance booking, follow the link to the Civitatis website.
3. Best Viewpoints in International Douro Natural Park
You have numerous must-visit viewpoints in Douro Internacional Natural Park. Below, I’ll list my favorites, along with the note that you may need to walk a bit to reach some of them. The accesses are not always easy for cars in this region. 😉
- Penha das Torres Viewpoint (Miranda do Douro)
- São João das Arribas Viewpoint (Miranda do Douro)
- Castrilhouço Viewpoint (Miranda do Douro)
- Fraga do Puio Viewpoint (Miranda do Douro)
- Cerca Viewpoint (Mogadouro)
- Picões Viewpoint (Mogadouro)
- Carrascalinho Viewpoint (Freixo de Espada à Cinta)
- Colado Viewpoint (Freixo de Espada à Cinta)
- Penedo Durão Viewpoint (Freixo de Espada à Cinta)
In Mogadouro municipality, don’t miss the trail to the waterfall of Faia de Água Alta, unless it’s summer when it may be completely dry!
Similarly, visit the Congida river beach in Freixo de Espada à Cinta. It’s a fantastic spot for a refreshing swim! 😀
4. Best of the Town of Freixo de Espada à Cinta
Conclude your itinerary through the lands of Trás-os-Montes in Freixo de Espada à Cinta. Below, I’ve listed everything you shouldn’t miss in the historic center:
- Visit the Castle of Freixo de Espada à Cinta and its tower.
- Admire the old Ash Tree (Freixo) related with the name of the town. It really has a sword in its belt. 😉
- Enter the Main Church of Freixo de Espada à Cinta and the Church of Mercy.
- Visit the main museums in Freixo de Espada à Cinta: Guerra Junqueiro House-Museum, the Silk Museum and the Convent of São Filipe de Nery.
- Discover the Manueline heritage in Freixo de Espada à Cinta. There are numerous beautiful windows in this style scattered throughout the town.
- Pass by the Pillory in the Town Hall Square.
Trás-os-Montes Itinerary | Things to do in the surroundings
If you have more time of vacation to spend, I want you to know that there are other interesting places nearby that you can explore.
1. Visit Douro Valley
How about taking a Douro Valley Itinerary using the National Road 222 from Vila Nova de Foz Côa to Porto? I have an article in this blog dedicated to it.
2. Visit the Natural Park of Arribes del Duero in Spain
How about exploring more of the Douro International cliffs by heading to the Natural Park of Arribes del Duero in Spain? It is just on the other side of the river, and I highlight the following main attractions:
- Camino de Hierro: A fabulous trail that starts in La Fregeneda and follows a railway line for several kilometers, with bridges and tunnels to cross.
- Towns of Sobradillo and San Filipe de los Gallegos.
- Viewpoint “Mirador de la Peña de La Vela“.
- Viewpoint Picón del Moro.
- Viewpoint “Mirador de la Peña del Águila“.
- Viewpoint “Mirador de la Code“.
- Viewpoint of the Aldeadávila Dam.
- Fraile Viewpoint.
- Viewpoint Picón del Filipe.
- Playa del Rostro (river beach).
- Waterfall Pozo de los Humos.
- Viewpoint from the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Castelo.
- The town of Fermoselle and its Plaza Mayor.
- Viewpoint “Mirador de las Escaleras“
- Viewpoint of the Meander of Douro River.
- Viewpoint Falla De Ribas Altas.
- Viewpoint “Mirador de las Barrancas”
- And finally, Requejo Bridge.
3. Visit the 12 Historic Villages of Portugal
How about embarking on a journey through the 12 historic villages of Portugal, starting with Castelo Rodrigo? My favorites for a fast itinerary are: Monsanto, Sortelha and Piódão.
As you can see, there are several suggestions, and they are all amazing! Have a great trip! 😉
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
- Faial Itinerary in Azores
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do In Braga (Minho)
- Things to do in Guimarães (Minho)
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Things to do in Bragança
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
- Things to do in Aveiro
- Things to do in Coimbra
- Things to do in Leiria
- Things to do in Fatima
- Things to do in Nazaré
- Things to do in Peniche
- Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
- Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to do in Lagos (Algarve)
- Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
- Things to do in Faro (Algarve)
- Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)
I hope you enjoy visiting Trás-os-Montes and Northeast Portugal. 😉 This is for sure a very remote region of the country, and therefore, not many people visit it, maintaining it authentic.
Did this travel guide help in your travel planning? Send me your feedback below, in the comment section. 😉 I hope you have a nice time in Portugal!
