Trás-os-Montes is a region located in northeastern Portugal, bordering Spain to the north and east. Did you know? The name Trás-os-Montes means “beyond the mountains” and refers to the region’s location beyond the Marão and Montesinho mountain ranges.
Trás-os-Montes is known for its rugged landscapes, traditional way of life, and unique cultural heritage. The region is home to numerous small towns and villages, each with its own distinct character and traditions.
One of the most popular activities in Trás-os-Montes is hiking. The region is home to several natural parks, including the Montesinho Natural Park, which offers a variety of hiking trails through forests, mountains, and valleys. Other popular outdoor activities in the region include birdwatching, cycling, and fishing.
Trás-os-Montes is home to many local markets and shops where you can find handmade crafts. Here are a few places to start:
- Sabores de Miranda – This shop in Miranda do Douro sells a variety of traditional food products and crafts from the region, including pottery, baskets, and textiles.
- Feira de Barca d’Alva – This market in the town of Barca d’Alva takes place every Sunday and features local crafts, food products, and clothing.
- Loja da Terra – This shop in the city of Bragança sells a variety of handmade crafts, including jewelry, pottery, and textiles.
- Mercado Municipal de Vila Real – This indoor market in the city of Vila Real features a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and local crafts.
- Mercado do Produtor – This market in the town of Mirandela takes place every Saturday and features local food products and crafts.
These are just a few examples of the many markets and shops in Trás-os-Montes that sell handmade crafts. As you explore the region, you’ll likely come across many more opportunities to discover unique, locally-made items.
If you ever visit the region make sure to look for:
Handmade crafts are particularly popular in Trás-os-Montes. Here are a few examples:
- Pottery – Trás-os-Montes has a long tradition of pottery-making, with many artisans producing functional and decorative pieces using traditional techniques. The town of Bisalhães, in particular, is known for its unique red clay pottery, which is made using a firing technique that produces a distinctive black finish.
- Basketwork – Basketwork has been a traditional craft in Trás-os-Montes for centuries, with artisans producing baskets, mats, and other woven items using locally-sourced materials such as wicker and reeds. The town of Miranda do Douro is known for its intricate woven baskets, which are often used for carrying produce and other goods.
- Textiles – Trás-os-Montes is also known for its textile crafts, including weaving and embroidery. Many artisans produce woolen blankets, scarves, and other items using traditional looms and techniques. The town of Bragança is particularly known for its embroidered linens and lacework.
- Woodworking – Woodworking has been a traditional craft in Trás-os-Montes for centuries, with artisans producing a variety of items such as furniture, utensils, and decorative objects. The town of São João da Pesqueira is known for its wooden wine barrels, which are still used in many local vineyards.
Overall, Trás-os-Montes is home to a wide range of traditional crafts, each with its own unique history and techniques. Visitors to the region can observe local artisans at work and purchase handmade items at local markets and shops.
The food is DELICIOUS HERE!!!
Trás-os-Montes is also known for its traditional cuisine, which is based on hearty, rustic dishes made from local ingredients. Some of the region’s most famous dishes include cozido à portuguesa (a stew made with vegetables, meat, and beans), posta mirandesa (grilled beefsteak), and folar (a sweet bread filled with ham, sausage, and eggs) traditionally eaten for Easter. Visitors to the region can sample these dishes at local restaurants and markets.
Lots of local festivals
In addition to its outdoor activities and cuisine, Trás-os-Montes is also rich in cultural traditions and festivals. One of the most famous festivals in the region is the Festa dos Rapazes, which takes place in the town of Podence during Carnival. During the festival, local men dress up in colorful costumes and masks and parade through the town, playing traditional instruments and performing dances.
Another popular festival in Trás-os-Montes is the Festa de São João, which takes place in the city of Bragança in late June. The festival celebrates the feast day of Saint John the Baptist and includes a variety of traditional activities, including a parade of giant puppets, a fireworks display, and a street party.
If you come in February do not miss the Fumeiro festival – but what is it?
The Fumeiro Festival of Vinhais is an annual event held in the town of Vinhais in the Trás-os-Montes region of Portugal. It celebrates the town’s traditional smoked meat products, known as Fumeiro, which are made using time-honored techniques and recipes that have been passed down through generations.
The festival takes place over three days in early February and attracts thousands of visitors from across Portugal and beyond. It is a lively and colorful event, filled with music, dancing, and of course, plenty of delicious food. The festival is a chance for local producers to showcase their smoked meat products and other traditional foods, as well as for visitors to learn about the history and production process of the Fumeiro.
During the festival, the town’s streets are filled with the aroma of smoked meats, as vendors set up stalls selling everything from sausages and chorizos to hams and bacon. Visitors can sample the various products, watch cooking demonstrations, and purchase Fumeiro to take home with them.
In addition to the food, the festival also features a variety of cultural events, including traditional music and dance performances, exhibitions of local crafts and arts, and educational workshops on the history and production of the Fumeiro. Visitors can also take part in guided tours of the town’s historic center, which includes a visit to the Fumeiro Museum.
One of the highlights of the festival is the parade of the Fumeiro, which takes place on the final day. Local producers dress up in traditional costumes and carry their smoked meat products through the streets, accompanied by music and dancing. The parade ends with a tasting of the Fumeiro products in the town square, where visitors can try the various types of smoked meats and other traditional foods.
The Fumeiro Festival of Vinhais is not only a celebration of the town’s smoked meat products but also a reflection of the region’s rich cultural heritage. It is a chance for visitors to experience the traditions and way of life of Trás-os-Montes, and to taste some of the delicious and unique products that the region has to offer.
Are winters cold in the Tras-Os-Montes region?
Yes (according to most standards), winters in Trás-os-Montes can be quite cold, especially in the mountainous areas of the region. The temperature can drop below freezing, and snow is not uncommon during the winter months, particularly in higher elevations.
The cold weather in Trás-os-Montes is due to its inland location and its proximity to the mountains. The region is located far from the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean, which means that it experiences more extreme temperatures than the coastal areas of Portugal. In addition, the mountain ranges that surround the region can create a kind of “cold trap” that can keep cold air in the valleys and lower elevations.
Here are some activities you can do in the winter if you visit the region
Thermal Spas – Trás-os-Montes is home to several natural hot springs and thermal spas, including the Pedras Salgadas Spa and Nature Park. These spas offer a relaxing escape from the cold weather and provide an opportunity to soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters.
Hunting – Hunting is a popular activity in Trás-os-Montes during the winter months, with opportunities to hunt for wild boar, deer, and other game. Many local outfitters offer guided hunting trips and provide equipment and licenses.
Wine Tasting – Trás-os-Montes is home to several excellent wineries, and winter is a great time to sample the region’s wines. Many wineries offer tours and tastings, and visitors can learn about the unique grape varieties and winemaking traditions of the region.
Cultural Tours – Winter is a great time to explore the historic towns and villages of Trás-os-Montes, as the cooler temperatures make for comfortable walking and sightseeing. Visitors can take guided tours of the region’s castles, churches, and museums, and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the area.
As you can see…
Trás-os-Montes is a region rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and traditional way of life. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, sampling local cuisine, or experiencing traditional festivals and crafts, Trás-os-Montes offers something for everyone. But more importantly, what won’t fail to impress is the kindness of the people here. The Tras-montanos have their hearts on their hand. And this was a big appeal to us to start our simple life as we have felt home from the minute we arrive.
