Portugal Guide
Trás-os-Montes
TRÁS-OS-MONTES – literally "Beyond the Mountains" – is Portugal's Lost Domain. For centuries this remote province has been a place to hide and practice one's beliefs in peace: its peculiar traditions and dialects have been formed by a diversity of populations, from the prehistoric tribes who carved the enigmatic porcas (stone pigs) to Jews who sought refuge here from the Inquisition. For the majority, life is hard, the landscape forcing people to eke a living from smallholdings and, as a result, emigration is high. In the more remote areas whole villages are populated by people of pensionable age as the youngsters head for the cities in search of a better life.
Highlights
1 The Corgo train line The narrow gauge train line to Vila Real is one of the most dramatic in the country.
2 Miranda do Douro Take a boat trip through a craggy gorge below this attractive border village.
3 Bragança With an ancient citadel enclosing centuries of history, Bragança is also gateway to the superb Montesinho natural park.
4 Rio de Onor One of Portugal's most authentic medieval villages, doubly fascinating as half of it lies in Spain.
5 Chaves The Romans founded this lovely spa town which also boasts sturdy fortifications, a fine museum and a picturesque riverside setting.