5 Authentic Accommodations in Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro to Start 2026 Right

Azeite a Norte Blog
Jan 6
8 min read

The start of the year is a time for new beginnings, renewed promises, and seeking experiences that truly fill our souls. If one of your resolutions for 2026 is to slow down, reconnect with what's essential, and create authentic memories, then a getaway to Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro could be the perfect gift to yourself. There's something profoundly transformative about waking up to the sound of the Transmontane silence, opening the window and finding a sea of silvery olive trees stretching as far as the eye can see—especially at this time of year, when the olive presses are still working and the new olive oil perfumes the cool January air.

Among restored stone houses with soul, centuries-old farms where olive oil is produced, and retreats that preserve traditional architecture, we discover five places where authenticity combines with the genuine hospitality of the local people. These are not just places to spend the night—they are gateways to a different way of starting the year, more connected, more authentic, more yourself.

1. Quinta Acushla (Vila Flor) — Where Olive Tourism is an Experience

A History Rooted in Olive Oil

Quinta Acushla, also known as Quinta do Prado, is much more than rural accommodation—it's a true sanctuary dedicated to olive oil culture. Located in Vila Flor, this family-run farm embodies the concept of olive tourism by immersing guests in the complete experience of olive growing in the Trás-os-Montes region [1].

The property extends across lands where centuries-old olive trees coexist with orchards and vineyards, in a perfect balance between tradition and modernity.

What Makes This Accommodation Special

Acushla offers two houses for accommodation — the Golden House and the Original House — with a total of six rooms that combine contemporary comfort with respect for traditional architecture. But what truly distinguishes this space is the opportunity to actively participate in olive oil production [1].

January is a particularly special month at Acushla: the harvest season may still be underway for the later varieties, and the mills work intensely to transform the last olives of the season into liquid gold. The owners, with deep knowledge of olive growing, enthusiastically share the knowledge accumulated over generations, transforming each stay into an educational and sensory experience. It is possible to taste the new olive oil — still green, intense and spicy — freshly extracted, in a ritual that warms the body and soul on these cold winter mornings.

Why Stay at Quinta Acushla?

Vila Flor, known for its extensive olive groves and the quality of its PDO olive oil, is the ideal setting for those seeking to start 2026 with purpose. Acushla offers not only accommodation, but a complete immersion in the world of olive oil — workshops, walks through the olive groves, guided tastings, and meals where each dish celebrates the region's liquid gold. What better way to start the year than by connecting with the land and its natural cycles?

2. Bairro do Casal (Vila Nova de Foz Côa) — Village Tourism Between Two World Heritage Sites

An Entire Village Reborn for Tourism

Bairro do Casal is a unique village tourism project located in the municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa — the only region in the country with two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Côa Valley with its Paleolithic rock art and the Alto Douro Wine Region [2].

This is one of those places that makes us believe that the recovery of rural heritage can be done with soul. Six independent schist houses have been rebuilt, fully preserving their original design, the original materials, and recovering construction techniques characteristic of the region. Each house has its own name — Casa Alice, Casa Aida, Casa Formosinda, Casa J. Faustino, Casa Belmira, and Casa J. David — honoring the former inhabitants who gave life to this neighborhood.

The result is magical: the rusticity of stone and wood coexists harmoniously with contemporary comfort. The houses are fully equipped and independent, with a shared reception area, garden, terrace, outdoor pool, sauna, and private parking.

Fresh Bread Delivered to Your Door and Other Treats

One of the details that guests love most in Bairro do Casal is the morning ritual of freshly baked bread hanging on the door of each house. Breakfast, included in the stay, is made with regional products and thoughtful touches that make all the difference — such as the welcome glass of Port wine that the owners offer upon arrival [3].

In January, when the cold sets in on the mountains of Trás-os-Montes, this warm and genuine welcome takes on even greater significance. It's the kind of hospitality that transforms a stay into a welcoming and comforting haven.

Vila Nova de Foz Côa: Among Olive Groves, Vineyards and Almond Trees

The Bairro do Casal is surrounded by a picture-postcard landscape — valleys, mountains, traditional vegetable gardens, terraced vineyards, centuries-old olive groves, and almond trees that in spring transform the region into a sea of white and pink flowers. The proximity to the Douro River and the Arribas makes this location ideal for those seeking nature and absolute tranquility.

Foz Côa is a land of deep agricultural traditions, where olive growing and viticulture shape the rhythm of life of the people. In January, the olive groves rest after the end-of-year harvest, the local olive presses are still working with the new olive oil, and the landscape gains a special serenity that invites contemplative walks and reconnection with the essential.

The Bairro do Casal offers diverse experiences to guests — bicycle tours along the region's trails, canoeing, fishing, visits to the Côa Valley Archaeological Park, wine tastings at local estates, and discovery of the traditional olive presses where superior quality PDO olive oil is produced.

3. Puial de l Douro (Aldeia Nova, Miranda do Douro) — Agritourism with Identity

A House with History and Purpose

Puial de l Douro represents the best of Transmontano agritourism with cultural identity. Owned by the first Mirandese teacher, Amadeu Ferreira, this rural tourism venture is located next to the Parish Church of Aldeia Nova, in the heart of the Mirandese Plateau and the Douro International Natural Park [4].

This urban complex, with traditional granite architecture, has served since the 19th century as the housing estate of one of the most important agricultural holdings in the village. The meticulous restoration maintained the original layout and spaces — the central courtyard, the old agricultural divisions, the well — transforming them into welcoming spaces without removing their soul [4].

Nine thoughtfully designed accommodation units.

Puial de l Douro offers nine accommodation units, a library specializing in Mirandese Literature, dining and living rooms, a wine cellar, a wood-fired oven room, and a kitchen. Each space has been designed to provide maximum comfort while maintaining the authenticity of traditional materials and construction techniques [4].

Here, one can glimpse the Douro cliffs and enjoy ideal conditions for those who want to start the year in contemplative mode, getting to know this fascinating region of Northeast Portugal. The connection with the land is palpable — from the olive groves surrounding the property to the local products that reach the table, everything breathes authenticity and respect for tradition.

Aldeia Nova and the Mirandese Plateau

Aldeia Nova is one of the gateways to the fascinating world of the Mirandese Plateau. Surrounded by fields of cereals, olive groves and almond orchards, the village offers a perfect base for exploring the viewpoints of the Arribas, the villages with traditional architecture and the olive presses where exceptional quality olive oil is produced.

4. Solar de Chacim (Macedo de Cavaleiros) — Nobility and Rurality

A Manor House with Centuries of History

The Solar de Chacim, located in the historic village of Chacim in Macedo de Cavaleiros, is a jewel of noble Transmontane architecture. This 18th-century manor house, identified by the family coat of arms proudly displayed on its façade, has been exquisitely restored, preserving all the elements that give it character and distinction [5].

More than just the possibility of sleeping in a space ennobled by history, the Solar de Chacim offers an experience that invites well-being. The classic décor, the antique furniture—a true delight for antique lovers—and the generous spaces create an atmosphere of serenity and timeless elegance.

Between Olive Grove and Albufeira do Azibo

Chacim is situated in a region where centuries-old olive groves stretch as far as the eye can see. The proximity to the Azibo reservoir makes Solar de Chacim an ideal base for combining culture, nature and gastronomy, even in winter [6].

The village preserves ancient traditions, from olive oil production techniques to methods of cultivating olive groves on terraces. The owners of Solar enthusiastically share stories of the region and guide guests to the best local producers, traditional olive presses and authentic experiences.

5. Quinta da Terrincha (Torre de Moncorvo) — Privileged View in the Kingdom of Olives

Authentic Experiences Among Olive Trees

Torre de Moncorvo is the perfect destination for olive oil enthusiasts. It is in this unique setting that Quinta da Terrincha is located — a haven of tranquility with breathtaking views over the Douro Valley and olive groves stretching to the horizon [5].

This farm, which combines rustic elements with modern amenities, offers guests the opportunity to experience rural life in Trás-os-Montes without sacrificing comfort [5]. The olive groves surrounding the property produce olives that are transformed into high-quality Trás-os-Montes DOP olive oil.

The farm has an outdoor swimming pool with panoramic views, gardens where fruit trees grow, and ideal outdoor spaces for al fresco meals, inevitably seasoned with the region's olive oil. The owners, with deep knowledge of the territory, organize walks through the olive groves, visits to hidden viewpoints, and gastronomic experiences that celebrate the flavors of Trás-os-Montes.

Torre de Moncorvo and the Olive Oil Heritage

Torre de Moncorvo is a medieval village that breathes history on every corner — from its well-preserved historic center to the monuments that bear witness to centuries of human presence. But it is the olive grove that truly defines the identity of this land.

During spring, the almond trees in bloom create a spectacle of color that attracts visitors from all over the country. In autumn, the olive groves take center stage, with the olives ripening and the olive presses becoming operational. Quinta da Terrincha offers privileged access to this natural cycle that shapes the rhythm of life in the region.

Starting 2026 Among Olive Groves

What Not to Miss in January

Regardless of the chosen accommodation, there are experiences that truly define a New Year's Eve stay in Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro:

Tasting new olive oil: January is still the time for freshly extracted olive oil. Visit local olive presses and taste this intense, spicy, golden-green nectar, which can only be savored at its maximum expression this season.
Walking in silence: The trails between olive groves and vineyards, without the summer heat or crowds, invite walking meditation. The dry cold is invigorating, the air is clear, the views are endless.
Sitting at the table: The winter gastronomy of Trás-os-Montes is pure comfort — steaming soups, generous stews, slow-roasted meats, all drizzled with the best olive oil in the region. It's food that warms the soul.
Chatting by the fireplace: In these accommodations, the fire still holds importance. It is by the fireplace that stories are shared, that owners reveal the secrets of the region, that the most lasting memories are created.
Stargazing: The nights in Trás-os-Montes in January are impressively clear. Far from the light pollution of cities, the sky reveals itself in a profusion of stars that reminds us how small we are — and how beautiful the world is.

Between the New Beginning and the Root

Choosing where to stay in Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro to start 2026 is choosing which story we want to live in the coming months, which values we want to cultivate, which memories we intend to create. These five accommodations have in common authenticity, respect for tradition, and the ability to truly connect us with the territory—whether through participation in olive oil culture, experiencing traditional architecture, or simply genuine contact with the people who have lived and worked here for generations.

More than just places to spend the night, they are spaces of transformation. Here, time slows down, priorities are rearranged, and the essential regains meaning. When accommodation becomes an experience, when the bed is surrounded by centuries-old olive groves, and when breakfast includes freshly extracted olive oil, the trip transforms into something deeper—it becomes a connection, a discovery, and perhaps the best start to the year you could give yourself.

If 2026 is going to be the year you return to your roots, the year you value authenticity, the year you live experiences that truly matter—then it starts here, among olive trees and tradition, between stone and hospitality, between the silence of Trás-os-Montes and the warmth of the people of this land.

Discover more accommodations and authentic experiences in Azeite a Norte and plan your first getaway of 2026.